Newcastle - Blackpool : 1 @ 1.57
Slovacko - České Budějovice : 1 @ 1.93
Lyon - Valenciennes : 1 @ 1.57
4.76
Saturday, September 11, 2010
11.09. (Sat) 22:00 Athletic Bilbao - Atletico Madrid
Top of the table Atletico Madrid visit San Mames on Saturday night, aiming to upset an Athletic Bilbao side who also won on the opening day of the new Primera Division season.
A solitary goal from Fernando Llorente was enough to see off the challenge of newly promoted Hercules in los Leones’ curtain raiser, and though it was hardly a scintillating performance, it was a showing that deserved maximum marks. Against Atleti this weekend, the bullish, physical Basques will have to raise their level once again.
“In San Mames we must be dogged, making it uncomfortable,” Javi Martinez explained to Marca. “We must stand up and go for them from the first minute. This is the base of our game, especially in an environment like we are going to see on Saturday.
“The game will be very difficult, but it will also serve to measure how we good we are.”
Llorente, meanwhile, wants Athletic to make a quick start against opponents he has pinpointed as being extremely dangerous. “We're going to create a lot of pressure and try to score early,” he affirmed. “Atletico have proved that they are capable of being serious and it seems that this year they will be a team who can get into the Champions League.”
After qualifying for the Europa League last term via a strong Primera Division finish, the aim for los Leones must be to match that achievement, and with the likes of Martinez and team-mate Markel Susaeta vocal in the media that Athletic have improved over the off-season, now is the time to prove it.
Aiming To Become A Third Force?
Only one match may have passed, but Atletico Madrid can sit contentedly atop of the Primera Division, staring down at the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid. A stunning 4-0 home success against an admittedly fragile Sporting Gijon side kicked the season off perfectly for the capital men, with Diego Forlan’s brace sandwiched by efforts from Simao and the now departed Jurado.
Great praise was heaped on the side from several angles following that result, but coach Quique Sanchez Flores doesn’t want his troops to become complacent. “It's going to be a tough season,” he considered to the media after the opening game. “We must stand with our feet on the ground. I know how this world moves and how difficult it is. While some enjoy, I try to keep our feet on the ground. We are well aware of the reality and with great humility, hope that we can keep this energy, which is fundamental.”
The coach’s words have not stopped some of his players dreaming. “We want to be an alternative to Real Madrid and Barcelona, but last year they beat all scoring records so it will not be easy,” defender Alvaro Dominguez stated to the media. “We have to go game by game, not forgetting that our real competitors are the teams battling to enter the Champions League.”
Indeed, Dominguez believes los Colchoneros’ rearguard has come a long way in recent months. “We have improved a lot in defence and shown against bigger, taller teams such as Inter and Fulham so we are prepared for such matches,” the 21-year-old declared with reference to the weekend’s fixture.
Last term Atleti could be brilliant one week but terrible the next; a trend that does not meet well with success.
TEAM NEWS
Athletic
Gaizka Toquero suffered what was declared last week to be a “severe” ankle strain, though he has been training with the side and has not been ruled out of the weekend’s fixture yet.
Igor Gabilondo, Pablo Orbaiz and Mikel San Jose should be passed fit but Koikili and Iker Muniain are liable to miss out due to injuries.
Probable Starting XI: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe; Gurpegui, Orbaiz, Martinez, Susaeta; Toquero, Llorente
Atletico
At least one change will be required in the starting XI as Jurado has been allowed to leave for Schalke.
Fran Merida is definitely out with a muscular problem while Tomas Ujfalusi is doubtful due to tendonitis.
Probable Starting XI: De Gea; Ujfalusi, Perea, Godin, Lopez; Reyes, Assuncao, Raul Garcia, Simao; Forlan, Aguero
Prediction
Teams don’t simply stroll to San Mames and pick up three points – even the Barcelonas and Real Madrids of this world. Atletico Madrid were also characterised by chronic inconsistency last season, so there’s every chance that they could turn in a vastly different performance from last Monday. Confidence is high in los Rojiblancos’ camp, but Athletic Bilbao should be considered favourites to outmuscle their weekend guests.
Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Atletico Madrid 
11.09. (Sat) 20:45 Cesena - Milan
Newly promoted Cesena are many observers' favourites to go down to Serie B at the end of the season but the Seahorses have already shown that they are not going to do so without a fight.
Cesena held Roma to a 0-0 draw in Rome and although they were quite defensive, they stuck to their pre-match plans and collected a valuable point. More than just a point, the result will certainly have given them more impetus for the long season ahead.
However, Massimo Ficcadenti’s side must now be extra careful against Milan, who pay them a visit on Saturday evening. The Rossoneri are a force to reckon with in the Italian top flight this season and will go into the match as favourites.
Ibracadabra And The Old New Pele
What a difference two signings make! With just days remaining before the close of the summer transfer window Milan looked like they could struggle in Serie A with the players they have, but the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona and Robinho from Milan have altered that perception.
The Rossoneri are now being considered strong challengers for the Scudetto and have arguably one of the two best attacking players in the Italian top flight. Coach Massimiliano Allegri is being pushed to start with Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Ibrahimovic and Roanldinho, and indeed all the four could be unleashed on Cesena on Saturday evening.
Milan commenced their league campaign with a 4-0 demolition of Lecce at home, with Pato scoring twice and Ronaldinho displaying one of his best magical performances.
TEAM NEWS
Cesena
Caserta, Chiavarini and Budan are not available.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Antonioli, Ceccarelli, Von Bergen, Pellegrino, Nagatomo; Appiah, Colucci, Parolo; Schelotto, Bogdani, Giaccherini
Milan
Flamini, Nesta and Seedorf all have been ruled out with injuries.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Abbiati, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Papastathopoulos, Antonini; Boateng, Ambrosini, Pirlo; Pato, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho
Prediction
A Milan win is written all over this match, although Cesena will be keen to take something from this game given that they are playing at home.
Cesena 1-3 Milan 
11.09. (Sat) 18:30 Bayern Munchen - Werder
After a superb performance in their Bundesliga opener, it seemed that despite a shortened pre-season and the absence of Arjen Robben, Bayern had hit the ground running. That all changed in round two, as the defending champions were beaten 2-0 by last year’s 2. Bundesliga winners Kaiserslautern.
And now, with one victory and one defeat to their record, Bayern face a big challenge in Werder Bremen. It may be a home match, but the record champions have not beaten Bremen at the Allianz Arena in five years. For centre half Daniel van Buyten, that is a possible benefit.
“That’s a fact which will make us even more motivated and fired up,” he told the club’s official website.
Another player who is especially motivated for the upcoming match is former Bremen striker Miroslav Klose, who since his 2007 move to Bayern has yet to net against his ex-club.
“It’s high time I scored against Werder,” the 32-year old said.
To the benefit of both Klose and Bayern as a whole, Bremen’s injury crisis in central defence may be a decisive factor. Per Mertesacker and Naldo have been ruled out of tomorrow’s match, which suggests that the Bayern attack may have an easier-than-usual path towards goal.
Whether the path is easy or difficult, Bayern will need to be sure to score. Thomas Mueller, who missed a sitter early against Kaiserslautern, knows this best. If the hosts put away their chances early, they could be in for a rout. But anything less, and they may enter matchday four with just one win to their record.
Thomas Schaaf Not Fazed By Injury Crisis
As often is the case with Werder Bremen, the season began with a few bumps, but the northern team has managed to rebound. After going down 3-0 to Sampdoria in a Champions League play-off, Thomas Schaaf’s men forced injury time and eventually advanced to the group stage. After losing their Bundesliga opener 4-1 to Hoffenheim, they comfortably dispatched Koeln by a 4-2 score.
Heading into this weekend’s clash with Bayern Munich, Schaaf’s side will hope to build on their momentum, and will take comfort from the fact that they have not lost in Munich in five years. However, an injury crisis could prove a major hindrance to their progress. As previously mentioned, Mertesacker and Naldo are missing, but striker Claudio Pizarro has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Still, Schaaf is relishing what he expects to be a tantalizing clash in what for him is the true beginning to the Bundesliga campaign.
