Thursday, May 26, 2011

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27.05. (Fri) 20:45 Wales - Northern Ireland



DID YOU KNOW?

In the last two competitive matches between the two sides, Northern Ireland have gained just one point, a 2-2 draw in the 2006 World Cup qualifying in September 2004.

Wales won their last meeting, beating Northern Ireland 3-2 in their own back-yard in October 2004.

Stuart Dallas and Jordan Owens could make their debuts for Northern Ireland on Friday.

At no point in the last four years have Wales been ranked higher than Northern Ireland by Fifa.

In March this year, Wales were ranked lower than at any other time since the beginning of Fifa’s ranking system as they were rated 116 in the world. They are now ranked 114th.

Northern Ireland are currently ranked at 65th in the world, the lowest since August 2006 when Fifa declared them the 72nd best national team.

The current Northern Ireland squad (including Davis and Clingan) have 199 caps between them, but have only scored nine times with Warren Feeney on five and Davis and Gareth McAuley (pictured right) on two each.

Northern Ireland have lost their last two matches, letting in eight goals in the process and scoring none.

Wales have also lost their last two matches, conceding five goals and scoring none over the course of those matches.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Wales (4-5-1)
Hennessey; Gunter, Gabbidon, Morgan, D Collins; Cotterill, Collison, Ramsey, Vaughan, Bellamy; Earnshaw.

Wales have had a number of injury problems leading up to the tournament with James Collins, Lewin Nyatanga, David Edwards, Joe Ledley and Ched Evans all withdrawing, whilst Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are unavailable as they are involved in the Championship play-off final between Swansea and Reading.

Many of the regulars could start against Northern Ireland after the majority of them started on the bench for the Scotland match on Wednesday evening, therefore meaning the likes of Aaron Ramsey, David Vaughan and Craig Bellamy could all start.

Northern Ireland (4-4-2)
Tuffey; Hodson, Cathcart, McAuley, McGivern; McGinn, Norwood, Garrett, Gorman; Feeney, Boyce.

Following the 5-0 hammering against Republic of Ireland on Monday, Nigel Worthington will be forced into a number of changes, some form induced, whilst two of their most experienced performers – Steven Davis and Sammy Clingan – have been ruled out due to injuries.

Another enforced change will come in defence after 18-year-old defender Adam Thompson was sent off against Northern Ireland’s arch-rivals.

Prediction
Admittedly, this scoreline is optimistic in the sense that goals ensure added entertainment, but Northern Ireland have been utterly dire recently with their 5-0 trouncing at the hands of their Ireland-neighbours bringing that fact to the fore.
Wales on the other hand haven’t been in great form either; however they do possess a decent side and should injuries be kept to a minimum, then there is no reason why they can’t beat their opponents almost as easily as Republic of Ireland did on Tuesday with the ability of Ramsey unmatchable in the Northern Ireland team.

Wales 3-0 N. Ireland

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27.05. (Fri) 02:50 Penarol - Velez Sarsfield



DID YOU KNOW?

Penarol have already taken on two Argentine teams in the 2011 Copa, securing mixed results in the group stage against Independiente and Godoy Cruz.
The Carboneros took six points against Godoy, but were beaten on both occasions against the Rojo.
Their current run has seen them down three current champions: Libertadores holders Internacional, Chilean side Catolica and Ecuadorian winners Liga de Quito have all fallen to the Uruguayans.
The team also boast an Argentine in their ranks, influential No. 10 and ex-Nueva Chicago man Alejandro Martinuccio .

Penarol and Velez Sarsfield have met just twice in international competition, surprising given the teams' impressive record in South America.
They clashed in the 2001 Copa Mercosur group stage, with Velez winning 3-0 in Liniers and Penarol winning 2-1 in Montevideo.
This will however be the first time they meet in the Libertadores.
Similar to their rivals, the Fortin will start with one Uruguayan; powerful ex-Nacional striker Santiago Silva.
The goals have flowed freely in recent weeks for Velez. 12 strikes have been registered in four knock-out games.
Overall the team have scored 24 times in 2011, making them the most potent side in the entire championship.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Penarol (4-4-2)
Sosa; G. Rodriguez, D. Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Valdez; Aguiar, Freitas, Corujo, Mier; Olivera, Martinuccio

No surprises for the home team. The Manya line up with the same XI which battled past Catolica last week, playing with dynamic duo Martinuccio and Olivera up front.

Velez Sarsfield (4-3-1-2)
Barovero; Cubero, Domínguez, Ortiz, Papa; Fernandez, Razzotti, Zapata; Moralez; Silva, Martínez

Velez also stick to the old mantra of "don't change a winning team". Ricardo Gareca makes no alterations to his heroic Asuncion line up, with Santiago Silva back in scoring form and fully fit.

Prediction

  Peñarol 2-1 Velez Sarsfield