Friday, October 22, 2010

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23-10-2010 18:00 Zaragoza - Barcelona

Problems
 
Winless and bottom of the table, to say it’s been a tough start to the campaign for Zaragoza would be something of an understatement. Coach Jose Aurelio Gay is under scrutiny, so the visit of reigning champions Barcelona is not a fixture that will fill him with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Last weekend, los Manos suffered their fourth defeat of the campaign to date, going down 2-1 against Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Lands. Though the final score reflects a competitive performance from the visitors, they were largely poor throughout and only scored their consolation goal four minutes into stoppage time.

The problems don’t seem to have stopped on the competitive field of play as reports suggest that there has been some unrest on the club’s training ground this week. Hard-nosed Italian centre-back Matteo Contini was reportedly sent away from the main body of players after failing to show the correct attitude towards head coach Gay.

Schisms in the squad are the last thing an already toiling side needs, particularly ahead of such a big fixture. If they are to somehow pull a shock result out of the bag, the home players and staff must all be pulling in the same direction.

Not At Their Best

Primera Division champions Barcelona have yet to really look themselves this season, having scored a relatively paltry 12 goals from seven fixtures. Though for most mortal sides this would be a good return, the standards that la Blaugrana have set for themselves mean that this is a relatively low figure. More surprising, however, is the fact that Barca have already spilled four points.

Danger signs flashed last weekend, when Pep Guardiola’s unit met with then league leaders Valencia. For 45 minutes the Camp Nou was stunned as the guests played the better football and earned a deserved lead, but after the interval the home team finally roared into action, striking through Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol.

Iniesta was also to the fore as Barca met with Copenhagen in midweek. Dictating play from the centre of the field, he helped to orchestrate a 2-0 victory in which Lionel Messi hogged the spotlight thanks to his brace.

When forced to break intensely defensive sides down this term, la Blaugrana have toiled to find their slickest football, which explains poor results at home against Hercules and Mallorca, so playing on the road has actually suited them. Teams taking a slightly more offensive stance have been picked off, and the pattern should continue on Saturday.

TEAM NEWS

Zaragoza

Jiri Jarosik returns after a one-match suspensions, though Pinter misses out because of a similar ban. Matteo Contini’s spot in the first team is a little under question after his training ground spat with the coach.

Leo France, Victor Laguardia and Ikechukwu Uche are all still out with injury problems.

Barcelona
Victor Valdes missed out in midweek because of a virus, and he missed training again on Thursday, despite reports stating that he was feeling a little better. Gabriel Milito has a muscular injury and won’t feature, while Xavi, who managed on 20 minutes against Copenhagen, will be rested.


Prediction
Even though Barcelona are not at the peak of their powers at present, it’s almost impossible to see Zaragoza picking up anything in this fixture. Strangely, la Blaugrana’s least steady performances have come at Camp Nou, and they’ve yet to spill any points on the road in the league. Expect Pep Guardiola’s men to score a fourth successive away win on La Liga duty come Saturday evening.

Zaragoza 0-2 Barcelona

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23-10-2010 15:30 Borussia MG - Werder

Gladbach “Up Against It”, But Ready

With just six points from eight matches, Gladbach have the Bundesliga’s worst defensive record, are a point away from dropping into the relegation zone, and are rapidly approaching a crisis.

After going ahead early against Hoffenheim last week, die Fohlen suffered a complete meltdown. Juan Arango was dismissed for a mindless act of violence, and later, Sebastian Schachten was also sent off before Gladbach ultimately lost 3-2.

Heading into Saturday’s match against Bremen, Arango and Schachten will join Roel Brouwers among the fit, but suspended first team players unavailable. Coach Michael Frontzeck was quick to minimise expectations for his team’s performance, and praised Bremen for their individual quality, despite the absence of injured goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

“Bremen are, in my eyes, the best German team in general,” the former Germany international said. “They have so many good players and their squad is set up for the Champions league so even the replacement for Tim Wiese will have quality.”

Frontzeck admitted that the losses of his suspended trio, plus several other injured stars, will make the match especially difficult.

“We’re definitely up against it,” he said before adding defiantly, “but irrespective of that, the team is giving me the impression that they want to win it, that they believe in it and that they want to be rewarded for their efforts at last.”

Werder Keen To Make Up For Lost Time

Werder Bremen had to come back from a goal behind in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Twente, but the hard-to-shut-out Hanseaten managed to earn a draw. Their result marked the fourth match in all competitions that Bremen have gone without defeat.

As they prepare for this weekend’s match, Thomas Schaaf’s men remain ten points off Bundesliga leaders Dortmund and Mainz, however. After a dismal start to the campaign, Werder now need to make up ground, and will have to play at an exceptionally high level if they are to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

“We need to get going and make up for the points we have not been able to take,” coach Thomas Schaaf said in a pre-match press conference.

Schaaf also made sure to note that Bremen will not underestimate their opponents.

“Despite their personnel problems, we must be careful to quickly lock away this game.”

While they are ten points off the lead, to their benefit, Werder are just four adrift of third place, and could make a large step up the table with a victory on Saturday.

TEAM NEWS

Borussia Moenchengladbach

Due to suspensions to Roel Brouwers, Sebastian Schachten, and Juan Arango, plus injuries to Christian Dorda, Jean Sebastian Jaures, Karim Matmour and Tony Jantschke, coach Michael Frontzeck will have to dig deep into his reserves. Anderson and Jens Wissing are expected to deputise in defence, with Mohamadou Idrissou filling in on the left wing. Up front, Igor de Camargo is tipped to partner Raul Bobadilla, but Patrick Herrmann could start in place of the Brazilian.

Probable Starting XI: Bailly - Levels, Anderson, Daems, Wissing - Reus, Marx, Bradley, Idrissou - de Camargo - Bobadilla

Werder Bremen
Goalkeeper Tim Wiese injured his knee in midweek, and due to the absence of Christian Vander, who is also sidelined, Sebastian Mielitz will start in goal. Sebastian Boenisch and Naldo also remain out with injuries. Thomas Schaaf has a bit of a selection dilemma; though he is expected to start Claudio Pizarro, the Peruvian is only just recovering from a muscular injury and may be replaced by Marko Arnautovic.

Probable Starting XI: Mielitz - Fritz, Mertesacker, Proedl, Pasanen - Frings - Wesley, Hunt, Marin - Almeida, Pizarro


Prediction
The suspensions in Gladbach’s defence will cost them dearly - if they were poor with their first team, their reserves will be expected to concede more goals yet. Bremen have been no giants at the back and can be expected to concede, but with Wesley, Hunt, Marin, Almeida and Pizarro in the line-up, plus Arnautovic coming off the bench, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Werder score five or more goals.

Mönchengladbach 2-4 Werder Bremen

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23-10-2010 13:45 Tottenham Hotspur - Everton

Goals In Store At White Hart Lane

Tottenham can at least temporarily climb to as high as second with a victory over Everton in the Premier League's early kickoff on Saturday.

If Harry Redknapp's side wants another Champions League challenge, the likes of which they faced against Inter on Wednesday next season, they need to dig their heels into the top four once again.

Everton have also been fancied as Champions League contenders in the past, but two consecutive slow starts have damaged their chances of disrupting the Premier League's elite clubs, as they have done once before.

