Friday, March 9, 2012

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10.03. (Sat) 22:00 Betis - Real

Liga BBVA: Real Madrid-Espanyol:
Getty

PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL BETIS


Fabrizio
Nelson, Paulao, Dorado, Nacho
Sevilla, Iriney, Benat
Jonathan,
Castro, Montero
REAL MADRID


Casillas
Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo
Khedira, Xabi Alonso
Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo
Higuain

With Antonio Amaya sidelined through injury, Paulao is expected to partner Chechu Dorado in the defence although Ustaritz may be considered after Betis' recent defeat to Levante.

The Andalusian side have competition for places in attack although Jefferson Montero and Jonathan Pereira are expected to be chosen to support Ruben Castro upfront with young playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo ruled out.

Real Madrid will be without the injured Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao while Ricardo Carvalho is unavailable through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

However, his compatriot Pepe returns after receiving the same punishment and is expected to partner Sergio Ramos in the centre of defence. Karim Benzema is unlikely to play, although he is near fitness and could feature against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

Lassana Diarra and Hamit Altintop have shrugged off knocks yet neither is likely to start the game with Sami Khedira set to hold onto his place in the centre of midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Real Betis, have only been leading in two of their 12 home games at half-time this season, although eight matches have been level at the break.
  • Only Barcelona have hit the woodwork more than the Verdiblancos (17 times), with Ruben Castro striking the post on six occasions alone.
  • The Andalusian club are the only team in La Liga who Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against.
  • Real Madrid have won their last three meetings against Betis, averaging four goals a game in the process.
  • Mourinho's men are currently on a 10-game winning streak, equalling a run they also set earlier on in the campaign.
  • Each away goal Los Blancos have scored this season has been worth one point (31 away goals, 31 away points).
Prediction
With Madrid in superb form, it is difficult to see anything other than an away win for the side looking likely to be crowned Liga champions at the end of the season. However, with one-eye on their midweek Champions League game against CSKA Moscow, do not expect goals galore with Jose Mourinho sure to make full use of his three substitutes during the match.
Editor's Prediction
Betis 0-2 Real Madrid

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10.03. (Sat) 21:00 Olympique Lyonnais - Lille Metropole

Ligue 1 : Olympique Lyonnais
Panoramic


PROBABLE LINEUPS


LYON

Lloris
Reveilliere, Kone, Lovren/Cris, CissokhoLacazette, Gonalons, Kallstrom, Bastos
Lisandro Lopez, Gomis
LILLE

EnyeamaDebuchy, Chedjou, Rozehnal, DigneBalmont, Mavuba, Pedretti
Cole, Roux, Hazard

Lyon coach Remi Garde looks set to keep faith in his faltering starting line-up, with few changes expected from the side that suffered a Champions League exit at the hands of minnows APOEL Nicosia on penalties on Wednesday. With Saturday's Ligue 1 encounter holding significant importance for les Gones who are seven points behind the visitors, the fight is on to secure qualification for next season's Champions League campaign.
Bafetimbi Gomis, who only made a late appearance in the Cypriot capital on Wednesday evening is expected to line-up alongside the mis-firing Lisandro. Alexandre Lacazette, who missed a penalty in the resulting shootout is also likely to return to the starting eleven in favour of Jimmy Briand who played 100 minutes in midweek.
Dejan Lovren, who has not played since December 21 could also be favoured for a starting berth in favour of Cris, with the Croatia international recovering from a long standing Achilles injury. Yoann Gourcuff sits out with an adductor injury, joining Mathieu Valverde and Jonathan Mensah on the sidelines.
Lille could be without Mickael Landreau after the goalkeeper suffered an ankle injury. Though the custodian could still face a late fitness test, Rudi Garcia will be able to call upon Nigeria international Vincent Enyeama. Lucas Digne continues his run in the first-team, with left-back Frank Beria still sidelined with injury along with Ronny Rodelin and Papa Souare. Mauro Cetto is suspended.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • Olympique Lyonnais are on a poor run of form, winning only once in their last eight games.
  • Les Gones have lost ten league matches in a season for the first time in 12 years.
  • Remi Garde's men have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine straight games, having only achieved that feat in nine games from a possible 42 this season.
  • Had the season started in 2012, Lyon would have been 17th in the table.
  • Lille have failed to win in any of their last six trips to Stade Gerland.
  • Les Dogues sit third in the table after a second consecutive draw against Auxerre last weekend.
  • Rudi Garcia's side have won just one of six away games against sides currently in the top half of the Ligue 1 table.
  • Lille have conceded six goals against Lisandro Lopez on the four occasions they have faced the Argentine.
Prediction
A difficult match to predict, in all honesty. Lyon will want to put their midweek Champions League exit by pushing to secure qualification for next season, though with another important game in the space of three days may limit their chances. Moreover, a visit from the French champions who share the same aim will hopefully transmit into an enthralling game on Saturday evening. A 2-2 draw is my prediction.
Editor's Prediction
Lyon 2-2 Lille

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10.03. (Sat) 20:45 Palermo - Roma

Luis Enrique - Roma (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

PALERMO


Viviano
Pisano, Migliaccio, Mantovani, Balzaretti
Barreto, Donati, Bertolo
Ilicic
Budan, Miccoli

ROMA

Lobont
Rosi, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel
Simplicio, De Rossi, Gago
Bojan, Borini, Lamela


After being battered 4-0 on home soil last weekend, Palermo are aiming to bounce back and add another win to their formidable home record and make up ground on Roma, who they trail by four points in the Serie A standings as both teams still have an outside chance of ending the season in a Europa League qualifying spot.

