16-01-2011 21:00 Barcelona - Malaga

No Stopping Them

Barcelona look as strong as ever. In the early stages of the season, Pep Guardiola’s side were questioned, with critics citing a lack of goals, not to mention surprising home slips against Hercules, who won at Camp Nou, and Mallorca, who earned a draw. Those days of late summer are now a long forgotten memory, with Barca powering away at the summit of the Primera Division.

Challenges difficult for normal teams are made to look easy by the Catalans. A cross-town trip to Espanyol looked a difficult match on paper, with los Periquitos boasting a perfect home record, but la Blaugrana claimed a 5-1 victory with seemingly impossible ease. And as for their goal scoring problems? Forty-three goals in 10 Liga matches answers that question.

It’s not only the excellence of this Barcelona side that is remarkable, their consistency and desire to produce that level on a regular basis is perhaps more so. Against Betis in the Copa del Rey, Guardiola’s men could easily have relaxed, perhaps asked for a rest, but it is telling that Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick against the Segunda side, with fellow nominees Xavi and Andres Iniesta also prominent.

There is little chance of Barca resting on their laurels for a Liga encounter against Malaga. By the time they kick off, la Blaugrana could be second in the standings, but they will approach the game with the same relish as ever.

Big Test For New Look Side

Floating dangerously close to the relegation zone, it’s not been a great surprise that nouveau riche Malaga have opened their chequebook this month. After a disappointing start to the campaign under Jesualdo Ferreira, Manuel Pellegrini has been tasked with the recovery process of the Andalucian club, and already the former Real Madrid coach has several new players to work with.

The Chilean made it clear from the outset that he was not impressed by the club’s defensive record, and having been unable to greatly improve it with the tools initially at his disposal, he has added Argentina international Martin Demichelis to his ranks, not to mention promising young goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo on loan from Atletico Madrid. Additionally, Barcelona centre-back Gabriel Milito could be another to sign up on a temporary deal before the end of the month.

But Malaga won’t be travelling to the Catalan city simply to try and complete the Milito deal; they are going with the intent of shocking la Blaugrana. Defensive solidarity may not be a hallmark of their game, but Asenjo believes his team-mates can fashion a few chances to score of their own, particularly since adding Julio Baptista to their ranks.

“It will be difficult, but we will have our opportunities,” he told the press. “This is the last game of the first round of the season, and although we will go hoping to not lose the match, we will attempt to play to our own strengths.”

Los Boquerones’ form remains a little erratic, but under Pellegrini there have been signs of improvement, and the team will want to display that against the best at the weekend.

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Pep Guardiola will be delighted with Barca’s injury position. La Blaugrana should have a complete panel of players on Sunday evening.

Malaga

Julio Baptista could debut on Sunday, joining other recent signings Sergio Asenjo, Martin Demichelis, Enzo Maresca and Ignacio Camacho in the squad.

Jose Galatto, Helder, Eliseu, Sandro Silva and Baha could all sit this game out.

Prediction

With Barcelona having scored at least three goals in nine of their last 10 Primera Division matches, it’s surely a case of ‘how great will the winning margin be?’ on Saturday night. Malaga have signed a batch of new players, but they will take time to gel properly. With a rickety defence at the best of times, it could be a long night for the Andalucians.

Barcelona 4-1 Malaga

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16-01-2011 20:45 Lecce - Milan

Clawing Out Of Relegation

Before their trip to Rome last weekend, Lecce had not won a single match on the road all campaign. Having garnered just one point from a possible 27, the Giallorossi were headed for a ninth away defeat as they took to the pitch against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

The competitiveness of Italian football was exhibited in that match as Lecce won 2-1 to register their maiden victory away from home this season. The three points came as a huge boost to the Lupi's chances of staving off the drop even though they remain third from bottom with 18 points from 19 matches, just one point from safety.

Lecce have registered four victories in nine home matches and would be buoyant of getting something from their encounter with Milan. However, in their last five home fixtures they have won in just once.

Hoping For An Easy Time

Milan started the 2010-11 campaign with a 4-0 destruction of Lecce at San Siro and with the second half of the round of the fixtures in the league set to commence this weekend Massimiliano Allegri's side will aspire for a similar result.

Last weekend the former Italian and European champions were held to an enthralling 4-4 draw by Udinese in Milan in what was the best game in Serie A this season. Alexandre Pato, Antonio Cassano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all played key roles in what was a vivid demonstration of the Diavolo's attackline.

Milan have a formidable away record as well as they have won six of the nine league fixtures on the road. Having conceded just seven goals away from home, Allegri's defensive unit appears to hold the fortress well on opposition grounds and against Lecce they will be keen on maintaining this result.

