Monday, February 4, 2013

Tipovi prvih utakmica top 6 odbojkaške lige šampiona u obe konkurencije

MUŠKARCI
KEĐERŽIN (Polj) - ARKAS (Tur) 1(h) - Turski Arkas je napravio veliko iznenađenje u prošlom kolu izbacivši vicešampiona Evrope, Belhatov i to pobedom u gostima. Keđeržin je trenutno najbolja ekipa Poljske i u naletu posle osvojenog Kupa. Turci imaju odlične strance: Perina, Hansena i Pereiru, ali Poljaci su jači kao kolektiv, uz to igraju na svom terenu, pa savetujemo kec u hendikepu.

ŽENE
BUSTO ARSIZIO (Ita) - AZERAI BAKU (Aze) 2 - Klubovi iz Azerbejdžana sa ogromnim buXetima dominirali su u dosadašnjem delu takmičenja. Iako Busto Arsizio ima domaći teren, prednost dajemo „legiji stranaca” iz Bakua.
DINAMO K. (Rus) - RABITA BAKU (Aze) 2 - Rabita je jedan od favorita za osvajanje Lige šampiona. Imena Žukove, Rabadžijeve, naše Starović sigurno lede krv u žilama protivnica. Neće biti lako u Kazanju, ali tim iz Bakua ima jasan cilj - osvajanje Evrope. Na tom putu teško može da se odupre Dinamo.
Saturday, February 2, 2013

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03.02. (Sun) 20:45 Milan - Udinese

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

AC MILAN
Abbiati
Abate, Bonera, Zapata, Constant
Flamini, Montolivo, Boateng
Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy

UDINESE
Padelli
Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi, Pasquale
Basta, Pinzi, Allan, Lazzari
Muriel
Di Natale

Regardless of the result on Sunday, in years to come the last seven days will always be remembered for the signing of Mario Balotelli.

The arrival of the former Inter man was a timely and symbolic reminder that AC Milan still have the ambition and allure to attract players of the highest quality to San Siro, at a time when many supporters feared quite the opposite.

Balotelli is likely to start on the bench for the Rossoneri, which means Giampaolo Pazzini will be handed the opportunity to continue his run of three goals in his last three Serie A appearances.

Udinese welcome back Mehdi Benatia from AFCON duty, with the defender set to go straight into the starting XI, while Luis Muriel should partner Antonio Di Natale upfront.

DID YOU KNOW?

AC Milan have won six of their last seven league games at San Siro.

The Rossoneri splashed out a reported €22 million on Mario Balotelli on Tuesday as they bid to continue their rise up the Serie A table.

Massimiliano Allegri's side go into the game sat in fifth spot in the league table and only three points adrift of arch-rivals Inter.

Udinese finished third last season but have been inconsistent this term and sit in ninth place ahead of Sunday's trip to San Siro.

Antonio Di Natale now has 14 goals for the campaign at the grand age of 35-years-old.
The Zebrette were 2-1 winners in the first meeting between the two sides back in September.

Prediction
Buoyed by the signing of Mario Balotelli and riding high on the back of six wins in their last seven home games, AC Milan should have enough to run out winners at San Siro on Sunday.
Editor's Prediction
Milan 2-0 Udinese

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03.02. (Sun) 19:30 Burkina Faso - Togo

PROBABLE LINEUPS

TOGO
Agassa
Bossou, Nibombe, Akakpo, Mamah
Djene, Amewou, Wome, Ayite
Adebayo, Gakpe

BURKINA FASO
Soulama
Kone, Koulibally, Pananteguirui, K Sanou
Kabore, D. Kone, Pitroipa,
Bance, Dagano

The Hawks of Togo will battle it out with the Stallions of Burkina Faso at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit as both countries eye a semi-final berth in the ongoing 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

These two west African countries have laboured in the history of the tournament with Burkina Faso's best being their fourth-place finish on home soil in 1998 and they held the country with the longest run in the tournament (17 games) without a win until they broke that jinx against Ethiopia with an emphatic 4-0 win.

Togo on the other hand are in the quarter-final of the tournament for the first time in seven appearances and this crunch encounter promises nothing than fireworks.

This is the first time they are locking horns in the history of the tournament despite the fact that they were billed to face each other in Group B of the 2010 edition in Angola, but the Togolese withdrew after gunmen attacked their team bus in Cabinda on the outskirts of Angola which saw some of their players losing their lives.

As far as this tournament is concerned, both countries have served fans and spectators with delightful attacking football laced with quick counter-attack, however, the side which will prove resolute at the back will have the urge. Burkina who have conceded just one goal look very solid in defence with the likes of Olympique Lyonnais centre-back Bakary Kone, Saidou Panantedegurui, Paul Koulibally and Mohammed Koffi.

They are yet to face a team with a well drilled attacking force like Togo. The men between the sticks will be very crucial in the game with Togo's shot-stopper Kossi Agassa who is arguably the best in the tournament and his opposite number Soulama Abdoulaye who was superb in the first game against Nigeria until he slipped in the game against Ethiopia. Serge Gakpe, Dove Wome, Jonathan Ayite and skipper Adebayor will be the key men to lead the Hawks to fly high whilst the presence of Jonathan Pitroipa, Charles Kabore, Kone and Djakaridja Kone will be very crucial if the Stallions are to make it to the semis for the second time in their history.

DID YOU KNOW?
Togo have not lost to Burkina Faso in their last four games dating back to 1999.

The all-time games record between them are as follows: played 19, Togo won nine, drew six, lost four, Burkina won four, draw six, lost nine.

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put was banned three years in Belgium by the FA for his involvement in the Ye-Zheyun match fixing scandal.

The nickname Les Etalons, which means “The Stallions” of the Burkinabe team is in reference to the legendary horse of Princess Yennega.

Three of the first 11 players of the Togolese national team are either from different countries or of mixed race (Alexys Romao - Brazilian Togolese. Emmanuel Adebayor -Nigerian, Jonathan Ayite - Ghanaian Togolese).
The last time both countries met was in a friendly in 2012 where Togo won 3-0 at the Stade Municipal.

Prediction
This crunch game will witness a lot of physical attack. Both goalkeepers will have a lot to do which includes organising their backlines. A one all draw is the likely results after 120 minutes of football of which the game will be decided by the lottery of penalties.
Editor's Prediction
Burkina Faso 1-1 Togo

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03.02. (Sun) 19:00 Valencia - Barcelona

PROBABLE LINEUPS

VALENCIA
Alves
Pereira, Rami, Ruiz, Cissokho
Albelda, T Costa
Piatti, Banega, Guardado
Soldado

BARCELONA
Valdes
Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba
Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas
Pedro, Messi, Villa

Valencia forward Roberto Soldado has returned to training following a thigh injury and could start Sunday’s encounter against Barcelona at Mestalla.
However, Dani Parejo (hand) and Jonas (thigh) are unlikely to feature, while Nelson Valdez (calf) is a minor doubt.

Left-back Jeremy Mathieu has recovered from his ankle injury but will not be involved, while winger Sofiane Feghouli has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and may start on the bench.

Barcelona welcome back Gerard Pique after he missed last weekend’s 5-1 win over Osasuna through suspension.

Striker Isaac Cuenca will play no part after he was loaned out to Ajax on transfer deadline day.

DID YOU KNOW?

Valencia have won four of their last five Liga matches.

Los Che have lost their last three encounters against Barcelona by an aggregate score of 8-1.

Valencia’s last home win over Barca was a 3-2 success in the Copa del Rey in March 2008.

Barcelona have won just two of their last five games in all competitions.

With 71 goals scored in their 21 Liga matches, the Catalans possess the most potent attack in La Liga.

Lionel Messi has scored in a record 11 consecutive Liga games.

