29.08.2010. 17:00 Aston Vila - Everton

Old MacDonald had a job

Aston Villa manager Kevin MacDonald must be wondering if it's all worth it heading into what could be a very tough home game against Everton.
The Scot celebrated his first game in temporary charge of the Birmingham outfit with a convincing 3-0 win on opening day over West Ham United. A hard-fought draw with Rapid Vienna in the Europa League was worthy of some celebration before things really came apart on Sunday on Tyneside.

Newcastle United ran riot at St James' Park, thrashing MacDonald's men 6-0. With a Europa League home defeat to their Viennese nemesis occurring on Thursday, the world is a grimmer place for Villa now. MacDonald is reputed to be more popular among his players than predecessor Martin O'Neill was, perhaps proving the point that you don't have to be liked to be good at your job.

Villa were pretty clueless against Rapid on Thursday night, conceding goals far too easily in a 3-2 defeat in which Stiliyan Petrov missed a penalty and Emile Heskey a sitter. Petrov provided little leadership in a shapeless looking side bereft of any real cutting edge up front and desperately needing someone who could pass the ball in the middle of the park.

A line-up shuffle would seem inevitable, particularly as the Villans have now conceded 20 goals in their last ten Premier League encounters.

Time for the Toffees to get on track

Everton meanwhile need a win to avoid their worst opening spell since 1999, the last time that they failed to record a win in their opening three Premier League fixtures.

Under David Moyes, starting slowly has sometimes been an issue for Everton, but at least this season he looks to have most of his key men fit after a clogged treatment room really hindered the Merseysiders last season.

An uncharacteristic error from Tim Howard cost them their opening day fixture at Blackburn Rovers, with a draw at home to Wolves following on from that. They warmed up for Villa though by hammering Huddersfield Town 5-1 in the League Cup on Wedenesday night, with key men such as Jack Rodwell, Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini all getting on the scoresheet.

Those players will be keen to make up for some of last season's lost time during this campaign. A win at Villa would get things nicely on track. 

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

John Carew, Richard Dunne and Gabriel Agbonlahor should all be back in contention after shaking off knee, back and calf problems, repsectively.

Steve Sidwell (Achilles) and Andreas Weimann (ankle) both miss out.

MacDonald may feel the side needs a little fresh blood, and young Scot Barry Bannan might provide it. The diminutive midfielder has a fine left foot and the kind of determined attitude that will be needed in bucketloads against the Toffees.

Possible Starting XI: Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Kuyt, Petrov, Ireland, Bannan; A Young, Downing, Carew.

Everton

Nigerian trio Victor Anichebe, Aiyegbeni Yakubu and Joesph Yobo all miss out. Anichebe has an ongoing knee problem, whilst Yakubu has been struck down by illness. Yobo has picked up a thigh strain.

Phil Neville is doubtful with the foot problem that kept him out against Wolves and Huddersfield.

Possible Starting XI: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Pienaar, Heitinga, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov; Cahill; Saha. 

Prediction

  Aston Villa 1-1 Everton

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28.08.2010. Tiket top lige

13:45 Blackburn Rovers - Arsenal                                         GG

16:00 Tottenham Hotspur(-1) - Wigan Athletic                    H1

16:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Newcastle United     GG

16:00 Chelsea(-2) - Stoke City                                                H1

16:00 Blackpool - Fulham                                                        0-2

18:00 Udinese - Genoa                                                           2-3

18:00 Hercules - Athletic Bilbao                                             0-2

18:30 Manchester United(-2) - West Ham United               H1

20:00 Malaga - Valencia                                                          0-2

20:45 Roma(-1) - Cesena                                                       H1

22:00 Levante - Sevilla                                                             GG

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28.08. 2010. 20:00 Malaga - Valencia

Looking To Impress

Last term Malaga and Valencia were at opposite ends of the Primera Division spectrum, but with a fresh season comes a fresh start, and the two sides square off at the La Rosaleda on an equal footing for one week at least.

It took the Andalucians until the final day of last term to secure their place in La Liga this time around. Going into the season’s dramatic finale, Malaga found themselves occupying 18th spot, yet a heroic 1-1 draw with Real Madrid kept Juan Muniz’s side safe.

Los Boquerones may have booked their place in the top flight for this campaign, but it was not enough to save the 41-year-old’s job, and in mid-June he parted from the club to be replaced by former Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira.

The appointment of such a big name coach is indicative of the direction Malaga are heading this term. Subject to a takeover from Qatari Sheikh Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani in the summer, the Andalusians have received a significant injection of funds, and though no especially big name players have been captured thus far, they are evidently a side on the up.

Fending off relegation remains their main aim this term, and to that end even a point from this tough opener would certainly not be sniffed at.

Shrugging Of Big Losses

It was seen by many last season that Champions League football this term was essential for the long-term well-being of Valencia. Los Che finished third in La Liga and booked their place amongst Europe’s elite, yet despite that commendable success this would still be the summer when they finally lost David Villa and David Silva. The two stars have long been courted by some of Europe’s top sides, and when Barcelona and Manchester City came calling there was finally no resisting.

A number of additional players have also haemorrhaged by los Che, including Alexis, Nikola Zigic and Carlos Marchena, though the arrivals of Roberto Soldado, Mehmet Topal and Aritz Aduriz will act to balance these losses out.

Also plying their trade at the Mestalla next term will be a trio of men who featured for Ligue 1 teams last season, the pick of whom will be Alberto Costa, a playmaker who led minnows Montpellier to Europe in their first season following promotion.

On balance, it would be something of a surprise if los Che were to prove quite the force they were with Villa, Silva, et al, though David Albelda has high ambitions.

“The loss of Villa and Silva will not disrupt the objectives of our club,” he boldly stated to the press. “We must be cautious, and not think we will win everything. One of the objectives will be to cut the gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid in the standings.”

Los Che may not "win everything", but if they are to keep better pace with the duopoly who have control of the table’s summit, this game should be considered must win.

TEAM NEWS

Malaga

Jesualdo Ferreira’s competitive debut in the home dugout comes in the aftermath of the news that Duda will miss the opening two months of the season due to a pubis operation he has undergone.

Helder Rosario and Javier Malagueno are missing too.

There is some positive news as Patrick Mtiliga is back training with the first team, and Apono is available too, though he has only returned after a problem picked up at the start of pre-season.

Probable Starting XI: Galatto; Gamez, Gonzalez, Weligton, Mtiliga; Eliseu, Sandro Silva, Fernando, Owusu-Abeyie; Fernandez, Rondon

Valencia

Roberto Soldado enjoyed a terrific season for Getafe, but he’ll have to wait to get off the mark with los Che as he’ll miss a couple of weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.

Miguel has a bruised ankle but should be passed fit, while Angel Dealbert has a facial knock but could also be able to feature prominently.

Probable Starting XI: Sanchez; Miguel, Dealbert, Navarro, Mathieu; Albelda, Banega; Hernandez, Costa, Mata; Aduriz

Prediction

It’s the beginning of a new era for both sides, and this opening day encounter could set the tone. Both fixtures last season ended 1-0 in favour of Valencia, and this match is liable to end up close too. The new wave of optimism that has engulfed Malaga may be enough to drive them to a fine opening day point, but an away win is likelier.