TEAM NEWS

Lecce

Giuliatto, Reginiussen, Olivera and Ofere are out injured. Piatti will be deployed as the creator-in-chief behind Di Michele and Corvia in a 4-3-2-1 formation.

Milan

Abbiati, Boateng, Zambrotta, Inzaghi and Pirlo are injured and are unavailable for the trip to Lecce. Flamini is likely to be slotted into the midfield.

Prediction

Anything other than a victory for Milan will be hugely surprising.

Lecce 0-3 Milan

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16-01-2011 19:00 Almeria - Real

Going In On A Win

Almeria may be labouring in the Primera Division’s relegation zone, but they will try to gleam confidence from their excellent run in the Copa del Rey prior to a difficult weekend fixture against the mighty Real Madrid.

Boasting just a sprinkling of points all season, Jose Luis Oltra’s side have little to be joyful about at present, though Thursday evening’s 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna does mean that they’re closing in on a semi-final berth in the national cup competition.

Oltra wasn’t pleased that his side failed to turn their midweek domination into goals. The hosts controlled much of the play and fashioned plenty of chances, but Juanma Ortiz’s strike 10 minutes before the break was their sole success.

“We were strong and didn't commit any defensive errors from which our opponents could have scored from,” he explained to the media. “We kept a clean sheet, and this is something I congratulate my players for.

"We have a goal to our name, but we could have finished the match with two or three in our favour. The tie is still open.”

Simply winning any game is a reason for cheer at the Estadio del Mediterraneo at present. Firmly anchored in the relegation zone, it would be astounding if they were to pick up maximum points at the weekend.

Win By Big Margins

It was business as usual for Real Madrid in the Cope del Rey against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday evening. Jose Mourinho’s men may have fallen behind to an early Diego Forlan strike, but they controlled the vast majority of the game and deservedly take a 3-1 advantage into next week’s second leg.

Madrid’s lead is certainly not decisive, but los Blancos were given some valuable extra breathing space thanks to a goal from Mesut Oezil in the last minute of normal time.

“I always tell my players that it is important to win, but it is also paramount to win by big margins,” Mourinho explained. “I liked winning 3-1, but thought we could have tried a little harder and done more to score another goal.”

Famed during stints with Chelsea and Inter as a coach who likes to settle for 1-0 victories, Mourinho’s Madrid have perhaps been a little more pragmatic than their fans might appreciate. But they can hardly grumble about results, and los Blancos’ tally of 46 goals in 18 matches would look positively formidable had it not been for an exceptional Barcelona scoring an astounding 57 in the same period.

Still commanding a perfect record at home this season, los Merengues’ form away from the Bernabeu has been a little more vulnerable. Nevertheless, it would be a big upset if they were to fail in Almeria on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Almeria

No serious complaints have been registered after the midweek Copa del Rey encounter. Miguel Angel Nieto and Hernan Pellerano continue to battle injury and are unlikely to feature in midweek.

Real Madrid

Los Blancos haven’t registered any fresh concerns following their success over Atletico Madrid. Jerzy Dudek, Pepe and Gonzalo Higuain remain injury problems for Jose Mourinho.

Prediction

When Almeria welcomed Barcelona to the south in November, they were whipped 8-0, signalling the end for coach Juanma Lillo. While Real Madrid are unlikely to succeed by such a margin at the Estadio del Mediterraneo, there is little danger of los Blancos dropping points.

Almeria 0-4 Real Madrid

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16-01-2011 17:10 Tottenham Hotspur - Manchester United

Ten Years And Waiting

Tottenham have failed to win this fixture in the past nine campaigns and will be looking to wipe that statistic from their minds.

What is arguably their strongest team for years will walk on to the pitch at White Hart Lane looking to seal a home victory against the league leaders for the first time since May 2001.

Something the Spurs faithful can look back on with fond memories is one of Tottenham’s more famous home wins against United, which came in the 1964-65 season with a 5-1 scoreline and an unforgettable Jimmy Greaves goal.

A similar victory on Sunday seems unlikely, but if any team has the potential to upset Manchester United’s unbeaten season at the moment, it’s Spurs. With Rafael van der Vaart firing on all cylinders and Jermain Defoe seemingly back on goalscoring form with two last weekend, it should be a heated battle.

Manager Harry Redknapp has the belief that United’s run cannot go on forever and will be looking to take all three points on home turf, but has claimed that he will not be asking new arrival David Beckham for tips on beating his former team.

Time To Play Like Champions

Manchester United carried on with their winning ugly demeanour last week against Liverpool in a game that neither team seemed to be able to control, and United were lucky to come away with a victory. Even with an early goal from a Ryan Giggs penalty and the dismissal of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the Red Devils couldn’t capitalise.