David Moyes' side have corrected their poor form of late though, having taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three games, with the all-important Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool fresh in the memory.

Everton will not be fazed by the trip to White Hart Lane either; though they lost 2-1 in north London last season, they came close to rescuing a point from the game in a thrilling encounter, with the loss breaking an impressive run of three consecutive wins on their travels to face Spurs.

Tottenham fans too will have fond memories of facing Tottenham at home. This contest has wielded a feast of goals in the past as debutant Dean Marney dominated Moyes' side in a 5-2 win on New Year's Day 2005, while the year before, a Robbie Keane hat-trick helped Spurs to a dramatic 4-3 victory. Brace yourselves...

TEAM NEWS

 
Tottenham
Harry Redknapp may revert to a 4-4-2 formation at home after playing a lone striker against Fulham and Inter, while Rafael van der Vaart returns to the side after being suspended from Champions League duty.

There are still injury concerns surrounding Ledley King and Younes Kaboul, so the central defensive pairing of William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong may continue. Jermain Defoe, Jamie O'Hara, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson are still out.

Possible Starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Bassong, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Crouch, Pavlyuchenko.

Everton
David Moyes may be forced to make at least one change to the side that beat Liverpool on Sunday, as John Heitinga has a calf muscle strain.

Marouaine Fellaini, Steven Pienaar, Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe are unlikely to return until at least November, though striker Louis Saha is nearing a return to fitness.

Possible Starting XI: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Neville, Arteta, Osman; Cahill; Yakubu.


Prediction
Tottenham finished with a flourish at San Siro on Wednesday and will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the disastrous start that saw them four goals down against Inter. Everton have a decent record at White Hart Lane though and off the back of some good form will be confident of walking away with at least a point.

Tottenham 2-2 Everton

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22-10-2010 20:30 Hamburger SV - Bayern Munchen

Hamburg Wary, But Confident

In a scenario that has become all too familiar, Hamburg have had to cope with a number of injuries. While the northerners struggled in September, they have turned their fortunes around in recent weeks, and most recently earned a stunning 1-0 victory away to Mainz.

They may be seven points out of first place, but Hamburg are near the top of the table, and can be considered contenders for a Champions League spot at the very least. Having won their last two matches, die Rothosen could jump as high as third with a victory this weekend.

Success will not come easily, however. Bayern Munich may be struggling with injuries, but have won their last two matches. Ahead of Friday’s showdown, Hamburg midfielder Ze Roberto, an ex-Bayern player, praised his opponents.

"Bayern for me are still the number one contenders," he said according to Hamburg's official website. "Even though they have struggled, their quality is always the same and they have a big squad."

However, the veteran refused to label his side the underdogs.

"There are no favourites," he said.

Without doubt, Hamburg will have to be cautious. However, HSV will take confidence from the fact that in their last eight meetings with Bayern, they have won and drawn three matches each.

Bayern Hope To Win By Any Means Necessary

Four goals were scored by Cluj and just one by a German on Tuesday, but Bayern somehow managed to beat the Romanians by a 3-2 margin. Coach Louis van Gaal labelled the result as lucky, and rightly so: the Bavarians benefited from two own goals and a third that deflected off a defender. It was a case of old-fashioned 'Bayern luck', something the record champions have not had domestically.

In contrast to their perfect Champions League record, Bayern have had a much less impressive start to their domestic campaign. Currently mired in mid-table mediocrity, Bayern are ten points behind both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. Up until the top two, the table is rather congested, however: Bayern are just four points behind Leverkusen, who are third.

Having won their last two matches since the international break, Bayern will be keen to maintain their form and propel themselves towards the top of the table. It will be no easy task however as the defending champions really regard Hamburg as their bogey team.

On Thursday, Van Gaal vowed to get a gritty performance from his team.

“Under these circumstances, we have to win,” he told reporters. “That is currently more important than beautiful football.”

Bayern won in a less than pretty way on Tuesday. Perhaps they will be able to repeat their success on Friday.

TEAM NEWS

Hamburg


Dennis Aogo, Dennis Diekmeier, Romeo Castelen, and Eljero Elia have been ruled out of Friday’s match, but Guy Demel is expected to play. Should the Ivorian fail to reach full fitness, however, Colin Benjamin will take his spot in the starting line-up, and trade places with midfield anchor Tomas Rincon.

Probable Starting XI: Rost - Demel, Westermann, Mathijsen, Jansen - Kacar, Rincon, Ze Roberto - Trochowski - Guerrero, Van Nistelrooy

Bayern Munich

Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel, Miroslav Klose, Breno, Diego Contento and David Alaba remain unavailable due to injuries. On the plus side, Van Gaal will welcome back fit-again pair Ivica Olic and Daniel van Buyten. However, neither is expected to start.

Probable Starting XI: Butt - Lahm, Tymoshchuk, Badstuber, Pranjic - Ottl, Schweinsteiger - Altintop, Mueller, Kroos - Gomez


Prediction
Bayern need to win this one more than Hamburg, and that fact just might play into the hosts’ hands. Hamburg have a stellar record against their southern rivals, but remain a bit thin in key areas - perhaps too much to expect three points.

Hamburg 1-1 Bayern Munich

23.-24.10. 2010. Premier League Preview

Birmingham City v Blackpool
  • Birmingham have lost and failed to score in their last three meetings with Blackpool in all competitions.
  • There have been just five goals scored in four matches at St Andrews this season, the fewest at any Premier League ground.
  • If Birmingham fail to score against Blackpool it will be their worst ever run of consecutive games at home without a goal in the Premier League (four matches).
  • The Seasiders have found the back of the net in six consecutive matches at Birmingham in all competitions.
  • Marlon Harewood has scored a goal every 87 minutes this season, the fastest rate in the top flight.
  • Blackpool 'keeper Matthew Gilks has conceded a goal every 40 minutes on average, the fastest rate in the division.
  • No team has conceded more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games than Blackpool (3).

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers
  • The Pensioners have not conceded a goal in the last 691 minutes of Premier League football at Stamford Bridge.
  • Didier Drogba has scored nine goals in his last five Premier league games at Stamford Bridge.
  • Chelsea have won all four Premier League meetings with Wolves, bagging 16 goals in these games.
  • In all four Premier League encounters between the two sides, one Chelsea player has scored more than once in the game.
  • Chelsea have won 14 and lost one of their last 15 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
  • Wolves have lost 10 points from leading positions this season, more than any other side.
  • Chelsea are the only Premier League side not to have lost any points from winning positions or gained any from a losing position.

Sunderland v Aston Villa
  • Aston Villa's last three Premier League away matches have all finished with a 2-1 scoreline (one win, two defeats).
  • Steve Bruce's men have only lost one of their last 14 Premier League home games since Villa beat them at the Stadium of Light last December.
  • Sunderland are without a win in their last five matches at home to Villa in all competitions.
  • Villa have lost four of their last five Premier League away matches.
  • Sunderland have drawn their last five league games, the last two ending goalless.
  • Villa have scored in 16 of their last 19 Premier League games.

