25.02. (Sat) 21:00 Olympique Lyonnais - Paris Saint Germain

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS Lloris Reveillere, Cris, Kone, Cissokho Briand, Kallstrom, Gonalons, Bastos Gomis, Lisandro

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Sirigu Ceara, Alex, Sakho, Maxwell Motta, Sissoko, Matuidi Menez, Nene Gameiro

Lyon go into this match without the injured duo of Yoann Gourcuff and Dejan Lovren, but both are expected to feature in the squad again soon. Additionally, young creative midfielder Jeremy Clement will watch on from the stands because of suspension.

Garde still has plenty of options and could play a variety of formations, ranging from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2. With Kim Kallstrom’s future still somewhat uncertain – he is attracting interest from Rubin Kazan and could even leave before this fixture – Gueida Fofana should be ready to take the Swede’s place in the heart of the midfield, while Ederson will be primed for a more offensive role should he receive the call.

PSG’s headaches come at right-back, where Christophe Jallet and Milan Bisevac are both struggling with injuries. Ceara has had a viral infection, and if he is not fit by Saturday evening, a significant rethink will be needed by Carlo Ancelotti. There is also some doubt over Mathieu Bodmer.

After Javier Pastore only managed a few minutes in the dramatic 2-2 draw against Montpellier last weekend, the Argentine should not be considered an automatic choice from the outset, but it is Kevin Gameiro’s place that is under threat. Guillaume Hoarau could also be given the nod, having scored the vital leveller last weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Lyon sit sixth in Ligue 1 presently, boasting 39 points from their fixtures to date.

• OL average more than two goals scored per game at home, registering 23 in their 11 matches in the Rhone Valley this season, with Bafetimbi Gomis their top scorer with five strikes.

• Les Gones have not lost a match after 90 minutes at home against PSG since April 2005, when they went down 1-0.

• PSG top Le Championnat, having picked up 51 points to date, but had they not scored the equaliser late on against Montpellier last weekend, they would be second behind la Paillade.

• Away from home, Ancelotti’s side have the tightest defensive record in the league, conceding only nine times in 11 games.

• Three sides have seen a greater percentage of possession than les Parisiens this season: Lille (58 per cent), Olympique de Marseille (55%) and Lorient (54%).

Prediction

Lyon are really struggling offensively at the moment, with several of their star players failing to find their top level, and if they fail to do so again at the weekend, a defeat looks likely. PSG haven’t been especially coherent in recent times, but they’re a smart enough unit to overcome the Lyon side, who are liable to leave gaps for them to counterattack into.

Editor's Prediction

Lyon 1-2 PSG

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25.02. (Sat) 20:45 Milan - Juventus

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AC MILAN Abbiati Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Mesbah Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari Emanuelson Pato, Robinho

JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe Quagliarella, Vucinic

AC Milan have looked in fine form going into this match but the biggest blow for coach Massimiliano Allegri will be that their appeal to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic's suspension reduced was turned down, meaning they will be without their star striker for one more Serie A match.

The Sweden international's absence should be covered by Alexandre Pato, who is likely to be given the nod ahead of Maxi Lopez or Stephan El Shaarawy to form a Brazilian partnership with Robinho up front. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Clarence Seedorf are still sidelined with thigh and hamstring knocks respectively, so Urby Emanuelson is likely to retain his place 'in the hole' behind the two strikers. Ex-Bianconero Alberto Aquilani will not be able to face his former team due to injury.

One player who could return is Alessandro Nesta, the veteran resumed training this week and may feature at centre-back, but Philippe Mexes should also be available if the Italian is not declared match fit.

On the other side of the pitch, Juventus coach Antonio Conte has relatively few selection issues. Young midfielder Luca Marrone is not available, but Simone Pepe seems to have recovered and is set to feature on the left side of a five-man midfield with Andrea Pirlo, who will be taking on his old team-mates, once again pulling the strings in the very centre of the pitch.

Up front, Fabio Quagliarella, who scored during the 3-1 win over Catania last weekend, looks favoured to join Mirko Vucinic in attack with top-scorer Alessandro Matri having to settle for a place on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

• AC Milan have the most prolific attack in Serie A this season, having scored 48 goals, while Juventus have the best defence, conceding only 14.