Prediction
Barcelona played well against Real Madrid on Wednesday and will be in confident mood heading into the weekend. Valencia did well to beat Deportivo La Coruna after an erratic defensive display in the 5-0 hammering at the hands of Real, but they are weakened by the absence of some key personnel.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Barcelona

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03.02. (Sun) 17:30 Bayer Leverkusen - Borussia D.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LEVERKUSEN
Leno
Carvajal, Wollscheid, Toprak, Boenisch
Bender, Reinartz, Rolfes
Castro, Kiessling, Schurrle

DORTMUND
Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Santana, Hummels, Schmelzer
Gundogan, Kehl
Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus
Lewandowski

Both teams come into this fixture with a minimum of injuries. For Leverkusen, the only notable absence is young attacker Karim Bellarabi.

Sebastian Boenisch is expected to continue on the left-hand side of defence ahead of Michal Kadlec.

Meanwhile, Felipe Santana will deputise for Neven Subotic at the heart of the Dortmund defence once again, as the Serbian continues his road back to full fitness from a hamstring injury.

Patrick Owomoyela remains sidelined. Nuri Sahin will have to continue his wait for a first Bundesliga start since returning to the club, while Sven Bender will also start on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Leverkusen are currently unbeaten at home in the Bundesliga this season, and have won their last five BayArena clashes.

What's more, they have only lost two of their last 16 games. Ominously, these both came on a Sunday afternoon.

Werkself midfielder Lars Bender could face his twin brother Sven in the centre of the park on Sunday. The Leverkusen man has never beaten his sibling.

Dortmund have only lost one of their last 11 games against Leverkusen - a 2-0 home reverse on the opening day of the 2010-11 season.

Robert Lewandowski has scored 12 Bundesliga goals this season. Only Stefan Kiessling, his opposite number on Sunday, has scored more.

Jakub 'Kuba' Blaszczykowski has provided eight assists this season, his personal best-ever tally.

Prediction
These two teams are certainly capable of providing one thing-goals. Both have been in exceptional form of late, and led by Kiessling and Lewandowski, have provided some extraordinarily exciting matches. Dortmund probably possess more quality, but Leverkusen's strong home record could deny them another victory.
Editor's Prediction
Leverkusen 2-2 Dortmund

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03.02. (Sun) 17:00 Manchester City - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER CITY
Hart
Zabaleta, Nastasic, Lescott, Clichy
Barry, Garcia
Milner, Silva, Aguero
Dzeko

LIVERPOOL
Reina
Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson
Henderson, Lucas
Suarez, Gerrard, Sterling
Sturridge

The game is likely to have come too soon for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (calf), while the same can be said about Micah Richards (knee) who is edging closer to a return.

Brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure remain on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast, meaning Roberto Mancini is unlikely to make too many changes.

Phillip Coutinho could feature from the bench on Sunday after completing his switch from Inter whilst Jose Reina (hip) is set to continue in goal after returning against Arsenal in midweek.

Andre Wisdom will probably continue at right-back despite the probable return of Jose Enrique, with Glen Johnson filling in at left-back despite his battles with a hamstring strain.

Martin Kelly (knee) is a long-term absentee, and is only expected back at the end of March.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester City have won two and lost just one of their last eight Premier League meetings with Liverpool, with five of those ending in a draw.
City have kept six clean sheets in succession in all competitions for the first time since August 1999.

Mancini's side are five points and 18 goals worse off than they were at this point last season.

Edin Dzeko is 5/1 to score the first goal in the game with bet365.
Luis Suarez is integral to Liverpool's goal output - he has 22 in all competitions, and his nearest team-mate is Steven Gerrard with just six.
Liverpool are the most accurate long passers in the Premier League this season (69%).

Steven Gerrard is the only midfielder or striker to play every minute of every Premier League game this season.

Liverpool have scored in their last 11 Premier League games, only Man Utd (12) are on a longer current run.

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03.02. (Sun) 16:00 Ivory Coast - Nigeria

PROBABLE LINEUPS

NIGERIA
Enyeama
Ambrose, Oboabona, Omeruo, Elderson
Igiebor, Mikel, Nankwo
Musa, Emenike, Moses

COTE D'IVOIRE
Barry
Eboue, Bamba, K. Toure, Tiene
Ya Konan, Y. Toure, Zokora
Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho

Without doubt, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are the underdogs in this Africa Cup of Nations encounter and the manner of qualification from Group C showed why they are considered so. On the other hand, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire are the overwhelming favourites and showed how strong they are by making nine changes in their last group match against Algeria on Wednesday.

And to further underline their readiness to win this title at last, they came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Algeria, so with all this in mind it is clear that the Eagles will have a tough task on Sunday. But that is the beauty of football – though Didier Drogba and his team are favourites, they must still prove it over 90 minutes or beyond on Sunday in Rustenburg.

The all-time head to head record is in Cote d’Ivoire’s favour with five wins against four for Nigeria and in the Afcon history, they have played five times with two wins each but the Ivorians have had the better in the recent past with two 1-0 victories in 2006 and 2008.

Sunday is another day, however, and the Eagles need to raise their game to match and fight the Elephants for a semi-final place.

The Ivorians will be pinning their transition in attack on Gervinho, as he has been in fine form for the Elephants, scoring two goals in two matches. There is also the powerhouse, Yaya Toure, who will most likely win the midfield battle against the Eagles.

But the Elephants have a dubious central defensive pairing of Soulemanye Bamba and Kolo Toure or Didier Zokora, and a slightly above average goalkeeper in Boubacar Barry. So the only chink in Cote d'Ivoire’s armour is targeting the middle of their defence, but will the Nigerians get that far in order to exploit this weakness?

It can be done but the players must completely buy into the concept that they will have to defend for 90 minutes and must be very disciplined in marking the spaces that Salomon Kalou and Gervinho will be looking to exploit. The Ivorians also have an inexperienced coach in Sabri Lamouchi – so if there is a hiccup to the favoured scenario, he could panic.

So it is defence into attack, using the classic grab and run format because man for man, Nigeria cannot withstand the Elephants.

Fegor Ogude will be absent, which is a body blow to the Eagles as he would have relished the battle with Yaya Toure, Didier Zokora and Ya Konan, who are expected to be the midfield trident for Cote d’Ivoire, but Mikel has been cleared for the match by Caf.

The last time both teams met at the Nations Cup in 2008, Salomon Kalou scored the only goal of that encounter. The Elephants, who are favourites for the title, will be hoping to re-enact that score line. This time the score line could be a mirror image of what has happened recently between both teams.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nigeria has won the Nations Cup twice while Cote d’Ivoire have won it once.

Didier Drogba has scored 60 goals for Cote d'Ivoire.

Joseph Yobo has now been capped by Nigeria 90 times.

Didier Zokora (pictured) is the most capped Elephant with 109 caps.

Nigeria will be hoping to make it a 10th semi-final appearance in 17 outings.

Cote d’Ivoire is the first national team coaching job for 44-year old Sabri Lamouchi.

Prediction
The Elephants are going into this encounter as overwhelming favourites with their array of experienced stars. It has always been a close game between both sides and this one will not be different even though the Nigerians are playing with a vastly young team. Expect the Ivorians to edge this one.
Editor's Prediction
Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 Nigeria

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03.02. (Sun) 15:00 Siena - Inter

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SIENA
Pegolo
Terlizzi, Paci, Felipe
Angelo, Vergassola, Della Rocca, Rubin
Rossina, Reginaldo
Bogdani

INTER
Handanovic
Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Chivu
Schelotto, Gargano, Cambiasso, Nagatomo
Guarin
Cassano, Palacio

Siena have few injury worries to contend with, as striker Nicola Pozzi (muscle strain) is the only player out of action for this weekend's clash at the Artemio Franchi.

Bianconeri centre-back Neto looks set to move to Zenit St Petersburg, so new signing Christian Terlizzi is likely to be preferred in defence. Head coach Giuseppe Iachini will be without midfielder Francesco Valiani due to suspension.

Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has a far lengthier injury list, however, and is without Luca Castellazzi (shoulder), Walter Samuel (Achilles), Dejan Stankovic and Gaby Mundingayi (Achilles).