"There was a lot of restlessness and plenty of speculation in the last weeks of the transfer window,” he told the official Bremen website. “Now you know what every team has available, the facts are clear. The season can start now."
In spite of the long injury list to his team, Schaaf expects a good performance.
"No matter how many players we were missing we always played excellent in the past. I hope we are confident enough in Munich to once again prove our ability.
"We have seen the potential this team has. Regarding the implementation of our game plan, we can improve and we are ready to do so."
TEAM NEWS
Bayern Munich
Many Bayern stars left for international duty, but none came back injured. Arjen Robben remains the only unfit player in Louis van Gaal’s squad, meaning that even Breno could make a long-awaited appearance if needed. Toni Kroos is expected to regain his starting role in attacking midfield, and will support either Ivica Olic or Miroslav Klose.
Probable Starting XI: Butt - Lahm, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Contento - Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger - Mueller, Kroos, Ribery - Olic
Werder Bremen
Claudio Pizarro has lost his race for fitness and will definitely miss tomorrow’s match, but Thomas Schaaf’s biggest concern is in central defence. First-choice pair Naldo and Per Mertesacker are both out, meaning that Sebastian Proedl and new signing Mikael Silvestre will have to deputise. On the plus side, Wesley is expected to make his first appearance, and is expected to be given a left-sided berth.
Probable Starting XI: Wiese - Fritz, Silvestre, Proedl, Pasanen - Bargfrede, Frings - Marin, Hunt, Wesley - Arnautovic
Prediction
Bremen may be good going forward, but injuries to Mertesacker and Naldo will likely lose them the game. Mikael Silvestre has admitted that he is not fully fit, and Bayern will look to exploit a makeshift Bremen defence by counterattacking.
Bayern Munich 2-2 Werder Bremen 
11.09. (Sat) 15:30 Borussia D. - Wolfsburg
The early season is a difficult one for Dortmund, who have already faced Leverkusen and Stuttgart, and now tackle Wolfsburg, Schalke and Bayern Munich within the next three weeks. Juergen Klopp’s men have one win to their record thus far, and will be especially eager to increase that tally as soon as possible: odds are not all that steep against the Ruhr side taking just one win from their first six matches.
Long touted as a team to watch for the future, Dortmund’s faith in youth development, coupled with a few smart moves in the transfer market, has left the 1997 Champions League winners in their best standing in years.
Though his team is in very good health heading into this weekend, coach Juergen Klopp is cautious and respectful of big-spending rivals Wolfsburg.
“If you invest a lot of money, you are not happy just to play along,” the coach told his team’s official website. “Wolfsburg are one of the favourites for the German title.”
Klopp also clarified that Dortmund will not man-mark Wolfsburg playmaker Diego, and insisted that his team focus on their “own qualities” in front of a capacity crowd of over 81,000 spectators.
The gaffer also warned Wolfsburg that his team will be ready to play. Following the “fantastic reaction the team showed in Stuttgart” Dortmund have “built up a lot of confidence”.
It’s been nearly two weeks since their last match, but if Dortmund can carry over their momentum, a first home victory awaits.
Wolfsburg’s Season To Begin On Saturday - Steve McClaren
Two good performances and not a point to show for them. Such can be the fate of a Bundesliga team. New Wolfsburg coach Steve McClaren has been given a shocking introduction to the German game, his team having lost in the final seconds of their opener, and more recently, having allowed a 3-0 lead at home to be overturned.
McClaren has decided that what is done is to be buried, and that the team shall start afresh.
“That we let the games in Munich and against Mainz get away from us is something that we only have ourselves to blame for,” he told the official Wolfsburg website. “For me, our season begins on Saturday.”
For the 'season start', McClaren’s side may be without the services of injured right back Sascha Riether as well as goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, whose wife will soon go into labour. However, the 2009 Bundesliga champions will be greatly boosted by the availability of playmaker Diego, who was doubtful until Thursday with severe foot bruising.