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
  • Rafael van der Vaart has now netted four goals in his three appearances at White Hart Lane in all competitions.
  • Everton won none of their first 14 Premier League visits to White Hart Lane, then won three in a row before losing last season's encounter in north London.
  • Everton haven't won back to back Premier League away matches since May 2009.
  • Only one team has scored more than one goal in any of the last 40 Premier League games at White Hart Lane (Manchester United in September 2009).
  • Tottenham have conceded exactly one goal in their last seven Premier League games.
  • Three of Spurs' four wins this season have been by two goals to one, the other ended 3-1.
  • Everton are one point better off than they were after eight games in 2008-09 when they went onto finish fifth.
  • Rafael van der Vaart has hit a shot every 21.7 minutes, the fastest rate in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
  • Fulham have won none of their last 22 Premier League away matches, but they have drawn the last four in a row.
  • West Brom have lost just one of their last seven Premier League matches at the Hawthorns.
  • WBA have scored just four goals in eight Premier League games against Fulham.
  • The four Premier League games between West Brom and Fulham at the Hawthorns have produced a total of just four goals.
  • Fulham have drawn six of their eight league games this season.
  • WBA have not dropped any points from a leading position this season.
  • Six of West Brom's 11 league goals this season have come in the 15 minutes after half-time.

West Ham United v Newcastle United
  • Newcastle have won only one Premier League away game in October since 2003.
  • There have been exactly four goals scored in the last five Premier League matches between West Ham and Newcastle.
  • West Ham have scored at least two goals in five of their last six Premier League home games against Newcastle.
  • Newcastle's rate of a point per game after eight matches represents their fourth worst start to a Premier League campaign.
  • Newcastle have conceded an average of only 3.63 corners per game this season, compared to 7.38 per game for West Ham.

Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers
  • Johan Elmander has scored four goals in four Premier League away games this season.
  • The last five Premier League games between these sides have produced only six goals in total, with four of them coming from Bolton in the most recent meeting.
  • Wigan have scored only eight goals in 10 games against Bolton in the Premier League.
  • Wigan have the same number of points (9) as they did after eight games last season.
  • Wigan have made fewer touches in the opposition box than any other side this season, 111.
  • 50% of Wigan's goals this season have come in the last 15 minutes of games.

Manchester City v Arsenal
  • Arsenal haven't kept a clean sheet in their last 15 away matches in all competitions.
  • The Gunners have won just one of their last eight Premier League away games.
  • Arsenal have lost four of their last five away trips in all competitions to the City of Manchester Stadium.
  • Arsenal have lost five and won two of their seven Premier League away games with Mark Clattenburg as the official, the two wins both coming in London.
  • City have exactly the same record as they did after eight games last season - W5 D2 L1 GD+7, though were only fifth at this stage in 2009/10.
  • Carlos Tevez has been directly involved in nine of Manchester City's 12 goals this season (two assists, seven goals), and has scored 28 times in his last 31 Premier League outings.

Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers
  • The last 17 penalties at Anfield in the Premier League have been scored.
  • Liverpool have lost 49 Premier League matches at Anfield.
  • Steven Gerrard has scored 49 goals at Anfield in the Premier League.
  • Blackburn have scored only five goals in their last 11 league games against Liverpool.
  • Rovers have won only one of their 16 Premier League games at Anfield, 1-0 in September 1993.
  • There have only been 40 occasions in Premier League history of a team getting fewer than six points from their opening eight games.

Stoke City v Manchester United
  • Manchester United have drawn all four of their Premier League away matches this season.
  • Manchester United have only won one of their last six away Premier League games following a Champions League midweek match; suffering 3 defeats and playing out 2 draws.
  • Manchester United have dropped six points from winning positions this season - twice as many as in the whole of 2009-10.
  • Of the nine occasions Manchester United have let a two goal lead slip in the Premier League, two have come since the start of September (v Everton and WBA).
  • The Red Devils have only won three of their last eight away games on a Sunday, the two this season have ended 2-2.
  • Since moving to Manchester United in 2004, Wayne Rooney has scored more Premier League goals than any other player (92).

22.-25.10. 2010. Championship Preview

Bristol City v QPR
  • None of the last nine league meetings between these sides has seen an away win.
  • Last season, Nicky Maynard scored in both fixtures between these teams.
  • QPR have conceded only three goals in their 12 league games this season so far.
  • Bristol City have won fewer games than any other side in the league (2), but one of these came in their last match.

Burnley v Reading
  • Burnley have won their last three league games against Reading without conceding a goal (inc. play-offs).
  • In none of the last five games between these sides at Burnley have both sides found the back of the net.
  • Burnley have collected 16 points at home this season; more than any other Championship side.
  • Reading haven't won in three league games; losing their last two, 1-0.

Coventry v Barnsley
  • Coventry are unbeaten in 11 games against Barnsley, winning nine of these games.
  • Barnsley have not won at Coventry since 1923, a run of 20 games.
  • Six of Coventry's last seven league games have ended in a 2-1 scoreline, three of them in their favour.
  • Barnsley are yet to win away from home this season; failing to score in their last three on the road.

Hull v Portsmouth
  • Hull have failed to score in their last three home games against Pompey with the last two ending goalless.
  • The draw is the most common result in this fixture, with 18 of 46 games ending level.
  • The Tigers have failed to score in three of their last four league games.
  • Portsmouth are unbeaten in five league games; winning four of these.

Millwall v Derby
  • Millwall have won three of their last four home games against Derby, drawing the other.
  • Last season the sides shared two 1-1 draws in the FA Cup (Derby progressed on penalties).
  • There have only been four goals scored in the last four league games involving Millwall.
  • Derby are unbeaten in six league games and have won four of their last five.

Norwich v Middlesbrough
  • The last five games between these sides have seen 23 goals scored, an average of 4.6 per game.
  • The Canaries have not won any of their last four home games against Boro.
  • Middlesbrough have won only one point away from home this season; fewer than any other Championship side.
  • Boro have currently gone five league games without a win; the longest-such run in the Championship.
  • Norwich have already lost as many home games this season in the Championship (3) as they did last term in League One.

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich
  • Three of the last four games between Forest and Ipswich in Nottingham have ended 1-1.
  • Last season Robert Earnshaw scored in both games against Ipswich.
  • Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan has scored six goals in their last seven league games.
  • Ipswich have lost three of their last four league games.

Preston v Crystal Palace
  • The away side has scored exactly one goal in five of the last six encounters between these sides.
  • Last season Preston opened the scoring in both games but only managed to take one point from the two matches.
  • Preston have lost a league-high eight games in the Championship so far this season.
  • Palace's two goals at Norwich in midweek were their first away from home this season.

Swansea v Leicester
  • The Swans' win at home last season ended a winless run of eight games against the Foxes.
  • These two met three times last season, with Leicester winning twice, they had not met since 1986 before that.
  • Swansea have kept three successive clean sheets, longer than any other side in the Championship currently.
  • Leicester's midweek win at Leeds was their first in six attempts away from home this season.

Watford v Scunthorpe
  • Scunthorpe have won just once in 11 games against Watford.
  • The Hornets have won seven of their last eight home games against Scunthorpe.
  • Watford have scored more goals than any other team in the Championship (25).
  • The Hornets have scored in eight successive games; the longest-such current run in the league. If they score in this game, they will equal the season record of nine set by Coventry.
  • Scunthorpe come in to this game on the back of winning their first league game in six attempts in midweek.

