30.04.-01.05. 2011. Bets of the week

30.04. (Sat) 16:00 Greenock Morton - Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline will get promoted to the Scottish Premier League if they manage to get all three points available against Morton. Jim McIntyre's team will return to the top Scottish top flight after a four year absence and will be motivated to do so.

They should win against a Morton side that have performed really well at home this season. Morton have managed nine home clean sheets so far and only on four occasions have they conceded two or more goals on their own ground.

Mind you, Dunfermline haven't drawn any of their last four games, are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches and are on a eight-game away unbeaten run as well. Motivation and current form are pointing towards the away side who I think will just nick a win by the slimmest of margins.

Match Odds: Morton 3.50, Draw 3.50, Dunfermline 1.80
Tip: Dunfermline to win @ 1.80

01.05. (Sun) 13:00 Liverpool - Newcastle United
Confidence is high at Liverpool and the goals are flying in with the Reds scoring 11 times in their last three games at Anfield. Whether record signing Andy Carroll will be fit is uncertain, but the centre forward would certainly add some spice to the match against former club Newcastle United.

Historically this tie is full of goals and the last six meetings in the Premier League have all exceeded the overs mark, including the reverse fixture this season, which Newcastle won 3-1. But this Liverpool side is a very different outfit under Kenny Dalglish.

With the Reds aiming to overhaul Tottenham for fifth place and Europa League qualification there should only be one outcome at Anfield on Sunday.

Match Odds: Liverpool 1.50, Draw 4.20, Newcastle 6.50
Tip: Liverpool to win @ 1.50

01.05. (Sun) 17:00 Malaga - Hercules
An improving Malaga side under Manuel Pellegrini host Hercules this weekend. I had a bet on them last weekend to beat Santander at 3.0 and they duly delivered. Although Hercules have been better in recent weeks under their new coach, their away form remains abysmal. Malaga have the basis for a good side if they can keep it together and should have too much craft for Hercules.

Match Odds: Malaga 1.80, Draw 3.60, Hercules 4.33
Tip: Malaga to win @ 1.80

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30.04. (Sat) 20:00 Real Sociedad - Barcelona

DID YOU KNOW?

* After a positive start to the season, Real Sociedad find themselves being quickly sucked into the relegation battle after a poor run of four points from a possible 27.

* Their recent record against Barcelona is cause for concern as they’ve failed to win any of their last four home matches against the Catalans, losing two but drawing two.

* Sociedad’s last home win against the Camp Nou outfit came in 2002.

* No side in the Primera Division has lost more matches after going ahead this season than the Basques, who have achieved this unwanted feat six times.

* Barcelona in recent history have an excellent record against Sociedad, keeping eight clean sheets in a row against Saturday’s opponents.

* No team has ever managed to record nine successive shut-outs against the same opponents in the history of Spain’s top flight.

* Pep Guardiola’s side may have beaten Real Madrid 2-0 away from home on Wednesday in the Champions League, but two of their last three league games on the road have ended all-square.

* Lionel Messi has had a direct hand in five of Barcelona’s last six league goals, scoring four and creating the other.

* Messi scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season against los Blancos in midweek, improving the new benchmark for strikes in a solitary Spanish campaign.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): 
Bravo; Martinez, Ansotegi, Demidov, Estrada; Rivas, Aranburu; Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann; Ifran 

There has been little movement on the injury front for Zaragoza this week as they have not registered any fresh problems. Indeed, their squad could actually be in a stronger state than it was for last weekend’s derby loss against Athletic Bilbao as Joseba Llorente could return to action following a hernia problem.

The former Villarreal striker, even if he is passed fit, is unlikely to be risked from the outset and is liable to be restricted to a cameo role.

Barcelona (4-3-3): 
Valdez; Alves, Mascherano, Milito, Montoya; Thiago, Busquets, Keita; Jeffren, Villa, Afellay 

Given the state of play in the league, with Barca comfortably leading the table, Pep Guardiola may consider some squad rotation for Saturday’s difficult fixture in San Sebastian. Injuries to a number of players may prevent him from making the wholesale changes he might like, with Adriano, Maxwell, Eric Abidal and Bojan Krkic all missing. It would be a surprise if Andres Iniesta was to be risked.

After coming on to great effect in midweek, it is likely that Ibrahim Afellay will be given a significant chance to impress once more.

Prediction

Complacency is Barcelona's greatest worry going to Anoeta, which has proven an awkward venue for many sides in the past. Pep Guardiola generally primes his team well, and even sandwiched between two vital Clasicos, the Catalans will be expected to pick up the win, though keeping that ninth clean sheet may just be too much.

