Friday, December 10, 2010 ~ Football Tips

Friday, December 10, 2010

11-12-2010 16:00 Aston Villa - West Bromwich Albion

Contrasting form means contrasting confidence

Villa have had no win in five matches in league and cup, have lost their last four games and have only won once in their last 10 league matches. However, their home form will be a comfort to them seeing as they have only lost once at Villa Park this season.

After their latest defeat, against Liverpool, Villa find themselves just two points above the relegation zone in 16th position and the pressure is on Houllier.

In contrast, West Brom have won their last two Premier League matches, are currently sitting in 8th position in the table and will be looking to secure their third impressive away win of the season after beating Arsenal and Everton.

Despite their victories at the Emirates and Goodison, the Baggies’ away form is not great, they have lost four of their eight games this season, including defeats at Wigan and Blackpool.

Baggies aiming to end 31-year drought

Villa have a much better record in this West Midlands derby with 73 wins in the 154 matches, with West Brom only managing 50 victories. In their last meeting in the 2008-09 season, Villa were victorious in both matches between the sides, winning 2-1 at both Villa Park and The Hawthorns.

The Baggies have never beaten Villa in the Premier League in eight attempts, losing four and drawing four. And the omens are not good for Di Matteo’s men as Villa Park is a ground they have not won at in the league since 1979.

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Gerard Houllier welcomes back Ashley Young following his one match suspension for the game against Liverpool. The Villa boss could also have midfielder Barry Bannan available again after struggling with a recent groin injury.

Emile Heskey is expected to be available again, Nigel Reo-Coker is still a doubt with a knee injury but could feature on the bench, while full-back Habib Beye is also a doubt with an injury.

Villa are definitely without four midfielders for the visit of the Baggies. Marc Albrighton is suffering from appendicitis, Steve Sidwell has an Achilles problem, while Stilian Petrov and Fabian Delph are both suffering with knee injuries.

Possible starting XI: Friedel; L Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Bannan, Clark; Downing, Pires, A Young; Agbonlahor.

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom come into this game in high spirits following their 3-1 victory over Newcastle but boss Roberto Di Matteo has injury concerns over Peter Odemwingie and Chris Brunt. The Italian hopes to be able to name an unchanged line-up for this West Midlands clash.

Youssuf Mulumbu is available again following his suspension after his sending off against Everton but Di Matteo is unlikely to change a winning side.

Possible starting XI: Carson; Jara, Scharner, Tamas, Cech; Tchoyi, Brunt; Thomas, Dorrans, Morrison; Odemwingie.

Prediction

A tough match to call given Villa’s struggles in the league recently and West Brom’s average away form, however the momentum is with the Baggies following their win over Newcastle and another impressive away victory could be on the cards for Roberto Di Matteo’s side.

Aston Villa 1-2 West Bromwich

Sta reko | by

11-12-2010 15:30 Hamburger SV - Bayer Leverkusen

Hamburg Looking To End 2010 On A High

Like so many of the Bundesliga's bigger clubs, Hamburg have endured a disappointing first half of the league campaign. Armin Veh's men currently sit in 9th position and will be desperate to go into the winter break on a high.

To do this their first task will be to defeat a Leverkusen team who still harbour realistic hopes of the Bundesliga title in the last game at the Imtech Arena in 2010. What is for sure is that Rothosen will need a better performance than the one that saw them slip to a sixth Bundesliga defeat of the season last weekend at Freiburg.

Someone who will feel he has a point to prove is club captain David Jarolim. The experienced Czech midfielder was dropped to the bench in last week's 1-0 defeat but is expected to regain his place in the starting eleven.

"Of course I was disappointed and quite surprsied about being dropped but that is over now. The only thing on my mind is winning against Leverkusen. If we perform the way we know we can then we can beat anyone," Jarolim told Hamburg's official website.

Jupp Heynckes' men are in impressive form of late, undefeated in eight games but Hamburg will be able to take confidence from the fact that they are unbeaten against their Rhine counterparts in the last five meetings.

However what will concern the home side is the fact that this weekend's opponents are unbeaten away this season, winning five and drawing two which gives them the second best away record in the league. HSV certainly have a tough task on their hands but nothing that their talented squad can't overcome.