The team from Old Trafford will be hoping to turn that style of play around and start to look like a side that can last the remainder of the season without the expense of a loss.

Striker Wayne Rooney will also be looking to carry on from where he left off against West Brom, before spending United’s last two games on the sidelines with a reccurrence of his ankle injury.

Dimitar Berbatov will return to North London wearing the red of Manchester for the third time. However, the striker has never scored in a United shirt at White Hart Lane; his only goal against the club was at the end of his first season for his current team in a 5-2 demolition of Spurs at Old Trafford.

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham Hotspur

There are no fresh injury worries ahead of Sunday’s game, William Gallas (hamstring) and Robbie Keane (hamstring) are expected to have shaken off their injuries and may feature in the game.

Midfielder Tom Huddlestone (ankle) isn’t expected back until early next month and Ledley King (groin), Jamie O’Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) are all far from fitness.

Harry Redknapp rested a few of his key players last weekend for the team’s FA Cup tie against Charlton, such as Rafael van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon and Alan Hutton and all three will be expected to start in what is an important game.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Modric, Van der Vaart, Bale; Defoe, Crouch.

Manchester United

The Red Devils could have striker Wayne Rooney (ankle) back for the game at White Hart Lane, but for the moment he is still doubtful. Meanwhile Edwin van der Sar (virus) is in a race against time to be well enough to feature on Sunday afternoon.

John O’Shea (calf) and Paul Scholes (groin) have both come back from long-term injuries, but may be fit enough to play some part in the fixture.

In contrast to their opponents this Sunday, United fielded quite a strong squad in their FA Cup win over Liverpool and may rotate some individuals that didn’t start the game.

Possible starting XI: Kuszczak; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs; Rooney, Berbatov.

Prediction

Manchester United need to rein in a performance if they are to catch Tottenham out at The Lane, but their consistency in getting results in tough games means that they might just pip Spurs to a victory.

Tottenham 1-1 Man Utd.

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16-01-2011 17:00 Valencia - Dep. La Coruna

Going Strong

Without Copa del Rey action to consider following their elimination from the competition by Villarreal, Valencia can spend the next month fully focussed on their Primera Division duties. A top four finish last season carried the financially depleted club into the money-spinning Champions League, and a top four finish is once again the goal for Unai Emery.

Valencia presently look good to match that expectation. Los Che lie fourth in the standings, three points clear of surprise challengers Espanyol and seven ahead of a trio of teams including Atletico Madrid. While others start to fade, Valencia, who have not been without stutters themselves this term, are proving to be just too consistent.

Since losing 2-0 to Sevilla on the opening weekend of November, Valencia have lost only one of their eight subsequent matches in La Liga, and even that was against Real Madrid. Last weekend’s derby success against Levante may not have been spectacular, but it was a more comfortable match than the 1-0 scoreline suggested.

“I think we played a great game against a great rival, showing defensive strength and offensive efficiency,” Emery indicated to the press after the game.

With a strong record at home – five wins and three draws from nine matches – Valencia would expect to triumph on Sunday evening, though they will be in for another tough encounter against dogged rivals.

Focussed On La Liga

The opening weeks of the campaign were extremely worrying for Deportivo La Coruna, who failed to win any of their first eight league fixtures. Miguel Angel Lotina’s men have since bounced back impressively, gathering five wins from their last 10 matches and moving out of the relegation zone to something like a safe position.

Many of their best results have come at the Riazor, which was something of a stronghold for them this term until Barcelona visited last weekend. La Blaugrana made Super Depor look like amateurs by romping to an efficient 4-0 victory.

This season hasn’t all been about doom and gloom for the north-westerners, but coach Lotina is perfectly prepared to sacrifice the team’s one genuine chance of lifting silverware in order to maximise their performance in the league. The Galicians have made the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, but were lucky to escape Almeria only losing 1-0 in midweek, and Lotina confessed that the knockout competition is not a priority after the game.

“We have an eye focussed on doing well in the league, which is really important to us,” he told the media after watching his side get firmly outplayed by their hosts.

Having kept many of his best players in reserve, Thursday’s defeat will seem rather wasteful if Depor fail to shine at the Mestalla.

TEAM NEWS

Valencia

David Albelda will be missing after undergoing exploratory surgery on his knee, which will require a month to overcome. David Navarro and Tino Costa could return to action as they have been training normally, though Unai Emery may take a conservative approach with the players. Aritz Aduriz is banned.

Deportivo

Deportivo named a 20-man panel for the matches against Almeria and Valencia, and this hasn’t changed subsequently. Ruben Perez drops out due to a ban.