Real Sociedad 1-2 Barcelona

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30.04. (Sat) 18:30 Bayern Munchen - Schalke 04

DID YOU KNOW?

* Bayern Munich have won 10 of their last 11 home games.

* In the last 40 home games against Schalke, the Bavarians have lost just six times.

* That said, Bayern Munich last won against the Royal Blues at home in March 2007, losing twice and drawing twice.

* The Bavarians have scored at least one goal in their last 16 Bundesliga games. Bayern Munich last failed to get on the scoresheet at the Veltins Arena in a 2-0 loss to Schalke.

* Schalke have not won in five games, picking up just two draws.

* Ralf Rangnick last won against Bayern Munich three years ago with Schalke at home.

* The Royal Blues have scored just 35 goals in Munich. The Bavarians have recorded an astonishing 101 in their meetings.

* Should Schalke topple Bayern Munich, it will be Ralf Rangnick's 100th win in the Bundesliga.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Butt; Lahm, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Contento; Tymoshchuk, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Gomez

Andries Jonker's team will be boosted by the fact that Arjen Robben returns from suspension, meaning that Bayern Munich are going to field their most potent attacking force. Miroslav Klose will most probably be replaced by Thomas Muller in the role behind Mario Gomez, while Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will take the right and left wings respectively.

Luiz Gustavo is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, which means that Holger Badstuber will deputise for the versatile Brazilian.

Schalke (4-4-2)
Neuer; Uchida, Howedes, Metzelder, Escudero; Farfan, Papadopoulous, Kluge, Jurado; Raul, Edu

Ralf Rangnick is likely to field the same team that lost 2-0 at Veltins Arena to Manchester United in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League. Benedikt Howedes, who missed the game against the English outfit in midweek due to injury, is likely to recover in time for the game at the Allianz Arena.

He will likely replace Joel Matip as partner of Christoph Metzelder at the heart of Schalke's defence. Sergio Escudero is likely to replace Hans Sarpei at left-back on the grounds that the ex-Bayer Levekusen man does not have enough pace to deal with swift attackers as shown against Manchester United.

Prediction

Bayern Munich need all the points they could get now, and will give their all to win this game. With a full-strength attack at Andries Jonker's disposal, the Bavarians are likely to break their recent negative record against Schalke at the Allianz Arena. The Royal Blues do not have much to fight for in the Bundesliga, and with a game in England on Wednesday, they are likely to put less effort in this match.

Bayern Munich 2-0 Schalke 04

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30.04. (Sat) 18:30 Chelsea - Tottenham Hotspur

DID YOU KNOW?

* Tottenham have a good record against Chelsea in recent years, having won two and drawn two of the side’s last five encounters in the Premier League.

* Blues forward Florent Malouda leads the way in the goal scoring charts between the two clubs with 13.

* Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart is a close second as Spurs' top goalscorer, having scored 12 so far in the campaign.

* Under-fire Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes had best be on his toes on Saturday, with Didier Drogba (pictured right) having fired the most shots this season with 91.

* Chelsea as a team have also taken the most shots, with 472 in total so far, while although only having a shot accuracy of 43 per cent, they have bagged 58 goals this term, the second highest to Manchester United.

* Had only second-half results counted in the table this season, Chelsea would be top of the pile on 57 points whilst Tottenham would be sat in a lowly 12th with 39.

* A similar pattern follows in the form guide, 16 points from 18 for the home side leaving them on top, and Spurs in 11th having won one and drawn five of their last six games.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea (4-4-2): 
Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda; Drogba, Torres. 

Carlo Ancelotti has insisted both Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba can work together against Tottenham on Saturday, with the Italian likely to convert to a 4-4-2 formation.

Brazilian duo Ramires and Alex both remain sidelined through hamstring injuries, but Michael Essien looks set to recover from the knee problem he sustained at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Tottenham (4-4-1-1): 
Gomes; Kaboul, Gallas, Dawson, Bassong; Lennon, Huddlestone, Sandro, Modric; Van der Vaart; Crouch. 

The away side are once again struggling on the injury front, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Gareth Bale and Vedran Corluka, joining Alan Hutton, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate on the sidelines. Expect Sebastien Bassong to fill in at left-back and Aaron Lennon to slot in on the wing.

Although Jermain Defoe has recently made signs he is coming back into form, Harry Redknapp may look to use Peter Crouch up top to hold up play and relieve the pressure from an on-song Chelsea side.

Prediction

If Ancelotti does decide to revert to 4-4-2, it could be a laboured start from the home side, with the formation showing little sign of working in previous outings.

Yet with a less than full strength Tottenham side that have stuttered in recent weeks, I expect the quality of what should be an upbeat Chelsea team to be the difference in a hard-fought encounter.