“I have no more problems and should definitely be able to take part on Saturday,” the Brazilian said.
On Saturday, Wolfsburg will visit the famous and notoriously intimidating Signal-Iduna Park. McClaren relishes the challenge.
“In both of our games so far in the league this season, we have experienced great atmospheres,” he said. “That’s exactly what makes football so attractive.
“On Saturday we will not just be playing against a team but against a bunch of amazing fans. To pass the test, my team are going to have to be mentally strong.”
Mental strength will indeed be a huge factor. On Saturday, it will be 81,264 (plus XI) versus Wolfsburg’s XI. Some way to begin a new chapter in the season.
TEAM NEWS
Borussia Dortmund
Left back Dede, right winger Jakub Blaszczykowski and attacker Mohamed Zidan remain sidelined, but Juergen Klopp has a deep and formidable side available nonetheless. Mario Goetze is expected to start on the right wing, although Klopp might opt to start Robert Lewandowski instead.
Probable Starting XI: Weidenfeller - Owomoyela, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Sahin, Kehl - Goetze, Kagawa, Grosskreutz - Barrios
Wolfsburg
Central defender Arne Friedrich remains out of contention due to a back injury and Andrea Barzagli will deputise in his stead. After Diego was declared fit, the only question mark over Steve McClaren’s side is right back Sascha Riether. Peter Pekarik is prepared to start should their team-mates not be deemed fit. Additionally, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio may miss the match depending on whether his wife goes into labour prior to kick-off.
Probable Starting XI: Benaglio - Riether, Kjaer, Barzagli, Schaefer - Josue, Hasebe - Ziani, Diego, Mandzukic - Dzeko
Prediction
A lot is riding on whether or not Diego is not only fit, but well prepared. If so, as viewers saw in round two, he and Dzeko can be lethal. Dortmund is an incredible atmosphere, however, and the Ruhr side will be especially eager to atone for their mistakes in their home opener. While a win for Wolfsburg is not out of the question, I would expect Dortmund get at least a point, if not three.
Borussia 1-1 VfL Wolfsburg 
11.09. (Sat) 13:45 Everton - Manchester United
Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime with the focus very much on striker Wayne Rooney, after a headline-making week.
The former Toffee has found himself on both front and back pages this week but having broken his goal drought for Manchester United with a penalty against West Ham United last time out, followed by England’s opener against Switzerland on Tuesday, he will be hoping to maintain his former club’s miserable start to the season.
England team-mate Phil Jagielka has already warned the striker that he faces a hot reception from his former fans who have had little to cheer about this season with just one point gleaned from their opening three games against Aston Villa, Wolves and Blackburn Rovers.
Their slow start has led Mikel Arteta to describe Saturday’s match as a “must-win” for David Moyes’ men who go in search of their first three points of the season ahead of games against Newcastle United and Fulham.
Back to business for Red Devils
Manchester United, meanwhile, will no doubt be glad to return to Premier League action after the international break and regain the momentum gained from beating West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Yet Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will know they face a tough ask against Everton, having slumped to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat to the Toffees on their last visit.
The Red Devils have been boosted by the return to fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand who could make his return to action after suffering a knee injury in the build up to the World Cup.
Midfielder Anderson is also back in contention, although with Paul Scholes in sparkling form the Brazilian may have to wait a while longer to complete his return to the first team.
TEAM NEWS
Everton
With goals proving elusive for the Toffees reports have suggested Moyes could make drastic changes to his attack by dropping all his strikers and partnering Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill up front.Certainly the home side are expected to be without Yakubu and Louis Saha through injury while James Vaughan has been loaned to Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere Jack Rodwell has damaged ankle ligaments and could miss the next three months and Phil Neville remains on the injured list.
Possible starting XI: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Pienaar, Heitinga, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov; Fellaini, Cahill.
Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand is available after recovering from injury and could return at the expense of Jonny Evans. Otherwise Sir Alex Ferguson will be relieved that his team have suffered no new injuries over the international break. Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Rooney, Berbatov.
Prediction
Everton 1-1 Man Utd. 
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