Malaga 0-1 Valencia

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28.08. 16:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Newcastle United

Looking to continue impressive start

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United approach Saturday's Premier League clash both in good spirits having both won in their midweek League Cup fixtures.

Wolves will hope to carry on their impressive start to the season, which has included a victory at home to Stoke City and last week's 1-1 draw away at Everton. Mick McCarthy's side  also won a midweek League Cup tie 2-1 after extra time against Southend United.

The midlands side's last Premier League fixture was surrounded with controversy as both managers argued that the other side’s goal could and should have been disallowed; Wolves trailed 1-0 following Tim Cahill’s strike but levelled with 15 minutes to go thanks to a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake strike.

Building on huge victory

Newcastle will be in a buoyant mood following last Sunday’s 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, which included a hat-trick for England under-21 international Andy Carroll.

A much changed Magpies side also won a midweek League Cup fixture 3-2 against Accrington Stanley.

Newcastle will be hoping their form can continue to pick up their first away victory since their return to the Premier League following their opening day loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Don't get too excited though: Wolves and Newcastle last faced each other in the 2003-04 season with both matches ending in a 1-1 draw.

TEAM NEWS

Wolverhampton

Wolves made a number of changes for their midweek tie with Southend United and are expected to return to largely the same team that drew with Everton last weekend.

However manager Mick McCarthy will be able to partner summer signing Steven Fletcher with last season’s top scorer Kevin Doyle for the first time.

Possible Starting XI: Hahnemann; Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Elokobi; Foley, Henry, Jones, Jarvis; Doyle, Fletcher.

Newcastle United

Newcastle made 11 changes for their midweek tie with Accrington Stanley but will revert to largely the same team that beat Aston Villa last Sunday, including a return for hat trick hero Andy Carroll.

Ryan Taylor is making a strong claim for a place in the starting line up having scored the opener against Accrington Stanley.

Possible starting XI: Harper; Taylor, Williamson,  Coloccini, Jose Enrique; Routledge , Smith, Barton, Gutiérrez; Nolan, Carroll.

Prediction
Wolves 1-1 Newcastle

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28.08. 13:45 Blackburn Rovers - Arsenal

Battle of styles in a classic culture clash
Among the sides that Arsenal fans particularly love their team to beat, any managed by Sam Allardyce figure fairly high on the list.
The ‘Big Sam’ caricature beloved by some media types cuts little ice with Gooners, many of whom regard the Blackburn Rovers boss as the disciple of destruction compared with their own Arsene Wenger, the presumed apostle of the aesthetic.
It’s an unashamedly biased view, and one which adds to Allardyce’s delight when he succeeds in ruffling Arsenal’s feathers – something he has managed to do more than most. Indeed, as recently as May, Blackburn’s 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Ewood Park finally killed any lingering hope the Gunners entertained of finishing in the top two.

The absence of bonhomie between Allardyce and Wenger was again in evidence after that match when the Frenchman accused Rovers of unfair tactics and was critical of referee Martin Atkinson  for not providing his players – especially goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski - with greater protection. It is a recurring theme: Wenger was frequently disparaging of Bolton Wanderers’ perceived overly-aggressive approach when Allardyce managed the Trotters.

And ahead of this Saturday lunchtime’s latest clash between the two protagonists, Wenger took the opportunity to warn referees that they need to take action against the growth of ‘rugby’ tactics in football, especially where the blocking of goalkeepers is concerned. He added that he accepts and respects that all opponents play to their own strengths, which means that some will emphasise the long ball and a physical game. He can be reasonably confident that on Saturday, that’s what will be awaiting his team. But he is hoping that the officials will ensure that all is kept within the laws of the game.

Allardyce will no doubt regard that as special pleading and instruct his players to hustle Arsenal out of their elegant stride; he knows that if they allow the Gunners the time and space to dictate, they could be sliced wide open.

Scare tactics
The Rovers boss is looking to his team to maintain their good home form. They lost just three times at Ewood Park last season, and began this term by beating Everton 1-0 at home.

But a Birmingham City side inspired by ‘keeper Ben Foster beat Rovers 2-1 last weekend, much to the annoyance of Allardyce - who insists that, having beaten Norwich City 3-1 at home in the League Cup in midweek, Rovers should be entertaining Arsenal as an undefeated side.

He feels the fact that they aren’t puts more pressure on Rovers, though he told his club’s website: "But it is Ewood, we can scare them and hopefully we can scare them enough on Saturday to get a result again."

As for the visitors, they are more likely to be focused than frightened, as they know they cannot afford to drop points given Chelsea's soaring start to the season. The Gunners are unbeaten, having followed up a 1-1 draw at Liverpool by giving new boys Blackpool a sobering introduction to the realities of Premier League life in the form of a 6-0 thrashing. Few at the Emirates are likely to have been fooled by that performance, though. A much sterner test of their mettle lies in store at Ewood.

For while Blackburn are seeking their 1,000th win in top-flight football, Arsenal are without an away win since a last-minute Nicklas Bendtner goal gave them a 2-1 victory at Hull City on March 13.

This will be the 116th meeting between Blackburn and Arsenal in all competitions; the Gunners have won 56 of those matches, compared to Rovers’ 29 – but Rovers ended a seven-game winless streak against the Londoners when they won 2-1 in May. On that day a 13th minute Robin van Persie opener was cancelled out by goals from David Dunn two minutes before the break and Christopher Samba 22 minutes after it.Blackburn Rovers

Vince Grella and Pascal Chimbonda came through Tuesday's League Cup win over Norwich unscathed, while French defender Gael Givet suffered a mouth injury late on in that game but isn’t expected to be sidelined as a result.

However, David Dunn may miss out again with a groin problem, and fellow midfielder Keith Andrews is also nursing a groin injury. Both are considered to be doubtful starters. Striker Mame Biram Diouf could be given the chance to feature by Allardyce following his League Cup hat-trick in midweek.

Possible Starting XI: Robinson; Chimbonda, Samba, Nelsen, Givet; El-Hadji Diouf, Jones, Olsson, Pedersen; Nzonzi, Kalinic.

Arsenal

Denilson is back in the Arsenal squad after recovering from an abdominal injury; if he features it will be his first appearance this season.

Samir Nasri (knee), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (broken leg) are all ruled out, while central defenders Johan Djourou (probably) and new signing Sebastien Squillaci (definitely) will not be involved. Apart from that, though, Wenger has a full squad to choose from.

Another centre-half, Laurent Koscielny, has completed his one-match suspension, while Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are available after starting their pre-season training late following the World Cup final. Both came on as substitutes against Blackpool and could start against Blackburn. If they do there will be intense competition for starting berths among the likes of Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Denilson and Marouane Chamakh. That should make for a strong bench…

Possible starting XI: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin; Van Persie, Chamakh.