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

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30.04. (Sat) 18:00 Real - Zaragoza

DID YOU KNOW?

* After Jose Mourinho saw his side win their first 14 home league games of the season, Real Madrid have failed to win either of their last two, and were of course beaten by Barcelona 2-0 at the Bernabeu in midweek.

* Los Blancos have, however, never dropped a point after taking the lead in a Liga match this season.

* Remarkably, the nine-time European champions have only conceded once from an effort from outside the box – Jonas got that goal in the 6-3 success over Valencia last weekend.

* On each of the last three occasions Real Madrid have met Zaragoza, they’ve picked up maximum points.

* The omens are not promising for a change in Zaragoza’s fortunes as they have lost five of their last six league matches.

* Indeed, none of their last 14 clashes against los Blancos have ended positively.

* Only once all season have Javier Aguirre’s side managed to win on the road – the worst record in the league.

* Zaragoza’s meagre tally of 32 league goals is dwarfed by Real Madrid’s figure of 79.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Casillas; Ramos, Albiol, Pepe, Nacho; Diarra, Granero; Canales, Kaka, Benzema

Although Jose Mourinho has said that he feels Real Madrid are out of the Champions League, he will still conserve his top players for Tuesday’s rematch with Barcelona. Sergio Ramos and Pepe are both banned for that encounter and will hence feature against Zaragoza, but the squad is likely to be formed largely by the players who trounced Valencia 6-3 last weekend.

Sami Khedira remains the big injury problem for los Blancos, while Fernando Gago misses out too.

Zaragoza (4-2-3-1): 
Doblas; Diogo, Jarosik, Da Silva, Obradovic; Ponzio, Gabi; Boutahar, Lafita, Bertolo; Uche 

Nicolas Bertolo will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness after picking up an injury in Zaragoza’s previous fixture against Almeria. It is reported that Javier Aguirre won’t take any chances with the midfielder and could keep him in store for next weekend’s clash against Osasuna if he’s not in peak condition.

Ander Herrera was dismissed last weekend and will subsequently miss this fixture. Kalu Uche and Ivan Obradovic both return from bans.

Prediction

Real Madrid will be positively itching to get back to winning ways after Wednesday night, and they have the perfect opportunity against Zaragoza, whose form has been lamentable of late. Jose Mourinho may only play his reserves, but they showed last weekend that they are more than capable.

Real Madrid 3-0 Zaragoza

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30.04. (Sat) 18:00 Cesena - Inter

DID YOU KNOW?

* Cesena's last win over Inter in Serie A came in March 1975.

* The Seahorses have never beaten Inter at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi

* Cesena are unbeaten in their last four matches at home (W2, D2).

* The Serie A newboys fell to Inter 3-2 in their first meeting of the season.

* Inter have two wins in their last five games away from San Siro (W2, D1, L2).

* The defending champions have conceded five goals in their last two road matches.

* Javier Zanetti has completed 1575 passes in Serie A this season, good enough for top spot in that category.

* Inter have scored two or more goals in six straight away matches against Cesena.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Cesena (4-3-3)
Antonioli; Ceccarelli, Pellegrino, Von Bergen, Lauro; Caserta, Gorobsov, Parolo; Jimenez, Malonga, Giaccherini

Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti will be without the services of some key players for the clash against the defending champions on Saturday. Captain Giuseppe Colucci will miss the match through suspension while Ivan Fatic, Felipe and Erjon Bogdani are all injured.
Inter (4-3-1-2)
Castellazzi; Maicon, Ranocchia, Lucio, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Kharja; Sneijder; Pazzini, Eto'o

Luca Castellazzi will start between the posts for Inter on Saturday after Julio Cesar was banned for his red card against Lazio last weekend. Ivan Cordoba is out for the season with a knee injury while Leonardo will not be able to call on Dejan Stankovic or Thiago Motta, as both will both miss out through their respective knocks.

Prediction

Inter are coming off a gutsy 2-1 victory over Lazio last weekend and should do just enough to dispose of the Seahorses on Saturday.

Cesena 1-2 Inter Milan

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30.04. (Sat) 16:00 Wigan Athletic - Everton

DID YOU KNOW?

* These two sides have only met 12 times in their history and all bar one FA Cup tie in 1980 have taken place after 2005, when Wigan Athletic were promoted to the Premier League.

* The Latics have failed to beat any of the top seven at home this season. They have, however, drawn three of those games, scoring just three goals whilst conceding 15.

* Roberto Martinez's men have the second worst home goal scoring record in the Premier League this season, averaging at just 1.06 goals-per-game at home. They have failed to score in 35 per cent of their matches at the DW Stadium.

