Friday, April 6, 2012

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 21:00 Lazio vs SSC Napoli

Ezequiel Lavezzi (N), Senad Lulic (L) - Napoli-Lazio - Serie A (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS
LAZIO

Marchetti
Scaloni, Biava, Diakite, Konko
Ledesma, Cana
Gonzalez, Hernanes, Mauri
Rocchi
NAPOLI

De Sanctis
C'pagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos, Aronica
Dzemaili, Inler, Hamsik
Pandev
Lavezzi, Cavani

A surprise 3-1 reverse to Parma last weekend saw Lazio suffer a third defeat in four Serie A matches, but despite their recent poor form, they still lead the way in race for the last Champions League spot.

However, Edy Reja's job isn't made any easier with the news that first-teamers Cristian Brocchi, Andre Dias, Miroslav Klose, Marius Stankevicius, Matuzalem, Stefan Radu and Senad Lulic will all miss out on the game against Napoli.

As a result, a number of changes are on the horizon for the Romans as Mobido Diakite, Lionel Scaloni, Hernanes and Lorik Cana are likely to deputise for the absentees.

For Napoli, coach Walter Mazzarri will be without injured trio Andrea Dossena, Marco Donadel and Christian Maggio, while Juan Zuniga and Walter Gargano are suspended. As a result, the 50-year-old is being tipped to switch to a 4-3-1-2 formation from his tried-and-trusted 3-5-2.

Miguel Britos, Blerim Dzemaili and Goran Pandev are the players set to be flung into contention, with Hamsik dropping into midfield from his usual attacking role behind the strikers.


DID YOU KNOW

  • Lazio have won just one of their last five meetings with Napoli - a 2-0 victory in November 2010.
  • The Biancocelesti have been victorious in five of their last six games on home soil.
  • Tommaso Rocchi has already scored three goals against the Partenopei and could net his 100th Serie A strike on Saturday.
  • Over the last 20 years, Napoli have won just twice at the Olimpico against Lazio.
  • Edinson Cavani has scored four goals versus the Biancocelesti, including one of his three Serie A hat-tricks.
  • Napoli lead in the head-to-head by 38 wins to 34 against Lazio.
Prediction
Both sides are leaking goals at an alarming rate, so an outright winner is too tough to call. However, Napoli's goalscoring potency means they will always have a chance, despite their woeful away form, in stark contrast to Lazio's strong performances on home soil. A high-scoring draw therefore looks to be on the horizon.
Editor's Prediction
Lazio 2-2 Napoli  

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 20:00 Zaragoza - Barcelona

Barcelona celebrates - Barcelona-Milan - Champions League (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS
REAL ZARAGOZA

Roberto
Lanzaro, Da Silva, Paredes, Abraham
Ruben Micael, Zuculini
Barrera, Garcia, Lafita
Postiga
BARCELONA

ValdesAlves, Mascherano, Pique, Adriano
Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta
Messi, Fabregas, Sanchez
Manolo Jimenez has a number of injury worries going into the match on Saturday evening against Barcelona. On-loan Malaga man Apono is a doubt for the match after missing training on Tuesday because of back pain.

Other absentees for the Barca match include David Mateos, who has a muscle injury, and Luis Garcia, who also missed the session due to a fever. The 31-year-old may recover in time for the weekend. Pablo Alvarez did not train on Tuesday after been given a leave of absence by coach Jimenez.

Pep Guardiola conducted training on Wednesday morning, with the players involved in the AC Milan win taking part in recovery exercises. Ibrahim Afellay and Eric Abidal took part in the session, but the Dutchman is still working towards a return after his knee injury at the start of the season. Abidal should be undergoing a liver transplant in the coming weeks.

Both Carles Puyol and Xavi started the Champions League match midweek so it is likely they will be given a rest as the Catalans travel to La Romareda, with Mascherano dropping back into defence and Thiago Alcantara being drafted in.


DID YOU KNOW?