Doncaster v Sheffield Utd
  • None of the last five home games between these sides in all competitions has seen a home win.
  • Rovers have failed to win any of their last three home games against the Blades in all competitions.
  • Doncaster have won just once in their last six league outings.
  • Four of Sheffield United's league games away from home this season have finished 1-0, the other two have ended 1-1.

Leeds United v Cardiff
  • The last two encounters between these sides has seen three red cards.
  • Cardiff have won their last three games against Leeds 1-0.
  • The Bluebirds are on a run of three successive victories; the league's longest such run.
  • The last four league games involving Leeds have seen 19 goals.

23.-24.10. 2010. Scottish Premier League Preview

Aberdeen v Hibernian
  • Hibs scored exactly twice in all three meetings with Aberdeen last season, winning twice and drawing once.
  • Hibernian have won on two of their last three trips to Pittodrie.
  • Both of Hibs' wins this season have come when they have conceded first.
  • Six of Hibernian's eight league goals this season have been either scored or assisted by Derek Riordan.
  • The Dons have lost five of their last six league matches, drawing the other.

Hamilton v St Johnstone
  • Hamilton have won three of their last four matches at home to the Saints, keeping a clean sheet in each win.
  • The Accies are yet to win at home this season.
  • Six of Hamilton's eight league goals this season have come in the first half.
  • St Johnstone are without a win in three away matches.

Hearts v St Mirren
  • The Jambos are unbeaten in their last four league matches at home to St Mirren, winning three.
  • Hearts have scored exactly once in their last five league meetings with the Buddies.
  • However St Mirren have scored on all but one of their last eight league trips to Tynecastle.
  • Only Rangers have scored as many goals from outside the box as St Mirren this season (3).
  • Hearts have won none of their last seven league games at Tynecastle.
  • Failure to win in this match would make St Mirren the first side to fail to claim a win in 20 consecutive away games in the SPL.

Kilmarnock v Inverness CT
  • Caley Thistle have scored at least twice in 11 of their last 14 league meetings with Kilmarnock.
  • In 18 meetings between Killie and Inverness in the SPL, the two teams have kept only four clean sheets between them.
  • Only two of the last 15 league clashes between the sides have produced fewer than three goals.
  • Caley Thistle have lost only one of their last six SPL matches on the road.
  • Killie have picked up all three points in only one of their last six league matches at Rugby Park.

Motherwell v Dundee Utd
  • Motherwell are without a win in their last three league meetings with the Terrors, losing the last two.
  • The Steelmen have scored at least twice in 10 of their last 12 SPL games at home to United.
  • Dundee United striker Jon Daly scored three goals at Fir Park last season.
  • Nine of the 10 goals the Steelmen have conceded in the SPL this season have come after the break.
  • The 3-1 win over St Mirren ended a run of six consecutive matches at home for Motherwell without a win.

Celtic v Rangers
  • Celtic's win over Rangers in May ended a run of three league Old Firm derbies at Parkhead without a victory for the Bhoys.
  • Only one of 42 SPL "Old Firm" derbies has been won by the side conceding first (34 wins for the side opening the scoring).
  • There have been five red cards in the last six Old Firm derbies at Parkhead.
  • Rangers' Kenny Miller hit three goals in Old Firm derbies last season.
  • None of the last five players to score for Celtic in an SPL Old Firm derby are still at the club (Nakamura, McGeady, McDonald, Naylor, Fortuné).
  • Celtic have won all 16 league matches under Neil Lennon.
  • Rangers have failed to find the net in only one of their last 34 league matches.
  • However, the Teddy Bears have kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 league games.

23.-25.10. 2010. Spain - Primera Division preview


Almeria v Hercules
  • These two sides have met four times so far in the top-flight, between 1979 and 1981.
  • Hercules have won three of their four meetings with Almeria in La Liga without conceding a goal; a 2-0 win for Almeria completes the record.
  • Almeria have managed only one win from their last nine league fixtures, at the Riazor against Deportivo in September.
  • Deportivo's last win at home was in May (4-2 against Villarreal); since then, they have picked up only two points from the ensuing four games at home.
  • After scoring two goals at the Camp Nou against Barcelona, Hercules have failed to score in their last two away games - a goalless draw at Zaragoza and a 3-0 defeat at Getafe.
  • Overall, Herculess have failed to score in five of their last six away games in the top-flight.
  • Esteban Vigo's side have scored seven goals this season, only one of which has come in the second half.

Espanyol v Levante
  • Espanyol are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Levante in La Liga (four wins and three draws).
  • However, three of the last four meetings between these two sides have ended level.
  • At home, the Catalans are unbeaten against Levante in La Liga (three wins and two draws).
  • Espanyol have not shared the points in their last 12 league games, since the goalless draw in last April's derby with Barca.
  • Espanyol have alternated wins and defeats in their last 10 league fixtures - a run started with a 1-0 defeat against Zaragoza and continued until last Saturday's 1-0 win against Mallorca.
  • At home, Espanyol are on a run of four consecutive wins in the league, and have kept a clean sheet in the last two.
  • After losing the opening three games of this campaign, Levante have collected eight points in the last four match-days, as a result of two wins and two draws.

Getafe v Sporting Gijon
  • These two sides have met only four times in the Spanish top division: Getafe lead by two wins to one, one draw completes the record.
  • Sporting have scored exactly one goal in each of these four fixtures.
  • At Getafe, the hosts have scored six goals in their two previous meetings against Sporting (5-1 and 1-1).
  • Getafe have won three of their last four league games on home soil.
  • Last Saturday's 2-0 win over Sevilla was Sporting's second in their last 17 league games.
  • Sporting are winless in their last 11 away games in La Liga (seven defeats and four draws).
  • Sporting have failed to score in three of their last four games on the road.
  • Getafe have conceded seven goals in the second half so far - a joint-high in this campaign.
  • All of Getafe's 11 goals have been scored from open play; Getafe are the only side in La Liga yet to score a goal from a set piece.

Osasuna v Malaga
  • Osasuna have beaten Malaga only once in their last 16 meetings in the top-flight (2-1 away from home in December 2005).
  • Osasuna's last win in Pamplona against Malaga was in March 1990 (2-0); since then, the hosts have collected only four points in eight meetings with Malaga in La Liga.
  • Both meetings between these two sides last season ended in a draw.
  • Osasuna have won only one game so far this season (3-1 at home against Real Sociedad): three draws and as many defeats complete their record in this campaign.
  • At home, Osasuna are unbeaten in their last nine league games (four wins and five draws).
  • Malaga have picked up seven points from their last three games on the road (two wins and a draw).
  • Six players have been sent off in the last three league meetings between Osasuna and Malaga.
  • Malaga have conceded the most goals in the first half in la Liga so far (nine).
  • Malaga have also scored the most goals from dead balls so far (seven).