• Since their 2-1 first-leg Coppa Italia loss to Juventus, Milan have won three games in a row against Udinese, Arsenal and Cesena.

• Milan have let in just five goals at home this season in Serie A and lost just once in front of their own fans (a 1-0 defeat to Inter).

• Juventus are the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A during the 2011-12 campaign (W13 D10 L0).

• The Bianconeri have only scored 12 times in 11 away matches this season, with a record of five wins and six draws on the road in the league.

• Juventus have won on their past two trips to San Siro to face Allegri's side in official matches.

Prediction

Despite Juve's recent success at San Siro in the Coppa Italia, Allegri's side have looked reborn since that setback and seem to be the more hungry side at the moment, even overtaking their opponents in the standings recently. Without Ibrahimovic, someone will have to step up in attack, and if that happens then the Rossoneri should be able to edge what promises to be a very close contest.

Editor's Prediction

Milan 1-0 Juventus

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25.02. (Sat) 19:00 Montpellier Herault - Girondins Bordeaux

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MONTPELLIER Jourdren Bocaly, Yangambiwa, Hilton, Bedimo Saihi, Estrada Cabella, Belhanda, Utaka Giroud

GIRONDINS DE BORDEAUX Carrasso Marange, Planus, Ciani Mariano, N'Guemo, Tremoulinas Plasil, Gouffran, Obraniak Maurice-Belay

Montpellier boss Rene Girard has no major concerns to be mulling over ahead of the clash against Bordeaux. After snatching a 2-2 draw against leaders PSG. Souleymane Camara was given the nod in the capital, with Remy Cabella set to return after starting from the bench. Francis Gillot has no pressing injury concerns ahead of the trip to Stade de la Mosson on Saturday. Henrique is still suspended, with Lamine Sane sidelined with injury - both missed last week's 1-0 victory over Lyon.
Gillot is set to continue with the 3-5-2 formation which has transformed les Girondins lately. Languishing near the botttom of the table and in the relegation zone, the 2009 champions have only suffered one defeat in their last ten games to shoot upto ninth place and within sight of a European place.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Montpellier remain second in the table, despite drawing 2-2 against PSG last weekend. They were denied victory by a late goal from Guillaume Hoarau.

• La Paillade have only conceded one goal at home in their last seven encounters.

• Montpellier won this fixture 1-0 last season. The reverse tie in this campaign finished 2-2, with two red cards issued.

• Bordeaux have won four games in their last five, and enter this match on the back of a 1-0 win over Lyon.

• Les Girondins are unbeaten in seven of their last eight trips to Stade de la Mosson.

• Francis Gillot's men have won three straight league games for the first time in two seasons.

Prediction

It is difficult to see past the hosts' irrepressible form of late, and though Bordeaux have been equally impressive in recent times, the guile and creativity of la Paillade who are seeking a title charge.
With potentially first place in Ligue 1 up for grabs with PSG's trip to Lyon later in the day, Rene Girard's men are favourites for another home victory.

Editor's Prediction

Montpellier Herault SC 3-1 Bordeaux

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25.02. (Sat) 18:30 Manchester City - Blackburn Rovers

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER CITY HartRichards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy Milner, Y. Toure, De JongSilva, Dzecko, Aguero

BLACKBURN ROVERS RobinsonOlsson, Dann, Hanley, Givet Hoilett, Petrovic, N'Zonzi, Pedersen FormicaYakubu

Manchester City have a full squad to choose from except for the ongoing absence of Carlos Tevez but, with Roberto Mancini claiming he has forgiven the Argentine. he may soon be back into the fold at the Etihad.

Blackburn's are still without Chris Samba (hamstring) but he would be a doubt anyway with his future at the club remaining in the balance. Young defender Grant Hanley may be the man Steve Kean chooses to deputise.

Gael Givet could also make a start on the left side of defence to cover for the injured Michael Salgado (rib) for this trip to the Premier League leaders.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Manchester City have not lost in eight Premier League matches against Blackburn Rovers, winning five and drawing three.

• Joe Hart has kept four clean sheets in City's last five home games.

• Manchester City are also on a 17 game winning streak at home.