* Everton have won four and drawn seven of their 17 away fixtures, but they are goal shy - scoring only 19 whilst conceding 20.

* David Moyes has seen his side dominate the league fixtures against Wigan with six wins, while the Latics have only triumphed twice.

* Everton are also unbeaten in the last four meetings between the two sides and have conceded only once in those four games.

* The Toffees' recent form has seen them lose just twice in their last ten matches, which has lifted them up to seventh position in the table. They are five points behind their fierce rivals Liverpool in sixth. But more importantly, they are trying to stave off the threat of Bolton Wanderers, who are just a point behind them with a game in hand.

* Jermaine Beckford (pictured right) has scored seven league goals his season, three of which were away from home. The Toffees average just 1.12 goals-per-game on their travels this season.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Wigan Athletic (4-3-2-1)
Al Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; Watson, Diame, McCarthy; N’Zogbia, Cleverley; Rodallega.

Roberto Martinez has a full strength squad to choose from, after full-back Maynor Figueroa completed the final game of his three-match suspension against Sunderland.

Everton (4-4-1-1)
Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Neville, Rodwell, Osman; Cahill; Beckford.

David Moyes has inspirational midfielder Tim Cahill available again after the Australian completed 45 minutes against Manchester United.

However, the Scot still has five players unavailable to him through injury. Mikel Arteta could return from his hamstring injury before the end of the season. John Heitinga and youngster Jose Baxter are, like Arteta, suffering with hamstring injuries whilst Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini are unavailable with ankle problems.

Prediction

This is a massive game for Wigan in their fight against relegation and they need to avoid defeat to give them a chance of jumping out of the bottom three with just three games to go following this one.

Everton are battling for seventh position and would love to improve their away record with a win against the Latics. But their goal scoring record away from home does not instil confidence that this will happen.

Luckily for the Toffees, the home side have a goal scoring record that is even worse. So a slender away victory looks likely.

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Everton

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30.04. (Sat) 16:00 West Bromwich Albion - Aston Villa

DID YOU KNOW?

* Since Roy Hodgson's appointment, West Brom have been beaten only once in the league. That was their last game at the Hawthorns, which ended in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

* A win for hosts would give them at least a six-point gap to the drop zone with nine points left to play for. For the visitors, three points would give them a seven-point margin to the relegation zone.

* Peter Odemwingie is the Baggies' top scorer with 13 goals in his maiden season in English football, leading to interest from European giants Juventus.

* West Brom are bottom of the Premier League's half-time table, having gone into the break in a leading position on just five occasions.

* Aston Villa front man Darren Bent (pictured right) is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, with 15 goals.

* Scott Carson has kept just one clean sheet this season, the worst record of any goalkeeper in the top flight.

* Baggies captain Chris Brunt is level with Andrey Arshavin, Leighton Baines, and Wayne Rooney with 11 Premier League assists, the fourth best in the league. Villa's Ashley Young is one behind on 10.

* The two sides have met each other 133 times in the league, with Villa being successful 63 times to West Brom's 43.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
West Brom (4-5-1)
Carson; Reid, Meite, Olsson, Shorey; Brunt, Mulumbu, Scharner, Cox, Thomas; Odemwingie. 

Steven Reid and Scott Carson are both doubts but will start if they can prove their fitness, while Simon Cox is likely to come in for James Morrison following his wonder strike against Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Aston Villa (4-3-3)
Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Walker; Downing, Petrov, Reo-Coker; Agbonlahor, Bent, A Young. 

Gary McAllister will continue to take over first-team duties in the absence of hospitalised boss Gerard Houllier, who is rumoured to be preparing for a life away from football on doctor's advice. Emile Heskey is likely to make way for Gabriel Agbonlahor up front.

Prediction

Hodgson has rejuvenated the Baggies since his February appointment, with his players responding magnificently from their solitary league defeat by snatching a point at White Hart Lane last weekend. Villa did similarly against Stoke, albeit at home under Gary McAllister in his first match at the helm.

Both sides can see the holy grail that is top flight survival on the horizon, but despite being almost safe there is still plenty to play for, as a defeat – combined with wins lower down the pecking order – could pull either club back down into the mire. Expect to see both teams go at it with the prize of safety on the line, with a goal apiece likely - a result that would be welcomed by both sets of supporters.

West Bromwich 1-1 Aston Villa

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30.04. (Sat) 16:00 Sunderland - Fulham

DID YOU KNOW?

* Twelve of Sunderland’s 39 league goals have come from players other than strikers this season.

* The Black Cats have the better record when the two sides have met, winning 22 of the 53 games played between them.

* Steve Bruce’s side have gone five games without keeping a clean sheet.