Room For Improvement for High Flyers Leverkusen

From the outside it would appear that Leverkusen are having a rather successful spell of late. Eight games undefeated including last week's 3-2 derby victory over Koeln see the club from North Rhine-Westphalia sitting in third position, with a considerable lead over their so-called bigger rivals such as Bayern, Hamburg and Werder Bremen.

However despite the unbeaten run, it could be argued that Jupp Heynckes' side are not playing to their potential. Bayer's revolving injury list has certainly played a part in the club failing to hit top gear with captain Simon Rolfes being a big miss until now.

The midfielder is now back to full match fitness and looking forward to helping die Werkself build on what they have already achieved this season.

"Other results have gone our way thankfully. We've got a nice cushion ahead of the teams behind us now but we want to remain at the top and win our last two games before Christmas," Rolfes told the Bundesliga official website.

"It doesn't really matter if we climb another place in the standings at this point. The important thing is to give ourselves the platform."

The club's impressive away form this season is a clear indication that Leverkusen can beat an under-performing Hamburg side who slipped to an uninspiring 1-0 defeat to Freiburg last weekend. Another victory will be only the club's second against HSV in nine years, a record that Rolfes and co will be keen to improve on.

TEAM NEWS

Hamburg

The home side are still missing several key players despite both David Jarolim and Eljero Elia pushing for returns to the starting line-up. Mladen Petric will be out until the new year with a hamstring injury while Joris Mathijsen (ankle) and Gojko Kacar (torn ligament) are also ruled out. Other notable absentees for Armin Veh's men include Marcell Jansen (broken tooth), Miroslav Stepanek (thigh), Dennis Diekmeier (heel) and Romeo Castelen (knee).

Probable Starting XI: Rost - Benjamin, Demel, Westermann, Aogo - Pitroipa, Jarolim, Ze Roberto, Trochowski - Guerrero, van Nistlerooy

Bayer Leverkusen

Die Werkself are close to having a full squad to choose from. Michael Ballack will miss the game versus Hamburg with the same shin injury that has seen him ruled out since September. A January return is on the horizon. Stefan Kiessling is the only other notable injury concern with the German international suffering with a thigh strain. In other team news, Simon Rolfes is expected to come into midfield for Stefan Reinartz while Eren Derdiyok will start upfront instead of Patrick Helmes.

Probably Starting XI: Adler - Castro, Friedrich, Hyypia, Kadlec - Rolfes, Vidal - Sam, Renato Augusto, Barnetta - Derdiyok

Prediction

Both sides will be keen to end 2010 on a high plus with HSV and Bayer possessing talented squads respectively a draw looks likely. Leverkusen have been brilliant away from home this season yet Hamburg will be keen to put in a better performance than last week's 1-0 defeat to Freiburg.

Hamburg 1-1 Leverkusen

Insajderi | by

MILIVOJE BOŽOVIĆ (HEMOFARM) ANALIZIRA JADRANSKU LIGU

ZAGREB – BUDUĆNOST 1
– Košarkaši Zagreba su u prošlom kolu dobili Olimpiju u gostima. Igraju jako dobro, a još su i domaćini. Budućnost jeste nezgodna ekipa, ali ovo je siguran kec.
NIMBURK – OLIMPIJA 1
- Česi nisu izgubili nijednu utakmicu kod kuće, a Olimpija ne može da izdrži ritam paralelnog igranja u Evroligi i NLB ligi. Na Jadranu, gosti ne pružaju ni pola od onoga u Evropi, umorni su, pa mislim da ne mogu da iznenade Nimburk.
RADNIČKI – ŠIROKI 1
- Široki je totalno drugačija ekipa kod kuće i u gostima. Na strani ne zna za pobedu. Radnički je srušio Partizan i nas, ima veliko samopouzdanje i ovo je bez problema „tip 1“.
IGOKEA – HEMOFARM 2,
- Dvojka, naravno... Vezali smo četiri poraza, malo pali u formi, pa je krajnje vreme da se probudimo. Ko nije siguran u naš trijumf nad Igokeom, neka stavi plus koševe. Sve utakmice ove sezone smo igrali sa mnogo poena.

Insajderi | by

JOVAN DAMJANOVIĆ (VEHEN, NEMAČKA 3)

Braunšvajg nije slučajno na čelu tabele. Ova ekipa je najozbiljniji kandidat za ulazak u viši rang, pa je na svakoj utakmici koju igra pred domaćim navijačima apsolutni favorit. Sarbriken mora da se pomiri sa porazom.
BRAUNŠVAJG – SARBRIKEN 1

Unterhahing bi trebalo da dobije meč protiv Regensburga, a pobedi na gostovanjima najbliži je moj Vehen, jer Babelsberg, naš domaćin, nema većih ambicija osim da opstane u ovom rangu takmičenja.