• Yakubu has the best shot-to-goal ratio in the Premier League, converting 38% of his chances.

• But Joe Hart has the best shot to save ratio from all of the Premier League's goalkeepers with 79%.

• Opposite number Paul Robinson has saved just 52% of shots at his goal.

• Blackburn have only managed to come away with two victories on the road in their last 21 trips.

• They have also kept just one clean sheet during their last 31 away games.

Prediction

Blackburn have caused some upsets against the bigger sides this season, but it is hard to see past the league leaders, who have looked unbreakable at home this term.
The ruthless nature of the Citizens will doubtless kick in and once they pick up one goal they will not stop attacking a weakened Blackburn defence until the final whistle.

Editor's Prediction

Manchester City 3-0 Blackburn Rovers

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25.02. (Sat) 16:00 Chelsea FC - Bolton

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA CechIvanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole Lampard, Ramires, Essien Sturridge, Torres, Mata

BOLTON JaaskelainenSteinsson, Ream, Wheater, Robinson Eagles, Reo-Coker, Muamba, Miyaichi Klasnic, N'Gog

After Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to drop senior players for the trip to Napoli backfired spectacularly, it would be fair to assume that Chelsea will field their strongest possible side when Bolton visit on Saturday.

The Portuguese manager doesn’t have too many injuries to contend with ahead of the match, with Jose Bosingwa (hamstring) and John Terry (knee) the only players definitely ruled out.

Juan Mata (broken finger) is doubtful following a collision with Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica, but may be able to play through the pain, while Fernando Torres has been suffering with an illness, although he should be available to start.

Bolton, on the other hand, have a long list of injuries. Kevin Davies (knee), Marcos Alonso (ankle) Tyrone Mears (knee), Ricardo Gardner (hip), Chung-Yong Lee (broken leg), Stuart Holden and Sean Davis (both knee) are all ruled out, while Owen Coyle has others to worry about too.

Young defender Joe Riley (ankle) has been labelled very doubtful for the trip, while Mark Davies (hamstring) is very much touch-and-go. One good piece of news for Coyle, however, is the potential return of Marvin Sordell (eye), who will probably take a place on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Chelsea not won any of their last five matches in all competitions.

• When the two sides met earlier in the season, Chelsea ran out 5-1 winners at the Reebok Stadium with Frank Lampard scoring a hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge netting twice.

• Bolton have lost their last two Premier League matches.

• Owen Coyle’s team have lost nine of their last 15 away matches in all competitions.

• Chelsea have beaten Bolton by four goals in five of their last seven meetings.

• Bolton’s last win against Chelsea came at Stamford Bridge back in December 2003.

• Gary Cahill (pictured right) is set to make his first appearance against Bolton since leaving for Chelsea in January.

• Each of the last eight meetings between the two sides have ended in a win for the Blues.

Prediction

Although Chelsea have been pretty dreadful recently, it is difficult to look past them, regardless of their form. Bolton’s away performances this term have been awful, and with the amount of injuries they have, it would be disastrous for Chelsea if the Trotters stole a result.
Maybe it will take a home defeat to Bolton to really understand how much of a mess Chelsea are in at the moment, but you get the impression that anything less than a win could have serious consequences for Villas-Boas.

Editor's Prediction

Chelsea 2-1 Bolton

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League Cup Final Cardiff v Liverpool Opta Facts - 26th February