New signing Ezequiel Schelotto should be fit enough to slot straight into first-team action at right midfield. Antonio Cassano will be paired with Rodrigo Palacio up front for the Nerazzurri, with top goalscorer this season Diego Milito (knee) still not fully fit to start.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter have only won one of their last seven matches in all competitions. The last time Stramaccioni's men won away from home in the league was November 3, at Juventus Stadium.

Antonio Cassano has seven assists in Serie A this campaign, leaving him fourth overall behind Marek Hamsik, Francesco Totti and Borja Valero.

The Nerazzurri are currently top of the fair play table, with 45 yellows and two red cards in their 22 games to date. They topped last year's table, too.
Siena won the last clash 2-0 against the Milan-based side at San Siro - Simone Vergassolo and Valiani were the goalscorers in that unexpected triumph.

Iachini's team have won just the one game in their last five matches, which came against Sampdoria; their other eight Serie A games ended in defeat.

Inter sit fourth in the division on 40 points, while the Bianconeri are rooted to the bottom of the league with just 14 points.

Prediction
Inter have not been in good form and have struggled to turn draws into wins. However, against the team which are rooted to the foot of Serie A, the Nerazzurri should have a fair amount of joy, especially with the attackers at their disposal and potentially new signings out to make an impression.
Editor's Prediction
Siena 0-3 Inter

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03.02. (Sun) 14:30 West Brom - Tottenham

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WEST BROM
Foster
Jones, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell
Dorrans, Mulumbu, Brunt, Thomas
Morrison
Lukaku

TOTTENHAM
Lloris
Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto
Dembele, Parker
Lennon, Holtby, Bale
Defoe

Steve Clarke has no fresh injury problems and should be able to call on midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu after his nation DR Congo were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations. Liam Ridgewell may also return at the back in place of Goran Popov

Elsewhere Shane Long is pushing for a start after his goal against Everton, but Romelu Lukaku's form makes him a hard man to drop, with Marc-Antoine Fortune, Steven Reid and Claudio Yacob all in contention.

After a bizarre transfer deadline day in which he travelled to QPR without permission, only to be refused entry to the ground, Peter Odemwingie remains a West Brom player so is available, but is unlikely to feature on Sunday.

Andre Villas-Boas, meanwhile, remains without Emmanuel Adebayor and after failing to sign another striker in the January window Jermain Defoe will carry on up front.

The Tottenham boss will have to make a decision, however, in midfield as Lewis Holtby was impressive off the bench against Norwich, but with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Clint Dempsey also vying for an attacking midfield role.

William Gallas returned to the substitutes bench for the draw with the Canaries and could be in with a chance of starting as well.

DID YOU KNOW?

West Brom have scored just 30.3% of their goals against top-ten teams, the third worst in the league behind Swansea and Liverpool.

Despite their impressive start to the campaign the Baggies are now without a win in their last seven games.
In just nine Premier League starts for the Midlands side, Romelu Lukaku has scored seven times and assisted one goal.

The Baggies are 10/1 to win 1-0 with bet365.

Tottenham's Moussa Dembele has the third-best pass completion rate of all Premier League midfielders - 91.77% of his attempted passed ending successfully - but has the best in the final third - completing 88%.
Spurs have now gone eight Premier League matches without defeat, however they have drawn half of those fixtures.

Following his goal against Norwich Gareth Bale has now netted 10 times in a Premier League season for the first time.

However, the Welshman has only managed one assist in the league compared with seven by the end of January 2012.

A late James Morrison equaliser rescued a point for Clarke's men in the return fixture between these two sides at White Hart Lane, Benoit Assou-Ekotto opening the scoring.

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03.02. (Sun) 12:30 Chievo Verona - Juventus

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHIEVO
Puggioni
Dainelli, Andreolli, Cesar
Vacek, Guana, Rigoni, Cofie, Jokic
Thereau, Paloschi

JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres
Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie
Quagliarella, Giovinco

The Bianconeri are still reeling from Sergio Floccari's last-gasp header which knocked them out of the Coppa Italia semi-final in midweek and they are aware that they cannot afford to drop any more points in the race for a second successive Scudetto title.

Antonio Conte has a lengthy list of absentees for the trip to Chievo. Mirko Vucinic picked up his fourth booking of the season in the 1-1 draw against Genoa, meaning that he is suspended. Conte himself and Leonardo Bonucci are also suspended for two games for dissent towards officials against Genoa, whilst Giorgio Chiellini is banned for one match. Claudio Marchisio is expected to be out of action for between seven and 10 days with a hip injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Lazio and Kwadwo Asamoah is away at the Africa Nations with Ghana.

However, there is good news for the Old Lady, as influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo has fully recovered from injury and he should start in the centre of midfield alongside Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. Fabio Quagliarella is expected to partner Sebastian Giovinco up front, with new signing Nicolas Anelka likely to start on the bench. Luca Marrone will be drafted into the heart of the Bianconeri defence.

Eugenio Corini has several injury worries of his own with Gennaro Sardo, Boukary Drame, Luciano and Sergio Pellissier all sidelined, whilst Mamadou Samassa is on international duty with Mali.

The 42-year-old coach is expected to name a similar side to the one which sprung an upset in the 1-0 victory over Lazio last week, but he is forced into one change with Kamil Vacek most likely to replace the injured Sardo. New signings Francesco Acerbi, Mario Sampirisi, Nikolaos Spyropoulos and Augustin Hauche are all pushing for starts but will most likely feature amongst the substitutes.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Bianconeri possess a strong record at the Stadio Bentegodi, slipping to just one defeat in nine encounters contested to date.

Chievo are undefeated in their last eight home matches in Serie A. The run stretches back to September 26 when they were defeated 2-0 by Inter.

David Trezeguet remains the only player to net a hat-trick in this fixture. His came during Juventus’ 4-1 win in 2002-03.

Juventus are undefeated in 18 of their last 19 matches against Chievo in all competitions.

Chievo coach Eugenio Corini made 64 first-team appearances for Juventus between 1990-1992, scoring four goals from midfield.

In the reverse fixture back in September, the Old Lady secured a 2-0 victory courtesy of a double from Fabio Quagliarella.

Prediction
The Stadio Bentegodi has become a fortress for the Gialloblu since Eugenio Corini took over from Domenico Di Carlo back in October, but I expect Juventus to bounce back from that last-gasp Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Lazio in midweek, to end Chievo's eight-match unbeaten streak at home in Serie A.
Editor's Prediction
Chievo 0-1 Juventus
Friday, February 1, 2013

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02.02. (Sat) 22:00 Granada - Real

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GRANADA
Roberto
Nyom, Lopez, Mainz, Siqueira
Iriney, M Rico
El-Arabi, Brahimi, Buonanotte
Ighalo

REAL MADRID
Lopez
Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao
Khedira, Alonso
Di Maria, Modric, Ronaldo
Benzema

New Granada boss Lucas Alcaraz could hand a debut to Diego Buonanotte in Saturday's Primera Division encounter against Real Madrid at Los Carmenes.

Youssef El-Arabi is available after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, but fellow striker Fabian Orellana has been loaned out to Celta Vigo.

Winger Dani Benitez is still sidelined with a hamstring injury while defender Pape Diakhate is suspended.

Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria all return for Madrid after the trio missed the 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Barcelona through suspension.

Iker Casillas (hand) and Pepe (ankle) remain out, while Mesut Ozil serves a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards.

DID YOU KNOW?

Granada have won just two of their last eight Liga matches (W2, D3, L3).

The Andalusian side have lost their last three encounters against Real Madrid by an aggregate score of 10-2.
Granada have scored just 18 goals in their 21 Liga matches this season.

Real Madrid have won just one of their last five away games in all competitions (W1, D2, L2).

With just 20 goals conceded this term, Los Blancos boast the second best defensive record in La Liga.

Alvaro Arbeloa played his 150th game for Madrid in the 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Barcelona.