Prediction

Blackburn 1-2 Arsenal 

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28.-29. 08.2010. Championship Preview

Barnsley v Middlesbrough

• Barnsley have won just once in their last six meetings with Middlesbrough.
• Hugo Colace found the net for the Tykes in both of their league meetings with Boro last term.
• Middlesbrough have won just once in their last six trips to Oakwell.
• Barnsley, alongside Coventry (46), have committed the most fouls in the Championship.
• The Tykes have conceded the most penalties in the Championship (3).

Derby v QPR

• The home side have won just once in the last 18 encounters between these Derby & QPR.
• Derby have lost three and drawn one of their last four home games against QPR.
• Queens Park Rangers are the only side with a 100% record in the Championship so far.
• Adel Taarabt has either scored (2) or assisted (3) five of QPR's nine goals in the league this term.

Doncaster v Hull

• Six of the last eight meetings between Doncaster and Hull have been won by the home team, with the other two ending level.
• There have been three red cards in their last two meetings between Hull and Doncaster Rovers.
• Hull have failed to find the net in their last four trips to Doncaster Rovers.

Ipswich v Bristol City

• The two meetings between Ipswich and Bristol City last season failed to produce a goal.
• The last three matches between these sides have ended in a draw.
• Only one of their last 12 encounters have seen the away side win.
• No side has conceded more goals than Bristol City in the Championship so far this term (7).

Millwall v Coventry

• The away side have managed just four goals in the last eight encounters between these teams.
• Just 10 of the 52 meetings between these two sides in all competitions has failed to produce a winner.
• The Lions have won just once in their last six meetings with the Sky Blues.
• Only QPR (9) have netted more goals than Millwall in the Championship this term (8).

Nottingham Forest v Norwich

• Norwich have scored just two goals in their last five meetings with Forest at the City Ground, however, these two goals were enough for a 2-1 victory in their last visit there.
• The away side have never been able to win a match between Forest and the Canaries in any of their seven meetings in the month of August.
• Nottingham Forest have been the most fouled side (44), while Norwich have been fouled the fewest amount of times (19) in the Championship this term.

Portsmouth v Cardiff

• This will be the first meeting between these two sides since their 2008 FA Cup final meeting, which Pompey won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Nwankwo Kanu.
• In fact, the last three goals scored in this fixture have been by a Nigerian player (Yakubu 2, Kanu 1).
• The last league meeting between the Bluebirds and Portsmouth was back in March 1985 - a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.
• Jay Bothroyd (3) is the only player to have scored more than two goals in the Championship so far this season.

Scunthorpe v Crystal Palace

• The Iron have won just once in their last five competitive meetings with Crystal Palace.
• Palace have failed to score in two of their previous three trips to Scunthorpe.
• The Eagles have won just five corners in their opening three league games of the season.
• Scunthorpe keeper Joe Murphy has had to make 14 saves so far this term; a league-high.

Sheffield United v Preston

• The home side have conceded only two goals in the last six competitive meetings between the Blades and Preston.
• Sheffield United have scored exactly one goal in their last four matches against Preston.
• Preston have been given the most yellow cards in the Championship so far (7).
• Sheffield United and Preston are two of only three Championship sides to have netted just one goal this season so far.

Swansea v Burnley

• Swansea have won just once in their last five matches against Burnley.
• Four of the last six meetings between these two sides at Swansea have ended in a draw.
• Swansea have been the most wayward side in the Championship so far this term, hitting a league-high 26 shots off target.
• Alongside Millwall, Burnley have tallied the most headed goals (3).

Watford v Leeds United

• On the last occasion that these two sides met in a 'league' fixture, Watford defeated Leeds 3-0 in the 2005/06 Championship Play-off Final.
• Watford have failed to win any of their last three league meetings with Leeds at Vicarage Road.
• Leeds have hit the woodwork on a league-high five occasions so far this season.
• Danny Graham has been caught offside more than any other Championship player this season (8).

Leicester v Reading

• The home side have won just once in the last eight meetings between Leicester and Reading.
• Leicester City have been defeated only twice in their previous seven home games against the Royals.
• Leicester City have won more corners than any other side in the Championship after three games (32); eight more than any other team.
• Reading and Leicester are two of just six sides yet to pick up a league win in the Championship this season.

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28.29.08. 2010. Premier League Preview

Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal

• Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in nine games in all competitions against Blackburn.
• Sam Allardyce is unbeaten in his last seven Premier League games as a home manager against Arsenal and has won four of the last five.
• There have been 19 goals scored in the last four Premier League games between Rovers and the Gunners.
• Arsenal have not won an away game in any competition where the opposition was not down to 10 men since January, including a 1-2 defeat to Rovers.
• David Dunn has scored more goals (5) against Arsenal than versus any other Premier League opponent.
• Blackburn have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League matches at Ewood Park and only four in 31 home games under Sam Allardyce.

Blackpool v Fulham

• Fulham have won six of the last seven league meetings with Blackpool.
• Blackpool are unbeaten in their last nine home games.
• Fulham have won none of their last 19 Premier League away matches.
• The Londoners have only scored one goal in their last 10 Premier League games on the road.
• Since the start of 2008/09, Fulham have lost more games (five) to newly-promoted sides in the Premier League than they have won (four).
• Blackpool have won only one of their last six home games against Fulham, losing four.

Chelsea v Stoke City

• Stoke have lost three of their last four Premier League away games including a 0-7 loss to Chelsea in April.
• Stoke scored the joint-fewest goals away from home in the 2009-10 Premier League (10).
• No team has stopped Chelsea from scoring in their last 22 Premier League home games.
• The Blues have scored 21 goals in their last three Premier League home matches, including seven against Stoke.
• Chelsea have won 20 and lost just one of their last 22 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
• The Blues have won the last six meetings with Stoke in all competitions.
• Frank Lampard has scored four goals in his last four appearances against the Potters.

Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion

• Liverpool are on a run of 12 consecutive wins against West Brom in all competitions.

• The Baggies have never scored in eight Premier League meetings with the Reds.
• West Brom's last win at Anfield came in 1967 - a run of 23 games in all competitions without a win there since.
• Liverpool have conceded just one goal in their last 10 matches at home to West Brom.
• Liverpool have kept 17 clean sheets in their last 20 matches at home to newly-promoted teams in the Premier League.
• West Brom have failed to record an away win in the Premier League in 17 efforts and only one in the last 28.
• 29% of the goals Liverpool conceded last season came in the 15 minutes before half time, the highest proportion in the division.

Manchester United v West Ham United

• United have won their last five games against the Hammers.
• During this period they have bagged 14 goals whilst conceding just one.
• Wayne Rooney scored three goals over the two meetings with West Ham last season, including two at Old Trafford.
• The Red Devils have won 11 of their last 12 Premier League games at home, averaging 3.25 goals per game in this period.
• Wayne Rooney has assisted just one goal in United's last nine matches in the Premier League (no goals). In this period, Giggs has been their top scorer with four strikes.
• The Hammers have not won away from home in the league since their first away match last season (2-0 vs Wolves).
• United have attempted 63 crosses this season in the top flight, more than any other side.
• Paul Scholes has made the most passes in the Premier League this season: 200.