Coach Bertolo Mutti welcomes the return of left-back Federico Balzaretti from suspension but is still without defensive midfielder Armin Bacinovic and centre-back Matias Silvestre, who is suffering from a right thigh problem. Josip Ilicic has had a sub-par season, but may edge Eran Zahavi to the playmaker position behind the two strikers.

Meanwhile, Giallorossi boss Luis Enrique has plenty of key absences to deal with following the 2-1 Rome derby loss to Lazio last weekend.

Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who picked up a controversial early sending off in that clash versus Edy Reja's side, is suspended along with striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and defender Marco Cassetti.

There is also bad news from the treatment table: Brazilian centre-back Juan looks set to skip the majority of the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, so Simon Kjaer could be in the starting XI against his former team, and ex-Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic is out for three weeks.

However, the most prominent name missing could be Roma captain Francesco Totti, the veteran had to leave training early on Thursday after suffering a mild strain to his right quadriceps muscle and is a doubt to feature in Sicily.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Palermo have earned 30 points at Stadio Renzo Barbera and are tied for the best points total on home soil this season along with Udinese.
  • The Rosanero have not lost to Roma in Sicily since 2007 during league action, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
  • Mutti's men had won in four in a row at home before losing to AC Milan in their last match.
  • Roma have picked up eight red cards this season, more than any other team in Italy's top flight.
  • Totti has only scored in two matches this season and has four goals in total, bagging doubles against Chievo and Cesena.
  • The Giallorossi have only won two of their last eight Serie A matches.

Prediction
Based on the suspensions and injuries Roma have to deal with, as well as Palermo's impressive record at Stadio Renzo Barbera in 2011-12, the Sicilians will be relatively confident of adding another three points to their season tally.
Editor's Prediction
Palermo 2-1 Roma

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10.03. (Sat) 18:30 Augsburg - Borussia D.

German Bundesliga: Hertha BSC - FC Augsburg, Hajime Hosogai
Bongarts


PROBABLE LINEUPS

AUGSBURG


Jentzsch
Verhaegh, Sankoh, Langkamp, Ostrzolek
Callsen-Bracker, Hosogai
Koo, Baier, Bellinghausen
Oehrl


BORUSSIA DORTMUND



Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer
Bender, Kehl
Kuba, Kagawa, Grosskreutz
Lewandowski



Augsburg have a few absentees as they prepare to welcome the German champions to Bavaria. Marcel De Jong and Akaki Gogia are still recuperating from injuries, while Dawda Bah is slowly working his way back to fitness and is unlikely to feature on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund fans will have to wait at least a week for the return of Germany international Mario Gotze, who is recovering from a knock he picked up earlier this year. Julian Koch will join him in the stands as BVB are set to field a nearly full-strength squad.

Robert Lewandowski is expected to spearhead the attack, while Lucas Barrios and Ivan Perisic will have to settle for a place on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW

  • Augsburg have lost just two of their last nine Bundesliga games.
  • Jos Luhukay's team are currently unbeaten at home in five league matches, winning thrice and drawing twice.
  • Augsburg play on Saturday night for the first time in this Bundesliga season.
  • Borussia Dortmund set a new league record in the last round, winning their seventh consecutive game after a winter break, which had never been achieved before.
  • Jurgen Klopp has faced Jos Luhukay four times in competitive matches, and on all occasions was in charge of the victorious team.
  • Robert Lewandowski recorded his first ever Bundesliga hat-trick in the 4-0 win against Augsburg at the Signal Iduna Park earlier this season.
Prediction
If you are willing to throw all your fortune behind one crazy bet, do not back Augsburg in this match. While Jos Luhukay's men have been extremely resilient of late, Borussia Dortmund, who are in blistering form, are likely to have too much for them.
Editor's Prediction
FC Augsburg 0-3 Dortmund

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10.03. (Sat) 18:30 Everton - Tottenham


PROBABLE LINEUPS

EVERTON

Howard
Hibbert, Distin, Heitinga, Baines
Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Drenthe
Cahill
Stracqualursi
TOTTENHAM

Friedel
Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto
Kranjcar, Parker, Modric, Bale
Van der Vaart
Adebayor

Expect David Moyes to continue with their 4-4-1-1 formation, with Tim Cahill sitting in the hole behind Denis Stracqualursi.
Steven Pienaar, on loan from Tottenham, is ineligible, so Leon Osman will most likely come in on the right, with Royston Drenthe operating on the opposite flank. Phil Jagielka is fit again, but Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga are likely to continue in defence, with Tony Hibbert on the right and Leighton Baines on the left.
Spurs have leaked nine goals in their last three matches, and the news that Michael Dawson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season will be a bitter blow for Redknapp.