Unterhahing – Regensburg 1

Babelsberg – Vehen 2

England - Premier League preview matches, Preview Matches | by

Premier League Opta Facts - 11-13 December

Statistics and facts to help your football betting are available every week at Sta Sam Ti Reko courtesy of Opta Sportsdata, Europe's leading provider of sports performance statistics.

Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion

Villa are unbeaten in eight meetings with the Baggies in the Premier League: four wins and four draws.
The Baggies have taken only 12 points from 18 Premier League midlands derbies, fewer than any other side.
West Brom haven't won away at Villa in the league since May 1979, a run of 12 games without a victory, losing seven and drawing five games.
Villa have only won one of their last six Premier League home matches.
West Brom have only won two of their last 24 Premier League away matches.
It is 14 Premier League matches since West Brom last kept a clean sheet.
West Brom are six points better off after 16 games than in any of their previous four Premier League campaigns.

Everton v Wigan Athletic

Everton have won six and lost one of the last seven Premier League meetings with Wigan.
Yakubu has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances against Wigan.
Everton have scored just one goal in each of their last four Premier League home matches.
Wigan have won just one of their last 15 Premier League away matches.
The Toffees had lost just one of their previous 18 Premier League games at Goodison Park before losing the last two.
Everton have won none of their last six Premier League matches.
Wigan have only won one of their last nine Premier League matches.
Everton have scored 197 goals in Premier League north-west derbies.
Louis Saha has had more shots without finding the net than any other player this season in the Premier League (30 - including blocked shots).

Fulham v Sunderland

There have been just two goals scored in the last four Premier League matches between Fulham and Sunderland.
Fulham have won just one of their last six Premier League home matches.
Sunderland have won just two of their last 26 Premier League away games but their last victory came away in west London against Chelsea.
Fulham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League matches.
No player has attempted more shots without hitting the target in the Premier League this season than Sunderland's Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (14).
17 of the 32 games played by either Sunderland or Fulham in the Premier League this season have ended in a draw.
Fulham have conceded more goals to African players than any other Premier League side this season (6).

Stoke City v Blackpool

There have been 25 goals scored in the last six meetings in all competitions between Stoke and Blackpool.
Stoke have only lost one of their last seven Premier League matches at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches.
Blackpool have only lost one of their last six Premier League games.
Ian Holloway's side have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Luke Varney has made more fouls without being booked than any other player so far this season (31).

West Ham United v Manchester City

Blackpool are the only team to prevent West Ham from scoring at Upton Park in the last 11 Premier League games played there.
The Hammers have only won two of their last nine Premier League home games.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 10 matches against Manchester City in all competitions.
There has been a total of just seven goals scored in the last seven matches in all competitions between City and West Ham at Upton Park.
West Ham have only won one of their last 10 Premier League matches.
City are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games and have kept four clean sheets, conceding just two goals.
Carlos Tevez has scored 31 goals in his last 38 Premier League appearances.

Newcastle United v Liverpool

Liverpool have won seven of the last eight Premier League games against Newcastle.
The Reds have scored at least three times in each of their last four league meetings with Newcastle, for a total of 14 goals.
Steven Gerrard has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League games against Newcastle.
Dirk Kuyt has scored three goals in five Premier League starts against Newcastle.
Ryan Babel has scored in his last two games against Newcastle at St James Park.
Newcastle have won only one of their last seven Premier League home games.
Liverpool have won just two of their last 17 Premier League away games.
Newcastle have gone five games without a win since beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Bolton, winning five of those matches.
Bolton have failed to score in three of their last four matches against Blackburn.
Bolton have only lost one of their last 10 Premier League games at the Reebok Stadium.
Blackburn have shipped 11 goals in their last two Premier League away matches.
Rovers' last four goals in the Premier League away from home have all been scored from the 80^th minute onward.
Five of Bolton's last six league defeats have been by a 0-1 scoreline.
Bolton have only lost three of their last 17 Premier League matches.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Birmingham City

Birmingham are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Wolves, winning four, including the last three in a row.
It is 10 Premier League games since Wolves last kept a clean sheet at Molineux, but only one team (Arsenal) has prevented them from scoring in that period.
Birmingham have won none of their last 13 Premier League away matches, but have drawn three of the last four.
Wolves are the only side in the Premier League without a clean sheet so far this season.
Wolves have lost five of their last six Premier League matches.
Birmingham have lost just one of their last eight Premier League matches, drawing five of the other seven.
Referee Martin Atkinson has awarded the most penalties (7) in the Premier League this season and the most red cards (7).