  • The last match between Zaragoza and Barcelona saw Pep Guardiola's side record a comfortable 4-0 victory with Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol and David Villa on target for the Catalans.
  • Manolo Jimenez' men are on a terrific run of form at the moment, notching up 10 points from their last four matches, which included victories over Valencia and Atletico Madrid.
  • Zaragoza's top goalscorer this season is Helder Postiga, with seven goals in 23 appearances.
  • Lionel Messi broke another record in midweek. He is now the top goalscorer in a single Champions League season with 14 goals.
  • In La Liga, Barcelona have accumulated the staggering 86 goals, while Zaragoza have netted 27 times
  • Messi alone has scored more goals this season than the whole squad of the Aragonese team.
Prediction
Zaragoza's recent form may indeed be impressive but a match against the Catalan side is the last thing the hosts would want as the run will likely come to an abrupt end. Barcelona have won every La Liga match since the beginning of February and expect nothing less than a continuation of this run at La Romareda.
Editor's Prediction
Zaragoza 0-3 Barcelona

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 19:00 Montpellier Herault - Sochaux-Montbeliard

Jamel Saihi (Montpellier)
Jamel Saihi (Montpellier)


PROBABLE LINEUPS


MONTPELLIER

Jourdren
Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo
Saihi, Estrada
Ait Fana, Belhanda, Utaka
Giroud

 

FC SOCHAUX MONTBELIARD


FC Sochaux

Richert
Corchia, Poujol, Yaya, Sauget
Lopy, Nogueira


Boudebouz, Martin, CamaraMaiga
Montpellier boss Rene Girard has no pressing injury concerns ahead of the visit of Sochaux to Stade de la Mosson.
Marco Estrada is expected to be named among the starting XI after appearing as a substitute two weeks ago, with Joris Marveaux expected to make way. Olivier Giroud, linked with various clubs this week, will lead the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Meanwhile, Sochaux are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Teddy Richert who sustained an eye injury last week. The veteran les Lionceaux captain is subject to a late fitness test, with 19-year-old Papa Demba Camara standing by in goal.
Last week's goalscorer Modibo Maiga appears to be prefereed to Edouard Butin in the lone striker role, as Eric Hely's men seek victory that could boost their survival chances.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • Montpellier are leading the Ligue 1 table, with 60 points from 29 games.
  • La Paillade have won their previous six home matches without conceding a goal.
  • Rene Girard's men have dropped only five points at Stade de la Mosson this season.
  • Sochaux have won three of their last four fixtures under new boss Eric Hely.
  • Les Lionceaux have only won one of their last five encounters against Montpellier.
  • Saturday's visitors are 19th in the table, with 27 points.
Prediction
The Ligue 1 leaders are huge favourites for this tie, and with a two-week rest set to invigorate their side rather than disadvantage them, it is hard to see a resurgent Sochaux claim all three points when there is so much at stake. A comfortable win for the hosts looks to be the most likely outcome.
Editor's Prediction
Montpellier Herault SC 2-0 Sochaux

French Ligue 1 Opta Facts - 7th and 8th April


Ajaccio v St Etienne
St Etienne are winless in their last five Ligue 1 trips to Ajaccio.
Ajaccio are now unbeaten in seven consecutive home games in Ligue 1.
St Etienne are currently enduring a run of three consecutive defeats in the league.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored over half of his team's away goals this term in the top flight (eight out of 15).
Ajaccio are on a run of three consecutive draws in Ligue 1.
Mehdi Mostefa has picked up more bookings than any other Ligue 1 player this term (13).

Brest v Lille
Lille are currently on a run of three consecutive wins in Ligue 1.
Lille have won each of their last three Ligue 1 encounters against Brest, netting seven goals in the process.
Brest have suffered four consecutive defeats in Ligue 1, currently the longest run.
Lille have scored a league-high 55 goals this term while Brest have netted a league-low 24.
Brest are winless this season in all previous seven games against current top five sides.
Eden Hazard has both scored (seven) and set up (six) more goals than any other player in Ligue 1 since the turn of the year.

Dijon v Nancy
Nancy are currently enjoying their best run of the season in Ligue 1 with three consecutive wins.
Dijon have scored in all of their last 13 Ligue 1 games, equalling this season's record, established by Evian TG.
Dijon have conceded a league-high 17 goals in the last 15 minutes of games this season.
Only one visiting side have managed to keep a clean sheet at the Gaston Gérard stadium this season in Ligue 1 (Sochaux).
Bakaye Traore has scored an 18th minute goal in both of his last two league appearances.

Evian TG v Rennes
Rennes have won all three previous competitive encounters against Evian TG.
ETG and Rennes have played each other twice this season (in L1 and Coupe de France), with Rennes winning both encounters 3-2.
Evian TG have lost their last two league games at their Parc des Sports stadium, conceding three goals in both defeats.
Rennes have currently enduring their longest run without a win this season in Ligue 1 (four games).
ETG have scored more Ligue 1 goals in the opening 30 minutes than any other side this term (15).
No team has managed more away wins than Rennes in Ligue 1 this season (seven).
Julien Féret has scored three goals in his two appearances against ETG this season.