Real Madrid v Racing Santander
  • Real Madrid are on a run of six consecutive wins against Racing in La Liga.
  • The Merengues have not conceded a goal in their last five meetings with Racing.
  • At home, Real have beaten Racing in eight of their last nine encounters; a 2-1 win for the guests in December 2005 completes the record.
  • Real Madrid are unbeaten in La Liga since April (2-0 defeat against Barcelona); since then they have notched up 11 wins and three draws.
  • That loss against Barcelona was also the only league game that Real didn't manage to win at home in their last 22.
  • José Mourinho is continuing at Real his unbeaten run at home in league games: he is now unbeaten in 139 games, since losing against Baira Mar with Porto in February 2003.
  • The last team to score more than one goal in a single game against Real Madrid were Osasuna last May.
  • Since then, Real have conceded only six in 10 fixtures, three of which have come this campaign - currently the best defence in La Liga.
  • Real are yet to concede a goal in the first half this season.
  • Racing are winless in their last eight games on the road (five defeats and three draws).
  • Ronaldo is currently La Liga's top-scorer with six goals, four of which have come in his last two games; he is also the player with the most shots on target so far (20).
  • Ronaldo is also the player who has assisted the most goals in this campaign (four).

Real Sociedad v Deportivo La Coruña
  • Deportivo have won the last two meetings with Real Sociedad in La Liga (in 2006/07).
  • Prior to that season, Real Sociedad had won three times in a row against Depor, without conceding a single goal.
  • Real Sociedad have lost four of their last five league fixtures - a 1-0 win against Espanyol completes the record.
  • Martín Lasarte's side have scored a goal in each of their three games at home this season.
  • Deportivo have only four points after the first seven match-days of this campaign - their worst start to a season in La Liga since three points were awarded for a win (1995/96).
  • Last season after seven games the Galicians were joint-third with 15 points.
  • Deportivo and Real Zaragoza are the only two sides yet to win a game in La Liga this season.
  • Deportivo have the worst attack of La Liga: only three goals scored and five games have ended without them scoring any.
  • Deportivo have used 26 different players in this campaign (a record), but only two have been able to find the net so far.
  • Deportivo have conceded the most headed goals this season (four).

Real Zaragoza v Barcelona
  • Barcelona have won eight of their last 10 league meetings against Real Zaragoza (including the last four), drawing one and losing another.
  • The Blaugrana have won four of the last five encounters against Zaragoza played at La Romareda; one win for the hosts (1-0 in April 2007) completes the record.
  • Zaragoza have conceded 246 goals in 112 league matches v Barcelona, more than against any other side in La Liga.
  • Real Zaragoza are yet to win a game in this campaign, and they are currently bottom of the table with three points.
  • Zaragoza's last win in the league came against the other Catalan side Espanyol, in May (1-0).
  • Los Blanquillos have drawn their last two games played at La Romareda.
  • The Blaugrana are unbeaten away from home since February (a 2-1 defeat in Madrid against Atletico); since then, Guardiola's men have won eight and drawn two in La Liga.
  • Barcelona have scored their 12 goals with eight different players this season - the joint-most.
  • No Barcelona player has managed to score in two consecutive league games yet this season.

Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao
  • Sevilla have lost only once in their last 13 league matches against Athletic (2-0 at the San Mames in January 2008), winning 11 times.
  • At home, Sevilla are unbeaten against Athletic since December 1993; since then, they have notched-up seven wins and six draws at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán against the Basque side in the top-flight.
  • The Rojiblancos have scored more goals against Athletic (202) then against any other side in La Liga.
  • Sevilla have won only once in their last four league games.
  • Athletic have won only one of their last 15 league games on the road, losing nine and drawing five.
  • Frédéric Kanouté has already scored seven goals in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao, more than against any other opponent.
  • Luis Fabiano is waiting for his first goal in La Liga this season - the Brazilian striker has already scored three goals against Athletic in his career.
  • Athletic Bilbao are the only side in La Liga yet to concede a goal from a set piece this season.

Valencia v Mallorca
  • Valencia have won 28 of their 46 previous games against Mallorca in the top-flight; nine wins for the Balearic side and nine draws complete the record.
  • Valencia have won only once in their last five league meetings with Mallorca, losing three times and sharing the points once.
  • At home, Los Che have lost only once against Mallorca in 23 encounters in La Liga (0-3 in March 2008), winning 16 times and drawing six times.
  • Before losing at Barcelona last Sunday, Valencia were unbeaten in their last seven league games.
  • Valencia are unbeaten at home in La Liga in 2010, as they have won 13 and drawn two league games at the Mestalla.
  • Mallorca have picked up only one point in their last four league games on the road, failing to score in three of those matches.
  • Valencia have already scored five headed goals this term (a league-high); three of these were scored by striker, Aduriz.

Villarreal v Atletico Madrid
  • This will be the 19th meeting between these two sides in La Liga: Villarreal lead by seven wins to six, with five draws.
  • Last season Villarreal had the better in both fixtures, with the same scoreline (2-1).
  • Atletico have managed to win only once at the Madrigal in La Liga, 1-0 in April 2007.
  • Last Sunday's 2-2 draw against Hercules ended Villarreal's run of five consecutive wins.
  • Villarreal are currently joint-second in the La Liga table, one point behind leaders Real Madrid; last season after the first seven match-days they were bottom, with only three points.
  • Villarreal had a better start in 2008/09, when they had 17 points after the first seven fixtures; on that occasion, they ended fifth on 65 points.
  • At home, the Yellow Submarine have won 10 of their last 11 games, losing only at the Camp Nou to Barcelona last May (4-1).
  • Atletico have managed only one win in their last 13 games on the road.
  • The Colchoneros have kept only one clean sheet away from home since start of 2010, a 4-0 win against Real Valladolid back in January.
  • Diego Costa has netted a goal in each of his last three games for Atletico.
  • Villarreal have been the most prolific side in the first half so far (11 goals scored).

23.-25.10. 2010. Italy - Serie A preview

Bologna v Juventus
  • Juventus have beaten Bologna 62 times in the top-flight, more than any other side.
  • Bologna's last win against Juventus in Serie A was in November 1998; since then, the Bianconeri are unbeaten in 17 meetings with the Felsinei (12 wins and five draws).
  • Juventus have won their last four games against Bologna at the Dall'Ara, conceding only two goals in the process.
  • Bologna have managed only one win from their last 10 Serie A fixtures - seven draws and two defeats complete the record.
  • However, Bologna are unbeaten in their last five games at home (two wins and three draws).
  • Juventus boast the best attack in Serie A this season (16 goals scored in the first seven match-days).
  • The Old Lady have scored four goals in three of their last five league fixtures (against Udinese, Cagliari and Lecce).
  • Away from home, Juve have managed only one win from their last nine fixtures (two draws and six defeats), failing to score on six occasions.
  • Serbian Milos Krasic has been involved in eight goals so far in this competition (scoring three and setting up five with his assists).
  • Marco Di Vaio has netted five goals over the last five match-days of this campaign.

Chievo v Cesena
  • This will be the first ever meeting between these two sides in the top-flight.
  • Chievo have scored only one goal in the last three match-days, picking up only one point in the process.
  • Chievo have won only one of their last six games at home in Serie A, losing four times.
  • Chievo have failed to score a single goal in their last three league fixtures.
  • After two wins and a draw in the opening three games of this campaign, Cesena have picked up only one point from the ensuing four fixtures, last Sunday at home with Parma.
  • Away from home, Cesena are winless in their last 17 games (15 defeats and two draws), and have failed to score in the last six on the road.