Prediction
Real have been in desperate form away from home recently but they should comfortably beat Granada, who will be keen to improve their organisation and discipline in Alcaraz's first game in charge.
Editor's Prediction
Granada 0-2 Real Madrid

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Ligue 1 Opta facts Feb 1st - 3rd


Toulouse - Paris SG
Paris SG have won their last seven competitive games against Toulouse.
Paris SG have scored at least two goals in their last five league games against Toulouse.
PSG have only lost one of their last 12 away games in Ligue 1 (W8, D3, L1).
Toulouse have only lost one of their last six competitive games (W3, D2 ,L1).
Toulouse have only lost two of their 11 home games in the top-flight this season (W5, D4, L2)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in each of his eight away games for PSG in L1 this season (13 goals).
Salvatore Sirigu has not conceded a goal in Ligue 1 in his last 776 minutes of play.

Lorient - Rennes
Lorient have only won four of their 17 fixtures against Rennes in Ligue 1 (W4, D4, L9).
Lorient have only lost one of their 11 home league games this season (W6, D4, L1)
Rennes have won six of their last eight away games in the top-flight (W6, L2).
Enzo Reale is involved in four of Lorient's last seven goals in Ligue 1 (1 goal, 3 assists).
Romain Alessandrini is involved in six of Rennes' last seven league goals (3 goals, 3 assists).

Bastia - Evian TG
Evian TG have won their three games against promoted teams in Ligue 1 this season.
Bastia have won two of their last 18 away competitive games (W2, D5, L11).
Bastia have failed to score in 10 of their 22 league games this season, no other team have failed to score in more game.
Evian TG are winless in their last five games in the top-flight (D2, L3), their longest drought this season.
Jérôme Rothen is involved in four of Bastia's last seven goals in Ligue 1 (1 goal, 3 assists).

Bordeaux - Valenciennes
Valenciennes have lost 10 of their last 12 trips to Bordeaux in Ligue 1 (W1, D1, L10).
Valenciennes have scored one goal in each of their last six trip to Bordeaux in the top-flight.
Bordeaux are unbeaten in their last five league games against Valenciennes (W2, D3).
Bordeaux have failed to score in their last three home league games.
Valenciennes have only kept one clean sheet in their last 17 league games.
Henri Saivet has scored three of Bordeaux's last four goals in Ligue 1.

Brest - Nice
Nice have won their two competitive games against Brest this season (4-2 each time).
Nice have failed to score a goal in their four trips to Brest in Ligue 1 (D1, L3).
Brest have lost their last four home league games, their longest drought in the top-flight.
Nice have only lost one of their last five away games in Ligue 1 (W2, D2, L1).
Eden Ben Basat has scored four of Brest's last six goals in Ligue 1.
Valentin Eysseric has scored in both competitive games against Brest this season.

Lille - Troyes
Lille are unbeaten in their last three encounters against Troyes in Ligue 1 (W1, D2).
Lille have only lost once in their last 30 league games against promoted clubs (W22, D7).
Lille have failed to score in five of their last 10 Ligue 1 games.
Troyes have failed to win any of their last 20 away games in Ligue 1 (D5, L15).
Dimitri Payet is involved in 10 of Lille's last 14 goals in Ligue 1 (5 goals, 5 assists).
Only two of Troyes' last 11 league goals have not been scored or assisted by Fabien Camus or Stéphane Darbion.

Sochaux - St Etienne
St Etienne have lost 11 of their last 13 trips to Sochaux in Ligue 1.
Sochaux have won their two home league games played in 2013.
St Etienne have not conceded a goal in their last 467 minutes of play (incl. all competitions).
St Etienne have only lost one of their last nine away games in Ligue 1 (W3, D5, L1)
Romain Hamouma has scored four goals in his last five competitive games against Sochaux.

Ajaccio - Lyon
Ajaccio have lost 14 of their 23 games against Lyon, more than against any other top-flight team.
Four of Lyon's last five away league games in Corsica have ended in a draw.
Ajaccio have only won twice in their last 15 away games in Ligue 1 (D7, L6).
Lyon have won four of their last five away games in Ligue 1.
61% of Ajaccio's goals in L1 have been scored in the 1st half (14 on 23), highest ratio this season.
Adrian Mutu has scored in his last three home games in Ligue 1.

Montpellier - Reims
Reims have never won a competitive game in Montpellier (D4, L3).
Montpellier are unbeaten in their last seven home games in L1 (W6, D1).
Reims have failed to win any of their last 30 away games in Ligue 1 (D7, L23).
Montpellier have scored in 91% of their league games this season (20 on 22), best ratio.
None of Montpellier's last nine league games have ended in a draw (W6, L3), longest current run.
Reims have failed to score in seven of their last eight away games in Ligue 1.
Emanuel Herrera and John Utaka have scored in Montpellier's last two league games.

Marseille - Nancy
Marseille have won their last eight games against Nancy in L1, their longest current run against a top-flight opponent.
None of their last 20 encounters in Ligue 1 have ended in a 0-0 draw.
Nancy have scored in their last 12 Ligue 1 games, longest current run.
However, Nancy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 21 league games.
With Reims and Troyes, Nancy are the only L1 team not have won away from home this term.
Jordan Ayew has scored in his last three league games for Marseille, best current run in L1.
Paul Alo'o Efoulou has scored four goals in four competitive games for Nancy in 2013.

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02.02. (Sat) 19:30 South Africa - Mali

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SOUTH AFRICA
Khune
Masilela, Khumalo, Sangweni, Gaxa
Phala, Furman, Mahlangu, Parker
Mphela, Majoro

MALI
Samassa
Coulibaly, Tamboura, Diawara, Traore
Traore, Sissoko,Keita,
Diabate, Maiga, Diarra

South Africa were able to reach the quarter-final stage of the tournament after sealing a 2-2 draw in a scintillating tie against Morocco, silencing their critics and finishing top of Group A.
Determined to win over their country’s support and a fan base which has been disappointed for a decade, Bafana Bafana showed a fighting spirit which has led to a burgeoning of praise and belief in a side which many had written off before the tournament began.

Gordon Igesund’s influence has certainly been one of the defining factors behind the host’s new-found confidence in front of goal, but their strength in defence will be tested by their quarter-final opponents.

Bafana set up a clash against Mali, a side also committed to providing their fans with something to hold on to and cherish, during one of the country’s most difficult periods in their history in the form of a bloody and destructive civil war which has torn the Eagles' homeland to shreds.

Football’s ability to heighten spirits and build national pride will be put to the test on Saturday night, as both sides will be motivated to win, but for vastly different reasons.

Bafana Bafana have been boosted by the news of Lehlonoholo Majoro’s recovery from an injury he sustained against Angola, but will have to play without regular starter Anele Ngongca, who has been suspended for the clash due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Kaizer Chiefs full-back Siboniso Gaxa is likely to be handed a start on Saturday and is the obvious replacement for Ngongca due to his international experience and current form.

South Africa has been successful when pushing forward and focusing on using their faster players such as Tokelo Rantie, Bernard Parker and Thuso Phala. They will face a side which plays a slower brand of football, as Mali will look to control the game and manoeuvre their way towards goal, utilising their physicality and technical ability.

The Eagles enter into the match with a full squad at their disposal, with captain Seydou Keita aiming to inspire his team in attack once again. Keita has called upon his team-mates to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the embattled nation.

"This qualification will also give a lot of joy to our country. Giving hope to the country has been priceless,” Keita told reporters.

“There is a crisis in Mali and I did my best to give hope to those who are suffering. We have made an effort to help, but money doesn't matter. You can't imagine what it means to play for Mali at this time. I told my government they could reduce our bonuses. My priority is to play for my country."

The interesting clash of styles should provide the sell-out Moses Mabhida crowd with an intriguing battle and the winner of the match will have to face an even greater test, a semi-final against Cote d'Ivoire or Nigeria.

DID YOU KNOW?

South Africa and Mali have only played each other on one previous occasion, with Mali the victor in the quarter-final of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mali captain Seydou Keita will be playing in his 74th international match for Mali. He has scored 20 goals for the Eagles throughout his career.

South African coach Gordon Igesund believes his side will be playing without any pressure on Saturday, as they have achieved their initial goal of qualifying from the group stages.