Montpellier v Sochaux
Montpellier are the only side with a 100% record at home in Ligue 1 since the turn of the year, winning six games out of six and keeping a clean sheet in the process.
The last 10 Ligue 1 goals at La Mosson stadium have all been scored by the home side.
Since earning promotion to Ligue 1 in 2009, Montpellier have won four of their five league meetings with Sochaux.
Olivier Giroud scored a hat trick in the reverse fixture between these sides earlier this season.
Sochaux have won three of their four league matches since Eric Hély was appointed as manager.
Montpellier have picked up 40 points out of a possible 45 at their La Mosson stadium this season.

Valenciennes v Toulouse
Toulouse, who won the reverse fixture, have never beaten Valenciennes twice in a single Ligue 1 campaign.
Valenciennes have failed to score in any of their last two league encounters against Toulouse.
No Ligue 1 team has conceded fewer goals at home that Valenciennes this season (eight).
Toulouse have managed the most wins by a one-goal margin this season in Ligue 1 (nine) while VAFC have suffered the joint-most defeats by the same margin (eight alongside Brest and Nice).
Toulouse have picked up more red cards than any other side this season in Ligue 1.
Toulouse have managed three victories in their last four away games in Ligue 1 (seven).

Lyon v Auxerre
Lyon have won four of their five last competitive games, drawing the other match.
Lyon are the only team to have scored in every home game in Ligue 1 this season.
OL have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight home matches in the league.
Lyon have yet to draw 0-0 this term in the league.
Auxerre have yet to win on the road this season in Ligue 1, their last away win was in May 2011 at Lorient.
Auxerre have only won one of their last 15 trips to the Gerland stadium in Ligue 1.
Auxerre have now gone 18 league games without a penalty awarded to them, longer than any other current Ligue 1 side.
Since his arrival in Ligue 1 during the summer of 2009, Lisandro has scored 42 goals in league, only Kevin Gameiro has been more prolific during that period (50).
Dennis Oliech is the top scorer amongst players from teams in the bottom half of the table this season, with 10 goals.

Caen v Bordeaux
Bordeaux have only won once in 11 previous trips to Caen in Ligue 1 (a 1-0 win on May 30th 2009 that earned Les Girondins the league title), losing seven and drawing three.
Caen are the worst home team this season in Ligue 1, with only 17 points picked up at the Michel D'Ornano stadium.
Bordeaux have lost six points after leading in their last three league games, on each occasion scoring first before conceding a late equalizer.
Bordeaux have only won one of their last six league games (2-0 v Brest), their last three fixtures all ending in draws.
Caen have failed to score in five of their last six Ligue 1 games.
Caen have only won one if their last 10 home games in all competitions, drawing their last three.
Seven penalty kicks have been awarded at the Michel D'Ornano stadium this season in Ligue 1, all in favour of Caen.

Nice v Lorient
Nice have won four of their five previous home games against Lorient in Ligue 1, keeping a clean sheet in all four wins.
If the season had started in 2012, Lorient would rank at the bottom of the league.
Lorient have won just one of their last 15 league fixtures.
Nice are the only team in Ligue 1 this term whose defenders have scored more goals than their strikers.
Lorient are on a run of 11 consecutive league matches without a clean sheet.
Lorient have failed to win any of their last 14 away games in Ligue 1.
Three of the last four league fixtures at the Stade du Ray have ended as draws.

Paris SG v Marseille
Marseille have won five of their last six Ligue 1 encounters against Paris SG.
Marseille are now winless in 10 competitive fixtures, suffering nine defeats in the process.
PSG have won just 45% of their league games since the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager, compared to 63% under Antoine Kombouare earlier in the season.
PSG have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 league encounters against their arch rivals.
Loïc Rémy has netted four goals in his seven previous league appearances against PSG.
Guillaume Hoarau has scored in each of his last three league appearances at the Parc des Princes stadium.
Nenê has netted 12 goals in just 15 appearances at the Parc des Princes this season in Ligue 1.
The reverse fixture earlier in this campaign saw Marseille record their biggest win of the season in Ligue 1 (3-0), and PSG suffer their heaviest defeat.