Fiorentina v Bari
  • These two sides have met 56 times so far in Serie A: the Viola lead by 22 wins to 16, with 18 draws.
  • However, Fiorentina have managed to beat Bari only once in the last five meetings, losing on three occasions.
  • At home, Fiorentina have lost only once against Bari in the top-flight, back in January 1949; since then, the hosts have notched up 12 wins and five draws when they face Bari.
  • Fiorentina have won only one of their last 14 Serie A fixtures between, losing eight.
  • Bari have lost three of their last four, a 2-1 win against Parma completes this record.
  • Giampiero Ventura's side are winless in their last seven games on the road: four defeats and three draws, in which they have conceded an average of 2.6 goals per game.

Genoa v Catania
  • Genoa and Catania have met 16 times in Serie A so far: the Sicilians lead by seven wins to five, with four draws in the process.
  • Catania have managed to beat Genoa at the Marassi only once in eight meetings; four wins for the hosts and three draws complete the record.
  • The Grifoni have won only one of their last six Serie A fixtures, losing on three occasions.
  • Genoa have scored in each of their last 18 home games - currently the longest streak in Serie A.
  • Catania are winless away from home in their last 10 fixtures, in light of five draws and as many defeats.
  • All of Catania's eight goals this season have been scored by different players.
  • Catania have conceded the fewest shots to their opponents so far in this campaign (54).
  • Giampiero Gasperini is unbeaten in his three previous meetings agains Catania manager, Marco Giampaolo (two wins and a draw).

Internazionale v Sampdoria
  • Inter have beaten Sampdoria only once in their last five league meetings, losing once and sharing the points on three occasions.
  • Over these five meetings, the Nerazzurri never scored more than a single goal per game.
  • Last season, Inter picked up only one point against the Blucerchiati, without scoring a single goal in either fixture.
  • However, Inter remain unbeaten at home against Sampdoria since December 1996 (3-4); since then the Nerazzurri have nothced up six wins and three draws.
  • Sampdoria have failed to score a single goal in their last three visits to Inter in the league.
  • Only two goals have been scored in total in the last three league games featuring Inter.
  • The Italian champions are unbeaten in their last 44 games at home in the league (33 wins and 11 draws).
  • By beating Fiorentina last Sunday, Sampdoria ended a run of five winless games in the league (four draws and a defeat).
  • Samp are on a run of four consecutive draws away from home in Serie A, and are unbeaten in their last six on the road.
  • Inter have the best defence of this campaign, with only three goals conceded over the first seven match-days.

Lazio v Cagliari
  • This wil be the 51st meeting between these two sides in the league: Lazio lead by 21 wins to 15, with 14 draws.
  • Lazio and Cagliari have not shared a draw in their last seven meetings in Serie A: four successes for the Biancocelesti, three for the Sardinians.
  • Lazio top the Serie A table with 16 points after seven match-days: this their best start to a Serie A season since 1999/2000 (on that occasion they had 17 and won the Scudetto).
  • After losing against Sampdoria on match-day 1, Edy Reja's side went unbeaten for the ensuing six fixtures, winning the last three without conceding a single goal.
  • Cagliari have managed only one win in their last 21 Serie A games, with 10 defeats and as many draws.
  • The Sardinians have also scored only in one of their last five games.
  • Away from home, the Sardinians are winless in their last 14 games (eight draws and six defeats).

Lecce v Brescia
  • The record of previous meetings between these two sides is perfectly even: both have won four times, with two draws.
  • However, Lecce have won their last three encounters with Brescia in Serie A.
  • These two sides have never shared the points at the Via Del Mare in five previous meetings: two wins for the hosts, three for the guests.
  • Lecce are unbeaten at home in six Serie A meetings (three wins and as many draws).
  • Brescia have lost their last three games in the league, scoring only one goal in the process.
  • Brescia have not drawn in their last 11 Serie A games (five wins and six defeats).
  • Brescia have lost four of their last five games on the road in the league, a 1-0 win at Chievo's ground completes their record.

Napoli v AC Milan
  • This will be the 125th meeting between Napoli and AC Milan in Serie A: the Rossoneri lead by 51 wins to 33, with 40 draws.
  • The last three meetings between these sides in the league have ended as draws.
  • The Partenopei have beaten AC Milan only once in their last 14 meetings in the league: seven draws and six wins for the Rossoneri complete the record.
  • The Rossoneri have not won any of their last four visits to the San Paolo, sharing the points three times.
  • AC Milan are on a run of three consecutive wins in Serie A; the last time they managed four in a row was last February.
  • Away from home though, AC Milan have won only one in the last six in the league, losing on four occasions.
  • Napoli have scored the most goals in the last 15 minutes of play this season (seven), gaining the most points from trailing situations in this campaign (seven).
  • However, Napoli have also dropped nine points from leading situations this season - a league-high.
  • Edison Cavani (six goals) and Marek Hamsik (three) are currently the most prolific attacking partnership of Serie A. Cavani is also the joint-top scorer with Samuel Eto'o.

Parma v Roma
  • Roma have beaten Parma 23 times in 38 meetings, more than any other side in Serie A; Parma have had the better eight times, seven draws complete the record.
  • Roma have won their last eight Serie A meetings against Parma in Serie A, keeping a clean sheet in six of these.
  • Parma are winless in their last six league fixtures (three draws and as many defeats), and have managed to score only one goal over the last three.
  • Roma are yet to win their first point away from home in this campaign, as a result of three defeats on the road so far.
  • In their first three away games, the Giallorossi have conceded nine goals.
  • Roma have conceded the most goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season (five).
  • The record in the head to head between the two managers is perfectly even in Serie A: both have won three times, with a draw as well.

Udinese v Palermo
  • This will be the 27th meeting between Udinese and Palermo in the top-flight: the Bianconeri lead by 11 wins to nine, with six draws.
  • Udinese have beaten Palermo in the last two meetings at the Friuli, scoring three goals in each game.
  • After recording their worst ever start to a Serie A campaign picking up only one point from the first five fixtures, Udinese have won their last two games against Cesena and Brescia by 1-0.
  • Palermo are unbeaten in their last four fixtures (three wins and a draw), and have won four of their last five on the road.
  • Udinese have scored only four goals this season - the worst attack in Serie A so far, while Palermo have netted the most from open play (13).
  • Delio Rossi's men have also scored the most from outside the box this season: five, four of which have come from open play.

22.-24.10. 2010. Germany - Bundesliga preview

Hamburg v Bayern
  • Hamburg have won both of their last two home games against Bayern under floodlights, and both by 1-0, Mladen Petric scored the winner in both games.
  • This is the 50th time that Hamburg have hosted a competitive match against Bayern. The Munich side have not scored at Hamburg in 200 minutes.
  • FC Bayern have only won one of their last seven matches against Hamburg (three draws, three defeats).
  • Only one of Hamburg's 13 goals this season has been scored in the first half. HSV would occupy the bottom position in a hypothetical first-half table.
  • If Bayern lose this match, they will have recorded as many defeats as in the entire of last season.
  • Despite Mario Gomez' first hat-trick in a Bayern jersey, FC Bayern's attack is still the poorest in the league with only eight goals (tied with Köln).