The last time Bafana Bafana reached the quarter-final stage of the Afcon was in 2002 against the same opponents.

Mali finished in third place during the 2012 Afcon and will be hoping to go one step further in South Africa.

Prediction
Mali should have enough in the tank to get past South Africa, but it will be a tough outing for the Eagles due to the hosts passionate "12th man" in the stands.
Editor's Prediction
South Africa 1-2 Mali

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02.02. (Sat) 18:30 Fulham - Manchester United

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FULHAM
Schwarzer
Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise
Dejagah, Sidwell, Karagounis, Kacaniklic
Ruiz
Berbatov

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra
Valencia, Cleverley, Carrick, Kagawa
Rooney, Van Persie

Fulham manager Martin Jol will be without Simon Davies (knee), Kerim Frei (groin) and Mahamadou Diarra (knee) for the clash with the league leaders at Craven Cottage.

Kieran Richardson also remains a doubt with a calf injury and Dimitar Berbatov will require a late fitness test after picking up a slight hamstring strain during the win against West Ham.

The club's two January transfer window loan signings, Urby Emanuelson and Emmanuel Frimpong, could also be involved at some stage from the substitutes bench.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be missing Darren Fletcher, who is out until the end of the season with illness, while Ashley Young (knee) and Jonny Evans (hamstring) are also both doubtful to make the trip to Craven Cottage.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fulham's 3-1 win against West Ham was their first in eight league outings.

The hosts have picked up eight points from their last five home games in the top flight, winning two, drawing two and losing just one.

They have failed to find the back of the net on just six occasions this term in the league.

The two teams met as recently as January 26, with United winning 4-1 at home in an FA Cup fourth-round clash.

Dimitar Berbatov is 11/8 to score anytime against his former club with bet365.

Manchester United have been ahead at both half-time and full-time in their last five meetings with the Cottagers.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are unbeaten in their last six games against Fulham.

Manchester United's points tally of 62 from 25 games is the most they have ever achieved at this stage in the campaign during the Premier League era.

They are yet to have a player sent off this season.

Robin van Persie is the Premier League's top goalscorer this term with 18 goals so far.
The eight victories the Red Devils have posted on the road this season is more than any other side in the division.

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02.02. (Sat) 16:00 Newcastle Utd - Chelsea

PROBABLE LINEUPS

NEWCASTLE
Krul
Debuchy, Taylor, Coloccini, Santon
Perch, Cabaye
Gouffran, Sissoko, Gutierrez
Cisse

CHELSEA
Cech
Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole
Ramires, Lampard
Mata, Oscar, Bertrand
Ba

Newcastle's squad remains riddled with injuries, with Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Dan Gosling (knee), Danny Simpson (toe), Ryan Taylor (knee) and Haris Vuckic (knee) all sidelined. However, given their ample spending in the January transfer window, the Magpies appear capable of fielding a strong side nonetheless.

Indeed, many of the players brought in over the past few weeks look set to feature against Chelsea as Alan Pardew seems ready to persevere with the same team that overcame Aston Villa 2-1 on Tuesday.

That does, however, appear to suggest that Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa will have to wait longer for his first start for his new club, after Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini both impressed against the Villans.

Rafa Benitez, meanwhile, is likely to rotate from the team that surrendered a two-goal lead to Reading, with Demba Ba set to be given the nod over Fernando Torres against his old club.

Petr Cech will be touch and go approaching kick-off as he attempts to recover from a knock in time to feature, though Benitez will no doubt be eager to have him back as soon as possible, particularly given Ross Turnbull's recent form.

John Terry could return at centre-back after playing 90 minutes against Brentford, whilst Branislav Ivanovic looks set to move to right-back with Cesar Azpilicuenta making way.

Chelsea are, however, missing two more influential figures as David Luiz (ankle) and Eden Hazard both remain ruled out, through injury and suspension respectively.

DID YOU KNOW?

Papiss Cisse has scored two goals in four Premier League games since Demba Ba's departure - he had scored just three in 18 prior to his compatriot's move to Chelsea.

Yohan Cabaye has scored five Premier League goals from outside the box since August 2011 - more than anyone else over that period of time.

Newcastle have conceded in six of their last seven meetings with the visitors, losing their last encounter 2-0.
The home side have also not managed to beat Chelsea at St. James Park since May 2006 - a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from Titus Bramble.

Rafa Benitez has taken 22 points from his 12 Premier League games at Chelsea; earlier this season, Di Matteo took 24 from twelve.

Juan Mata, who may miss out here, has been involved in 17 goals (nine goals, eight assists) in 19 Premier League starts for Chelsea this season.

Chelsea have opened the scoring 15 times in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
Frank Lampard has scored nine goals in eleven Premier League starts this season. He is 13/2 to score the last goal in the game with bet365.

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02.02. (Sat) 16:00 Arsenal - Stoke City

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL
Szczesny
Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal
Ramsey, Wilshere
Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski
Giroud

STOKE CITY
Begovic
Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Cameron
Walters, Whelan, N'Zonzi, Adam, Etherington
Crouch

Arsenal new boy Nacho Monreal is set to go straight into the starting line-up for the clash against Stoke, with Kieran Gibbs (thigh) ruled out. The 26-year-old is likely to be the Gunners’ only change on Saturday, with Mikel Arteta set to return to the bench after recovering from a calf injury.

Francis Coquelin (hamstring) could return to the squad, but Lukasz Fabianski (ankle) is still ruled out for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Stoke captured the signing of Brek Shea on deadline day, but the 22-year-old must wait on a visa application after overcoming the work permit hurdle that threatened to scupper his move from FC Dallas.

The Potters also bought Jack Butland from Birmingham City, but Asmir Begovic should keep his place in goal, with Tony Pulis likely to keep the same XI that drew with Wigan after QPR failed to capture the signing of Peter Crouch.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal have scored 32 goals in 12 league games at the Emirates Stadium this season and are joint highest home scorers with Manchester United.

However, the Gunners have only won two of their last six games at home, and have only registered one victory in the Premier League in five.

Santi Cazorla is the only Arsenal player to have started every league game for the Gunners this season.

The last two meetings between these sides have been draws; a stalemate at the Emirates in August 2012 and 1-1 at the Britannia Stadium towards the end of last season.

Stoke have only won once away from home in the league in 12 attempts this season.

The Potters have only picked up one point from their last four Premier League encounters.

Stoke are 22/1 to win 2-1 with bet365.

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02.02. (Sat) 16:00 Ghana - Cape Verde Islands

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GHANA
Dauda
Paintsil, Vorsah, Boye, Afful
Annan, Badu
Adomah, Asamoah, Wakaso,
Gyan

CAPE VERDE
Vozinha
Varela, Nando, Gege, Nivaldo
Babanco, Platini, Varela, Soares
Mendes, Tavares

Ghana face off with Cape Verde in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final fixture that could either bring a disappointing conclusion to the former's title quest or a shattering anti-climax to the latter's fairytale cruise which began with elimination of mighty Cameroon during the qualifiers last year.

While the Blue Sharks have been overshadowing giants like Morocco and Angola to emerge second in Group A proved a surprise, the Black Stars quite expectedly topped their own pile and could have thought themselves justly rewarded with a date against the unfashionable Islanders - arguably the least fancied side of the lot - but only if they had been oblivious of their opponents' giant-killing reputation.

Cape Verde, courtesy of a string of fine results in recent competitive matches, could be considered as anything but easy prey, having come so far in their maiden campaign and claiming some significant scalps along the way, and that of the four-time African champions is one they certainly would love to add to their ever-expanding collection of souvenirs as they look to achieve more.

That would, however, be their toughest ask yet, and perhaps a challenge too far for the debutants to attempt. Nevertheless, this is African football, after all, where surreal events are difficult to foretell - such as Zambia conquering the continent in 2012 - happen on occasion and surely none could rightly begrudge the Blue Sharks the right to dare. The two west African nations have a history of only three previous meetings, two of which were played out in the form of World Cup qualifiers ahead of Germany 2006, and the remainder a pre-Afcon 2013 friendly in Portugal. Each time, Ghana triumphed, with an aggregate of seven goals scored and none conceded.