* Sunderland have the 12th best home record in the division with 26 of their 41 points coming at the Stadium of Light. However, they have won just twice at home in 2011.

* Lee Cattermole has the most red cards in the Premier League this season with two sending offs.

* The visiting team have not scored a goal in the last five fixtures between the clubs.

* Clint Dempsey (pictured right) has found the net 12 times for Fulham this season, which puts him in tied sixth in the top goalscoring charts in the Premier League this season.

* Fulham have won just one game away from home this season, which is the fewest in the top flight.

* The Cottagers have scored just 14 goals away from home this season, which is the third fewest in the Premier League. Only Wolves (12) and Newcastle (13) have scored lesser.

* Mark Hughes' side have drawn nine away games this season. It is the joint highest in the division along with Manchester United.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Sunderland (4-4-1-1)
Mignolet; Elmohamady, Onuoha, Turner, Bardsley; Henderson, Colback, Cattermole, Muntari; Malbranque; Sessegnon.

Injuries have hit the Black Cats hard this season, which means they are down to bare bones. Last week’s win over Wigan Athletic came at a cost with strikers Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck being ruled out for the season. With no other forwards available, manager Steve Bruce will be forced to play Stephane Sessegnon up front with Steed Malbranque just behind him. Sulley Muntari will be drafted into left midfield.

Fulham (4-4-2)
Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey; Dembele, Zamora.

Mark Hughes will be tempted to stick with the same side that beat Bolton Wanderers so convincingly. But Sunderland have struggled against the more physical teams in the division this season, so he may bring in Bobby Zamora to trouble the Black Cats back line.

Prediction

Sunderland are out of strikers and their midfield does not score too many, with last week being the exception. Expect a low scoring affair in this one.

Fulham have a poor away record, but they should be able to get a point out of this one.

Sunderland 1-1 Fulham

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30.04. (Sat) 16:00 Blackpool - Stoke City

DID YOU KNOW?

* Blackpool have won just eight points from a possible 51 since the new year.

* Stoke have gone 10 league games without scoring this season, compared to Blackpool’s seven.

* Charlie Adam (pictured right) is the second most booked player in the Premier League behind Chiek Tiote with 11 yellow cards this season.

* Blackpool have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and have conceded 70 goals this season.

* Stoke have scored 13 goals this season in the last 10 minutes of the game, while Blackpool have conceded 21 in the last 15 minutes.

* Kenwyne Jones has scored in each of his last four games for Stoke, meaning he is now the club's top scorer this season, joint with Jon Walters on 11.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Blackpool (4-3-3): 
Gilks; Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Crainey; Vaughan, Adam, Southern; Phillips, Campbell, Taylor-Fletcher.

Blackpool have no fresh injury concerns after last week’s game against Newcastle and may well start with the same side that picked up that well-earned draw.

Stoke City (4-4-2): 
Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson; Pennant, Whelan, Delap, Whitehead; Walters, Jones.

Midfielder Matthew Etherington has been ruled out after tearing his hamstring against Wolves. Ricardo Fuller has undergone surgery on an Achilles problem and will be out for the rest of the season.

Prediction

Blackpool are always capable of scoring but they have shown nothing of late to suggest they can turn their season around. Stoke, meanwhile, are finishing their season on a high and will continue this with a win against the league strugglers on Saturday.

Blackpool 1-2 Stoke

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30.04. (Sat) 16:00 Blackburn Rovers - Bolton Wanderers

DID YOU KNOW?

* Blackburn Rovers have not won any of their last 10 games in the Premier League. Their last victory was a 2-0 win against West Brom back in January.

* Rovers have lost only one of their last eight league games against this opposition. But that defeat was the last meeting between the two sides, when a 10-man Bolton Wanderers side managed to grab a 2-1 win at the Reebok in December - Sam Allardyce's last game in charge of Blackburn.

* These two sides have played each other 19 times since the inception of the Premier League, and there has been 43 goals during these games. This is an average of 2.26 goals-per-game.

* Owen Coyle's men have managed to win only two games on the road in their current campaign. They were against relegation strugglers Wolves and West Ham United.

* But their form away from home has been poor in recent times, as the Trotters have drawn once and lost nine times in their last 10 matches away from the Reebok.

* Johan Elmander (pictured right) is Bolton's top scorer in the Premier League, having hit the back of the net 10 times this season.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1): 
Robinson; Salgado, Samba, P Jones, Givet; J Jones, Dunn; Emerton, Hoilett, Olsson; Roberts. 

Steven N'Zonzi is available after serving a suspension due to being sent off against Arsenal, but David Dunn (calf) is sidelined for this encounter.

Roque Santa Cruz and Junior Hoilett are both doubtful for this game.

Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): 
Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Elmander, Muamba, Taylor; K Davies, Sturridge. 

Daniel Sturridge is a doubt for the trip to Ewood Park after missing the defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage. But there have been reports that the forward could be fit for the game against Steve Kean's men.

Gretar Steinsson and Mark Davies are also doubts due to knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Prediction

Blackburn have gone quite some time without a win, and manager Steve Kean should be able to inspire his charges - with the threat of relegation - to put in a good performance and claim a victory.

Blackburn 2-1 Bolton

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30.04. (Sat) 15:30 Koln - Bayer Leverkusen

DID YOU KNOW?

* Koeln have not won against Bayer Leverkusen for an astonishing 14 years!

* The last time the Billy Goats won against the Aspirins was in a 4-0 rout in season 1996-97.

* Koln were on an eight-game winning run at home before their capitulation to Stuttgart two Bundesliga rounds ago.

* The Billy Goats have scored just thrice in their last 10 meetings with Bayer Leverkusen, with two of these goals coming this season. Before that game the last goalscorer for Koln against the Aspirins was Marcus Kurth in November 2001

* Bayer Leverkusen have won six of their last seven games in the Bundesliga.

* Jupp Heynckes' men have picked up more points on the road this season than at home

* In season 2001-02 Leverkusen had the identical last three fixture to those which leaders Dortmund have in store now. They had a five-point lead over BVB, but still lost the title to them.

* Bayer Leverkusen have scored nine goals from corner-kicks this season in the Bundesliga.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Koln (4-2-3-1)
Rensing; Andrezinho, Geromel, Mohamad, Eichner; Lanig, Petit; Chihi, Jajalo, Podolski; Novakovic

Volker Finke took over Koln from Frank Schafer only two days ago and is set for a jump right into the frying pan with a tough debut game against Bayer Leverkusen. Luckily for him, he has a nearly full-strength squad to choose from with the exceptions of Slawomir Pezsko, Simon Terodde and Christopher Schorch, who are all recovering from injuries. Koln captain Lukas Podolski returns from suspension and is likely to line up alongside Adil Chihi and Mato Jajalo in a trio supporting Milivoje Novakovic upfront in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1)
Adler; Balitsch, Schwaab, Reinartz, Kadlec; Bender; Vidal, Sam, Ballack, Renato Augusto; Derdiyok

Jupp Heynckes has a full-strength squad at his disposal for the clash on Saturday, and will be looking for the three points, bearing in mind that his team still has a very slim chance of winning the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen are likely to field a double pivot of Lars Bender and Arturo Vidal, and an attacking trident of Sindey Sam, Michael Ballack and Renato Augusto supporting either Eren Derdiyok or Stefan Kiessling.

Prediction

Koln have been remarkable at home recently, barring the defeat to Stuttgart, but the death threats to players by fans are hardly going to help the Billy Goats. Lukas Podolski returns from suspension and is likely to score, but Bayer Leverkusen will most probably have too much for the hosts on Saturday.

FC Köln 1-2 Leverkusen

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30.04. (Sat) 15:30 Borussia D. - Nurnberg

DID YOU KNOW?

* Dortmund have lost only one of their last 21 Bundesliga matches against Nurnberg (12 wins, eight draws).

* The Bundesliga leaders have averaged just 1.6 goals per match since the winter break. In the first half of the season, they averaged 2.3.

* BVB have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last 30 Bundesliga matches.

* Lucas Barrios has scored four goals in two matches against Nurnberg.

* Nurnberg have lost just one of their last seven away games (three wins, three draws).

* Der Club have conceded just 10 goals in the 2011 calendar year. Only their opponents (nine) have conceded fewer.

* Nurnberg midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was said to have agreed to personal terms of a switch to Dortmund earlier this week.

* Dieter Hecking's side finished the first half of the season in 11th place. They have since advanced to sixth and are in the running for a Europa League berth.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Dortmund (4-2-3-1)
Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, da Silva; Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Grosskreutz; Barrios

Jurgen Klopp will have to do without long-term casualties Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Sebastian Khel, Patrick Owomoyela and Florian Kringe on Saturday. BVB have struggled somewhat of late, and the trainer may opt to make a few changes to his lineup. The left wing starting role that Kevin Grosskreutz has occupied all season long may be given to Mohamed Zidan, especially if the usual starter does not recover from a knock to his knee before Saturday. Also, Robert Lewandowski may be selected ahead of Lucas Barrios, who is suffering from a slight thigh injury.