Sunderland v Manchester City

• A draw at the Stadium of Light in March ended a run of nine consecutive Premier League wins for the Citizens against Sunderland.
• Sunderland have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League home games.
• City are unbeaten in eight matches away from home in the Premier League, though have drawn the last three.
• Manchester City (0 goals conceded) have faced just one fewer shot on target than Wigan (10 goals conceded) in the Premier League this season.
• Last season Man City scored 27% of their goals in the 15 minutes before half-time, a higher proportion than any other side in the top flight.
• These sides have not shared a goalless draw in the league since 1938, a run of 56 games.
• Two of the last three games between these sides have seen a Sunderland player sent off.

Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan Athletic

• Wigan have won just one of their 11 meetings with Spurs in all competitions.
• Tottenham put 12 goals past the Latics last season in the Premier League, including the famous 9-1 win at White Hart Lane.
• Aaron Lennon has scored three Premier League goals against Wigan, more than against any other side.
• Manchester United are the only visiting team to have scored more than once at White Hart Lane in the Premier League in 37 games since September 2008.
• Tottenham are unbeaten in 12 games at home in the league.
• Wigan have conceded 18 goals in their last three Premier League matches, without scoring a single one.
• Roberto Martinez's men are on a run of six straight defeats away from home in the league.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United

• The last two meetings between the sides in 2003/04 both ended in 1-1 draws.
• Wolves have won four of their last five matches at home to United in all competitions.
• Seven of the last nine goals in matches between these two teams have come in the first half.
• Wolves have lost just one of their last seven league games.
• Andy Carroll has scored five goals in his last five league appearances.
• Wolves have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last six home games.
• Newcastle have lost their last four away games in the Premier League, failing to score on each occasion.

Aston Villa v Everton

• This is the most-played fixture in the English top flight: this will be the 191^st meeting between the two sides.
• The last three league meetings between Villa and Everton have ended in a score draw.
• The Villans are unbeaten in eight league meetings with Everton.
• Tim Cahill has scored four goals in his last four games against Aston Villa in all competitions.
• Villa have lost three of their last four Premier League games.
• Everton have failed to score in their last two away matches.
• Three of Everton's last five league goals have come in the 90^th minute or later.
• If Everton win this game, the league head to head record will be even between the sides, with 71 wins each.

Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City

• Bolton have won their last three games against Birmingham.
• The Trotters have either scored at least twice (six times) or failed to score (seven times) in their last 13 league games.
• The 2-1 victory at Portsmouth remains Birmingham's only win on the road in the Premier League in 2010 (one draw, eight defeats).
• Bolton have failed to score in three of their last five home games.
• In the last six meetings between these teams the home side has won on five occasions.
• In the last 35 meetings in all competitions between these sides there has only been one goalless draw.

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28.-27.08.2010. Spain - Primera Division preview

Atletico Madrid v Sporting Gijon

• Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches against Sporting Gijon (12 wins and two draws).
• Atletico have won their last seven league home games against Sporting Gijon, scoring at least two goals in each.
• Diego Forlan has netted four goals in just three league appearances against Sporting.
• Sporting Gijon have lost their last three opening games of the season in La Liga.
• Sporting dropped the most points from leading situations last season in Primera Division, 26.
• Atletico conceded the most first half goals in La Liga last season (34).

Deportivo v Real Zaragoza

• Deportivo have won only one of their last 10 La Liga games against Zaragoza (six draws and three defeats).
• Depor suffered 17 defeats last term in La Liga, their worst tally since 1966/67.
• Deportivo have failed to score more than one goal in their last 13 La Liga fixtures, winning just one of these games.
• Zaragoza's Ander Herrera won the most fouls in the top-flight last season (121).
• Deportivo's last four opening matches of the season have produced 16 goals (an average of four goals per match).

Espanyol v Getafe

• Espanyol and Getafe have met 12 times so far in the top-flight: Getafe lead by five wins to four, three draws complete the record.
• Espanyol have never scored more than once in their last 10 meetings with Getafe.
• The Catalans have netted only one goal in their last five opening games of La Liga.
• Getafe have always started their season in the top flight away from home, winning four times and losing twice.
• Espanyol had the worst attacking record in the top-flight last season (only 29 goals scored).
• Espanyol have conceded just three goals in their last nine home games in the league.

Hercules v Athletic Bilbao

• Hercules and Athletic have met 38 times so far in La Liga: the Basque side lead by 21 wins to nine, eight draws complete the record.
• Hercules return to the top division after 13 seasons spent in the lower tiers of Spanish football.
• Athletic are one of the three teams (with Real Madrid and Barcelona) who have never been relegated from the top flight.
• Bilbao have won four of their last five trips to Hercules in the top flight, scoring 13 goals in the process.
• Only one of the last 17 league encounters between these two sides has ended in a draw.

Levante v Sevilla

• Levante have lost their last six meetings against Sevilla, conceding 18 goals in the process.
• Levante have never won their opening game of the season in the top-flight (three draws and two defeats).
• Sevilla scored the most goals from set pieces in La Liga last season (28).
• Levante have never kept a clean sheet against Sevilla in the top flight.
• Jesús Navas attempted the most crosses in La Liga last season (228).

Malaga v Valencia

• Valencia have won both of the two previous games against Malaga on the opening day of the season.
• Malaga have not scored a single goal in four of their last five opening games of the season.
• Valencia have won seven of their last nine opening matches of the season.
• Malaga drew the most league games last season (16).
• New Valencia signing Roberto Soldado scored 29 goals in 60 league appearances in his two seasons at Getafe.

Mallorca v Real Madrid

• Real Madrid have lost the opening match of the season only once in the last eight years.
• Mallorca and Real Madrid have met 50 times so far in La Liga: the Blancos lead by 31 wins to nine, 10 draws complete the record.
• Real Madrid are the side that have scored the most against Mallorca in La Liga (103 goals).
• The Merengues have won their last two league games at Mallorca scoring seven goals in the process (3-0 and 4-1).
• Real Madrid were the only side in La Liga 2009/10 to have won all of the games in which they took the lead (30).
• The Merengues also recouped the most points from trailing situations last season (22).

Osasuna v Almeria

• Almeria have lost all four of their trips to Pamplona in the top flight.
• Osasuna have shared the points in their opening game of the last three La Liga seasons.
• Almeria have won their last two opening games of the season played away from home, scoring three goals in each.
• Almeria's goalkeeper Diego Alves made the most saves in La Liga last season, 166.
• Osasuna scored the fewest goals in the second half in La Liga last season (16).
• The last four La Liga matches involving Almeria have produced 18 goals.

Racing v Barcelona

• This will be the 85^th league meetings between these two sides: Barcelona lead by 49 wins to 15 and 20 draws complete the record.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 13 league encounters against Racing (10 wins and three draws).
• Racing have conceded more goals against Barcelona than against any other side in La Liga (190).
• Title holders Barcelona picked up 99 points in the last campaign, an all-time Spanish record.
• Racing were the only side that failed to score in the first 15 minutes of play in La Liga last season.
• Last season Racing picked up a league-low 17 points at home.