Neither side is expected to alter its composition, going into this game. Cape Verde coach Lucio Antunes will be counting on the likes of Ryan Mendes, Heldon Ramos, Djaniny and skipper Nando Neves to provide much-needed inspiration while, for the Ghanaians, hardly any changes are foreseen with regards to the team that beat Niger handsomely in the last group game, bar the probable return from injury-cum-suspension of set-piece specialist Mubarak Wakaso.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ghana (26) and Cape Verde (70) are separated by some 43 places on the current Fifa national team rankings.

Cape Verde coach Lucio Antunes is actually employed most of the year as an air-traffic controller.

Antunes also represented Cape Verde across three disciplines - football, basketball, and tennis - and is the sixth member of his immediate family to earn national caps in football, along with his father and all four brothers.
Manchester United's Luis Nani and Patrice Evra, France's Patrick Vieira, as well as Swedish legend Henrik Larsson have either full or part Cape Verdean parentage.

The population occupying the 10 islands comprising the Cape Verdean archipelago -estimated at a little over 500,000 - is several times less than the 4.5 million-plus that inhabit Ghana's capital, Accra.

The Black Stars of Ghana have qualified for the last two World Cups, in 2010 and 2006.

Prediction
Much as the gulf in class between the two sides could not be overstated, a fairly narrow win for Ghana - probably a 3-1 or any similar score line with a comfortable goal margin - looks more on the cards than an absolute thrashing or, conversely, a surprise result for the Cape Verdeans.
Editor's Prediction
Ghana 3-1 Cape Verde

Championship Opta Facts – February 2nd


Birmingham City v Nottingham Forest
Birmingham have won just one of their last five in the Championship (D2 L2); although that win did come last week against Burnley.
Nottingham Forest have won three, drawn three and lost three of their last nine league games.
The Blues have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Championship matches at St Andrews.
Forest have scored the first goal in five of their away games this season. However, they have held on to win just one of those matches (D4).
Both Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest have scored a joint low one goal in the opening 15 minutes of their league games this season.
Marlon King scored in the clash between these two teams earlier in the season. The striker scored his first goal in six appearances last week against Burnley.

Blackburn Rovers v Bristol City
Blackburn have beaten Bristol City twice already this season (in the league and FA Cup earlier this month), scoring seven goals and conceding three.
Bristol City have won back-to-back league games for the first time since August.
Blackburn have won two of their last five; although they are without a win in their last three league games (D2 L1).
Ewood Park has seen just 33 goals scored this season. No ground in the Championship has seen less (level with Oakwell, Amex Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium).
Bristol's 2-0 win over Watford saw them keep their first league clean sheet of the season.
Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes has scored a goal in his each of his last five Championship appearances, and bagged a brace against Bristol City earlier in the season.

Blackpool v Barnsley
Blackpool have won just one of their last seven league matches (D2 L4).
Barnsley have won four and lost none of their last five games in all competitions.
The Seasiders have recovered 17 points from losing positions this season; more than any other team in the division.
Blackpool and Barnsley have both conceded the first goal in 19 of their league matches this season; a league high.
The Tangerines have netted 17 goals in the final 15 minutes of their matches this season; the most in the Championship.
Barnsley have bagged themselves a league low three goals in the opening half an hour of their matches this season.

Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic
Crystal Palace have won just of their last 12 in the Championship (D6 L4).
The Addicks have won three of their last four in the Championship (L1).
Palace have failed to score in each of their last three leagues games; their longest goalless run this season.
Athletic have won four and lost just two of their last seven league matches on the road.
Four of the last five clashes between Palace and Charlton have finished with a 1-0 scoreline.
Yann Kermorgant has scored three goals in his last four league matches for Charlton.

Derby County v Huddersfield Town
The Rams have won just one of their last six league matches (D2 L3).
Huddersfield's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday ended a 12 match run without a win in the Championship (D6 L6).
County have picked up 26 of their 38 points so far this season at home (W7 D5 L2).
Huddersfield have scored just four goals in their last eight Championship matches on the road; and never more than one in a single match in a that run.
Midfielder Jamie Ward has scored four goals in his last six league appearances for the Rams.
Since the beginning of December, James Vaughan (two) is the only Huddersfield player to score more than once in the Championship.

Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough
Ipswich are without a win in four league matches (D2 L2).
Middlesbrough have lost each of their last three Championship games.
Ipswich Town have lost four of the 14 games that they have scored the first goal in this season (W7 D3).
The Tractor Boys have won three and lost just one of their last seven home league matches.
Middlesbrough have lost five of their last six away games (W1).
Lucas Jutkiewicz has scored five goals in his last seven appearances (all competitions) for ‘Boro.

Leeds United v Cardiff City
Leeds United have won their last six at home.
Cardiff City have won five and lost none of their last six Championship games.
Leeds United have conceded a Champions high 70% of their goals in the second half (31 of 44).
Cardiff have been in front in more league matches this season (23) than any other team in the Championship. They have held on to win 19 of those games (D1 L3).
The Bluebirds have won each of their last four on the road.
Forward Ross McCormack has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances for Leeds (all competitions).

Millwall v Hull City
Millwall have lost four of their last seven in the Championship (W1 D2).
Hull have won just one of their last five in the league (D3 L1).
Only Leicester (four) have conceded fewer goals in the last 30 minutes of matches this season than Millwall (nine).
Hull City have won 12 and lost none of the 13 games that they have scored the first goal in this season.
The Lions have scored just three goals in the five league matches they have played since Chris Wood departed the club.
The Tigers have won four and lost none of their last six away games in the league.

Peterborough United v Burnley
Peterborough have won four of their last seven in the league (D1 L2); but just one of their last four.
Burnley have won four and lost two of their last six league matches.
Peterborough have battled back to win just one point from losing positions this season; fewer than any other team in the Championship.
At home, Burnley have won just two of their last seven (D2 L3).
Posh have shipped 19 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season; more than any other team.
Charlie Austin bagged himself a hat-trick for Burnley the last time the two sides met. The striker is yet to play in 2013 due a hamstring injury.

Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton and Hove Albion
The Owls have won five of their last eight (D2 L1).
Brighton and Hove Albion have won two and drawn two of their last four.
Peterborough United (19) are the only team who has conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than Sheffield Wednesday this season (16).
The Seagulls have lost just one of their eight on the road (W2 D5).
Wednesday have failed to score in 11 league matches this season; more than any other side in the division.
Ashley Barnes has scored three in his last four appearances for Brighton.

Watford v Bolton Wanderers
Watford have won five and lost two of their last seven in the league; including Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at the hands of then-bottom club Bristol City.
Bolton have lost three and won just one of their last six in the Championship.
The Hornets have won six of their last nine league matches at Vicarage Road (D1 L2).
The Trotters have allowed 21 points to slip away from winning positions this season; the most in the Championship.
Only Cardiff City (9) have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches than Watford (8) this season.
Matej Vydra has scored 10 goals in his last seven league appearances for Watford.

SPL Opta Facts - February 2nd


Ross County v Hearts

Hearts have won just three points from their last seven SPL games away from home (D3 L4).
Ross County have won three and drawn one of their last four SPL matches, conceding just two goals in the process.
Ivan Sproule has scored three goals in his first three appearances for Ross County since signing from Hibs.
Ross County have lost a joint-league low two home games in the SPL this season (W3 D5 L2).
Only Dundee (7) have won fewer points away from home than Hearts (8) in the SPL in 2012-13.

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02.02. (Sat) 15:30 Mainz 05 - Bayern Munchen

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MAINZ
Wetklo
Pospech, Svensson Noveski, Diaz
Baumgartlinger, Malli
Muller, Ivanschitz, Caligiuri
Ede

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba
Martinez, Schweinsteiger
Muller, Kroos, Ribery
Mandzukic

Suspended striker Adam Szalai joins the list of absences for the Bundesliga's fifth-placed team, who have built up a formidable reputation at home throughout an impressive 2012-13 season. The Hungarian scored twice in the side's last run-out, a 3-0 win away to Greuther Furth, but also picked up a yellow card that earned him a one-match suspension.