07.-08. 04.2012. KAEN MORA DA SAVLADA BORDO, TRENER SENT ETJENA KRITIKOVAO IGRAČE

AJAČIO – ST. ETJEN X – Ajačio je dobar na svom terenu, ali Sent Etjen ima ima jaču ekipu. Prednost domaćina može da leži u činjenici da je trener gostiju u „ratu“ sa igračima, koje je javno iskritikovao.
DIŽON – NANSI X, 3+ - Poraz ne bi prijao ni Dižonu, ni Nansiju. Odigrao bih iks, uz veći broj golova.
EVIAN – REN 12 – Ren je jači od Eviana, ali igra promenljivo i može neprijatno da iznenadi. Iz tog razloga dvoznak bez iksa.
MONPELJE – SOŠO 1X – Monpelje je malo poremetio ritam odlaganjem meča sa Marsejom, pa sam obazriv pred utakmicu protiv Sošoa. Gosti, ukoliko uspeju da iznenade, mogu najviše do boda.
PSŽ – MARSEJ 3+ - Prednost je na strani Pari Sen Žermena, ali ne bih gađao rezultat, već bih izdvojio igru na veći broj golova. Fudbaleri Marseja su sigurno utučeni zbog eliminacije iz Lige šampiona, pa će „sveci“ sigurno da navale na gol gostiju.

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 18:30 Palermo - Juventus

Juventus celebrating
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

PALERMO


Viviano
Munoz, Milanovic, LabrinPisano, Migliaccio, Rocca, Barreto, Acquah
Miccoli, Budan


JUVENTUS


Buffon
Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie
Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio
Pepe, Matri, Vucinic


Palermo have a good record against Juventus in recent times, but will not be optimistic for this match due to a number of key absences. Coach Bortolo Mutti has four players suspended in the form of defender Andrea Mantovani, midfielders Nicolas Bertolo and Massimo Donati, as well as striker Abel Hernandez.

Meanwhile, first-choice left-back and centre-back, Federico Balzaretti and Matias Silvestre, are injured and will not recover in time to feature - meaning that youngsters Carlos Labrin and Afriyie Acquah should get rare chances to impress from the referee's first whistle.

The visitors are in the opposite situation, with no suspensions or knocks to worry boss Antonio Conte going into the clash in Sicily.

Following Marco Borriello's sub-par performance during the 3-0 victory over Napoli, he looks set to be dropped to the bench in favour of top-scorer Alessandro Matri as the coach reverts back to a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 3-5-2 he has utilised in recent weeks.

Former Palermo man Andrea Barzagli should line up alongside Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence, and further forward Simone Pepe is expected to re-enter the starting XI to provide width in attack after only earning a place on the bench last Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Palermo suffered a 3-0 loss to Juventus in the first part of the season, which ended a four-match winning streak against the Bianconeri in Serie A.
  • The Rosanero have scored 32 goals on home soil, and are tied with Napoli for the highest total in the league.
  • Since being promoted in 2004, Palermo lead the record between the two teams in the top flight over 13 encounters with seven wins, one draw and five defeats.
  • Juventus have not won at the Renzo Barbera since a 2-0 victory in February 2009, when Mohamed Sissoko and David Trezeguet were on the scoresheet.
  • Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Matri recently penned new five-year contracts with the Turin giants.
  • Conte's side have only conceded eight goals away from home this campaign during a stretch of 15 matches.
Prediction
Juventus record away this season has not been spectacular with six wins and nine draws, but the Sicilians may be too depleted in personnel this time around to cause a roadbump in the Bianconeri's Scudetto challenge.
Editor's Prediction
Palermo 1-2 Juventus

La Liga Opta Facts - April 7th -April 9th


Getafe - Sporting
Getafe have lost their last two league meetings with Sporting.
The Madrid side have never lost at home to Sporting in LigaBBVA (W2 D1).
Only once before have Sporting won two away games in Madrid in the same season in Primera: Atlético and Rayo in 1979/80.
A win over Sporting would put the azulones level with their best league winning streak of the campaign at home (three).
Clemente's men are yet to keep a clean sheet on the road in LigaBBVA this season (15 games).
Getafe's last three league goals at home have come in the first half: prior to this they had scored just three at home in the first half all season.
Getafe have scored the joint-fewest goals in the opening 15 minutes of games in the Spanish top-flight this season (2).
The Asturians have conceded the most goals on the road in the league this season: 37, an average of 2.47 per game.
Despite managing just one win in 12 games, Sporting have scored in their last eight league games, their best run in the top-flight since November 1992.
Javier Clemente has won just 12.5% of his games in charge of Sporting, his lowest win % as a manager at any club in the Spanish top flight.

