13-12-2010 21:00 Manchester United - Arsenal

Something Has To Give

Manchester United - third in the table before the weekend's matches and with a game in hand - boast the Premier League's best home record (22 points from 24) and are top of the 'first-half' table. Joint-leaders Arsenal, who sit level with Manchester City, have the strongest away record (17 points out of 24) and top the 'second half' table. So something will have to give at Old Trafford on Monday night unless these two perennial adversaries are forced to settle for an honourable draw.

The looming showdown is evocative of previous titanic clashes between the pair who virtually monopolised the Premier League title for some eight seasons around the turn of the Millennium, when their ferocious rivalry was a piquant ingredient in the domestic mix.

But Monday's game is not a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object, for although United remain unbeaten, they have been only intermittently impressive this season; and uncharacteristically careless away from home. Meanwhile Arsenal's habitual creativity has been repeatedly undone by the liability of a vulnerable defence, reflected in nine dropped points at the Emirates.

Such shortcomings would have seen both sides well off the pace had Chelsea maintained their imperious start and not tumbled into a post-Wilkins slump. As it is, Arsenal and United find themselves somewhat surprised to be setting the pace in this season of unpredictability - and each can strike a significant blow against the other in this 183rd league meeting between them.

United have 74 wins so far to Arsenal's 66; while in terms of the two managers, this will be their 43rd head-to-head clash in all competitions, with Ferguson ahead by three wins (17 v 14, with 11 draws). However, the tide has recently been running strongly in United's favour: the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last five matches against Arsenal in all competitions, winning four, and the Gunners have lost seven of their last nine trips to Old Trafford in league and cup. They are also without a win in their last 10 matches against United or Chelsea - and of course, haven't lifted a major trophy since beating United on penalties in the FA Cup final of 2005.

Crises, Training Centres, Babies - And Respect

It is statistics such as these which prompted United full-back Patrice Evra to describe Arsenal in the build-up as nothing more than a "training centre", and their trophy drought as "ridiculous" and a "crisis". Evra has previously derided the Gunners, saying after United's victory over them in the 2009 Champions League semi-finals that it had been "11 men against 11 babies".

Wenger diplomatically declined to rise to the taunt, contenting himself with the wry observation that big players always respect their opponents.

He might have pointed out that his club's trophy drought had coincided with a period in which they built a brand new stadium while maintaining financial stability, not splashing out imprudently on a lot of big name players but developing home-grown talent, remaining in the top four and qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Champions League in every season. Not as exciting or immediately gratifying as lifting silverware, perhaps; but an admirable level of consistency and responsibility nonetheless.

Samir Nasri's response to compatriot Evra's jibes was to insist that Arsenal are capable and confident of securing a good result at Old Trafford this time. They have the added incentive of trying to ensure that United do not emulate their feat of going through an entire league campaign undefeated. We'll see on Monday, when the talking stops and the teams must deliver.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that centre-back Rio Ferdinand, left-back Patrice Evra and midfield pass-master Paul Scholes will all be fit to face Arsenal in one of the season's most keenly anticipated clashes.

Darren Fletcher could return to the starting XI, having proved himself a useful midfield warrior in recent meetings with the Gunners.

Adding defensive cover, probably from the bench, both Wes Brown and Jonny Evans are expected to have shrugged off the effects of 'flu to return to the squad.

However, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen are both ruled out with hamstring injuries, while Antonio Valencia continiues his recovery from damaged ligaments in his fractured and dislocated ankle.


Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Anderson, Scholes, Fletcher, Nani; Berbatov, Rooney.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will give captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and fellow midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) as long as possible to prove their fitness before he finalises his team, but the Gunners boss concedes that both have only a "small chance" of playing.

Kieran Gibbs is out again, having twisted an ankle against Partizan Belgrade in midweek, but Johan Djourou could be back after a thigh strain.

Manuel Almunia (elbow), Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) and Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Wenger may start with midweek goalscorers Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott on the bench, with a view to introducing them during the course of the match.

Possible starting XI: Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Denilson, Nasri, Arshavin; Chamakh.