In addition to Dawson, Aaron Lennon suffered a hamstring injury during the FA Cup tie and will miss the game. They join David Bentley (knee), Jermaine Jenas (Achilles), and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) on the treatment table, but Louis Saha (knee) could return against his former side.

Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to come in for Jermain Defoe despite the latter's goalscoring exploits in the FA Cup in mid-week.


DID YOU KNOW
  • Everton are unbeaten in their last eight matches.
  • The Toffees have conceded 28 goals this season, a record bettered by just three clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
  • Everton have won just one of the last seven matches at Goodison Park against Tottenham
  • Tottenham have beaten Everton 19 times in Premier League history, more often than any other team apart from Man City (also 19)
  • Spurs have only lost on three of their 19 visits to Goodison Park in the Premier League era
  • Jermain Defoe (pictured right) has scored more goals as a substitute than any other player in Premier League history, 19.
  • Everton have scored the highest percentage of second half goals in the Premier League this season (70%)
Prediction
Everton are currently enjoying their annual upturn in form after the turn of the year, and are on a great run at the moment. Following two defeats on the trot, confidence may have taken a knock at Spurs, but there is no denying that they have a stronger squad than Moyes’ men. The Toffees are always tough to beat on their own patch so a draw may be the most likely outcome.
Editor's Prediction
Everton 1-1 Tottenham

Spanish La Liga Opta Facts - 10th-12th March


Malaga v Levante
Malaga have won their last two home meetings with Levante in the top-flight by the same scoreline (1-0).
Excluding this season's reverse fixture, Malaga have always netted exactly one goal against Levante in the top-flight.
The Blue and Whites have only lost two of their 12 home league games this season, and they were against Real Madrid and Barcelona (W8, D2).
The four goals Malaga have scored against Levante in La Liga have all been netted by foreign players.
These two sides have scored more direct free kicks than any other sides in La Liga this season (three each).
Santi Cazorla has scored the joint-most goals from outside the area across Europe's top five leagues this season (five with Kembo-Eloko and Rooney).
Jeremy Toulalan has scored three times as many league goals this season (three) than in the rest of his entire career combined (one).
The last six goals scored by Ruben Suarez in the league have all come in the final 11 minutes of play.
Malaga have received fewer yellow cards than any other team this season (43).
Iglesias Villanueva has already taken charge of a game between these sides; last season he refereed a 1-0 win for the Andalusians.

Sporting Gijon v Sevilla
There has only been one draw in the last 24 league meetings between these sides (16 wins for Sevilla and seven for Sporting).
The Asturians still haven't picked up a victory with Javier Clemente in charge (2D, 1L), and have scored one goal in each of their three encounters so far.
If they don't win this game, Gijon will have embarked on their longest run of games without a win this season (eight successive games).
The last time Sevilla had conceded 28 goals from their opening 25 games was in 2009/10, a season they finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League.
Excluding Negredo (who will miss this game with an injury), no Sevilla striker has scored away from home in the league this term.
Sporting Gijon have conceded more goals in the closing 15 minutes than any other team in La Liga this term.
The Red and Whites have conceded a higher percentage of goals from outside the area than any other team this season (29%).
Sporting haven't lost any of the eight league games they've held the lead in this term (5W, 3D).
The only previous meeting between Clemente and Michel in La Liga ended in a stalemate (Valladolid 0-0 Getafe, May 2010).

Real Sociedad v Real Zaragoza
Real Sociedad have lost five of their last six league games against Zaragoza (1W, 5L).
The Maños have scored at least one goal in seven of their last eight league trips to the Anoeta.
The Basque side have won their last three home league games, their best run of the season. Before this, they had only won two of their previous nine on home soil.
Only in two previous campaigns (1943 and 1971) have Zaragoza earned fewer points at this stage than they have now (18). On both of those occasions, they were relegated.
Zaragoza are, together with Villarreal, the worst travelling side in La Liga having taken just six points away from La Romareda.
Real Sociedad have scored the lowest percentage of goals in the first-half in La Liga this season (26%).
Philippe Montanier's side have won all five home league games in which they've scored first this term.
On the other hand, Zaragoza haven't recouped a single point when they have conceded the first goal on the road (seven times).
Zaragoza's last nine league goals have all been scored by different players.
Helder Postiga, Zaragoza's top scorer, has netted more goals against Real Sociedad than any other side in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid v Granada
Atletico Madrid have won seven of their last 12 meetings with Granada in La Liga (3D, 2L).
Atleti have won nine of their last 10 home meetings with the Andalusian side (1D), scoring 23 and conceding just four.
Granada have only ever won once at the home of Atletico in the top-flight (2-0 in 59/60).
Atletico record their highest ever La Liga win over an Andalusian side when they beat Granada 7-1 in 1942/43.
The last five draws in La Liga between these sides have all been goalless (one in Madrid and four in Granada).
Atletico have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five home victories over teams in red and white shirts (scoring 16 goals and conceding just one in this run).
Simeone's side have gone five league games without a win (4D, 1L). They haven't gone six or more since 2005/06 (10 games - 7D, 3L).
Granada are one of three teams across Europe's top five leagues (with Bolton and Betis) who are yet to record a single away draw this season (3W, 9L).
Falcao has scored more home goals this season (10) than the whole Granada team has mustered on the road (eight).
Granada have lost five of the six league games that either Jara or Siquiera have missed this season (1D, 2 goals scored and 10 conceded).
This is the first season since 2003/04 that two Nigerians (Ighalo and Uche for Granada) have scored for the same team, and no Nigerian has ever scored at the Calderon in La Liga.