Rayo Vallecano - Osasuna
Rayo have won just one of their last five top-flight meetings with Osasuna (D2 L2).
Osasuna have only won on one of six visits to Vallecas in Primera (D1 L4).
The last two top-flight clashes between Rayo and Osasuna ended goalless (May 2003 and November 2011).
The Madrid side have drawn none of their last 14 league games at home (W6 L8).
The rojillos have won back-to-back league games on the road for the first time this season: they haven't won three in a row on the road since May 2006.
Osasuna have drawn the most games away from home in LigaBBVA this season (eight).
Rayo have lost the most games at home in La Liga this season (eight).
Rayo's last six league goals at home have come in the second half of games.
Osasuna's last eight league goals away from home have been scored by different players.
The rojillos are without a win in their last nine top-flight meetings with sides from Madrid (D4 L5).

Espanyol - Real Sociedad
Espanyol have lost just one of their last nine meetings with Real Sociedad in La Liga (W5 D3).
The Catalonians are unbeaten in five at home against Real Sociedad in Primera (W3 D2).
The txuri-urdin have conceded at least one goal in their last eight visits to Espanyol in the top-flight.
Espanyol are on a run of 17 games without defeat at home to sides from the Basque country in La Liga (W12 D5), winning the last nine.
The periquitos have scored in all but one of their last 21 matches at home to Basque sides in Primera, except a 0-0 with Alavés in March 2006.
Espanyol have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last five league games at home, their worst run in the league this season.
Real Sociedad have lost their last five league games on the road, their joint-worst run this season.
The donostiarras have conceded the most goals in the first 15 minutes of La Liga games this season (10).
Only Athletic Bilbao have used fewer players than Real Sociedad in LigaBBVA this season (23).

Real Madrid - Valencia
The blancos have won their last five league meetings with Valencia, averaging 3.2 goals per game.
Unai Emery's men have failed to score in their last three league visits to the Bernabéu, and only Espanyol (61) have lost more games at Real Madrid (58) in Primera.
The only three matches Real Madrid failed to win at home last season in La Liga were all in April: Barcelona (D), Sporting (L) and Zaragoza (L).
José Mourinho's men are unbeaten in 15 consecutive LigaBBVA games (W13 D2). The club record is 31 (to 88/89).
Valencia head to Madrid on a run of three league games without a win (D1 L2), taking just 10 of a possible 27 points available from their last nine on the road.
One goal per game to the end of the season would be enough for Real Madrid to set a new record for most goals in a season in Primera (current record is 107 from 89/90).
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals (37) than more than half (11) of the teams in Primera this season, and is just three off his record-setting 40 from 11/12.
Roberto Soldado has scored three goals in three matches against Real Madrid for Valencia in La Liga.
Clós Gómez was in charge of Valencia's last league win at the Bernabéu: 3-2 in 2007/08.
If the league had started on January 1st, Valencia would be 17th.

Málaga - Racing
Since their refoundation, Málaga have won 10 of their 19 top-flight meetings with Racing (D4 L5).
The blanquiazules have won their last four league meetings with Racing, three of them away from home, averaging three goals per game.
Last time out, Betis ended Málaga's best league run of the season so far (six games unbeaten).
The Andalucians have lost only three of their last 15 league games at the Rosaleda (W10 D2), and are the 3rd-best side at home in La Liga this season (32 pts from 45).
Racing have only won six of their last 42 league games on the road (D14 L22), and have the fewest away wins in La Liga this season (one).
The verdiblancos have drawn six of their last seven league matches in Andalusía (L1).
Just four of the 22 sides to have taken 47 points (assuming 3pts/win) after 30 games in Primera previously finished in the top four.
Salomón Rondón is Málaga's top goalscorer in the league since their last promotion (23 goals), with six more than his nearest rival (Duda 17).

Real Zaragoza - Barcelona
Zaragoza have lost their last seven league games against Barcelona, conceding an average of 3.29 goals per game.
The maños have scored in 10 of their last 11 top-flight games at home to Catalonian sides (except for 0-2 vs Barcelona in October 2010).
Guardiola's side have won their last four league games on the road, they had won just four of 11 before this this season.
Barcelona have scored exactly two goals in each of their last five league away games.
Barcelona have won their last eight league games: they had not won more than three in a row before this this season.
Zaragoza are unbeaten in three league games at home (W2 D1), avoiding defeat in this match would make it four without defeat for the first time this season.
The maños' last four league goals at home have come in the 85th minute or later.
Messi has scored five goals in Barcelona's last four league games on the road: he had scored just four in 11 this season before this.
Real Zaragoza have picked up the most points thanks to goals scored in the 90th minute or later in La Liga matches this season (9).