Nurnberg (4-1-4-1)
Schafer; Chandler, Wollscheid, Wolfs, Pinola; Simons; Hegeler, Cohen, Ekici, Eigler; Schieber

Dieter Hecking has a near-full squad available, with only Mike Frantz and Albert Bunjaku ruled out of action. Right back Timothy Chandler is doubtful with a foot injury, and may be replaced by Juri Judt. The other question mark in Hecking's squad is whether Jens Hegeler will start on the right side of midfield, or if Ilkay Gundogan will assume a central role in his stead.

Prediction

Scoreless draws are uncommon in the Bundesliga, but Dortmund and Nurnberg have boasted the top two defences since the winter break. Both sides - BVB in particular - are more than capable of scoring, but this one just might end in a scoreless draw.

Borussia 0-0 Nürnberg

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Ligue 1 Preview - Round 33

Saturday
19:00 Lens - Lorient
19:00 Lille - Arles
19:00 Rennes - Bordeaux
19:00 Sochaux - Nancy
21:00 PSG - Valenciennes

Sunday 
17:00 Marseille - Auxerre 
17:00 Montpellier - Brest 
17:00 Nice - Caen 
17:00 Toulouse - Lyon
21:00 Saint Etienne - Monaco.

Lens- Lorient

• Les Sang et Or have only won once in their last five games. They sit a worrying six points adrift of safety in 19th, and relegation to Ligue 2 is inevitable.
• Christian Gourcuff's men have only lost once in seven, but have tasted success once in that run, after going on a unique run of draws.
• Lens have never kept a clean sheet against Lorient in Ligue 1.
• All five Ligue 1 encounters in this fixture have ended 1-1.

TEAM NEWS:
Lens

Geoffrey Kondogbia picked up a knock this week, but that news shouldn't trouble Lens in the buildup of this game with Sidi Yaya Keita and Nenad Kovacevic expected to return having sat out for two weeks.

Lorient

Christian Gourcuff has a near-full panel to select from as they make a late push for European football. The only absentees are fringe players such as Franco Sosa and those with long-term injuries. Les Merius are expected to line up in the same way as last weekend.

Lille -  Arles Avignon

• Stuttering Lille have been knocked off top spot in Ligue 1, having not won in three games.
• Arles Avignon are already relegated, a record seven games before the season ends. Faruk Hadzibegic's side have only tasted success once all season.
• Arles-Avignon have failed to score in their last five league games
• Senegalese hitman Moussa Sow alone has scored more goals (21) than the whole Arles-Avignon team (16) this season in Ligue 1.

TEAM NEWS

Lille

Florent Balmont strained a muscle in his thigh and isn't expected back until the Coupe de France final on May 14 in what is the only injury in the les Dogues camp. Moussa Sow could shake off a thigh problem to play some part.

Arles Avignon

Arles still have pretty selection problems, but there has been some good news as Camel Meriem is back training normally after missing out last weekend. Key centre-back Bobo Balde is banned.

Stade Rennes - Bordeaux

• Stade Rennes have seen their title hopes extinguished having lost three on the trot, and they occupy fifth position in the table.
• Jean Tigana's Bordeaux beat Saint Etienne last week to finally register a win for the first time in six attempts.
• Les Girondins have prevailed in seven of their last eight league encounters against Rennes in Ligue 1.
• Bordeaux have drawn each of their last three away league games.

TEAM NEWS
Rennes

Les Rouge et Noir have been dealt a blow with the news that John Verhoek picked up a knock last week and is set to miss out. A number of key players are locked in the treatment room with Kevin Theophile Catherine, Abdoul Camara and Yacine Brahimi all missing out. Striker Victor Hugo Montano is banned.

Bordeaux

Jean Tigana could retain the side he deployed last weekend, with Michael Ciani and Marc Planus again on the bench. Benoit Tremoulinas is still struggling to shake off a problem.

Sochaux - Nancy

• Les Lionceaux are ninth in Ligue 1, having won twice in their last five games they are seemingly safe from relegation.
• Pablo Correa, who is leaving at the season's end, must first negotiate a relegation battle, as Nancy sit 17th, two points clear of the drop-zone.
• Sochaux have won just one of their last eight league encounters with Nancy.
• Nancy have failed to win any of their last four league games.

TEAM NEWS

Sochaux

Yassin Mikari, who has only made six appearances tis season, sits out. No return date set for key defender, Jeremie Brechet to return to action. Additionally, Kevin Anin's season is over and Jacques Faty is a doubt.

Nancy
Benjamin Jeannot is once again doubtful as he struggles to shake off a problem picked up in March on international duty. Good news though as Fouad Rashid has seemingly recovered from a knee injury.

PSG - Valenciennes

• PSG occupy fourth position in Ligue 1, three points behind Lyon in the final Champions League spot, having been unbeaten in five games.
• Philippe Montanier's side, who lie 12th, have only tasted defeat once since January, but an overwhelming number of the matches since have ended in draws.
• Valenciennes have scored in each of their last six away league games,
• VAFC are unbeaten in their last four trips to the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1.