The last meeting between these sides was in the Carling Cup fourth round in October 2007, when the Reds won 2-1 at Anfield.
Prior to this, Cardiff had won their last five meetings with Liverpool, scoring 18 goals in total in these games.
The Bluebirds have won nine of their last 12 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions, though 11 of these came before 1960.
Cardiff are the only side who can say that they have won their last five league meetings with Liverpool (no other side has won even their last three).
Liverpool are only the second side to reach the final of the League Cup despite playing just one game at home, after Arsenal in 2006/07.
Liverpool are one of only two sides to have won a League Cup final on a penalty shootout, beating second-tier Birmingham 5-4 on spot-kicks in 2001.
Kenny Dalglish's side have won the League Cup more times than any other side (seven, Aston Villa five).
A win in this match would see Liverpool equal Manchester United's record for most English domestic cup wins (15: seven League Cup, seven FA Cup so far).
This is the fourth time Liverpool have faced a lower-tier opponent in the League Cup final: they won one 2-1 (Bolton 1995), one on penalties (Birmingham 2001), and one 2-1 in a replay after the first game was drawn 1-1 (West Ham 1981).
Just one of the last seven sides from outside the top tier to reach the League Cup final has won (Sheffield Wednesday in 1991).
All three of Cardiff's previous cup final appearances have finished 1-0 (one win, two defeats, all FA Cup).
There have been five previous winners of the League Cup from outside the top tier, out of 15 who have reached the final.
Their 2-0 win over Blackburn in the quarter-finals this season was Cardiff's first win in 11 League Cup meetings with top-flight sides.
Cardiff have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Luis Suárez has bagged three goals in three Carling Cup appearances this season.
José Reina is the only player to have played in all of Liverpool's Carling Cup games this season (6).
Andrew Taylor is the only Cardiff player to have featured in every Carling Cup game this season (7).

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

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

KOLN Rensing Andrezinho, McKenna, Geromel, Eichner Roshi, Lanig, Riether, Jajalo Podolski, Novakovic

LEVERKUSEN Leno Corluka, Schwaab, Toprak, Kadlec Reinartz, Bender Castro, Renato Augusto Derdiyok

The big news for the hosts is that Lukas Podolski will be available for the first time in a month, having sustained an injury during his side's loss against Schalke in January. Elsewhere, however, there is a long list of missing players for Stale Solbakken to contend with.

Miso Brecko and Slawomir Peszko are both out after accumulating five yellow cards across the course of the season. Henrique Sereno has a groin problem. Kevin Pezzoni has a broken nose after a nightclub brawl, Adil Chihi has a knee ligament injury, while Petit and Ammar Jemal both have hamstring strains.

Rene Adler's chances of ever representing Bayer Leverkusen again look increasingly slim. The Germany goalkeeper remains sidelined with a long-term injury, along with Tranquillo Barnetta, while Michael Ballack is still unavailable due to a calf injury. Sidney Sam is also some time away from a comeback.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Koln have won just one of their last seven games, but have good memories of facing Bayer Leverkusen, having recorded a 4-1 win at the BayArena in September.

• In addition to their victory against their local rivals earlier this season, Koln triumphed in the corresponding fixture last season.

• Lukas Podolski (right) has scored 15 goals in just 18 Bundesliga games this season - exactly half of his team's total tally.

• Despite losing the last two encounters against Koln, Bayer Leverkusen had been unbeaten in the derby since 1997.

• Robin Dutt's men have won just twice since December 2.

• Stefan Keissling has scored three goals in his last three Bundesliga games - he had previously gone over three months without a strike.

Prediction

Given Koln's imperious home record and happy recent memories against their local rivals, I'd back Stale Solbakken's men to get a vital three points in their relegation battle. Leverkusen have been on poor form in recent times, and with the RheinEnergieStadion being a formidable venue for visiting teams, it's tough to see last season's runners up coming away with three points.

Editor's Prediction

FC Koln 2-1 Leverkusen

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25.02. (Sat) 15:00 Esperance - Maghreb Fes

Mahmoud maher

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ESPERANCE Ben Cherifia Derbali, Hichri, Ben Mansour, ChammamTraoui, Korbi Y. Msakni, I. Msakni, BouazziN'Djeng

MAGHREB FES Zniti Hajj, Zekroumi, Mrani, Hammouni Bemammer, Elbasri Diop, Chtibi Bourezzouk, Halhoul