Real Sociedad v Villarreal

• Real Sociedad and Villarreal have met 16 times so far in La Liga: the Yellow Submarines lead by six wins to four, six draws complete the record.
• Villarreal have lost just one of their trips to San Sebastian in the top flight (four wins and three draws).
• Real Sociedad were promoted to the top-flight as the second division champions last season.

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28.-29.08.2010. Italy - Serie A preview

Bari v Juventus

• Bari have won only one of their last 17 Serie A meetings against Juventus - 11 wins for the Bianconeri and five draws in the process.
• These two sides have met only once on the opening day of a Serie A season - a 1-1 draw at Bari back in 1936.
• Bari have never scored more than a single goal on the opening day of the last 16 Serie A seasons.
• Juventus are unbeaten on the opening day of their last 26 Serie A seasons (19 wins and seven draws).
• Bari striker Barreto converted only four of the nine penalties he took in Serie A in 2009-10.

Bologna v Inter

• Bologna have picked-up only one point from their last 10 league meetings against Inter, and are on a run of five consecutive defeats against the Nerazzurri.
• The Rossoblu have lost their last five league games at home against Inter.
• These two sides have met three times on match-day 1 of Serie A: Inter lead by two wins to one, always by the same scoreline (1-0).
• Bologna are unbeaten on the last six occasions they have played the opening game of a Serie A season at home (three wins and as many draws).
• The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in the opening game of Serie A in the last nine seasons, though they were held to a draw in the last three seasons.
• Inter have scored on match-day 1 of the last 22 Serie A seasons.

Chievo v Catania

• These two have met six times in Serie A and the balance is perfectly even: two wins to each and as many draws.
• At home though, Chievo are unbeaten against the Sicilians so far (a 2-1 win and two 1-1 draws).
• Chievo have won their opening game only once in their last six seasons of Serie A - three defeats and two draws complete the record.
• Catania have managed only one win on the last eight occasions they played match-day 1 of Serie A away from home - three draws and four defeats complete the record.
• Catania shared the points 15 times in Serie A in 2009/10 - a competition-high.

Fiorentina v Napoli

• Fiorentina and Napoli have met 120 times in the top-flight: the Tuscans lead by 50 wins to 39, with 31 draws rounding off the record.
• None of the last nine Serie A meetings between these two sides has ended in a draw (four wins for the Viola, five for the Partenopei).
• At home, Fiorentina have won six of their last eight meetings with Napoli, with two wins for the guests.
• These two sides have met three times on match-day 1 of Serie A (Fiorentina have won twice, Napoli once).
• 14 goals were scored in these three opening day fixtures.
• Napoli are winless in their last seven Serie A openers (two draws and five defeats).

AC Milan v Lecce

• Lecce have managed only two wins in their 26 Serie A games against AC Milan - 15 wins for the Rossoneri and nine draws in the process.
• AC Milan have had the better of Lecce in the last six fixtures at the San Siro, scoring 19 goals in total.
• This fixture has been played on match-day 1 of Serie A twice, but on both occasions it was at Lecce's ground (one win for the guests and a draw).
• AC Milan have lost on match-day 1 of Serie A only once in the last 23 seasons - two years ago against Bologna (1-2); 17 wins and five draws complete the record.
• Lecce on the other hand have never won their opening game in 13 top-flight seasons (six draws and seven defeats).

Palermo v Cagliari

• This will be the19^th "Derby of the Islands" between Palermo and Cagliari in Serie A: the Sardinians lead by seven wins to six, five draws complete the record.
• However, Palermo have lost only one of their last six league meetings with Cagliari - four wins for the Rosanero and one draw in the process.
• Palermo have won on the last three occasions they have hosted Cagliari at the "Barbera", scoring nine goals in total.
• These two sides have met only once on match-day 1 in Serie A, back in 1968 (Cagliari won at home by 3-0).
• Cagliari have managed only one win from their last 11 opening fixtures played away from home in the top-flight.
• Last season, Cagliari dropped the most points from leading situations (31).

Parma v Brescia

• These two sides have met 16 times in Serie A previously: Parma lead by 10 wins to three, with three draws.
• The hosts have won six of the eight games played at the Tardini, one draw and one win for Brescia complete the record.
• Parma have shared the points in their last 11 opening day fixtures of Serie A.
• Brescia are winless on match-day 1 in Serie A in their last 11 campaigns - seven defeats and four draws.
• Brescia have never won on the seven occasions in which they have played the opening game of Serie A away from home (six defeats and a draw).

Roma v Cesena

• The result that has happened the most often in the 20 Serie A meetings between Roma and Cesena in Serie A is the draw (nine times); eight wins for Roma and three for Cesena in the process.
• Roma are on a run of five consecutive wins at home, and have conceded only one goal in the process.
• Cesena are winless in their previous 10 opening matches of Serie A (six defeats and four draws).
• Cesena have not scored a single goal in their last five opening day fixtures in the top-flight.

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28.-29. 08. 2010. Germany - Bundesliga preview

Kaiserslautern v Bayern

• Bayern München remain undefeated in their last 14 Bundesliga matches against Kaiserslautern (10 wins, four draws) - FCK haven't beaten Bayern in 17 competitive games.
• FCK have only lost two of their 17 home games in 2. Bundesliga (10 wins, five draws).
• FCK haven't lost their first home game of the season in any of their last five campaigns (four wins, one draw).
• Munich have only lost one of their last 13 away games (seven wins, five draws) and haven't been defeated in their last four away matches (two wins, two draws).
• Bayern have won all of their three competitive matches this season and have only conceded one goal (8-1 goals).
• FCB have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league matches (7-0 v. Hannover).

St. Pauli v Hoffenheim

• The last time that Pauli won two consecutive Bundesliga matches was more than 14 years ago, in April 1996 (v. Leverkusen and Frankfurt).
• FC St. Pauli haven't drawn any of their last 13 games - more than any other Bundesliga team.
• Hoffenheim are undefeated in five Bundesliga matches (two wins, two draws) - only Bayern (seven matches) and Mainz (six) are on longer streaks.
• Hoffenheim haven't kept a clean sheet in eight league matches; only Frankfurt are on a longer streak.
• Pauli last four Bundesliga home games ended in one draw and three defeats.
• Hoffenheim have scored 12 goals in their last four Bundesliga outings.

Schalke v Hannover

• Schalke haven't dropped any of the past seven BL home matches against the 96ers (2 draws).
• Hannover's latest victory at Schalke goes back more than seven years - in the 2002/03 season they pulled out a 2-0 win.
• Hannover have won three BL matches in a row. They had last accomplished this feat between match day seven and nine 2007/08.
• Schalke have dropped two of their last three BL home matches (1 win).
• Away from home, however, the 96ers have won just one of the past five BL matches (1 draw).
• Hannover haven't played to a draw in six BL fixtures - only St. Pauli have gone longer without splitting the points.