Frankfurt v Schalke
  • Schalke are unbeaten against Frankfurt in 10 games (eight wins, two draws).
  • Frankfurt have lost their last five games against Schalke, scoring only two goals in the process. Eintracht's last win against Schalke came in 2004 when they beat S04 3-0 at home.
  • If all Bundesliga games had finished after the first 45 minutes, Frankfurt would top the table. Eintracht have been in front at the break five times and haven't been behind after 45 minutes this season.
  • Frankfurt and Dortmund are the only two teams in the Bundesliga that have won their last three games.
  • Eintracht haven't scored a single goal in the first 15 minutes (like Hamburg). Despite Frankfurt's goal drought in the first quarter of an hour, no team has scored more goals in the first 45 minutes than Eintracht (eight like Hoffenheim, Dortmund and Gladbach).
  • Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has found the back of the net in his last five games for Schalke. The club record in that respect is held by Ruediger Abramczik who scored in seven consecutive Bundesliga games for S04 (1978/79).

Mönchengladbach v Bremen
  • Mönchengladbach are unbeaten in their last five home Bundesliga games against Bremen (four wins, one draw). They have scored at least twice in each of these games (14 goals in total).
  • Borussia have not won more BL home games against any other side as they have against Werder (24, the same as against Kaiserslautern).
  • Gladbach are yet to win at home this season (two draws, two defeats), while Bremen are yet to win away (two draws, two defeats).
  • Gladbach have not won for six games (two draws, four defeats), only Kaiserslautern have currently gone as long without a win.
  • This is Gladbach's 43rd season in the Bundesliga and they have conceded a record number of goals after eight games (23).
  • Borussia have been given the most red cards so far this season (four). Last season they only had one.

Freiburg v Kaiserslautern
  • Kaiserslautern have lost seven of their eight away games at Freiburg since the millennium (one win).
  • Freiburg have lost three of their last four BL games (one win). Kaiserslautern haven't won any of their last six games.
  • Kaiserslautern have lost their last three away games.
  • Freiburg have scored in each of their last 12 BL games, currently a joint league high with Hoffenheim. Kaiserslautern have scored only one goal in their last four games and have lost all of them.
  • Kaiserslautern have conceded at least one goal in their last six games.

Hannover v Köln
  • Hannover have won six of their last eight encounters with Köln.
  • Köln have only won one of their last 11 league games (three draws, seven defeats).
  • Hannover have lost their last two games and have failed to score in both.
  • Köln have not won any of their last six away games, their longest run in the Bundesliga since 2005/06.
  • Both sides have lost all games this season when conceding first.
  • Hannover manager Mirko Slomka has had four encounters as a manager in competitive games with Köln and hasn't won any of them.

Nürnberg v Wolfsburg
  • Wolfsburg have played 10 away games at Nürnberg in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 and have won only once (five draws, four defeats).
  • In these 10 games Wolfsburg have only scored five goals and Nürnberg have kept six clean sheets.
  • Edin Dzeko, Grafite, and Diego have scored 13 of Wolfsburg's 14 goals this season.
  • Nürnberg defender Andreas Wolf has scored in his last two appearances. Before these games he had only netted three times in 150 matches.
  • Grafite has scored five of Wolfsburg's last seven Bundesliga goals, four of them in the second half.
  • Nürnberg manager Dieter Hecking has won only one of his seven Bundesliga games as a manager against Wolfsburg (two draws, four defeats). The four defeats have come in the last four games.

Dortmund v Hoffenheim
  • Dortmund's seven consecutive wins equals their club record set in 2008/09 (also under Klopp). Another victory against Hoffenheim would set a new club record.
  • If Dortmund win and keep a clean sheet against 1899, it would be their fourth consecutive clean sheet victory at home, also setting a new club record.
  • 1899 have scored at least one goal in each of their last 12 league outings, a club record for them and a league record shared with Freiburg.
  • For the first time in their club history, Dortmund have won seven of their first eight matches. Never before have BVB won 21 points in eight games.
  • Borussia's position at the top of the table is justified, they have scored more goals (20) and conceded fewer (six) than anyone else in the first eight weeks.
  • In only one of Hoffenheim's last 15 BL games has the total score been less than two goals.

Leverkusen v Mainz
  • Mainz's last BL victory over Bayer came more than four and a half years ago. On 18 March 2006, FSV prevailed 2-1 at the BayArena - Leverkusen haven't lost any of their four meetings with Mainz since then (2 wins, 2 draws).
  • Leverkusen haven't lost any of their last eight competitive matches (4 wins, 4 draws), losing only one game this season. Only Dortmund are currently on a longer undefeated streak in the BL (7 matches) than Bayer (6).
  • Mainz and Bayer (18 goals each) have the Bundesliga's best attack behind Dortmund (20).
  • Leverkusen have racked up the most headed goals in the league (5). Mainz are the only team in the BL that has yet to concede a headed goal.
  • Mainz have netted a league-high six goals through substitutes - Andre Schürrle, who has scored three of his four goals coming off the bench, currently ranks as the league's super-sub.
  • Leverkusen have netted twice on all eight matchdays except the 0-0 against Nürnberg.

Stuttgart v St. Pauli
  • Stuttgart have never lost at home against St. Pauli (six wins, one draw).
  • Stuttgart have only won one of their last 10 BL games (three draws, six defeats).
  • St. Pauli have won their last two games, for the first time in the BL since April 1996.
  • St. Pauli have won three away games this season - four wins would mean a new record within a BL season for St. Pauli.
  • Only Mönchengladbach (23) have conceded more goals than Stuttgart (17, like Bremen).

23.-24.10. 2010. France - Ligue 1 preview

Bordeaux - Brest
  • Brest have won their last three matches against Bordeaux in the top flight, scoring 10 goals in the process and conceding just one. However their previous encounter was in 1991.
  • Bordeaux have scored in each of their last 12 home matches in Ligue 1.
  • Brest have kept a clean sheet in their last six league matches, the longest run without conceding a goal by any Ligue 1 team since 2006/07.
  • Bordeaux have kept a clean sheet in the last four match days, their longest run in the league since December 2009.
  • Brest have won their last three away games in the league, currently the longest run of wins on the road.
  • Bordeaux, the tallest Ligue 1 side on average (6.0 feet), have scored a league-high five headed goals this term.
  • Anthony Modeste has scored in four of his five competitive starts for Bordeaux.

Lens - Nice
  • Lens have failed to score in the last three match days, currently the longest run without finding the net.
  • Lens have failed to win their last seven league fixtures, their only victory this term was against bottom-ranked Arles-Avignon.
  • Lens are the only team who have yet to score a first-half goal this term.
  • Nice have failed to win any of their last 11 trips to Lens in the top flight, losing on five occasions and drawing six times.
  • Nice are the only Ligue 1 side to have won two games after coming back from losing situations this season.
  • Nice have failed to score in their last three league encounters against Lens.
  • Anthony Mounier has been involved in 56% of Nice goals this term in the league: four assists and one goal.