Jonathan Urreta, Saul Fernandez, Andres Guardado, Michel, Riki and Claudio Morel comprise the club’s injury list.

Prediction

Valencia have only lost once at home this season, and though there’s been the odd surprise draw along the way, los Che are tending to win the majority of their fixtures at the Mestalla. Deportivo La Coruna don’t have a particularly good away record, so the odds on them winning will be long. On this occasion, it’s difficult to go against the favourites.

Valencia 1-0 Deportivo

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16-01-2011 15:05 Liverpool - Everton

Dalglish looking for first win

Liverpool recently sacked Roy Hodgson after an underwhelming campaign and brought in former boss and club legend Kenny Dalglish to take the reins on a temporary basis. But the Scot is yet to taste victory in his second stint at the helm.

His first game in charge was against Manchester United in the FA Cup, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to his side. This was followed by a trip to Bloomfield Road, where the Reds surrendered the lead before allowing the hosts to snatch a victory.

Now for the Merseyside derby. It is almost two decades since Dalglish suddenly quit the very position he holds, after his side played out a 4-4 draw with these very opponents.

The 59-year-old is held as a true legend of the club as a player as well as a manager, but his status could be dimmed if he is unable to bring about a resurrection in the team’s dreadful form. But on the contrary, a positive achievement - and a victory over Moyes’ men, for now - will do a world of good to the team as well as himself.

Blues need the points too

It is almost as if the two clubs on Merseyside are sympathising with each other stooping down to newer lows, as only goal difference separates both teams in the Premier League.

This means that the derby takes an added significance as both teams are only four points above the relegation zone, and the loser could face potentially very difficult consequences in terms of getting back up in the standings.

The visitors were having some trouble converting their chances in recent weeks, but were able to successfully put five past Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup. But their current opponents are not a team that sit in the Championship drop zone, which would make the task all the more difficult.

To add to the Moyes’ woes, Australian Tim Cahill is away on international duty in the Asia Cup and will play no part in this game. But on the positive side, the Toffees have won their last two games and the cup win should give them enough confidence to hope for the right result at Anfield.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Christian Poulsen and Daniel Agger recently received encouraging words from manager Kenny Dalglish, and could all be set to start this game. Jamie Carragher (shoulder) remains sidelined following his surgery, while Joe Cole and Jay Spearing are doubts for this one. Steven Gerrard will play no part in this game since he is suspended.


Possible starting line-up: Reina; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Kelly; Kuyt, Lucas, Poulsen, Meireles; Cole; Torres.

Everton

David Moyes has revealed that the Toffees have accepted an offer for Steven Pienaar from an unnamed club, but the South Africa international could still play in this game. Phil Jagielka (thigh) was expected to be in contention to feature in the Merseyside derby, but he has been unable to recover well enough to take part in the mammoth encounter at Anfield. Tim Cahill is unavailable since he is away on international duty at the Asian Cup.

Possible starting line-up: Howard; Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Arteta, Pienaar; Saha.

Prediction

The game should be a hard fought one that could end in an entertaining draw between the two sides.

Liverpool 2-2 Everton

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16-01-2011 15:00 Lazio - Sampdoria

Yet To Take Flight

Lazio may have ended 2010 on a high but they are gradually nose-dipping towards the south in the new year. Having garnered just one point from a possible six in Serie A in 2011, Edy Reja's side are not in a very robust health and things are edgy in Rome.

Last weekend Lazio were shocked 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico by relegation candidates Lecce in what was one of the shock results in Italy in the new year. It was Lecce's first away victory in the entire campaign and consigned the Biancocelesti to their second loss in Rome in the league.

Nevertheless, Lazio remain in the top-four at the moment and are currently placed in third place with 34 points from 19 matches, six points behind leaders Milan. With Roma, Palermo and Juventus breathing down their neck, the Aquile will have to re-inspire themselves and soar into the sky yet again.

Climbing The Ladder

Sampdoria are very much likely to finish outside the top-six in Serie A this season and possibly in the top half of the table. With Antonio Cassano having departed, the Blucerchiati are lacking creativity and imagination upfront and it doesn't appear likely that they would be able to fix this problem immediately.

Nevertheless, Samp will still go for a European push and last weekend's 2-1 victory over Roma in Genoa would have certainly boosted their confidence. With 26 points from 18 matches, Domenico Di Carlo's side are ninth in the standings, five points off a Europa League place but have a game in hand.

Sampdoria's away form, though, is less than impressive as they have won just twice in the league on the road all season. Their last match on the road ended in a 3-0 drubbing by Palermo in Sicily and at the very least Samp will be keen to avoid a repeat of that result on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Lazio

Meghni, Garrido, Matuzalem and Rocchi are out injured while Biava is suspended.