Nürnberg v Freiburg

• Nürnberg have won only three of their last 12 home matches (four draws, five losses).
• While Nürnberg have won all of their eight meetings with Freiburg in League 2, they have managed only three wins against them in the Bundesliga (two draws, five losses).
• Freiburg's first ever win in Nürnberg on the last matchday of the 1998/99 season meant Nürnberg were relegated while Freiburg saved themselves from the drop.
• Freiburg have lost only two of their last nine league matches, winning four (three draws).
• Freiburg's last away win came nine months ago in last season's matchup of the two teams in Nürnberg (1-0).

Wolfsburg v Mainz

• Wolfsburg have won three of their last four meetings with Mainz (one loss).
• Last season defending champions Wolfsburg won just seven of their 17 home matches, losing eight (two draws).
• On the last matchday of the 1996/97 League 2 season, Wolfsburg beat Mainz 5-4 at home, securing their first ever promotion to the Bundesliga and denying Mainz their promotion.
• Mainz are unbeaten in their last six league matches (three wins, three draws).
• Last season Mainz won just three of their 17 away matches (five draws, nine losses).

Bremen v Köln

• Bremen have lost only one of their last 13 meetings with Köln, winning nine (three draws).
• Bremen are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, winning five (three draws).
• Köln haven't won a point in Bremen since September 2001 (four losses) and have lost seven of their last eight matches there.
• Köln have won none of their last four league matches, losing three of those - including one in Bremen on matchday 32 of last season.
• Last season Köln gained more points away (23) than at home (15).

Frankfurt v Hamburg

• Frankfurt have won just one of their last seven meetings at home with Hamburg (three draws and three losses).
• Frankfurt have won none of their last six matches, losing four (two draws).
• Frankfurt kept only five clean sheets last season - fewer than any other team.
• Hamburg have lost only one of their last 14 meetings with Frankfurt, winning eight (five draws).
• Hamburg have won just one of their last six away matches, losing four (one draw).

Stuttgart v Dortmund

• Stuttgart have won only one of their last five opening home games in a season (three defeats, one draw) - last season they beat Freiburg 4-2.
• This will be the sixth time that the two clubs meet on a Sunday. Dortmund taken just one point from the previous five - a 0-0 draw in 2005/06.
• Only Bremen are currently unbeaten at home for longer (eight games) than Stuttgart (five).
• Stuttgart have lost just one of their nine home games under Christian Gross (seven wins) - 1-3 to Hamburg.
• VfB have never lost their opening two games. No team has ever won the title after losing the first two games.
• BVB have won just one of their last four away games (two defeats, one draw) - 3-2 in Nürnberg.

Leverkusen v Mönchengladbach

• Borussia have failed to win any of their last 10 away games (3 draws, 7 defeats).
• Borussia haven't won any of the last 26 games against Bayer since March 1994 (12 draws, 14 defeats).
• Bayer have picked up two draws and one win from the past three home matches.
• Borussia are winless in five BL matches - only Frankfurt's latest victory dates back longer (6 games).
• Leverkusen are undefeated in four matches and have hit the mark at least once in each of the last seven games.
• Gladbach haven't recorded a clean sheet in any of their last five games.

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28.-29. 08. 2010. France - Ligue 1 preview

Arles-Avignon - Rennes

• Rennes have won just one of their last 11 league fixtures (six draws and four defeats).
• Franck Dja Djedje has scored twice this term, after netting just one goal in 22 previous Ligue 1 appearances, with Grenoble and PSG.
• Arles-Avignon was the best home team last season in Ligue 2; bagging 42 points at the Parc des Sports stadium.
• Rennes failed to win their three away games against promoted sides last term (one draw and two defeats).
• Rennes are the only side that managed to score three goals in an away match this term (3-0 at Nancy on 14^th August).

Caen - Brest

• Brest have lost their last three trips to Caen, all in Ligue 2.
• The last time Brest won at Caen in a competitive match was the last time these sides met at the Stade d'Ornano in the top flight, on 2^nd March 1991 (2-1).
• No league game between promoted sides last season produced a draw.
• Brest have failed to win their last eight top flight matches, a run that goes back to 1991.
• Brest have scored the joint-fewest goals so far this season (one).
• Youssef El Arabi has netted eight goals in his last 13 competitive appearances with Caen.

Lorient - Lyon

• Lorient have only won once in their 12 Ligue 1 meetings against Lyon, keeping just one clean sheet in the process.
• Lorient have suffered more league defeats against Lyon (eight) than against any other Ligue 1 side.
• Lorient have conceded the most goals so far this term (six).
• Claude Puel has never lost a Ligue 1 match against Christian Gourcuff as a manager (four wins and five draws).
• The three Lyon goals this season have come in the first half of games.

Nancy - Toulouse

• Toulouse have not won a top flight match at the Marcel-Picot stadium since 1985/86 (four draws and five defeats).
• Three of the last four league encounters between both sides have ended in a draw.
• Nancy have failed to score in their last five competitive meetings against TFC.
• A league-high 10 Toulouse players have been booked.
• Toulouse have equalled their best ever start of a Ligue 1 season, with three wins out of three.
• Daniel Braaten is the league top scorer with three goals in as many matches.
• Etienne Didot has already scored more goals this term (two) than last season (one goal in 26 Ligue 1 appearances).

St Etienne - Lens

• Lens have won their last three competitive encounters against St Etienne, scoring seven goals in the last two.
• St Etienne were the only team that lost both of their league games against Lens last term.
• Lens are unbeaten in their last four away games in the top flight (two wins and two draws), their longest undefeated run on the road since December 2006.
• Since joining Lens last season, Eduardo scored in both of his competitive appearances against St Etienne.
• All four goals scored by Lens this term have come in the second half of games.

Valenciennes - Montpellier

• Montpellier are unbeaten in their last three league meetings against Valenciennes (two wins and one draw).
• Montpellier have never managed to keep a clean sheet at Valenciennes.
• The four goals netted by Valenciennes this term have all come after the half time break.
• Valenciennes have drawn seven of their last nine league matches, winning the other two.
• Montpellier are the only team yet to concede a goal this season in Ligue 1.

Lille - Nice

• The last three league encounters between these sides have all ended 1-1.
• Five of the last six top flight games between these two clubs have been draws.
• Nice have failed to win their last six trips to Lille in the league (three defeats and three draws).
• Lille have won just one of their last 15 league games played in August (eight draws and six defeats).
• Nice have won just seven of their 38 trips to Lille in the top flight.
• Nice have drawn seven of their last nine league matches, winning the other two.

Monaco - Auxerre

• Auxerre are unbeaten in their last three league matches against Monaco (two wins and one draw).
• Auxerre are the only team to concede the first goal of the game in each of the three match days this season.
• Monaco Auxerre and Lille are the only Ligue 1 teams with three draws out of three this season.
• Monaco have drawn more Ligue 1 matches than any other team this calendar year (10).
• Only current champions Marseille have managed to beat Monaco at the Louis II stadium this calendar year (in all competitions).

Sochaux - Paris SG

• Sochaux have lost 58% of their Ligue 1 matches against PSG, their highest defeat percentage against an opponent in the top flight.
• PSG have won more games against Sochaux than against any other Ligue 1 team (36).
• PSG have won their last three league encounters against Sochaux, scoring eight goals in the last two.
• PSG have scored in their last seven trips to Sochaux in Ligue 1.
• Ex Sochaux striker Mevlut Erding scored four goals against his former club last season.