Villarreal v Getafe
Villarreal have only won one of their last four meetings with Getafe in La Liga, and that was also the only one of these in which they scored (2-1 in 2010/11).
The Yellows have won six of their seven home encounters with Getafe in La Liga (scoring 17 and conceding seven in total).
On the only occasion Getafe registered a point at El Madrigal in the top-flight, they registered their only previous 3-3 draw as the visiting side in La Liga.
Villarreal's 4-0 win over Getafe in 2004/05 remains their heaviest home win over a side from Madrid in La Liga history.
Getafe registered their only previous away win in the Valencia area on their last visit (2-1 at Levante).
Although they are suffering their worst ever start to a La Liga season after 25 games (27 points), the Yellow Submarine have only lost once at home in the league this term (2004/05 was the only other time they achieved this).
Getafe have gone five games without winning (2D, 3L) but have won three of their last six on the road in the league (all 2-1).
Villarreal and Getafe have lost more points following a goal conceded in the final 15 minutes than any other teams in La Liga this season (both eight).
Getafe are the only team from Europe's top five leagues to have conceded three goals from outside the area in one single home game (Arsenal did it as an away team).

Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano
Espanyol have remained unbeaten in their last eight Primera Division encounters with Rayo (5W, 3D).
Espanyol's last two home victories over los Vallecanos in the Primera have been by the same scoreline (3-1).
Rayo Vallecano have lost their last four league games against Catalan sides and have failed to score in all four of them (conceding 11). They have never lost five in a row.
Vallecano suffered their heaviest defeat against Espanyol in 1999/00 (1-5), the year they enjoyed their best La Liga finish (9th).
Pochettino's side have gone five games without a win in the league (2D, 3L) and have lost their last two home games. They haven't lost three in a row since 2008/09.
Sandoval's side have won four of their last five league games.
Rayo have won their last three away league games, they've never won four in a row in La Liga.
The Catalans haven't lost any of the 10 games in which they've scored the first goal this season (9W, 1D).
Espanyol have conceded 67% of their goals in the second-half this season, while Rayo have netted twice as many goals after the break than they have scored in the first-half (24 - 67%).
Only the substitutes of Real Madrid (11) have netted more than those of Rayo (eight) this season.
Michu is, together with Fernando Llorente, the top scoring Spaniard in La Liga this season and is also one of the three top scoring midfielders across Europe's top five leagues (13 goals).
Espanyol have won all four league games in which Sergio Garcia has scored this term.

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao
Osasuna are without a win in two home meetings with Athletic (1D, 1L).
Bilbao haven't lost any of their last five league meetings with Osasuna (4W, 1D).
Bielsa's team have scored 18 goals in their last eight league games. Before this run, they had managed just 23 in 17 games.
The Basque side have lost two of their last four away league games (1W, 1D), as many as they had lost in the entire rest of the season.
Osasuna have won their last two home league games, they haven't won three in a row all season.
No side has received more red cards than Bilbao this season (six, with Sevilla).
Bilbao have netted a league-high 16 headed goals in 2011/12.
Osasuna have conceded fewer goals in the first 15 minutes than any other team in La Liga this season (2).
The team from Navarra have scored just one goal from the subs bench this season - a league-low.
Susaeta has scored in two consecutive league games (as he did in 2007/08 and 2009/10), he has never scored in three in a row.
Fernando Llorente has commited more fouls than any other player in La Liga this term who hasn't been shown a yellow card (41).

Valencia v Mallorca
Valencia have only won one of their last four home clashes with Mallorca in La Liga (1D, 2L).
Los Che have scored at least one goal in their last 13 meetings with Mallorca with the exception of a 0-3 defeat in 2007/08.
Emery's side have only won one of their last three home league games, losing two.
Mallorca have lost three consecutive away games for the first time this season.
Valencia have accrued more own goals than any other team in La Liga this term (four).
Los Che have won the most games by exactly one goal in La Liga this season (eight).
The islanders' last nine league goals have been netted by eight different players.
Mallorca have lost a league-high 20 points from games in which they've scored the first goal this term.
Valencia have lost a joint-high (with Athletic) nine points from goals conceded in the last five minutes this season.
Mallorca have scored just 8% of their goals in the final quarter-hour this season, a league-low.
Caparros will take charge of his 400th La Liga game in this fixture (152 with Athletic, 76 with Depor, 152 with Sevilla and 19 with Mallorca).