Monaco - Valenciennes
  • Monaco have failed to score in three of their four home games this term.
  • Valenciennes have failed to win at the Louis II stadium since 1979, recording two draws and four defeats since then (Ligue 1).
  • Monaco have registered the most draws this season in the league: six; including four 0-0.
  • Valenciennes have failed to win their last 11 Ligue 1 away games, their last victory on the road occurred on 20th February 2010 at Grenoble (1-0).
  • Matches at the Louis II stadium this season have registered the lowest attendance on average (6,774) and seen the joint-fewest goals (three alongside the Francis-le-Blé stadium).
  • Valenciennes have not kept a clean sheet in the league since match day one.

Nancy - Lorient
  • Lorient have won just one of their last eight competitive matches at the Marcel-Picot stadium (three draws and four defeats).
  • Nancy have lost all five of their competitive home games this season.
  • Nancy are the only Ligue 1 side who have yet to keep a clean sheet this term.
  • Lorient have failed to win their last seven away games in the top flight, their longest run without a win on the road since 2007/08.
  • Lorient have also failed to score in their last three away matches in Ligue 1, currently the longest goal drought on the road.
  • Kevin Gameiro has scored four goals in his last four league appearances against Nancy.

Rennes - Montpellier
  • Rennes have yet to lose this season in Ligue 1, they have also never trailed during their games so far.
  • Montpellier have lost their last two away games in Ligue 1, conceding six goals in the process.
  • Montpellier have lost in their last five trips to Rennes in the league, conceding 17 goals in the process.
  • Rennes are the only Ligue 1 side who have yet to concede more than one goal in a game this season.
  • Defender Kader Mangane has scored in his last two home appearances this season.
  • Frederic Antonetti has never lost a home game against Montpellier in the top flight: four wins and one draw.
  • Both Marveaux brothers scored in the meetings between these two sides last season: Sylvain scored in the first leg for Rennes and Joris netted a brace for Montpellier in the return match.

St Etienne - Caen
  • St Etienne are unbeaten at home this season: four wins and one draw in all competitions.
  • St Etienne have already scored 52% of their total goal tally last season in the league.
  • Caen have never recorded a win at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in the top flight, drawing five and losing five.
  • Caen have conceded 18 goals in their last five visits to the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Ligue 1.
  • Caen forward Youssef El Arabi has netted a league-high four away goals this season.
  • Dimitri Payet has scored eight goals this season in Ligue 1; no St Etienne player managed more during the whole of last season.

Sochaux - Toulouse
  • Sochaux have racked up a league-high 13 points at home this season.
  • Toulouse have failed to win any of their last five Ligue 1 games, drawing two and losing three.
  • Sochaux have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 league encounters against Toulouse.
  • Toulouse have won more games at Sochaux (12) than at any other away ground in the top flight.
  • Sochaux have scored the most goals in the league this term: 16, 12 of these goals have been netted at the Bonal stadium.
  • Modibo Maiga has scored in his last three home starts in the league, his team mate Ideye Brown has found the net in his last four starts at the Bonal stadium.

Arles-Avignon - Lyon
  • Arles-Avignon are the only Ligue 1 side who have yet to score at home this season.
  • Lyon have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 away games in all competitions.
  • Lyon have managed two consecutive wins in the league for the first time this season, they have scored six goals in the process.
  • Arles-Avignon have held a lead for just six minutes so far this season in the top flight.
  • Lisandro has netted three goals in his last two Ligue 1 appearances.
  • Greek striker and Euro 2004 winner Angelos Charisteas has yet to find the net in nearly 300 minutes of football in the French league.

Paris SG - Auxerre
  • Auxerre have recorded their lowest-ever point tally after nine match days since the introduction of the three-point rule in 1994.
  • PSG have won four of their last six league meetings against Auxerre.
  • Auxerre have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six league matches against Paris SG.
  • The last two league matches played at the Parc des Princes stadium have produced goalless draws.
  • PSG have kept a clean sheet in their last five league matches, their longest run eithout conceding since 2002/03.
  • All four wins managed by PSG this season in Ligue 1 have been at least by a two-goal differential.
  • Stephane Sessegnon has scored three Ligue 1 goals against Auxerre, more than versus any other team.

Lille - Marseille
  • Lille are unbeaten in their last nine home matches in the top flight, currently the longest run.
  • Lille have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league encounters against Marseille.
  • Marseille have lost five of their last six trips to the Nord region in all competitions.
  • Marseille are the only Ligue 1 side who have scored in every match day this season.
  • Marseille have won only one of their last six away games in the league, it was against bottom-ranked Arles-Avignon.
  • Three red cards were show in as many competitive encounters between these two clubs last season.
  • Moussa Sow has netted eight goals in his last 12 Ligue 1 starts.
  • All six goals netted by Andre Ayew in his Ligue 1 career have been on the road.

22-10-2010 Ivan Radovanović (Bolonja, Italija 1)

Lacio nije slučajno lider, igra odlično, posebno Brazilac Hernanes, pa očekujem da će da nastavi seriju dobrih rezultata i protiv Kaljarija.
LACIO – KALJARI     1

Inter nije jak kao protekle sezone, ali mislim da je i dalje najjači u Italiji. Da se igra u Đenovi, Sampdoriji bih dao neke šanse, ovako – čista jedinica.
INTER – SAMPDORIJA     1

Treći fiks mi je kec na Đenovu, jer je na “Marasiju” uvek teško igrati, a i domaćinu je pobeda neophodna da bi krenuo ka vrhu tabele i potvrdio velike ambicije ove sezone.
ĐENOVA – KATANIJA     1

22-10-2010 Miloš Ninković (Dinamo Kijev, Ukrajina)

Mislim da nema greške kod keca na Šahtjor, bez obzira na to što Vorskla nije loša ekipa, jer se igra u Donjecku.
ŠAHTJOR – VORSKLA     1

22-10-2010 Rajko Janjanin (Panatinaikos, Grčka)

Odmah da upozorim da će PAOK igrati pred praznim tribinama kao domaćin protiv Panioniosa. Crno-beli su, inače, smenili već drugog trenera ove sezone, pet kola su bez pobede, a vezali su tri poraza. Pod velikim su pritiskom, moguće je da čak i izgube ovog vikenda.
PAOK - Panionios     12

Želim da istaknem i da će u gradskom derbiju između AEK-a i mog Panatinaikosa biti samo pristalice domaćeg kluba, kako bi se izbegli neredi, a ishod meča je krajnje neizvestan. Ipak, moram da istaknem da AEK igra kao preporođen od dolaska novog kormilara.

22-10-2010 Aanđelko Đuričić (Leirija, Portugal 1)

Prognozu utakmica portugalskog prvenstva moram da počnem fiksom protiv svoje ekipe. Jeste glupo, ali je sasvim realno da igram protiv nas na terenu prejakog Porta.
PORTO – LEIRIJA     1

Sporting je siguran protiv ekipe Rio Ave, a do pobede mora da dođe i Benfika na terenu Portimonensea.
SPORTING – RIO AVE     1
PORTIMONENSE – BENFIKA     2

22-10-2010 Bojan Jorgačević (Gent, Belgija 1)

Anderleht je u velikoj krizi još od eliminacije od Partizana u Ligi šampiona. Posebno velike probleme ima na gostovanjima, sa prethodna tri doneo je samo bod. U klubu razmišljaju i o promeni trenera, zbog čega treba očekivati da igrači daju sve od sebe protiv Vesterloa.
ANDERLEHT – VESTERLO     1