Sampdoria

Semioli, Cacciatore and Padalino are out injured while Gastaldello and Lucchini are suspended.

Prediction

This will be a hard-fought encounter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio will commence the match as favourites and are likely to edge past Samp eventually.

Lazio 2-1 Sampdoria

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16-01-2011 15:00 Juventus - Bari

Back To Winning Ways

Juventus' season appeared to have collapsed last weekend when they were destroyed 3-0 by Napoli in Naples. An Edinson Cavani hat-trick forced the Bianconeri to their second successive defeat of the new year and kept them sixth in the league standings on 31 points, nine points off the pace.

However, light appeared at the end of the tunnel on Thursday evening as the Old Lady threaded their way into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia by defeating Catania 2-0 in Turin in the Round of 16. Goalkeeper-legend Gianluigi Buffon made his return from injury in the team in that game and confidence appears to have re-inflated for the Bianconeri.

Winning against Bari wouldn't ideally be a problem for the Italian giants especially as the visitors are struggling at the foot of the table and are one step into the second division already. But Juve's form is shaky and they will need to secure a certain degree of confidence and stability against Catania.

The Evaporating Hope

Bari are virtually dead and buried as residing at the foot of the Serie A table the Galletti have managed to collect just 14 points from 19 matches, a considerable five points off safety. It is looking increasing likely that Giampiero Ventura's side will drop into the second division, until and unless of course there is a ridiculous miracle.

Before their 2-0 defeat of Bologna last weekend, though, hope had flickered after Bari registered their first victory on the road in the league this campaign as they defeated Lecce 1-0 away. However, losing at home to fellow relegation rivals is certainly going to deflate their confidence and one suspects that they would go down to Juventus on Turin.

Nevertheless, Bari can still aim for something in Turin given that Juventus have only just won their first game of the new year and could still be caught off-guard.

TEAM NEWS

Juventus

Rinaudo, Martinez, De Ceglie, Iaquinta, Quagliarella and Luca Toni are injured and will miss the game against Bari. Felipe Melo is suspended.

Bari

Almiron, Ghezzal, Salvatore Masiello and Barreto are unavailable for the trip to Turin because of injuries.

Prediction

A win for Juventus is virtually guaranteed. Bari could still create something but the Bianconeri should still win the match.

Juventus 2-0 Bari

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16-01-2011 15:00 Genoa - Udinese

Relegation Battlers?

At the start of the season Genoa were arguably one of the contenders for a top-six finish in Serie A but at exactly the half-way point in the 38-game league campaign, Genoa are just five points above the relegation zone and eight points off a Europa League slot.

The Grifoni have failed to win or score in their opening two league encounters of the new year as a goalless draw with Lazio at home followed a stalemate with Cesena on the road. Then came midweek's Round of 16 tie with Italian and European champions Inter in the Coppa Italia and Genoa lost 3-2.

Genoa will head into Sunday's game against Udinese having lost more games than won at the Luigi Ferraris in Serie A. Davide Ballardini's side have also won just one of their last six league encounters and are in abysmal form at the moment as far as European ambitions are concerned.

European Contenders?

The opposite is true for Udinese, who started the 2010-11 season as one of the sides likely to be embroiled in the relegation dogfight. However, the Bianconeri have gone from strengths to strength and are now pushing for a place in Europe.

With 27 points from 19 matches, Udinese are a place below Inter in the league table and four points off a Europa League slot. Last weekend Francesco Guidolin's side were involved in the best and most exciting game in Serie A as they drew 4-4 with Scudetto favourites Milan at San Siro.

Even though Udinese's away record is not exactly encouraging, having had the strength to hold Milan to a draw and that too on the road will inflate their confidence ahead of Sunday's trip to Genoa.

TEAM NEWS


Genoa

Paloschi and Antonelli are unavailable for the Grifoni as they are suffering from injuries.

Udinese

Domizzi, Basta and Ferronetti will miss the trip to Genoa because of injuries.

Prediction

This is a tough game to call as Udinese would be buoyant of a victory in Genoa after their brilliant match in Milan last weekend. The Grifoni, though, are a tough side in front of their own supporters and will eke out a narrow victory.

Genoa 2-1 Udinese

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16-01-2011 15:00 Cesena - Roma

Giving It A Fight

Cesena are one of the strong contenders for a bottom-three finish in Serie A as the newly promoted side are just a place and a point above the relegation zone although they have played a game less.

However, the Seahorses have made a positive and hugely encouraging start to the new year as they have bagged four points out of a possible six in the first two games. A 2-1 defeat of Brescia away was followed by a goalless draw with Genoa at home last weekend and things have started to look brighter.