Betis v Real Madrid
Real Madrid have won their last three league meetings with Betis, averaging four goals/game.
The Whites have found the net in their last 12 league meetings at the Benito Villamarin, but have only won four of those (4D, 4L).
In the 27 top-flight seasons in which Betis have won at least 30 points from their opening 25 games, only once have they been relegated to the Second Division (99/00).
Mourinho's side have won their last 10 league games, equalling their best run this season. (their best ever record is 15, set in 1960/61).
Real Madrid have scored 85 goals in 25 games this season, the best record ever in a La Liga season. If they continue at this rate, they will end up with 129 goals and set a new league record.
Betis have only been leading at half-time in two of their 12 home games this season (though eight have been level at the break).
Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 10 away league games (9W, 1D), and are now eight away from equalling their best ever run of away games without defeat (18, between 95/96 and 96/97).
Madrid have won more points than any other away side this term (31, 11 more than Barcelona).
Only four of Real Madrid's last 29 goals have come away from the Bernabeu, although Real Madrid are the leading away scorers this season (31).
Betis have used the joint-most players (with Rayo) in La Liga this term (30).
Only Barcelona have hit the woodwork more times than Betis (17) this season, of which six of these have come courtesy of Ruben Castro.
Each away goal Real Madrid have scored has been worth exactly one point (31 away goals, 31 away points).
Five of Betis' last six league goals have been scored by Ruben Castro (three) or Jorge Molina (two). Molina hadn't scored in successive league games since last season in the Segunda.
Betis are the only team in La Liga against whom Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored a single goal.

Racing Santander v Barcelona
Racing have failed to win any of their last seven league games (4D, 3L).
Santander have not won any of their last 16 against Barcelona (D3, L13), losing their last six and failing even to score in their last four.
Barcelona have only managed one clean sheet (v Villarreal) in their last eight away league games.
In both of the previous two campaigns in which the Cantabrians had fewer points after 25 games than they do now (20, assuming three points for win), they were relegated.
With 25 games of the league season gone, Racing are kings of the draw (12 so far). Never in their history have they drawn as many games or won as few (four) at this stage of a campaign.
The Cantabrians have drawn a league-high five games having conceded the first goal this term.
Racing have scored twice in the first-half on two occasions this season, but have lost both of those games and have ended up conceding four.
Each away goal Barcelona have scored this season has been worth exactly one point (20 away goals, 20 away points).
On the one occasion a Barcelona player has been sent off away from home this season (Mascherano in Pamplona), the Catalans lost.
Lionel Messi has won more games against Racing than any other team (10).
Lionel Messi has made more passes in the final third (868) than any other player across Europe's top five leagues this season, followed by Xavi (800).
Only Iturralde Gonzalez has taken charge of more away wins than Del Cerro Grande (five) this season.

10.03. 2012. DEJAN LEKIĆ (OSASUNA, ŠPANIJA 1) TIPUJE 26.KOLO

Osasuna protiv Bilbaa, derbi, iz časa u čas sve će se menjati, neizvesnost je zagarantovana. Smatram, ipak, da gosti ne mogu do pobede. Ono što je za mene najsigurnije u ovom kolu, to je, uz već viđene trijumfe madridskog Reala i Barselone, trokorak Malage u susretu sa Levanteom, "kec" kao vrata. Da sam na vašem mestu bio bih oprezan u biranju znaka za meč na "Visente Kalderonu", pošto Granada igra dobro, baš dobro na gostovanjima. Opet, Atletiko je siguran, ne znam, razmislite...

MOJ TIP
MALAGA – LEVANTE 1
Sosijedad – Saragosa X2
Hihon – Sevilja 1X
BETIS – REAL M. 2
Espanjol – R. Valjekano 1
Atletiko M. – Granada 1
Valensija – Majorka 1
SANTANDER – BARSELONA 2
Osasuna - Bilbao 1X
Viljareal – Hetafe X

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10.03. (Sat) 16:00 Chelsea - Stoke City

Roberto Di Matteo - Chelsea
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA

Cech
Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole Lampard, Ramires, Meireles
Sturridge, Drogba, Mata
STOKE CITY

SorensenHuth, Woodgate, Shawcross, Shotton
Whelan, Wilson, Whitehead, Etherington
Walters, Crouch

Having rested a number of their key players in the midweek FA Cup win over Bimringham City, Roberto di Matteo is likely to restore a number of them to the starting line-up. Ashley Cole is doubtful with an ankle injury, but should recover in time but fellow full-back Jose Bosingwa is unlikely to return.

Captain John Terry has described his recovery from knee surgery as "incredible" and could take a place in the starting lineup here.