Bordeaux - Marseille

• Marseille are unbeaten in their last five competitive encounters against Bordeaux (two wins and three draws).
• Marseille have not won a league match at Bordeaux since 1977 (17 defeats and eight draws).
• Five of the last six league encounters between these two sides at the Chaban-Delmas stadium have ended in draws.
• Three of the five Marseille goals this term have been scored by defenders (Taye Taiwo twice and Gabriel Heinze).
• All five goals conceded by Marseille this season have come after the half time break.

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28.-29.08.2010. Scottish Premier League Preview

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock

• Killie have only lost one of their last five meetings with the Dons, winning the last two.
• The last four meetings between these sides at Pittodrie have produced only five goals.
• Aberdeen have scored exactly once in eight of their last nine league games.
• The Dons are on a run of three straight wins in the SPL without conceding a single goal, the last time they won four in a row was in December 2008.
• Killie have lost seven of their last eight league games on the road, their only win in this period coming at Pittodrie.

Inverness CT v Hamilton

• The 2008/09 season was the only previous campaign when these two sides have met in the league.
• The Accies are unbeaten against Caley Thistle in the league, winning twice and drawing twice.
• Last time out Inverness managed their first clean sheet in the SPL since their shock 1-0 win at Ibrox in March 2009.
• The 4-0 win over Dundee United was also their joint-biggest away win in the competition.
• Both of the Accies' SPL matches this season have ended in 4-0 defeats.
• Hamilton have scored three or more goals in four of their last nine SPL games, but hit just one in total in the other five combined.

Rangers v St Johnstone

• St Johnstone won their last league meeting with Rangers 4-1, ending a run of six straight league defeats against the Scottish giants.
• Both of Sasa Papac's goals last season came against the Saints.
• St Johnstone have hit just two goals in their eight SPL matches at Ibrox to date.
• Rangers are unbeaten in their last 25 league matches at Ibrox, their longest such run since April 2003.
• Kenny Miller has hit five goals in his last six appearances for the Gers, and has scored four of their five this season.
• St Johnstone have kept only one clean sheet in their last 13 league games.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Motherwell v Celtic

• Celtic are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Motherwell, winning seven.
• The Bhoys were last defeated at Fir Park back in May 2005, costing them the SPL title on the last day of the season.
• The last three SPL matches at Fir Park have produced 22 goals in total.
• Despite this, the Steelmen have lost three of their last four at home in the SPL, drawing the other 6-6.
• Celtic have a 100% record in the league in 10 games under Neil Lennon.

St Mirren v Hibernian

• Hibernian have never beaten St Mirren away from home in the SPL (five draws, two defeats).
• St Mirren have averaged more points per game at home to Hibs (1.57) than any other side they have met at least four times in the SPL.
• However Hibernian are unbeaten in their last three league matches on the road, winning the last two.
• The Buddies have managed only one win in their last 10 SPL games.
• Anthony Stokes has scored four goals in his last five league appearances. However St Mirren are just one of two SPL teams against whom he has played but not scored against for Hibs.

Hearts v Dundee Utd

• Three of the last four meetings between the sides at Tynecastle have ended goalless.
• United were unbeaten against Hearts last season, winning twice and not conceding a single goal.
• The Jambos are without a win in their last four at home in the SPL.
• The last time Hearts scored at least five goals in their opening two games they went on to finish second (2005/06).
• The Terrors have hit just two goals in their last six SPL games.

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Aleksandar Simić (Larisa)

PANATINAIKOS – KSANTI     1
Larisa – Atromitos     1
Panionios – Volos     X
IRAKLIS – OLIMPIJAKOS     2
ERGOTELIS – ASTERAS     1
PAOK – Panseraikos     1
Kavala – Aris     X2
Kerkira – AEK     2

TITULA: Panatinaikos je, po meni, prvi favorit za titulu. Olimpijakos će svakako vrebati svoju šansu, dok će PAOK, Aris i nadam se moja Larisa, opasno pretiti iz drugog plana.
EVROPA: Već nabrojane ekipe, a uz njih AEK, eventualno Ergotelis, Ksanti...

POJAČANJA: Kao da krize u Grčkoj nema. U Panatinaikos su došli Bumsong, Govu, možda će i Kežman. Olimpijakos je pojačao Pantelić, moja Larisa takođe nije štedela novac. U isto vreme dok mi razgovaramo vode se i pregovori sa Džeremijem, koji bi, ukoliko se postigne dogovor, trebalo da nas pojača.

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Ranko Despotović (Đirona)

VALJADOLID – VILJAREAL B     1
Elče – Rekreativo     1
Herez – Kartagena     1X
Selta – Barselona B     3+
Đirona – Tenerife     -
Las Palmas – Gimnastik     1
Ponferadina – Hueska     0-2
R. Valjekano – Numansija     0-2
BETIS – GRANADA     1
Salamanka – Kordoba     0-2
Albasete – Alkorkon     0-2

BORBA ZA “PRIMERU”: Klubovi koji ispadnu iz elite uvek su favoriti za povratak. Valjadolid je ozbiljan klub, solidno pojačan za ovaj rang takmičenja, Herez je učešćem u “Primeri” dobro zaradio, što je iskoristio za dovođenje igrača, a tu je i verna publika, dok su Tenerife najmanje promenile tim, jer su otišla su samo dvojica-trojica igrača. Njima bih pridodao Seltu, koja je dobro pojačana i sa velikim ambicijama počinje sezonu, kao i Betis, koji je sačuvao okosnicu tima, a sve fudbalere koji su ga napustili zamenio je igračima istog kvaliteta.

NOVAJLIJE: Drugi tim Barselone taktički igra kao prva ekipa – napadački. Katalonci su malo “tanki” u odbrani, ali ne bi trebalo da imaju problema oko opstanka. Granda ima puno para, dosta je uložila u pojačanja, a i Ponferadina je prilično finansijski jaka. Alkorkon je opasan iz kontranapada, a poznat je jer je prethodne sezone iz “Kupa Kralja” izbacio madridski Real.

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Aleksandar Rašić (Srbija)

GRUPA A
AUSTRALIJA – JORDAN 1 – Australija je sigurno kvalitetnija, ima odlične igrače koji su poslednjih godina dosta napredovali.
ANGOLA – SRBIJA 2 – Moramo da startujemo pobedom. Imamo snažniji tim i nemam dilemu da ćemo najvažniji meč na SP završiti trijumfom.
NEMAČKA – ARGENTINA 2 – Iako su i jedni i drugi oslabljeni, prednost svakako dajem Argentini, jer Nemci igraju bez Novickog.
GRUPA B
TUNIS – SLOVENIJA 2 – Čista dvojka, Slovenci su mnogo, mnogo jači...
SAD – HRVATSKA     1 – Amerikanci su glavni favoriti za svetsku titulu, najbolji tim na SP, pa očekujem da sruše Hrvate.
IRAN – BRAZIL 2 – Brazilci imaju nekoliko sjajnih individualaca i sa velikim ambicijama idu u Tursku, pa je ovo sigurna dvojka.