The visit of Roma on Sunday, though, promises to be a stern test for Massimo Ficcadenti's side as the former Italian champions themselves are aiming for a top-four finish and will come with the intention of garnering maximum points. Having lost four of the ten league matches at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi so far this campaign, the Seahorses cannot be overconfident against Roma.

Recovering From Defeat

Roma's start to the new year has been mixed as the Giallorossi have won one and lost one so far. Claudio Ranieri's side defeated Catania 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in what was an enthralling encounter but went down 2-1 to Sampdoria in Genoa last weekend

With 32 points from 19 matches, the Lupi are currently placed in fourth spot in the Serie A standings, two points behind city-rivals Lazio and eight points off the pace. A challenge for the Scudetto has not yet evaporated but to win the championship for the first time since 2001 they need to return to winning ways.

Roma also need to repair their away form as out of the 10 games played on the road they have won just two and have conceded a whooping 17 goals. Ranieri is also said to be losing the support of some of his senior players and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in Cesena on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Cesena

Nagatomo is injured for Cesena and is unavailable for the visit of Roma.

Roma

Pizarro and Mexes are injured and will miss the trip to Cesena. Julio Sergio is suspended.

Prediction

A victory for Roma looks a likely result even though they lost to Sampdoria in Genoa last weekend. Against Cesena it will be easier for the Romans.

Cesena 1-2 Roma

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16-01-2011 15:00 Catania - Chievo Verona

Flirting With Relegation

Catania are perennial relegation candidates and this year is no different. The Sicilians are currently stationed in 16th spot with 21 points from 19 matches, just three points above the relegation zone.

The Etnei have lost all of their games so far in the new year, the latest coming on Thursday evening as they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia Round of 16 by Juventus, who won 2-0 in Turin. It followed defeats to Italian and European champions Inter at home and former Scudetto winners Roma away.

Marco Giampaolo's side, though, boast of a terrifying home form as apart from Juventus and Inter, they have not lost to any team at the Stadio Angelo Massimino so far this season. As a matter of fact, the defeat to the Bianconeri in the league in December was their first home loss in around a year.

Wings Clipped

In between late November and the first week of December Chievo were on song. A shock 2-1 defeat of Inter in Verona followed a 3-0 victory over Novara in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia and then came the 2-2 draw with Roma at home.

Since then, though, the Flying Donkeys have failed to take to flight and have been sucked into the relegation quagmire. The Veronese side have failed to win any of their league encounters since then and were also knocked out of the Coppa Italia in midweek, thanks to a 1-0 defeat to Palermo in Sicily.

But hope springs eternal as last weekend Chievo gave a good account of themselves in holding Champions League-chasing Palermo to a goalless draw.

TEAM NEWS


Catania

Alvarez, Izco, Biagianti, Morimoto and Potenza are out injured for the Sicilian team.

Chievo

Luciano is injured for the Flying Donkeys and will miss the trip to Catania.

Prediction

Catania are very strong at home and have lost only to Juventus and Inter in Serie A this campaign. Chievo are in a wretched run of form and one suspects that it would be a home win.

Catania 2-0 Chievo

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16-01-2011 15:00 Brescia - Parma

Swimming In The Storm

Brescia's start to the new year has been a disaster as their first half of the season had been. Having gone down 2-1 to Cesena at home in their opening Serie A fixture of 2011, the Rondinelle suffered a 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina in Florence as they allowed a two-goal lead to slip away.

Mario Beretta's side are now second from bottom in Serie A with 15 points from 19 matches and are four points from safety. Brescia have also lost their last three league encounters in a row and have won just one of their last 12 competitive games.

Brescia, though, do have a slightly encouraging record at home as they have won three of the nine league matches played at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti so far this season. They will also be eager to avenge themselves for losing 2-0 to Parma in Week 1 of the campaign.

Chasing Away The Demon

Parma failed to sustain their brilliant display in Serie A last season and struggled in the first half of the 2010-11 campaign. After the Christmas festivities, the Ducali commenced their effort to avoid relegation in full swing and even trained on New Year's Day.

The hard work paid off in their opening match of the new year as they hammered Italian giants Juventus 4-1 in Turin but last weekend they failed to carry the momentum and went down 2-1 to Cagliari at home.

The result means that Parma are now 14th in the league standings with 22 points from 19 matches. Pasquale Marino's side are just four points above the dropzone and cannot relax, as the relegation demon reaches out towards them.

TEAM NEWS

Brescia

Caracciolo, Sereni, Hetemaj, Baiocco and Dallamano are out injured for the home side.

Parma

Dzemaili is suspended for Parma.