Prediction

Manchester United won their last Premier League home game 7-1, against Blackburn Rovers; Arsenal's last away game brought them a 4-2 victory at Aston Villa. A win for either side on Monday will put (or keep) them top of the table, and while home advantage and recent head-to-head results undoubtedly favour United, the Gunners will be motivated by their desire to break a hoodoo against their main title rivals, and buoyed by a strong away record.

United will probably allow Arsenal to come onto them, then try to hit them on fast, incisive breaks: a tactic that has worked well for them in recent meetings. Arsenal will look to tighten up defensively and exploit their abundant possession by giving clinical execution priority over excessive elaboration.

With much at stake, and weaknesses as well as strengths apparent in both teams, a scoring draw seems a distinctly possible outcome.

Man Utd. 2-2 Arsenal

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13-12-2010 21:00 Valencia - Osasuna

Competitive Against Anyone

The weekend’s Primera Division action concludes with Valencia attempting to strengthen their push for a Champions League spot against Osasuna.

Going into the weekend, los Che sit one place behind Espanyol, who occupy the magic fourth spot, but the Mestalla outfit cannot hope to claim that prize from the Catalans immediately as there is a four point margin that first has to be bridged. Unai Emery’s men will hope to take the first steps to doing that on Monday.

Over the course of the last week, los Che have been faced with two very testing matches. The first came away to Real Madrid and was largely a disappointing experience as Valencia failed to test the defensive solidarity of the rocking Blancos. Emery opted for a defensive approach and would be punished with a 2-0 defeat, albeit suffering only after David Albelda had been rather harshly dismissed.

Better would follow against Manchester United in midweek, when a 1-1 draw was earned at Old Trafford. Again this would be a performance tinged with some disappointment as the Spaniards were ahead but could not hold on.

“I clearly believe that Valencia are able to compete with anyone and play well at any field, as seen in our performance in Manchester,” Emery explained to the media.

Los Rojillos are the challenge that has been next placed in front of los Che, so Emery’s words will again be put to the test.


Split Personality

Jose Antonio Camacho’s Osasuna side continue to be one-of the most two-faced in the league. A trip to the Reyno de Navarre is not a journey that many will relish, but equally hosting los Rojillos shouldn’t prove to be too problematic given that they’ve earned only one point from a possible 21 on the road.

Even los Rojillos’ terrific record at home wasn’t enough to worry Barcelona last weekend as the defending champions romped to a somewhat flattering 3-0 success, despite something of an odyssey trying to reach the ground. Camacho praised the attitude of his players during that encounter, hoping that they can display similar resilience in future encounters.

A trip to Valencia doesn’t promise a good deal for the Pamplona side, who were hammered 3-0 at the Mestalla last season. Camacho’s men weren’t a good deal better on the road last term, and failed to win a match on their travels apart from against the last four teams alphabetically in La Liga, who by some quirk of fate all went down against los Rojillos.

With a history of underachievement outside Pamplona, Osasuna cannot hope for too much against Valencia. Los Che can be erratic, and if their guests stumble into the kind of form that has seen them regularly impress at home then there is a slim chance of an upset.


TEAM NEWS

Valencia

David Navarro and Cesar are both recalled, but Alejandro Dominguez, Mehmet Topal and Moya are injured.

Tino Costa and David Albelda are both suspended.

Osasuna

Damia, Ruper and Camunas are the three selection issues troubling the visiting sides.

Prediction

Valencia’s form has been a tad unpredictable of late, but they will have gained confidence from their midweek draw against Manchester United. Osasuna, meanwhile, have experienced a miserable run of form on the road and cannot hope to overcome a side playing for a Champions League spot on such form.

Valencia 2-0 Osasuna

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12-12-2010 21:00 Barcelona - Real Sociedad

Immense

Barcelona’s juggernaut has picked up maximum speed and appears to be heading towards a clutch of titles again this season. La Blaugrana are back to the summit of the Primera Division after a brief hiatus and they’ve also progressed in the Champions League, defeating bogey side Rubin Kazan 2-0 on Tuesday evening, despite fielding a fringe side. Real Sociedad are the latest unit to question the might of la Blaugrana.