Ede is likely to replace Szalai, while defender Niko Bungert and midfielder Eric Choupu-Moting are still on the sidelines.

With no new injury or suspension concerns, Jupp Heynckes is likely to keep faith with the men who downed Stuttgart 2-0 in the last round of Bundesliga. That would mean more bench time for Arjen Robben and Mario Gomez, who are behind in the pecking order to Mario Mandzukic and Thomas Muller. Xherdan Shaqiri is one man likely to miss out on the trip to Mainz, after suffering an ankle injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mainz have built up a fearsome reputation this season in front of their own fans. Only Borussia Dortmund and Greuther Furth have beaten Thomas Tuchel's men at the Coface Arena in the current campaign.

The club's fifth place position before Saturday's clash matches the highest finish ever achieved in Germany's top division. Mainz set that record in 2010-11, also securing Europa League qualification.

Suspended striker Szalai is Mainz's top scorer in 2012-13, netting 11 goals to sit in fifth place in the overall standings.

Despite fierce competition up front, Bayern Munich's top marksman is Mario Mandzukic, who has converted 12 so far.

Die Roten downed Saturday's rivals with ease in their opening clash of 2012-13, running out 3-1 winners in Munich.

The leaders have won a brilliant 15 games out of 19 this season, with only one defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen to blot the copybook.

Prediction
Mainz will not make life easy, but Bayern have been almost unstoppable during the first six months of the season and there is little reason to believe they cannot keep that form up. Die Roten should have enough to record a narrow victory.
Editor's Prediction
Mainz 1-2 Bayern

Premier League Opta Facts – February 2nd-3rd


Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City
Norwich have won four and lost none of their last six league meetings with QPR.
Norwich have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games in London (W1 D2 L4); with the only win during this period coming at Spurs in April 2012.
Norwich have won just one of their last 14 Premier League away matches (W1 D6 L7).
The Canaries have kept just one clean sheet in their last 45 Premier League away games.
QPR have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, two of them ending 0-0.
The Hoops are unbeaten in four Premier League games, they have not gone five in a row since March 1995.
Harry Redknapp has been involved in more 0-0 draws than any other manager in Premier League history (61).
QPR have lost just three of the 11 Premier League games that they have played since Harry Redknapp took charge (W2 D6 L3).
QPR have led in only two home games this season, fewer than any other side.
Norwich have led in just three Premier League away games this season, only West Ham have led in fewer (2).
QPR are one of only seven teams in Premier League history to win only two of their opening 24 games. Only Derby in 2007-08 had won fewer (1).

Arsenal v Stoke City
Arsenal have won five and lost just one of their last eight Premier League games against Stoke (D2), with four of those wins coming at the four meetings they have had at Emirates Stadium.
Peter Crouch has scored seven Premier League goals against Arsenal; only against Blackburn (8) has he been more prolific.
Despite the intense rivalry, there have been just six yellow cards shown in total across the four games between Arsenal and Stoke at the Emirates.
The Potters have won just one of their last 21 Premier League away games (W1 D9 L11).
Stoke have conceded 15 goals in their last five Premier League games. They had conceded just 14 in their previous 19 games.
The Emirates has witnessed more goals than any other Premier League stadium this season (50).
Arsenal have made more errors leading directly to a goal than any other team in the Premier League this season (12).
Olivier Giroud has scored five goals in his last three appearances for Arsenal (all competitions).
If only the second half of games counted this season Arsenal would be second (46 points), two points behind Manchester City (48).
Stoke have drawn more games 0-0 than any other Premier League side this season (5).

Everton v Aston Villa
Everton's win at Villa Park earlier this season ended a run of 12 Premier League games against the midlands' side without a win for the Toffees (D8 L4).
Everton have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 17 league matches against Aston Villa.
Leon Osman has scored more goals against Aston Villa than he has managed against any other Premier League opponent (5).
Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored more goals against Everton than he has against any other Premier League opponent (6).
Eleven of the last 12 Premier League goals that Aston Villa have scored against Everton have been netted in the second half of games.
Aston Villa have won just two of their last 20 Premier League away matches (W2 D8 L10).
Aston Villa have won fewer points after 24 Premier League games in a season than ever before (20).
Everton have lost only one of their last 12 Premier League games, but half (6) of these have ended in a draw.
Leighton Baines has scored with all 10 of his Premier League penalties.
Everton have hit the woodwork 19 times this season, more than any other side.

Newcastle United v Chelsea
Newcastle have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Chelsea (W1 D4 L6).
Chelsea have won three and lost none of their last five Premier League trips to St James Park and have conceded just one goal across those five games.
Newcastle have lost five of their last seven Premier League games on home soil (W2 L5).
No player has scored more Premier League goals from outside the box since August 2011 than Yohan Cabaye (5).
Newcastle have played eight different French players in the Premier League this season - more than any other side in the history of the competition.
Chelsea have scored the first goal of the game on more occasions than any other Premier League side this season (16).
Juan Mata has been involved in 18 goals (nine goals, nine assists) in 19 PL starts for Chelsea this season.
Frank Lampard has scored nine goals in 11 starts for Chelsea in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle have scored only once from a corner this season, fewer times than any other side.
Rafa Benitez has taken two points fewer (22) from his 12 Premier League games this season than Roberto Di Matteo did from his (24).

Reading v Sunderland
Sunderland and Reading have met 18 times in all competitions with both sides enjoying seven wins apiece.
Sunderland have won just three of their last 19 Premier League away games (W3 D7 L9), but those three wins have come in the last six road trips (W3 L3).
Sunderland are responsible for three of the nine instances of a team failing to have a shot on target in the Premier League this season, with one of these being their last game against Swansea.
Adam Le Fondre has scored more substitute goals than any other Premier League player this season (6).
Le Fondre's last three Premier League goals have been assisted by Hope Akpan.
Without Le Fondre's goals this season Reading would be 10 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.
Reading have scored six goals from indirect free-kick moves this season, more than any other side.
Reading have thrown away 20 points from leading positions this season, only fellow promoted side Southampton have lost more (22).
Each of Reading's last four Premier League games have gone over 2.5 goals.
If the season had started on Boxing Day, Reading would be in sixth place, one point ahead of Sunderland in ninth.

West Ham United v Swansea City
West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 Premier League games at Upton Park.
West Ham have put in more crosses than any other Premier League side this season (556).
Swansea have drawn five of their last seven league games, winning the other two.
Only Norwich and Villa (2) have taken fewer points from their past six games than West Ham (4).
The Hammers have only drawn eight of the 51 Premier League games they've played in February (W22 L21).
15% of Swansea's Premier League games (all-time) have ended goalless, a higher proportion than any other team in the division's history.
West Ham (3) and Swansea (4) have drawn seven games 0-0 between them this season.
The Swans have won four points more (34) this season than they had at this stage last season under Brendan Rodgers (30).
Michu has now gone five Premier League games without a goal.
Andy Carroll has scored only one goal from 27 shots (inc. blocked) in the Premier League this season.

Wigan Athletic v Southampton
This is the first time that Wigan have entertained Southampton at home in any competition.
Wigan have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League home games and won none of the last five there (D1 L4).
The Saints have thrown away 22 points from leading positions this season, more than any other side.
Other than Manchester United, Wigan are the only Premier League team not to draw a game 0-0 this season.
Only 11 different Southampton players have been shown a yellow card this season, a smaller spread than any other Premier League club.
Southampton mustered 20 shots (inc. blocked) in their match at Manchester United in midweek, the highest total by an away team there this season.
Southampton have made more unsuccessful passes than any other team (2301).
The Saints have lost only two of their last seven Premier League away games (W2 D3 L2), and those defeats were by a single goal at Old Trafford and Anfield.
Franco Di Santo has scored in his last two Premier League away games but has not scored at home since October 6th 2012.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been booked in three of his last five Premier League appearances and has made more tackles than any other player in the division this season (95).