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26.08. (Thu) 20:45 Manchester City - FC Timisoara

City slickers

Maybe money can buy you happiness after all. Three games into the new season and Roberto Mancini's expensively assembled side are unbeaten and have comfortably dispatched Liverpool - a signal that perhaps it really is time to start taking City seriously.

Missing out on Champions League football last season would have been seen as a big blow, no matter how brave a face Mancini put on it and after shelling out over £100 million on new talent Sheikh Mansour will want some silverware, any silverware.

The Europa League is probably Mancini's best chance to finally lift a trophy in City colours, with the big guns or Europe occupied with the Champions League, but they'll need to despatch with Romanian minnows Timisoara first, and needed a late Mario Balotelli goal to turn the tie in their favour in eastern Europe last week.

Penalty pain for Timisoara

Timisoara could make it two cup exits in a matter of days after crashing out of the imaginatively titled Romanian Cup on penalties to Arad ACU on Tuesday.

But in the league they continue to push the big boys at the top, thanks to Ianis Zicu's second late goal in two weeks, which earned a 2-1 win over Victoria Branesti.

Sadly it looks like they won't get to better their Europa League group stage last season, unless they can pull off the shock of shocks with a 2-0 or better win at Eastlands.


TEAM NEWS

Manchester City

Mario Balotelli will miss out - the knee injury picked up in the first leg in Romania proving serious enough to keep him out of the return.

England midfielder James Milner will also sit out the match as he was not registered in time while Aleksander Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Wayne Bridge are all ruled out through injury.

Possible Starting XI: Hart; Richards, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Lescott; Wright-Phillips, Barry, Yaya Toure, De Jong, Silva; Tevez.

FC Timisoara

Defender Marian Cisovski won't be available, after suffering what the Romanian's delightfully refer to as "muscular tension", picked up in the weekend's win over Victoria.

Lukas Magera is expected to come in for the injured Timisoara man.

Possible Starting XI: Pantilimon, Luchin, Mera, Magera, Sepsi, Alexa Bourceanu, Curtean,  Cons, Goga, Axente.

Prediction 
 

Man City 3-0 FC Timisoara

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26.08. (Thu) 19:30 Trabzonspor - Liverpool

Big guns missing

Liverpool visit Trabzonspor looking to protect a slender 1-0 advantage in this Europa League play-off second leg but they will have to do so without influential duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

A draw or win will see the Reds qualify for the group stages of the competition although the job becomes decidedly more difficult with both Gerrard and Torres out of contention, as well as a number of other first team members including the likes of Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Milan Jovanovic and Daniel Agger.

It's been something of an uncomfortable start to life in the Anfield hotseat for new boss Roy Hodgson with Liverpool having failed to register a win in their opening two Premier League games that included a dismal 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

The Reds are undoubtedly still favourites to progress and avoid the humiliation of a pre-group stage exit after Ryan Babel's solitary strike in the first leg secured victory although, as Hodgson himself confessed, Liverpool still have it all to do having failed to kill off their Turkish opponents last week.

Down but not out
While the Merseyside outfit are stuck on one point in 17th place after two games in England's top flight, Trabzonspor have picked up maximum points in Turkey having won both their opening two league fixtures of the season, including an impressive 3-2 win over rivals Fenerbahce on Monday.

Defeat for Hodgson and his charges resulting in Europa League elimination would be a bitter pill to swallow after all the disappointment associated with Monday's visit to Eastlands although Trabzonspor will certainly fancy their chances of progression given the Reds' somewhat depleted squad.

TEAM NEWS

Trabzonspor

Having decided to switch things around for Monday's meeting with Fenerbahce, Trabzonspor coach Senol Gunes could be tempted to go with the same starting XI that only narrowly lost out at Anfield in the first leg.

After missing out on a starting spot against the Reds last week, Ibrahima Yattara will be desperate to get the nod having found the net against Fener.

Striker Umut Bulut will be hoping for a recall to the side while Burak Yilmaz will be another looking to be included having not featured on Monday night.

Possible Starting XI: Kivrak; Korkmaz, Glowacki, Gulselam, Cale; Yilmaz, Balci, Inan, Colman; Gutierrez, Bulut.

Liverpool

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Liverpool will be without both captain Steven Gerarrd and Spanish striker Fernando Torres. England midfielder Gerrard is struggling with a back problem, while Hodgson is reluctant to field Torres for three consecutive games as he continues his recovery from last season's injury problems.

Wantaway Argentina international Javier Mascherano has again been left out of the Reds' squad heading for Turkey, while Daniel Agger (concussion) and Maxi Rodriguez (illness) are also absent.

Forward Milan Jovanovic has also been left out of the travelling party, seemingly being rested after the club's hectic start to the new season.

Possible Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Lucas, Poulsen; Kuyt, Cole, Babel; Ngog.

Prediction 

 

Trabzonspor 1-0 Liverpool

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26.08. (Thu) 20:30 Utrecht - Celtic

Both sides in good form
Neil Lennon’s new-look Celtic travel to the Stadion Galgenwaard with a two goal cushion ahead of the second leg of their Europa League tie with FC Utrecht.
Celtic, who were defeated in the Champions League qualifying rounds by Portuguese side Braga, come into the game as firm favourites following the win at Celtic Park, a game in which new signing, Beram Kayal, impressed Hoops fans and manager Neil Lennon.
Utrecht come into the tie having impressed in their domestic fixture against Willem II this weekend. The Dutch team recorded a comfortable 3-0 win to continue their good form in the Eredivisie. Striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel looked threatening as he netted two goals, whilst midfielder and former FC Copenhagen player Michael Silberbauer picked up the man of the match award for an elegant display.

Celtic also arrive in Holland on the back of good form after recording a 4-0 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League, a game in which Joe Ledley opened the scoring on four minutes.

TEAM NEWS
Celtic 
Striker Gary Hooper remains on the sidelines due to a six week lay-off and is joined by Marc Wilson and Niall McGinn.
Cha Du-Ri also misses out after Lennon’s admission that the player was struggling with a hamstring problem, while Jos Hooiveld returns from his one match suspension and could be in line for a starting place.
Celtic do, however, have a problem at left-back as with Charlie Mulgrew injured and with Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre still dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s on his work permit, Joe Ledley may be asked to fill in.
Possible starting XI: Zaluska; Juarez, Majstorovic, Hooiveld, Ledley; Kayal, Brown; Fortune, Maloney, McCourt; Samaras
Utrecht
Utrecht are likely to name a reasonably similar side to the one that defeated Willem at the weekend. Michael Silberbauer and van Wolfswinkel will be looking to build upon their positive performances to help Utrecht overturn the first leg deficit.


Possible starting XI: Vorm; Schut, Cornelisse, Wuytens, Nesu; Lensky, Silberbauer, Mertens, Asare; Mulenga, Van Wolfswinkel.

Prediction

Utrecht 2-2 Celtic

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