Real Betis - Villarreal
Betis are without a win in their last four matches against Villarreal in the top-flight (D1 L3).
The béticos are without a win in their last four at home to Villarreal in Primera (D2 L2).
Villarreal have scored in all nine of their top-flight visits to Betis.
Pepe Mel's side are without a win in four league games at home (D3 L1), their joint-poorest run this season.
The Yellow Submarine have not won back-to-back away games in the top flight since September 2010.
Villarreal have only scored in six of their 15 league games on the road this season.
Villarreal are, along with Málaga, the only side yet to score in the first 15 minutes of an away match in La Liga this season.
At home, the side from Seville have conceded the most goals in the last 15 minutes of La Liga games this season (8).
The "Yellow Submarine" have dropped the most points thanks to goals conceded in the last 15 minutes of LigaBBVA matches this season (9).
Villarreal have conceded an average of 0.33 goals per game with Lotina on the bench in La Liga, compared to 1.43 under Garrido and 1.63 under Molina.

Mallorca - Granada
Mallorca have won just one of their five top-flight meetings with Granada (1-0 in March 1961).
The Baleares have scored eight goals against Granada in Primera and conceded 13.
Granada hold the record for most goals scored at Mallorca in the history of La Liga: 6-4 in 69/70.
Caparrós' side have lost just one of their last five league matches at home, against Barcelona (W3 D1).
Granada are, along with Betis, the only side yet to draw away from home in the league this season.
The Andalucians have drawn none of their last 16 league games (W6 L10).
Mallorca have scored the fewest goals in the last 15 minutes of LigaBBVA matches this season (3).
Mallorca have lost the most games at home after scoring the opening goal in La Liga this season (3).
The bermellones have conceded in their last seven league games, two short of their worst run this season (9).

Athletic Bilbao - Sevilla
Athletic have won their last two league meetings with Sevilla.
Sevilla have conceded the fewest goals in the second half of league matches away from home this season (5).
Athletic and Sevilla have drawn none of their last 10 league matches at San Mamés (four home wins, four defeats).
Bielsa's side have failed to win their last two league games at home, something that has not happened since December.
The hispalenses are on a run of three straight league wins for the first time within a season since November 2009.
Sevilla have won two consecutive away games within a single season in the league for the first time since September 2010.
Athletic have only won half of their games (6/12) after opening the scoring at home in the league this season.
Just one of the last eight goals scored by Bielsa's side in the league has come in the first half: Susaeta vs Real Sociedad.
Manu del Moral has scored in three straight games in Primera for the third time in his career.
Manu del Moral has scored four of Sevilla's last five league goals on the road.

Levante - Atlético
Levante have won just one of their last eight top-flight matches against Atlético (D1 L6).
Levante have won all three top-flight games in which they have scored at home to Atlético.
This is the first time ever that Levante have managed 45 points after 30 top-flight games, seven more than their previous best (last season).
The colchoneros are without an away win in their last five LigaBBVA matches (D3 L2).
Atlético are, along with Real Sociedad, the side who have picked up the fewest points after conceding first in LigaBBVA this season.
No side has conceded a higher % of their goals in the second half of LigaBBVA games this season than Atlético (69%).
Levante are, along with Rayo, the only LigaBBVA side yet to drop a point in the last 15 minutes of matches this season.
Simeone's men are the only side yet to pick up a point in the last 15 minutes of LigaBBVA matches this season.
Atlético's midfielders have scored just 12% of their goals this season, the lowest proportion in La Liga.
Falcao has scored in five of his side's last six league games, his best run this season.

07.-09. 04.2012.IVAN OBRADOVIĆ (SARAGOSA, ŠPANIJA 1) PREŽALIO SANTANDER

HETAFE – HIHON 1 – U prošlom kolu smo pobedili Hihon. Gosti su u lošoj formi, pa Hetafe ne bi trebalo da ima težak zadatak.
RAJO VALJEKANO – OSASUNA X2 – Tim iz predgrađa Madrida je zaređao sa porazima, što bi Osasuna mogla da iskoristi. Navijam za Dejana Lekića.
ESPANJOL – SOSIJEDAD X – Radi se o izjednačenim ekipama, tako da je remi najizvesniji.
BETIS – VILJAREAL 1 – Obema ekipama su bodovi neophodni u borbi za opstanak. Mislim da je samopouzdanje Betisa veće posle iznenađujuće pobede u Malagi.
MAJORKA – GRANADA 1 – Mislim da je Majorka favorit jer igra na svom terenu.