TEAM NEWS
PSG

Peguy Luyindula is still struggling to shake off an ankle injury which has hampered him for five weeks. Christophe Jallet, whose recent form has been excellent, is another worry.

Valenciennes

Rudy Mater (knee) and Remi Gomis (ankle) are still injury worries for Phillipe Montanier to mull over. However, leading scorer Gregory Pujol and Mamdaou Samassa have shaken off minor knocks and trained ahead of the fixture.

Marseille - Auxerre

• French champions Marseille reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1, courtesy of a 4-2 win against Nice in midweek, where Andre Ayew scored a hat-trick.
• Auxerre have pulled away from the relegation zone in recent weeks, stringing together a five-match unbeaten run.
• Auxerre have kept the joint-fewest clean sheets (six) in Ligue 1 this season
• Jean Fernandez's men have lost four of their last five trips to Provence in the league despite winning the most recent one.

TEAM NEWS

Marseille

Stephane Mbia has been ruled out until around mid-May after injuring himself in the Coupe de la Ligue final last week. Cesar Azpilicueta is still out with a long-term knee injury and is uncertain to feature again this season having been out since November.

Auxerre

Benoit Pedretti (groin), defenders Stephane Grichting (thigh) and Jean-Pascal Mignot (thigh) are ruled out of the tie creating a selection headache for Jean Fernandez. Delvin Ndinga and Jeremy Berthod are also out.

Montpellier- Brest

• The beaten Coupe de la Ligue finalists have suffered a late reverse to Lyon in midweek, going down to an injury time winner from Yoann Gourcuff.
• Brest are now unbeaten in the last three games to move to 11th, three points behind Saturday's opponents.
• Brest have failed to win any of their last 10 away games in the league
• Montpellier are unbeaten against Brest in their last eight encounters in all competitions.

TEAM NEWS:

Montpellier

No fresh worries for Rene Girard in the build up to this clash with the suspended Emir Spahic and attacker John Utaka the only key absentees. Abdelhamid El-Kaoutari returns after a ban.

Brest

Alex Dupont's side have been boosted with the news that Yoann Bigne may return for this clash. Omar Daf remains out for the season.

Nice- Caen

• Les Aiglons suffered a miserable 4-2 defeat to Marseille, as they sit in 14th, only three points above the drop-zone.
• Franck Dumas' men are searching of a morale-boosting win, as they are winless in four games, and are two points adrift of safety.
• Caen have lost their last three away games.
• Nice's Eric Mouloungui has netted in their last three home agames.

TEAM NEWS

Nice

Les Aiglons have a number of players out, many of them picking up knocks in the midweek defeat at the Stade Velodrome. Alain Cantareil (knee), Emerse Fae (long-term), David Bellion (groin), Didier Digard (thigh), Anthony Mounier (thigh), and Gregory Paisley (hamstring) are out in what is a much-changed side.

Caen

Gregory Proment and Gregory Tafforeau are the only man injury worries for Franck Dumas.

Toulouse - Lyon

• Toulouse are on a woeful run of form, having only won once in 10 games to slide to 13th, and three points clear of a congested drop-zone.
• Lyon secured a last-gasp victory against Montpellier to consolidate third place, but have seen their title charge extinguish in recent matchdays.
• Lyon have failed to score in their last four trips to Stadium Municipal
• Toulouse have won none of their last five home games in Ligue 1

TEAM NEWS

Toulouse

Xavier Pentecote is the only new addition on the injury list. Yohann Pele is the only other player to miss out, but Franck Tabanou returns after a ban.

Lyon

The main news from Stade Gerland is that Brazilian winger Michel Bastos looks set to feature after missing six weeks because of knee surgery. Worryingly, Jeremy Toulalan will miss this fixture after twisting a knee in midweek, while Cris is a doubt. Miralem Pjanic has purged a suspension.

Saint Etienne - Monaco

• Les Verts suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bordeaux last week and surrended sixth place in the process.
• Laurent Banide's side have won three out of their last five league games to move to 15th, but still lie a concerning three points above the drop-zone.
• Monaco have lost their last three trips to St Etienne
• Saint Etienne have scored in all but one of their home league games this campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Saint Etienne

Yoic Ravet picked up a knock in training last week and sits out, but there are no other significant issues for les Verts.

Monaco

Daniel Niculae has a hip problem which adds to a lengthening injury list which has already consumed the likes of Djimi Traore and Moussa Maazou. Mahamadou Diarra missed out last weekend due to illness, and he should return.

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