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

Chelsea have only won one of their last six Premier League away matches and failed to score in four in that run.
After failing to beat Chelsea at home in the league between 1988 and 2005 (a run of 17 games), Spurs have since won three and lost none of the last four home league matches against the Blues.
Only one team has won away at White Hart Lane in the last 19 Premier League matches there.
The last two teams to win at Spurs in the Premier League were in the relegation zone at the time (Wigan and Wolves).
Rafael van der Vaart has scored five goals in the last six Premier League matches at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea have taken just five points from the last 18 available, their worst run since September 2000.
It is 15 Premier League matches since Tottenham last kept a clean sheet in the Premier League.

Manchester United v Arsenal

Arsenal's record in their last 10 games in all competitions against Man Utd and Chelsea is W0 D1 L9 F5 A22.
Wayne Rooney scored in both Premier League meetings with Arsenal last season and has seven in 16 league games against the Gunners in total.
Arsenal have had at least five players booked in each of their last three Premier League games at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have only ever scored eight goals in 18 Premier League games at Old Trafford and no more than one in any single game.
Arsenal have picked up 17 points on the road this season, the best away record in the Premier League.
Man Utd have picked up the most points on their own turf of any team in the Premier League this season, 22.
10 of Dimitar Berbatov's 11 Premier League goals this season have been scored with Wayne Rooney on the pitch.
The last time Arsenal lost a game where Howard Webb was the referee was at Old Trafford in April 2008. Since then the Gunners have won six and drawn three of the nine games with the Rotherham-based official in charge.

Preview Matches | by

Championship Opta Facts - 10-11 December

Three of the last four league meetings between the two teams have been won by the home side.
The Hornets have failed to score on their last two visits to Loftus Road (one defeat, one draw.)
The R's have by far the best goal difference in the football league (+26) having scored 35 and conceded just nine this season. Next best are Brighton and Port Vale (both +17).
The Hornets' 0-0 draw at Barnsley in their last away game halted a run of four consecutive away defeats. Watford haven't picked up all three points on their travels since October 2nd.

Swansea v Millwall

The last three clashes between these sides in all competitions have seen 12 goals.
The last three league meetings between Swansea and Millwall have all seen the side playing at home net a penalty.
Despite an excellent away record, Swansea have been struggling recently at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans have lost two of their last three at home.
Millwall have kept a clean sheet in their last three league matches.

Barnsley v Sheffield United

The Blades are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Barnsley, winning four and drawing four.
Blades striker Danny Bogdanovic, who moved to Bramall Lane from Barnsley this summer, netted two goals in two appearances against United during his time at Oakwell.
Barnsley haven't beaten United at Oakwell since 1999, a run of five consecutive games.
Barnsley are unbeaten in four league fixtures, winning three and drawing one of these games.
Sheffield United are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season. The Blades have registered just 16 times in 19 games.

Bristol City v Derby

Four of the last five meetings between these two sides have been won by the side playing at home.
Three of the last five clashes at Ashton Gate have ended in draws, with either side picking up one victory each.
The Robins have lost only one of their last nine league games.
Derby have conceded two goals in each of their last four league games, winning one and losing three of these matches.

Burnley v Leeds United

These sides have only met six times since 1983. The latest three of these have all been won by the home side.
Leeds have won four of their last five games against the Clarets, and have also won four out of the last five at Elland Road.
Burnley have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league games.
Leeds are unbeaten in five away from Elland Road, winning three and drawing two.

Leicester v Doncaster

The Foxes have won four and drawn one of their last five clashes with Rovers, scoring nine and conceding just one in the process.
The last time Doncaster beat Leicester was way back in September 1955.
The Foxes are unbeaten in five at the Walkers, winning three and drawing two.
Rovers have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 league games.