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 16:00 Chelsea FC vs Wigan Athletic

EPL : Florent Malouda; Emmerson Boyce, Chelsea v Wigan Athletic
Getty Images


PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA

Cech
Ferreira, Luiz, Cahill, Cole
Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Sturridge, Torres, Mata
WIGAN ATHLETIC

Al-HabsiAlcaraz, Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa
McCarthy, Diame, McArthur, Beausejour
Moses
Di Santo

Skipper John Terry has insisted his willingness to play through the pain of a cracked rib but Roberto Di Matteo may choose to rest him for the game against the Latics.

John Obi Mikel is expected to complete a midfield trio alongside Frank Lampard and Ramires after a string of impressive performances in recent weeks from the Nigerian.

The Latics recall Mohamed Diame for the first time in three matches, as the combative midfielder has recovered from a groin problem.

Victor Moses may be given license to roam after his strike against Stoke City last week, with former Blues striker Franco Di Santo expected to lead the line in the absence of the injured Hugo Rodallega.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Chelsea have won five of the last seven meetings between the sides.
  • Frank Lampard (pictured) needs one goal to reach 150 Premier League strikes (West Ham 24, Chelsea 125).
  • Chelsea defeated the Latics 8-0 in the same fixture in 2010 - the very day they last lifted the Premier League trophy.
  • Wigan have lost just one of their last eight matches - 2-0 defeat to Swansea.
  • The Latics are chasing three consecutive wins for the first time since November 2005.
  • Striker Franco Di Santo is likely to feature against his old club, although he has only managed four goals this season.
  • The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in December, when Jordi Gomez struck two minutes from time to cancel out Daniel Sturridge's opener.
Prediction
Wigan have been in great form of late, with back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Stoke giving them renewed hope of survival this season despite a fearsome fixture run-in. However, they face a Chelsea side who likewise have lost just once in eight matches and will be full of confidence after booking their place in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.
History is against the Latics in this one, and even with the hosts' defensive concerns, it's hard to imagine the visitors grabbing a surprise result. This is often a high-scoring affair and I expect the same here on Saturday, though the Blues should ultimately come out on top.
Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 4-2 Wigan Athletic

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 16:00 Liverpool - Aston Villa

EPL: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool v Wigan Athletic
Getty

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Liverpool

Doni
Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique
Henderson, Gerrard, Downing
Kuyt, Carroll, Suarez
Aston Villa

Given
Hutton, Lichaj, Collins, Warnock
Gardner, Ireland, Bannan
Albrighton, Heskey, Agbonlahor


Former Roma man Alexander Doni is likely to get the nod over Brad Jones in goal for the Reds with Jose Reina serving the first game of his three game ban following his dismissal against Newcastle United last weekend.

This is unlikely to be the last of the changes with Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing likely to drop to the bench in favour of Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing. Dirk Kuyt could also get a chance to impress in place of Craig Bellamy

Defenders Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger might make the bench with the possibility of starting their upcoming midweek Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers.

The visitors could make a couple of changes from the side that lost 4-2 at home to Chelsea. Marc Albrighton impressed coming off the bench and may well get a start. Emile Heskey could also get a start against his former club as Villa look for a more experience away from home.

Alan Hutton could recover from injury in time to start the match. Elsewhere a number of key players remain sidelined including Richard Dunne (fractured collarbone), Darren Bent (ankle ligaments) and Ciaran Clark (knee).

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Liverpool have only managed to win just two of their last 11 Premier League matches: 3-0 wins against both Wolves and Everton.
  • The Reds' top league goalscorer is their Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, (pictured right), with seven goals. 
  • Liverpool have struggled to win their home matches in the league so far this season, managing just five wins from 15 matches.
  • Kenny Dalglish’s side took all three points from the reverse fixture earlier in the season. A goal apiece from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel saw the Reds secure a 2-0 victory on December 18.
  • Villa have only won once in their last nine visits to Anfield in the Premier League, a 3-1 win in the 2009/10 campaign.
  • Alex McLeish’s side have scored just four times in the last six league matches, the lowest of all the sides in the Premier League.
  • The Villans have won just one of their last eight Premier League games, leaving them just five points above the relegation zone.
  • Aston Villa's last away win came back in January 21st when they beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux.
Prediction
A lot could depend on how Doni reacts in his league debut. The Reds have struggled to get wins at Anfield and Villa will be keen to get something from the game to avoid getting dragged into a relegation scrap. Liverpool lost their last home league game 2-1 to Wigan and could well end up dropping more points.
Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 15:30 Bayern Munchen - Augsburg