After an excellent year 2011 during which they lifted an unprecedented quadruple, Esperance are looking to begin 2012 with one more continental title to add to their already stacked trophy cabinet. However, this is not quite the same championship-winning side due to the fact that there have been coaching and roster changes since they climbed the African summit.
The main difference is a managerial one, with Michel Decastel having arrived from the side that Esperance beat in the CL final, Wydad, to replace the departed Nabil Maaloul. Decastel’s first match at the helm was a 5-0 drubbing of Zarzis, but two narrow victories over Beni-Khaled and CS Sfaxien have followed.
At the squad level, Iheb Msakni was recruited from Stade Tunisien to replace Oussama Darragi, who is sidelined due to a dispute with club president Hamdi Meddeb over his transfer to FC Sion. Meanwhile, influential defender Yaya Banana is no longer in the team after securing a move to Sochaux.
Facing the Tunisians are an ever-improving Maghreb de Fes side who were the Caf Confederation Cup surprise of 2011, defeating more experienced sides such as JS Kabylie, Sunshine Stars, Inter Luanda, and Club Africain on their way to their first ever continental title.
The talented Rachid Taoussi-led Moroccans are doing well in the Botola league, and they are currently in fourth place behind leaders FUS Rabat, Moghreb Tetouan and Raja Casablanca, despite playing a game less than all of those sides.
“We’re going to have to use all our know-how that we showed during our Caf Confederation Cup run to dethrone this tough Tunisian side with an impressive record,” said Taoussi while speaking to TAP.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Esperance last won this trophy in 1995 when they defeated Congo’s DC Motema Pembe by the score of 3-0 in Alexandria.

• Maghreb de Fes have graduated from the Caf Confederation Cup to the Champions League and await the winner of Sierra Leone’s Ports Authority and Guinea’s Horoya AC.

• The match will be officiated by South Africa’s Daniel Bennet, the same referee who presided over Tunisia and Morocco’s encounter at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) which ended in a 2-1 Carthage Eagles victory.

• The only Moroccan side to win the Caf Super Cup are Raja Casablanca, who lifted it in 1999 thanks to a 2-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire’s Africa Sport.

• Tunisia’s fan ban has been lifted for international and continental club and national team competitions so there will be supporters in attendance on Saturday amidst a heightened security presence.

Prediction
Editor's Prediction 

Esperance Tunis 1-1 Maghreb Fès   

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25.02. (Sat) 06:00 South Korea - Uzbekistan

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

SOUTH KOREA Jung SR Park WJ, Kwak TH, Lee SH, Choi HJ Ha DS, Kim SS Han SW, Kim JS, Lee KHLee DG

UZBEKISTAN Nesterov Ismailov, Tadjiev, Filiposyan, Inomov Khaydarov, Andreev, Kapadze, Kilichev Nasimov, Salamov

It is Choi Kang-Hee's first game as South Korea coach and he's assembled a domestic-only team - with several players from his ex-club Jeonbuk Motors - given this match takes place on a non-Fifa match date.

The named squad is also for Korea's do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on February 29, but Choi only named two European-based players in that team anyway. Those two, Arsenal's Park Chu-Young and Celtic's Ki Sung-Yueng are unavailable for this game, while Jeonbuk midfielder Kim Jung-Woo is out of the squad due to injury.

White Wolves coach Vadim Abramov has taken an inexperienced and weakened squad to East Asia, where they will face South Korea on Saturday, before a 'dead rubber' World Cup qualifier against Japan. Regulars Shavkat Mullajanov, Islom Tukhtakhodjaev, Odil Akhmedov, Sanzhar Tursunov, Vagiz Galiulin, Aleksandr Geynrikh and Server Djeparov are not in the squad due to suspension, meaning up to eight players could make their international debuts.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last time these two nations met was at the 2011 Asian Cup, in the third-place play-off which South Korea won 3-2, having led by three goals.

• In the Taeguk Warriors last match, they were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Lebanon, who they beat 6-0 earlier in World Cup qualifying. The result triggered the events which led to Cho Kwang-Rae's sacking and Choi Kang-Hee's (pictured) appointment.

• Kwak Tae-Hwi has just taken over as South Korea skipper, replacing Park Chu-Young who has eight goals in his past five international appearances.

• Uzbekistan have lost their past two matches, 1-0 defeats to both UAE and Kuwait, but similarly to Saturday's match, fielded weakened line-ups.
• Key midfielder Timur Kapadze will know a lot about his opponents, having played in the K-League last season for Incheon United. Absent duo Server Djeparov and Alexander Geynrikh also spent time playing in Korea during 2011.

Prediction

An under-strength Uzbekistan will struggle despite Choi Kang-Hee fielding a completely new South Korea team. The Taeguk Warriors still have plenty of quality in their ranks and on home turf should be too good.

Editor's Prediction

South Korea 2-0 Uzbekistan

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