Middlesbrough v Cardiff

Cardiff have won five and drawn one of their last six against Middlesbrough in all competitions, a run that stretches back to 1984.
The Bluebirds won both league matches against Boro 1-0 last season, the only meetings in the league since 1985.
Boro' have lost nine of their last 13 and three of their last four in the Championship.
Cardiff have the best away record in the league this season. The Bluebirds have taken 19 points from a possible 30 away from the Cardiff City Stadium.

Norwich v Portsmouth

Portsmouth haven't won at Carrow Road since 1987, a run that stretches nine matches (five draws, four defeats.)
Pompey haven't kept a clean sheet against the Canaries in any of the last five meetings between the sides.
The Canaries have found the net in 18 of their 20 matches in the Championship this campaign.
Pompey midfielder Liam Lawrence has converted the joint-most penalties in the Championship this season (4-joint with Adel Taarabt.)

Preston v Ipswich

Preston have won four and drawn one of their last five clashes with Ipswich at Deepdale.
The Lilywhites have, in fact, won three and drawn two of their last five meetings with the Tractor Boys home and away.
Both these sides have been struggling in the Championship over recent weeks. Preston and Ipswich have both taken just six points from their last 10 games and, as such, prop up the Championship form table.
The Tractor Boys have lost their last five league games, including a 1-3 reverse at home to Swansea last time out.

Reading v Coventry

The Royals have won four of the last five clashes between these two sides, including both fixtures last campaign.
In each of their last three victories over the Sky Blues, the Royals found the net on three occasions.
Reading have drawn their last four league games, and their last three at the Madejski.
The Sky Blues are on a great recent run of form, having claimed victory in their last three league games.

Scunthorpe v Nottingham Forest

Forest have only won one of the previous six league meetings between the sides (two draws, three defeats.)
Forest have never beaten the Iron in Lincolnshire in the league, drawing two and losing one of the three previous league games.
Scunthorpe have the worst home record in the Championship. The Iron have taken just five points from 10 matches at Glanford Park and have lost their last five at home.
Forest's 2-0 win in Cardiff last time out was their only away victory from the last six.

Crystal Palace v Hull

Three of the last four meetings between these sides finished 1-1.
The Tigers have failed to claim a victory on any of their last seven visits to Selhurst Park, losing four and drawing three.
Palace defender Patrick McCarthy is the only player in the football league to have netted two own goals already this campaign.
The Tigers have drawn four of their last five away games, winning the other (2-0 at Preston.)

Preview Matches | by

SPL Opta Facts - 11-12 December

Inverness have failed to score in their last three matches at home to Rangers.
Caley Thistle are unbeaten in 43% of their SPL matches against the Old Firm (including the last two), only Dundee United have a better record in these games (49% unbeaten).
This is Inverness' best-ever points-haul after 15 SPL games (next best: 19 in 2006/07).
Rangers have taken 18 points from matches in which they have gone behind this season: no other SPL side has taken more than nine points from losing positions.
Rangers have kept only three clean sheets in the SPL this season.
Inverness have picked up 10 points from the last 12 available in the SPL.

Celtic v Kilmarnock

The Bhoys have won 18 of their last 19 matches at home to Kilmarnock in the SPL, drawing one.
Killie have shipped exactly three goals in their last three trips to Celtic Park in the league.
Celtic have picked up just one win (1-0 at St Mirren) in four league games since the 9-0 win against Aberdeen.
Gary Hooper has not failed to score in two consecutive league appearances this season.
Killie have taken seven points from the last nine available on the road.
Conor Sammon has found the net in Kilmarnock's last six league matches, bagging eight goals in total.

Dundee Utd v Motherwell

Motherwell have already beaten the Terrors twice this season, once in the league and once in the league cup (both at Fir Park).
John Sutton has scored three goals in his last three league starts against Dundee United.
The last time that United had fewer points after 14 matches was in 2006/07.
The Tangerines have scored exactly once in their last seven league matches.
United are the only team to have won every match in which they have taken the lead in the SPL this season.
The Steelmen have hit six goals in the opening 15 minutes of SPL matches this season, a league-high.

Hamilton v Hibernian

Hamilton have won their last two matches at home to Hibs.
Simon Mensing netted three goals at home to Hibernian last season, all penalties.
The Accies have picked up only one win from their last 12 league matches.
Hamilton have found the net only once in their last five SPL games.
Hibernian have lost six of their last seven away games in the league, the exception being a 3-0 win at Ibrox.
All three of Lee Miller's goals this season have come away from home.