Pep Guardiola watched on contentedly as goals from Fontas and Victor Vazquez dispatched Rubin with the minimum of fuss in midweek, firmly announcing the two young talents to the world. Additionally, Thiago produced a smooth performance in the middle of the park, increasing talk that he could be Xavi’s long-term successor. All-in-all, Barca’s youths did themselves proud.

But it will be the more experienced figures who are back in the spotlight come Sunday’s potentially awkward clash against the Basques. The senior players have been strong of late, shaking off any World Cup fatigue that was still evident in their performances earlier this season. Guardiola’s men have now won eight successive league matches, scoring a stunning 27 times in their last six.

The last time a side with Real in their name visited Camp Nou, they were sent packing in spectacular style. Barca will again expect three points from Sunday’s encounter, but they won’t be so naive to predict a repeat of the 5-0 bashing they dealt to great rivals Real Madrid a fortnight ago.

No Fear

Promoted from the Segunda Division in the summer, Real Sociedad would have watched on impressed as Hercules recorded a staggering victory in Camp Nou at the season’s outset. But the Basque club have made waves of their own, albeit not so spectacular but certainly more effective.

Their rivals from Alicante may have claimed some giant scalps, but they remain on the fringes of the relegation zone. La Real, meanwhile, have proven that slow and steady wins the race, with their magnificent home form lifting them to the unexpected heights of sixth.

Last weekend’s terrific 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao was a perfect example of why Sociedad have been successful this season at Anoeta. They were disciplined defensively but also sharp enough in their opponents’ box to force mistakes that led to goals.

Despite their lofty position, la Real remain humble and are acutely aware of the challenge that will be posed to them on Sunday night. “It will be a nice game, and we intend to travel to the Camp Nou with the intention of doing a good job’” Joseba Llorente said. “If we go into the match thinking we are going to be victims or conceding as few goals as possible, we are certainly going to lose.

“We have to go in without any fear and fight for every ball. The only trick to getting a positive result there is to hope that we play to 100 per cent and that they do not have a good day.”

With 22 points in the bank, the newly promoted outfit are well on the way to their pre-season target of safety.

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Gabriel Milito and Jeffren Suarez are the only two absentees for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bojan Krkic is back involved in the first team after picking up a midweek problem and Seydou Keita is also ready to play after a knee issue kept him out in midweek.

Real Sociedad

Martin Lasarte is considering reshuffling his side to include five defenders in an attempt to stifle the home side.

French youngster Antoine Griezmann has been training in the gym and looks very unlikely to play, while Diego Ifran and David Zurutuza are also struggling badly.

Prediction

Real Sociedad’s success has largely all come at Anoeta, and there are few tougher venues to visit than Camp Nou. Refreshed after a relatively stress-free midweek experience and in terrific form, it’s tough to see anything other than a Barcelona victory once again.

Barcelona 4-1 Real Sociedad

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12-12-2010 20:45 Juventus - Lazio

Trimming The Gap

Juventus may not be a formidable force in Serie A yet and for the second season in a row have made a disappointing exit from European competitions, but the Bianconeri have been a consistent machine in the league. Having mustered 27 points from 15 games, Luigi Del Neri's side are third in the standings, six points behind leaders Milan.

Having gone 15 competitive matches unbeaten, the Old Lady have rejuvenated themselves and are increasingly looking genuine Scudetto challengers. Last weekend Juve produced some wonderful football to defeat Catania 3-1 in Sicily in what was the hosts' first home defeat in the league in a year.

Juventus are also the division's top scorers with 29 goals and have found the target 17 times in seven matches at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Having lost just one of those home matches, the Bianconeri will head into Sunday night's fixture in Turin basking in hope and optimism.

The Fairytale Continues

Lazio were struggling against the drop in Serie A for much of last season but things couldn't be more different this campaign. Having garnered 30 points from 15 matches, Edy Reja's side currently find themselves second in the table, just a win away from catching leaders Milan at the top.

Last week the Aquile registered a comprehensive and morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Italian and European champions Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and extended their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions. It allowed them to keep Milan in sight and exhibit their ability to win against the big boys.