After their impressive 1-0 win over Norwich City in their last match, Tony Pulis is unlikely to make many changes to his side. However, Andy Wilkinson was taken off with a hamstring injury against the Canaries, and may not be risked in the centre of defence.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • Chelsea’s Fernando Torres last scored on October 19th 2011 against Genk in the Champions League, with his current barren spell standing at 23 matches in all competitions, and nearly 24 hours.
  • Chelsea have won only three of their last 12 Premier League games, a run of form which cost former manager Anrde Villas-Boas his job.
  • However, the Blues have lost just once at home in their last seven Premier League matches, when they were defeated 3-1 by Aston Villa on December 31 thanks to goals from Stephen Ireland, Stiliyan Petrov and Darren Bent.
  • Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou (pictured right) have enjoyed a great deal of scoring success in the Premier League against Stoke City, with three goals apiece.
  • These two teams first met this season on the opening day, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw at the Britannia Stadium thanks to some resolute Stoke defending in a game of few clear chances.
  • Chelsea and have won all three of their previous encounters with Stoke at Stamford Bridge since the Potters' promotion, scoring 16 goals.
  • After a run of four straight defeats in January, Stoke’s form has improved thanks to two straight wins over Swansea and Norwich City at the Britannia Stadium which have kept them in the top half of the table.
  • Like their hosts, Stoke have enjoyed success in the FA Cup this season, reaching the quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 victory away to Crawley Town. The Potters will face Liverpool in yet another away tie, their fourth in four rounds.
  • Stoke’s Glenn Whelan recently became Stoke’s most-capped player of all-time in winning his 37th cap for the Republic of Ireland in a recent friendly against the Czech Republic. Whelan beat legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks’ record, who made 36 appearances for England while with the Potters.
  • Robert Huth began his career in English football with Chelsea, making his debut at the age of 17 in the 2001-02 season. In five years with the Blues, Huth made 42 appearances before moving to Middlesbrough and then on to Stoke.
Prediction
Chelsea’s recent struggles have been well-documented but, with their 2-0 win against Birmingham, they should have regained some confidence under interim manager Roberto di Matteo.
With home advantage, and several first-team players rested, they should win this comfortably.
Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 2-0 Stoke City

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10.03. (Sat) 16:00 Sunderland - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
SUNDERLAND


Mignolet
Bardsley, O'Shea, Turner, Richardson Larsson, Colback, Gardner, McClean Campbell, Bendtner
LIVERPOOL


Reina
 Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Enrique
 Henderson, Adam, Spearing, Bellamy
 Suarez, Carroll

Martin O'Neill will be forced to reshuffle the side which were held to a 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Newcastle, after Lee Cattermole and Stephane Sessegnon were handed four and three match bans respectively for their dismissals in the Tyne-Wear derby.

Wes Brown remains out with a knee injury sustained in the game against Norwich, but David Vaughan returns to the squad alongside goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who is available for the first time in over a year after battling a long-term knee injury.

Titus Bramble also returns to the squad after suffering with a calf strain of late, but he is unlikely to return straight into the starting eleven.

Liverpool face a couple of late fitness tests ahead of their trip north to Sunderland, with Steven Gerrard battling to return to the side after missing last week's game against Arsenal with a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with England.

Glen Johnson is the other member of the first-team squad struggling with injury, after picking up a hamstring strain in the Carling Cup final win over Cardiff.

Daniel Agger remains the only other person on the injury table for the away side, with the Dane likely to be sidelined for the remainder of March with cracked ribs.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Sunderland have posted victory over Liverpool just once in their last 11 attempts, with that win coming courtesy of the now infamous beach ball goal from Darren Bent in this fixture back in October 2009.
  • That controversial strike is the only goal which Sunderland have managed in Liverpool's last five visits to the Stadium of Light.
  • Sunderland have conceded a higher proportion of headed goals than any other Premier League side this season.
  • Liverpool were held on the opening day of the season by Sunderland, as Sebastian Larsson's superb volley earned then-Mackems manager Steve Bruce a deserved 1-1 draw.
  • The penalty miss from Dirk Kuyt (pictured right) against Arsenal last weekend marked the eighth Liverpool have missed from the spot this season in all competitions.
  • Liverpool have the worst conversion rate of any Premier League side this campaign, turning just 8.6% of their shots into goals.
  • Sunderland have won 19 points from their 13 home fixtures this season, whilst Liverpool have won 19 points from their 13 away fixtures.
  • The Reds have picked up just five points from their last six games. In the same run of fixtures, Sunderland have notched 10 points.
Prediction
Sunderland are still going well under Martin O'Neill but their expectations have been tempered recently by some more 'realistic' results.
A battling draw against Newcastle and the suspensions that has brought may just mean that the Reds can take the frustrations of Arsenal's smash and grab victory at Anfield last week out on the Mackems.
If Kenny Dalglish's men keep things tight then they should have more than enough up top to grab all three points.
Editor's Prediction
Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool

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10.03. (Sat) 15:30 Bayern Munchen - 1899 Hoffenheim

German Bundesliga: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Bayern Munich, Daniel van Buyten, Roberto Firmino
Bongarts


PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN MUNICH


Neuer
Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Contento
Luiz Gustavo, Kroos
Robben, Muller, Ribery
Gomez

HOFFENHEIM



Starke

Johnson, Vestergaard, Compper, Braafheid
Rudy, Weis
Vukcevic, Firmino, Babel
Mlapa


Bayern are set to receive a massive boost as Bastian Schweinsteiger returns from injury. Reports from Munich indicate that the vice-captain is fit to play for up to 45 minutes as a substitute on Saturday, although if the hosts lead at half-time, he may not be risked ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Basel.