Hearts v Aberdeen

Hearts have won their last two matches against Aberdeen 1-0.
Aberdeen have found the net on their last six trips to Tynecastle in the league.
Hearts are on a run of four straight league wins: all by a 2-0 scoreline. No side has ever had the same scoreline in five consecutive SPL matches.
Hearts have scored seven goals from outside the box in the SPL this season, more than any other side.
Aberdeen have lost 11 of their last 13 league games.

St Mirren v St Johnstone

St Mirren are without a win in their last six matches at home to St Johnstone in all competitions.
The last four league meetings between the sides at St Mirren have produced only five goals in total.
St Mirren have only failed to score in one of their home games this season in the league.
St Johnstone have scored only one league goal in their last six matches.

Preview Matches, Spain - Primera Division preview matches | by

La Liga Opta Facts - 11-13 December

El Zaragoza continua sin conocer la victoria en sus últimos trece encuentros de liga contra los Merengues.
El Real Madrid solo ha conseguido mantener su portería imbatida una vez en sus ocho últimos viajes a La Romareda.
El Real Zaragoza ha concedido al menos dos goles en sus últimos cinco últimos partidos de Liga en casa.
El Real Madrid no ha perdido dos partidos consecutivos fuera de casa desde mayo de 2009,
Cristiano Ronaldo es el jugador que más ha rematado en siete de las catorce jornadas disputadas hasta el momento en la Liga BBVA.
Ronaldo ha marcado 11 de los últimos 18 goles de los Merengues en Liga.
El equipo de José Mourinho no ha marcado en el primer tiempo en seis de sus siete partidos fuera de casa en Liga esta temporada.
El Zaragoza solo ha marcado un gol en el primer tiempo en casa en Liga esta temporada.
Durante las dos últimas temporadas en la Liga el Real Madrid tiene un promedio de 2,8 goles por partido cuando Higuain ha jugado, en comparación con sólo un 1,9 sin él.
El Real Madrid solo ha concedido un total de 34 disparos a puerta en la Liga esta temporada, menos que cualquier otro equipo.

Valencia v Osasuna

El Valencia ha ganado los últimos seis partidos de Liga en casa contra el Osasuna,
Los Rojillos no han podido marcar en ninguno de esos seis viajes a Mestalla.
El Valencia marcó en tres ocasiones en los dos enfrentamientos contra el Osasuna la pasada campaña.
Una Victoria en este encuentro significaría que los Che han conseguido tres victorias consecutivas en casa por primera vez esta temporada.
El Osasuna solo ha conseguido sumar un punto fuera de casa en la Liga esta campaña.
Además, los Rojillos solo han marcado un gol en sus viajes en la Liga.
El Valencia es el equipo que marcado más goles desde el saque de esquina esta temporada (cuatro).
Sólo Messi (57) ha realizado más regates con éxito que el jugador del Osasuna Juanfran (40) en la máxima categoría esta temporada.

Athletic de Bilbao v Espanyol

Los tres últimos partidos de liga entre estos equipos acabaron con victoria del equipo local por 1-0.
El Athletic no ha perdido contra el Espanyol en San Mamés en los nueve partidos últimos de liga.
En los últimos cinco encuentros de liga entre estos equipos hubo solo un total de seis goles.
El Espanyol tiene la mayor diferencia entre puntos ganados en casa (21) y fuera (6) en liga esta temporada.
Los leones han ganado sus últimos cuatro partidos de liga en casa.
El Athletic no ha encajado ningún gol en San Mamés en 270 minutos.
Luis García ha marcado en los últimos tres partidos de liga del Espanyol.
Casi la mitad de los goles encajados en liga por el Espanyol (7/15) han llegado en el último cuarto de hora de partido.
Por otro lado, nadie ha encajado tantos goles en los últimos 15 minutos como el Athletic (8).