Prediction

This is a relegation six-pointer and both sides are in need of maximum points. Brescia are likely to get the prized victory as they are at home but one suspects that it would eventually boil down to a draw.

Brescia 1-1 Parma

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16-01-2011 13:00 Sunderland - Newcastle United

A Derby That Delivers Goals

There’s a sense of expectation around this particular Wear-Tyne derby, what with Newcastle battering their local rivals 5-1 in the reverse fixture (as if anyone needed reminding) and the fact that there hasn’t been a goalless draw between the sides in Premier League history. In addition, Newcastle have only failed to score in one of their last nine games. Oh, and their last outing in the Premier League was a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United.

Also, the Magpies don't have the most frugal defence – they’ve conceded 17 goals away from home this season, that’s the second most of sides in the top 10 (Blackburn saving their blushes with a shoddy 25 goals leaked). To be fair, Sunderland’s defensive record at home is fairly ruthless – they’ve only let in seven goals at home this season, enough to see them on level-footing with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

But saying that, Sunderland’s defensive record on the road stood up fairly well until the previous derby, so best not to get too excited about the prospect of a clean sheet.

The History Books Tell A Story

Although there are usually goals in this fixture, more often than not it’s Newcastle getting more of them in recent history. Sunderland triumphed over their rivals back in the 2008-09 season, but that was their sole victory at home against Newcastle since 1980. If Sunderland want to avenge their heavy defeat at St. James’ Park, they will have to rewrite recent history.

The Black Cats also have some catching up to do in terms of all-time results as well. Sunday’s meeting will be the 143rd between the sides with Newcastle coming out on top 56 times, Sunderland winning 44 times, and 46 draws. That said, there could hardly be a better time to do it as Newcastle are without their top scorer and arguably their best player of the season in Tiote.

The visitors will have to be firing on all cylinders to prevent defeat.

TEAM NEWS

Sunderland

Steve Bruce has two major injury concerns ahead of the derby, with captain Lee Cattermole (back) and Danny Welbeck (hamstring) rated as having a 50-50 chance of making the game. The good news for Sunderland is that their defensive worries have been alleviated slightly with the return of Nedum Onuoha from a hamstring injury.

John Mensah (ankle) is expected to remain on the sidelines while Michael Turner (knee) isn’t expected back until the end of February. David Meyler (knee) will be out until March and Fraizer Campbell probably won’t see first team action until next season.

Onuoha’s timely return gives Bruce the option of moving Phil Bardsley to left-back with Kieran Richardson starting in a more central role, where he has featured already this season for Sunderland. Club captain Zenden is back from suspension and may come in at left-wing as Bruce looks for experienced heads to handle the occasion.

Probable Starting XI: Gordon; Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Elmohamady, Henderson, Richardson, Zenden; Bent, Gyan

Newcastle

Two of Newcastle’s top performers have been ruled out of Sunday’s clash. Andy Carroll has a thigh injury, and despite being sent on a trip to Dubai to recuperate, hasn’t recovered in time to make the derby. Cheikh Tiote’s appeal against his sending off in his side’s FA Cup defeat to Stevenage has been rejected by the FA and he will be suspended for the game.

In other news, Dan Gosling played 70 minutes in a reserve team match earlier this week but is unlikely to be risked from the start, so will feature on the bench for Newcastle. Sol Campbell has been ill but may join Gosling on the touchline while Ryan Taylor (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) are long-term absentees.

Manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that he will look to start with two up front, so expect Leon Best to retain his place after a hat-trick against West Ham last time out. He’ll start alongside Shola Ameobi, who has shrugged off an ankle injury to be fit for the game. Routledge will most likely replace Tiote, with Barton switching to centre-midfield. The alternative would be for Alan Smith to start centrally with Barton playing out wide on the right.

Probable Starting XI: Harper; Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Routledge, Barton, Nolan, Gutierrez; Best, Ameobi

Prediction

Anything could happen in this one and if it’s half as memorable as the reverse fixture we’ll be in for a very special afternoon. Sunderland have some young players who went missing last time, but they’ve responded well to this setback and seem to have learned from the experience.

The time for learning is over and their resit beckons, Newcastle will pose a tough challenge regardless of the missing personnel but Sunderland should sneak this one – even if it’s not as in convincing a style as their rivals managed in the previous meeting.

Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle

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16-01-2011 13:00 Birmingham City - Aston Villa

Blues hope Cup victory over Villa changes poor League record

So far this season, Alex McLeish's men have had the bragging rights over Villa - drawing 0-0 at Villa Park in October's league meeting before recording a 2-1 League Cup quarter-final victory over their rivals in December.

Although Blues fans were delighted with the League Cup victory, you have to go back almost six years (and seven matches) since they last beat Villa in a league encounter.