This Sunday evening the Biancocelesti will have Juventus to contend with and that too in Turin, but with a strong away form they shouldn't be scared. Having picked up 13 points from a possible 21 on the road, conceding just five in the process, Lazio will travel to Turin full of confidence in the knowledge that they do have the quality to defeat their more illustrious rivals.

TEAM NEWS

Juventus

Buffon, Rinaudo, De Ceglie, Martinez and Amauri will miss the visit of Lazio because of injuries. Del Neri will deploy a straightforward 4-4-2 system that will have Iaquinta and Quagliarella as the two centre-forwards.

Lazio

Meghni and Garrido are injured and will miss the trip to Turin. Radu is suspended. Edy Reja is likely to opt for a 4-1-3-1 formation that will have Floccari as the main targetman with Mauri, Hernanes and Zarate as the three attacking midfielders behind him.

Prediction

This promises to be a tactical and interesting match with both sides equally capable of winning. Juve have a strong form at home but Lazio are no pushovers on the road. A draw seems to be the most likely outcome.

Juventus 2-2 Lazio

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12-12-2010 17:00 Athletic Bilbao - Espanyol

Fortress

The strong home form of Athletic Bilbao has been enough to keep the Basque side on the fringes of the European race, and coach Joaquin Caparros will hope that his side’s abilities at San Mames again come to the fore when they meet with Espanyol on Sunday afternoon.

On their travels, los Leones have been weak, and this was highlighted last weekend when they went down 2-0 against near neighbours Real Sociedad. For the first time this season, Athletic failed to find the net, and they would pay a heavy price for a couple of defensive lapses.

“We had two poor moments in defence, which cost us the game. For the second goal, we gave up ourselves,” Caparros lamented. “They scored the first goal, and then decided to put up a wall defensively. This didn't allow us to attack as much as we would have liked.”

At home Caparros can rely on his side a good deal more. All of their last four home games have been won, and the only sides to have avoided defeat at la Catedral this season have been Atletico Madrid, who were in the flush of early season form, and Barcelona.

There is further heartening news for Athletic as they have not lost a goal in front of their own supporters since Zaragoza struck back in mid-October. Los Periquitos may be positioned well in the league, but at San Mames it will be the hosts who will be favourites.

Focus On The Now

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino could barely have hoped for this season to start any better. With 14 matches played, the Catalan club sit fourth in the standings and go into the weekend’s fixture in the Basque Country under little pressure from those below as they command a four point cushion to fifth-placed Valencia.

At the Cornella-El Prat they’ve been especially imposing, commanding the best home record in the division with the exception of Real Madrid. Los Periquitos have won seven from seven in front of their home support, and this has been a clear source of strength.

Barcelona may loom in the near future, but the Argentine boss is focussing on Athletic first.

“He who enters the stadium thinking about the Barcelona match, would be better staying at home,” the coach told the media. “The next match is always the most important to us, and deserves all of our respect. The goal is clear, to take three points, and a great virtue of this team is that is always gives 100 per cent. “

On their travels Espanyol have not always enjoyed a good deal of luck this term, but misfortune is not the only factor to explain four league defeats in seven road matches. Only in two of their away fixtures have los Periquitos even managed to find the net, and against an Athletic side who have scored in each one of their home matches, that is a disturbing statistic.

TEAM NEWS

Athletic

Tendonitis threatens the presence of Pablo Orbaiz for the weekend’s match. Iraola is making progress with his hamstring problems but isn’t training fully yet.

Aitor Ocio and Koikili are both back training with the main body.

Espanyol

Felipe Mattioni remains a long-term absentee because of a knee problem. Javi Lopez will be missing for another fortnight because of a muscular issue, while Ernesto Galan, Coro and Ivan de la Pena are also giving the coach a headache.

Javi Marquez and Raul Baena are both suspended.

Prediction

Espanyol are positioned a good deal better than Athletic in the league standings, but San Mames is not an easy venue to visit. Additionally, the men from Barcelona have a pretty poor record on their travels. Expect the four point gap los Periquitos have to the pack chasing Champions League football next season to shrink.

Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Espanyol

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