Daniel van Buyten remains unavailable as he recovers from a metatarsal fracture, and Rafinha is doubtful for the match due to a bout of flu. In the Brazilian's stead, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk could deputise, or David Alaba or Diego Contento could fill in on the left of defence, with Philipp Lahm switching to the right.

Hoffenheim will be short of a key player in right-back Andreas Beck, who played very well against Franck Ribery in the first round but is suspended following his 10th yellow card of the season. Strjan Lakic, Sven Schipplock are out with knocks, while Sejad Salihovic has been suspended by coach Markus Babbel. Finally, Andreas Ibsertsberger and Matthias Jaissle remain sidelined as they recover from long-term injuries.

DID YOU KNOW

  • Bayern Munich have never lost to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, and have won all three of their previous home games against the Sinsheim outfit.
  • Philipp Lahm is expected to captain the record champions in his 250th Bundesliga appearance.
  • Bastian Schweinsteiger has made just four appearances since November 2.
  • Hoffenheim are undefeated in their last five matches: their most recent loss was a 3-1 result against Dortmund in late January.
  • The village side have scored (27) and conceded (28) fewer goals than ever before in the Bundesliga after 24 rounds.
  • Each of Hoffenheim's eight goals since the winter break has been scored by a different player.
Prediction
In spite of their slump as of late, Bayern have dropped points just twice and conceded only three goals at home this season: only Dortmund have taken more points in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheimhave had trouble away from home, and more often than not come out on the losing end. They have proven hard to beat as of late, but should not be expected to take something from Saturday's match, especially if the Bavarians are on target first.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern 2-0 Hoffenheim

Championship Opta Facts - March 10th -11th


Coventry City v Birmingham City
None of the last six meetings between Coventry and Birmingham have ended as a draw.
Coventry have dropped more points from winning positions on home soil than any other team in the division (13).
Birmingham have lost just one of their last 13 matches in the league.
Four of the last five meetings between these two sides in the league has ended with a 1-0 scoreline.
Coventry have won five and lost just one of their last seven home games in the league.
Birmingham have scored 13 goals in their last three away games in the league, winning all three.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Portsmouth
Brighton have scored a league-low two headed goals in the Championship this campaign.
Brighton are unbeaten in their last 11 Championship matches.
Portsmouth have won none of their last seven league games, picking up just two points from a possible 21.
Pompey have failed to score in five of those seven matches.
Portsmouth have committed a league-high 433 fouls in the second tier.
The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last six Championship games on home soil.
Pompey have won just one of their last eight on the road, lost three of the last four and scored just one goal in the last four away trips.

Burnley v Crystal Palace
Burnley have scored a higher proportion of headed goals (32%) than any team in the Championship.
74% of the goals Palace have conceded have been netted in the second half, a league-high proportion.
The Clarets have scored a joint-league-high nine goals from corners.
Jay Rodriguez has scored eight goals in his last 10 appearances for Burnley and scored the winner in this fixture last season.
Burnley have lost four of their last five Championship games.
Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last seven Championship matches.
The away side has failed to score in five of the last six matches between Burnley and Palace.

Derby County v Watford
Victory over Blackpool in midweek ended a run of seven matches without a win in the league for the Rams.
Watford have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 league matches.
The Hornets mustered nine shots on target against Derby at Vicarage Road earlier this season, yet lost the game 0-1.
Derby have won four of the last five matches against Watford.
The Rams have lost five of their last 11 games at home (all without scoring), but when they have netted in that run they have won.
Watford have won just one of their last seven Championship matches away from home.

Hull City v Ipswich Town
Ipswich have scored a joint-high 17 headed goals in the Championship this season.
Hull have not lost any of their last eight Championship games, but have drawn the last four in a row.
No Championship team has scored more than one goal against Hull since Southampton netted two in November.
Hull have conceded only six goals in their last 15 league games and kept seven clean sheets in their last eight matches.
The Tigers have failed to score in seven of their last 11 league games.
Michael Chopra has scored six goals in his last seven Championship appearances for Ipswich.
Hull have won three of the last four matches against Ipswich including a league game and an FA Cup tie already this season.

Nottingham Forest v Millwall
Nottingham Forest have conceded a division high 17 headed goals which accounts for 32% of the goals they have shipped, also a league high.
Andy Keogh has scored in four of his last five Championship outings.
Forest have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Championship matches.
The Midlands side have the worst home record in the Championship with just 15 points from 18 league games.
They have lost seven and won only one of their last nine matches in the league at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest didn't manage any shots on target against the Londoners when the two sides met at the New Den in August.
Forest have won just one of the last six meetings with Millwall.