After beating Blackpool in their last Premier League match, Birmingham are looking to record their first back-to-back league wins for 11 months - and with both sides struggling at the wrong end of the table, Sunday would be the perfect time to do so.

Loan signing David Bentley could make his debut for Blues on Sunday but fans should be warned that the Tottenham man has not scored in his eight Premier League matches against Villa.

Villa hope adage about form going out the window holds true for derby

Villa travel to St Andrew's desperate to record a victory over their rivals and climb out of the relegation places. Gerard Houllier's men sit in 18th position in the Premier League but are just one point behind Birmingham who are in 15th place.

The form book does not read well for Villa fans - their side have won just one of their last nine league matches, picking up five points from a possible 27.

Houllier's team have not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 games and only Wolves have a worse away record in the Premier League.

Fans will be hoping that a fierce local derby will provide the players with the spark they need to pick up three points and propel the club to the safety of mid-table.

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

Loan signing David Bentley has trained with his new team-mates following his move from Tottenham and will be included in the squad to face rivals Aston Villa on Sunday.

Another midfielder, Lee Bowyer, has completed his three-match suspension and is also available for selection.

Blues will be without centre-half Scott Dann after the defender picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-1 League Cup loss to West Ham United in midweek. Alex McLeish is likely to move former Villa player Liam Ridgewell to partner Roger Johnson in the heart of the Blues defence - with David Murphy expected to fill in at left-back.

Birmingham are still without long-term absentees James McFadden (knee) and Enric Valles (foot).

Possible starting XI: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Murphy; Bentley, Gardner, Ferguson, Hleb; Zigic, Jerome.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier will be without two of his key players - as both Ashley Young and Emile Heskey miss out on the 'second city' derby due to suspensions.

Tottenham loanee Kyle Walker is expected to make his first Premier League start for the club after a goal on his debut and an impressive performance in the FA Cup victory over Sheffield United last weekend.

Villa will be without Luke Young and Fabian Delph - with thigh and knee injuries ruling them out of the fixture.


Possible starting XI: Friedel; Walker, Cuellar, Dunne, Clarke; Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Bannan, Downing; Agbonlahor.

Prediction

Derby games are notoriously difficult to call and the third 'second city' derby of the season is no exception.

Villa have some dangerous players, but with no in-form replacement for Heskey I expect them to struggle to find the back of the Birmingham net.

Blues may not win many fans for their style of play but Alex McLeish would point to their impressive home record as proof that he is making the right decisions.

I expect a fierce atmosphere both on and off the pitch, with Birmingham sneaking a victory - probably from an inch-perfect David Bentley set-piece.

Birmingham 1-0 Aston Villa

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16-01-2011 12:30 Cagliari - Palermo

Settling In Mid-Table

Cagliari have made an encouraging start to the new year and look to be a good bet to secure a mid-table slot for themselves. The Isolani lost their opening game of 2011 1-0 at home to Milan but not before making it tough for the Rossoneri, and last weekend carved out a brilliant 2-1 victory in Parma.

This means that the Sardinians are now in 10th place in Serie A having mustered 23 points from 19 matches. With five points separating them from third-from-bottom Lecce, Cagliari do look more assured at the moment.

However, Roberto Donadoni's side will still be looking for a win against Palermo at home on Sunday. Cagliari have won four and lost four at Stadio Sant'Elia and will know that it will not be easy for them to win against the Sicilian high-flyers.

Returning To Winning Ways

On their day Palermo can be one of the most enjoyable and entertaining sides to watch in entire Europe and Delio Rossi will be hoping that his side turn out to be more colourful this Sunday than they were last weekend when they were held to a goalless draw by Chievo in Verona.

That result means that Palermo remain fifth in Serie A with 31 points from 19 matches, level on points with fifth-placed Juventus and just one behind Roma. With Scudetto hopes arguably withered, the chance to finish in the top-four and compete in next season's Champions League is very much there but with Roma, Juventus and Inter all in the hunt, the Rosaneri cannot afford to drop points carelessly.

Encouragingly for Palermo, they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia in midweek by getting the better of Chievo. It stretched the Aquile's unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions and was their fourth win in that period.

TEAM NEWS

Cagliari

Lazzari is injured and Cossu is suspended.

Palermo

Hernandez, Pinilla, Goian and Garcia are out injured. Bovo and Carrozzieri are suspended.

Prediction

It wouldn't be easy for Palermo given that they are away and Cagliari's win last weekend would have boosted their confidence. A loss for the Sicilian visitors looks unlikely; a draw between the two teams seems to be in the offing.

Cagliari 2-2 Palermo

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