Fulham v Manchester United
Manchester United have won five and lost none of their last six Premier League matches against Fulham.
Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Fulham.
Manchester United have won five and lost none (D2) of their last seven Premier League games away in London.
Dimitar Berbatov has scored in three of the four previous occasions he has played in this fixture, while a Manchester United player.
The Bulgarian scored 48 goals in 108 Premier League games for Manchester United before moving south to Fulham in the summer and was on the scoresheet for the Red Devils the last time Man Utd played at Craven Cottage.
Manchester United have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away games (W8 D2 L1), but have kept just two clean sheets in that run.
Six of Dimitar Berbatov's eight Premier League goals for Fulham have come before half-time.
Damien Duff has seven assists this season, only three players in the Premier League have more.
United's total of 27 comeback points this season has only been bettered by one team in PL history (Newcastle with 34 in 2001-02)
Fulham have gone 10 games without keeping a clean sheet, while Man Utd have scored in each of their last 12 games, both the longest current runs of their kind in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
West Brom have won none of their last six Premier League games against Spurs (W0 D3 L3).
The Baggies have won just one of their last five Premier League games at the Hawthorns (W1 D2 L2).
Tottenham have drawn their last three Premier League games in a row.
Gareth Bale has scored 10 Premier League goals in a single season for the first time.
Eight of Bale's 10 goals this season have come in away games.
WBA have won only two of their last 11 Premier League games (W2 D2 L7).
Tottenham have scored five goals from counter attacks this season, a total that only Arsenal can match.
Spurs have conceded fewer fouls than any other team in the Premier League this season (240).
Lewis Holtby was the 28th player Tottenham have used this season, only Newcastle have used as many players.
Tottenham have got the lowest saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League this season (61%).

Manchester City v Liverpool
The reverse meeting at Anfield saw four goals scored from just six shots on target in the match.
Manchester City have won two and lost just one of the last eight Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D5).
Man City have won 36 and lost just one of their last 41 Premier League home games and have kept three clean sheets at the Etihad Stadium since losing to Manchester United there in early December.
Luis Suarez now has 17 PL goals this season, only the 10th occasion a Liverpool player has reached this mark in a single PL season.
Steven Gerrard is the only midfielder/forward to play every minute of every Premier League game this season.
Liverpool are the most accurate long passers in the Premier League this season (69%).
Man City have kept six clean sheets in succession (all comps) for the first time since August 1999.
Liverpool have scored in their last 11 Premier League games, only Man Utd (12) are on a longer current run.
Each of Liverpool's last nine Premier League games has gone over 2.5 goals.
Man City are five points and 18 goals worse off than they were at this point last season.

01. - 04. 02. Tipovi na blic

NIKOLA ĐURĐIĆ
(GROJTER, NEMAČKA 1)
VERDER - HANOVER 3+
Hofenhajm - Frajburg X2
Šalke - Grojter 3+
DIZELDORF - ŠTUTGART 2
Majnc - Bajern X
Volfsburg - Augsburg 1
Hamburg- Ajntraht 1
Nirnberg - Mehengladbah X2
Leverkuzen - Dortmund 3+

NENAD DŽODIĆ,
BIVŠI IGRAČ MONPELJEA
Tuluz – PSŽ 2
Lorien – Ren X
Bastija – Evian 12
Bordo – Valansjen 1X
LIL – TROA 1
Sošo – St. Etjen 1X
Brest – Nica X
Ajačio – Lion 2
Monpelje – Rems -
Marsej – Nansi 1X

NEBOJŠA GUDELJ,
TRENER BREDE (HOLANDIJA 1)
RKC - Hereneven 1X
ALKMAR - GRONINGEN 1
Roda - Herekales X
Breda - Cvole 1
PSV - DEN HAG 1
NEC - Vitese 2
VENLO - AJAKS 2
Tvente - Utreht 1X
VILJEM - FEJENORD 2

NEBOJŠA PAVLOVIĆ
(KORTRIJK, BELGIJA 1)
GENT – BERŠOT 1
Serkl Briž – Varegem 2-3
Kortrijk – Mehelen 1X
Lirs – Lokeren X2
Mons – Vasland Bev. 1
Oud Heverle – Šarlroa 2-3
Genk – Briž 1
Anderleht – Standard 1

ŽELJKO KALAJDŽIĆ
(PLATANJAS, GRČKA)
AEK - Panionios 1
Ksanti - Platanjas 12
Asteras - Panatinaikos 1, 0-2
OFI - KERKIRA 1
Verija - Pantrakikos 0-2
OLIMPIJAKOS - ATROMITOS 1
Aris - PAOK X, 0-2
Levadijakos - Janjina 1, 3+

U noći između nedelje i ponedeljka u nju orelansu 47. superboul

Superboul, 47. izdanje na programu je u noći između nedelje i ponedeljka u Nju Orleansu i doneće - čudo neviđeno. Zašto? Pa, zato što su San Francisko i Baltimor do sada u finalu nad finalima igrali šest puta i uvek pobeđivali, San Francisko pet puta, a Baltimor jednom. Znači, neko od nepobeđenih mora i da izgubi u ponedeljak ranom zorom.
Kladionice su na osnovu ranga dale malu prednost San Francisku, ali naš predlog je da odigrate na Rejvense, jer je ovo jedinstvena prilika da kapitena odbrane Reja Luisa isprate u penziju sa novim šampionskim prstenom.
Na putu do velikog finala Baltimor je u gostima pobedio Denver Bronkose i Nju Ingland Petriotse, a kod kuće na startu Indijanapolis Koltse. Jednostavno ovo bi trebalo da bude njihova herojska sezona.


NAŠ PREDLOG
SAN FRANCISKO 49-ERS - BALTIMOR REJVENS 2
Kolin Kapernik postiže tačdaun trčanjem
Najduži tačdaun na meču postižu Blatimor Rejvensi
Ankuan Boldvin postiže tačdaun na meču
Prvi tačdaun na meču biće postignut dodavanjem
Neće da bude promašenih ekstrapoena posle tačdaunova
Baltimor postiže poslednje poene na meču
Rej Luis beleži više od 11,5 obaranja

Koji timovi su trenutno u najlošijoj formi

Šampion je francuski Epinal. Da ne bude zabune, ovaj trećeligaški klub osvojio je naslov prvaka samo u našoj rubrici, a tema su klubovi sa trenutno najlošijom formom. U pokušaju da vam olakšamo put do dobitka, napravili smo tabelu svih timova koje možete da pronađete na listi, a poređali smo ih po učinku u prethodnih šest kola.
Epinal je bez konkurencije na prvom mestu, jer jedini u pomenutom periodu nije uspeo da osvoji niti jedan bod, ali ovog vikenda ima lepu priliku da popravi učinak protiv Orleana.
Od preostalih klubova iz naše tabele, čini se da Gubio ima najtežeg protivnika. Pizu je teško „srušiti” na njenom terenu, pogotovo kada joj je rival ekipa sa četiri uzastopna poraza.
D. Ar.

1. Epinal 0 0 6 3:14 0 D Orlean -
2. Beršot 0 1 5 1:17 1 G Gent 1.40
3. Moreirense 0 1 5 2:16 G Nacional 1.65
4. Portsmut 0 1 5 3:14 1 D Kolčester 2.25
5. Hofenhajm 0 1 5 5:15 1 D Frajburg 2.70
6. Grojter 0 1 5 1:10 1 G Šalke 1.30
7. Hanza 0 1 5 2:11 1 G Hemnicer 1.90
8. Norič 0 1 5 5:14 1 G KPR 1.95
9. Gubio 0 1 5 6:15 1 G Piza 1.80
10. Oldam 0 1 5 5:11 1 G Volsol 2.00
Napomena: iza imena kluba su učinak u prethodnih šest kola (uračunati mečevi do srede, 30. januara), naredni protivnik i kvota na pobedu rivala.