Peterborough United v Blackpool
Blackpool have recovered more points from losing positions than any other side in the Championship (26), 14 of those away from home (also a league high).
Peterborough have recouped more points from losing positions on home turf than any other team in the Championship (13).
Blackpool have scored 71% of their goals in the second half of games, the highest percentage in the Championship.
Peterborough have shipped a league low proportion of 46% of their goals in the second half of games.
Tom Ince has scored four goals in his last three Championship appearances.
Peterborough have won just one of their last 11 Championship games.
Peterborough managed 12 shots on target to Blackpool's six when they met at Bloomfield Road and yet lost the game 1-2.

Reading v Leicester City
Reading have dropped fewer points from losing positions than any other team in the Championship (2).
The Foxes have netted a league-high 55% of their goals in the first half of matches this season.
Leicester have shipped a divisional high 40% of goals from set pieces, a higher percentage than any other team in the Championship.
Reading have kept six clean sheets in their last seven Championship games.
Leicester have earned more red cards than any other side in the division (8).
Reading have more points than any other team in the Championship in 2012 (24).
The Royals have won eight of their last nine games at the Madejski Stadium.

Southampton v Barnsley
Barnsley have recovered fewer points from losing positions in the Championship than any other team (1).
Southampton have scored a joint-high 17 headed goals in the Championship.
St Mary's has seen a league-high nine goals in the opening 15 minutes of games in the Championship this season.
Barnsley have won just one of their last seven Championship matches.
The Tykes have lost their last four away league games, the last three without scoring.
Rickie Lambert has scored five goals in his last three Championship matches.
Saints are unbeaten in their last eight league games.

West Ham United v Doncaster Rovers
Victory over Forest in midweek ended a run of seven matches without a win in the league for Doncaster.
The win at Nottingham Forest also ended a run of one point from their previous eight away games.
The Hammers have lost just one of their last 10 Championship fixtures.
West Ham scored from their only shot on target when they won 1-0 away at Doncaster earlier this season.
Doncaster have score exactly one goal in each of their last five visits to Upton Park.
Rovers have lost only two and won two of their last eight visits to Upton Park, with the last two visits ending 1-1.
Sam Allardyce's team have drawn their last three Championship matches at Upton Park.

Bristol City v Cardiff City
Cardiff have dropped more points from losing positions than any other team in the Championship (23).
A divisional high 46% of Cardiff's goals have been netted rom set pieces this season.
Ashton Gate has seen more goals (16) scored in the final 15 minutes of matches of any stadium in the Championship.
Victory in midweek against Leicester ended a run of seven league matches without a win for the Robins.
Cardiff have won just one of their last seven league games.
There have been 18 goals scored across the last four league meetings between these two sides.
Cardiff have won four of the last five meetings with Bristol City, losing just one of the last eight.

Middlesbrough v Leeds United
Boro have scored a joint-league-high nine goals from corners.
None of the last seven meetings between Leeds and Middlesbrough have ended as a home win, with five being away victories.
There were three red cards in the meeting between Leeds and Boro at Elland Road earlier this season.
Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last seven Championship games, winning four of the last five.
Leeds have failed to score in their last three Championship outings.
The Whites have won just one of their last eight Championship matches on the road.
Boro have only won two of their last six league games at the Riverside.

10.03. 2012. RANKO DESPOTOVIĆ (URAVA) PRED PRVO KOLO ŠAMPIONATA JAPANA

Ni Japan nam nije daleko. Uz Ranka Despotovića, napadača Urave, fiksevi iz „Džej“ lige bukvalno su vam pred nosom – na našim stranicama. Ipak, pre fikseva standardno pitanje. Ko je favorit za osvajanje titule?
- Liga nikada nije bila jača - „izokola“ odgovara Despotović. - Nagoja je uvek opasna, Gamba Osaka takođe, a naravno da ne bi trebalo zaboraviti Kašimu i šampiona Kašivu. Možda bih, ipak, Nagoju stavio ispred ostalih.
Koliko je bilo promena u odnosu na prethodnu sezonu?
- Mnogo. Svi klubovi imaju više novca, pa su dovodili puno igrača. Gambu je napustio najbolji napadač, ali je dovela dosta Brazilaca. Kašiva nije mnogo „tumbala“ sastav, a dobro se pojačala. Mi smo doveli trenera Mihajla Petrovića iz Hirošime, a upravo je naš prvi rival najviše oslabljen.

MOJ TIP
G. Osaka – Kobe 1X
Hirošima – Urava X2
Nagoja – Šimicu 1
Saporo – Ivata 0-2
Sendai – Kašima 0-2
Tosu – C. Osaka X2
Kavasaki – Nigata 1X
Omija – FK Tokio X2
KAŠIVA – JOKOHAMA 1