Bundesliga: FC Augsburg - FC Bayern München, Mario Gomez, Thomas Müller, Franck Ribery
Getty Images


PROBABLE LINEUPS


BAYERN MUNICH



Neuer
Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Alaba

Tymoshchuk, Schweinsteiger
Robben, Muller, Ribery

Gomez



AUGSBURG


Jentzsch
Verhaegh, Sankoh, Langkamp, Ostrzolek
 Baier, Hosogai
Ndjeng, Koo, Bellinghausen
Rafael
 

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes will welcome Bastian Schweinsteiger back into his starting XI after the midfielder missed out on the 2-0 win against Marseille in midweek. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is tipped to partner the vice-captain in defensive midfield as Luiz Gustavo is banned for accumulated bookings.

However, the trainer could opt to use Toni Kroos in a holding role as well. Aside from Gustavo, Bayern will be without long-term casualty Daniel van Buyten, as well as Breno, who is not expected to play another game for the Munich side.

Augsburg are expected to use the same line-up as in last week's 2-1 win over Koln, with Nando Rafael retaining his spot in the centre of attack. Torsten Oehrl remains sidelined with a muscular injury, and will join Marcel de Jong, Dawda Bah and Akaki Gogia in the stands.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Bayern Munich have won eight consecutive games (including their DFB-Pokal semi-final penalty shoot-out victory), scoring 27 goals and conceding just twice in the process.
  • The German record champions have the Bundesliga's best record on home soil, having earned 36 points at the Allianz Arena.
  • In his last seven appearances in all competitions, Arjen Robben has scored nine goals and assisted five more.
  • Augsburg have climbed out of the relegation zone in recent weeks, having gone undefeated in six games with three wins during their run of form.
  • FCA are in their best-ever position in the Bundesliga, four points clear of the relegation zone.
  • Both of Saturday's Bavarian contestants were last defeated by Leverkusen.
Prediction
Bayern are hammering just about every opponent they face these days, especially at home. FCA have proven in the past that they are capable of a fight, and will be motivated to prove their worthiness of a second consecutive season in the German top flight. But they will have to scrap for points another day.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern 3-0 FC Augsburg

| by

0

07.04. (Sat) 15:30 Wolfsburg - Borussia D.

German Bundesliga: Hertha BSC - VfL Wolfsburg, Mario Mandzukic, Patrick Helmes
Bongarts


PROBABLE LINEUPS

WOLFSBURG



Benaglio
Trasch, Russ, Felipe Lopes, Rodriguez

Dejagah, Josue, Polak, Schafer
Helmes, Mandzukic



DORTMUND


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

Wolfsburg are expected to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Hertha Berlin 4-1 in the German capital last week, with Josue retaining his place above Petr Jiracek, and Patrick Helmes starting up front alongside Mario Mandzukic.

Chris and Bjarne Thoelke will be missing at the back due to a thigh and tendon problems respectively, while Thomas Hitzlsperger and Slobodan Medojevic remain sidelined.

Jurgen Klopp is set to make one change from the team that drew 4-4 with Stuttgart last Friday. After another good performance, Ilkay Gundogan should retain his place in midfield ahead of Sebastian Kehl, who will make way for Sven Bender, who is back to full fitness.

Meanwhile, Mario Gotze is expected to make his long-awaited comeback this week-end, but only for the club's reserve ranks, and will accordingly miss the Wolfsburg clash. Felipe Santana remains sidelined, as does Julian Koch, who returned to training this week for the first time in over a year.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Wolfsburg have won all of their last four league games, scoring 12 goals in the process.
  • However, Felix Magath's side have kept just six clean sheets in their 28 Bundesliga matches this season.
  • Patrick Helmes has scored six goals in his last six games.
  • Borussia Dortmund are currently in the midst of a 22-game unbeaten run in the league - the longest in the club's history.
  • Shinji Kagawa (right) has scored nine goals in his last 11 matches.
  • Jurgen Klopp's side picked up a 5-1 victory over Wolfsburg on Matchday 12.
Prediction
When push comes to shove, Borussia Dortmund have not failed to deliver in the Bundesliga this season. Klopp's men will be well-aware that they cannot afford any more slip-ups this season, and with Bayern Munich breathing down their necks, I'd expect them to perform and come out on top.
Editor's Prediction
Wolfsburg 1-2 Dortmund