Sporting de Gijón v Levante

Este será su primer enfrentamiento en la máxima categoría.
El Sporting ha ganados los dos partidos en los que no ha encajado goles esta temporada, pero no ha vencido en el resto.
Los rojiblancos han marcado solo un gol en sus últimos cuatro partidos de liga.
Sporting de Gijón y Levante son dos de los únicos tres equipos que han encadenado una racha de cuatro derrotas consecutivas en liga - si pierde el Sporting sumaría cinco.
El Levante acumula un total de cuatro derrotas fuera de casa en liga.
El Sporting es el equipo que menos pases realiza en la Liga BBVA esta temporada (4113) y también tiene el porcentaje más bajo de acierto (71.4%)
Por su parte el Levante es el segundo que menos pases realiza (4223) y también el segundo con menos acierto (71.7%).
El Levante es el que menos dispara a puerta en la Liga BBVA esta temporada (40)

Atlético Madrid v Deportivo la Coruña

El Atlético ha ganado seis de sus últimos siete partidos contra el Deportivo
La última vez que el Deportivo ganó en el Vicente Calderón, el Atlético descendió (1999/00).
Desde entonces, ha perdido siete de sus ocho visitas, empatando el otro partido.
Diego Forlán ha marcado cinco goles en sus últimos cinco partidos de liga ante el Deportivo como jugador del Atlético.
Si cayera en este encuentro, sería la tercera vez que el Atlético pierde tres partidos de liga seguidos en las últimas dos temporadas, algo que solo le había pasado dos veces en las seis anteriores.
En sus últimos siete partidos de liga, o Sergio Agüero ha marcado algún gol para los colchoneros o no han visto portería (tres veces).
El Deportivo se ha quedado sin marcar en cinco de sus siete partidos de liga a domicilio esta temporada.
El Deportivo es el que más goles ha marcado de falta esta temporada (cuatro)
Daniel Aranzubia es el portero que más paradas ha realizado en la máxima categoría (83.3%)
Sin embargo, David de Gea es que ha realizado más intervenciones (72).

Barcelona v Real Sociedad

La Real Sociedad no han logrado marcar en sus siete últimos encuentros contra el Barcelona.
Los Blaugrana han ganado en sus doce últimos encuentros de Liga en casa contra la Real desde 1995.
Tres de las últimas cuatro victorias del Barcelona en casa contra la Real Sociedad han sido con un marcador de 1-0.
La victoria del Hércules contra el Barcelona en septiembre fue la primera vez que un recién ascendido consiguió tres puntos en el Camp Nou desde el Villlarreal en el año 2000.
Lionel Messi ha marcado 15 goles y ha realizado ocho asistencias de gol en la Liga BBVA, un ratio de 1,9 participaciones de gol por partido.
El Barça ha conseguido tres o más goles en sus últimos seis encuentros de Liga.
David Villa ha marcado un gol o ha realizado una asistencia en cada una de sus últimas siete apariciones de Liga (10 participaciones en total).
Ninguno de los doce encuentros de Liga de la Real Sociedad ha concluido con un empate (seis victorias, seis derrotas).
Sólo el Barcelona (trece ocasiones) ha conseguido ponerse por delante en más partidos en la Liga BBVA que la Real Sociedad (11) esta temporada.
Sin embargo, ningún equipo ha perdido más puntos que la Real después de ponerse por delante (11).

Hércules v Málaga

El Málaga ha perdido seis de sus últimos ocho partidos fuera de casa, empatando los otros dos.
El Hércules nunca ha perdido contra el Málaga en la máxima categoría española (cinco empates y cinco victorias), aunque el último enfrentamiento entre estos dos equipos en esta categoría fue en 1985.
Los blanquiazules han marcado una sólo vez en los cinco partidos disputados en casa ante el Málaga en la máxima categoría española.
El Hércules sólo ha perdido uno de sus últimos cinco enfrentamientos disputados en casa en la Liga, fue contra el Real Madrid.
David Trezeguet ha marcado todos sus goles en los seis partidos que ha disputado el Hércules en casa desde que perdió en la primera jornada.
El Hércules ha rematado en 126 ocasiones en Liga esta temporada, el que menos de todos los equipos de Primera hasta el momento.
El Málaga lleva una racha de cuatro partidos consecutivos sin anotar un gol en Liga, perdiendo los mismos.
Los Boquerones son el equipo que ha encajado más goles desde fuera del área en Liga hasta esta jornada (seis).

Mallorca - Racing de Santander

El Mallorca le ha ganado al Racing los tres últimos enfrentamientos ligueros en Palma.
Tanto fuera como en casa, los bermellones no conocen la derrota contra los santanderinos, habiendo ganado en cuatro ocasiones.
Y los cántabros no saben lo que es marcarle un gol a los baleares en sus últimos tres choques.
Nadie ha encajado menos goles en su feudo que el Mallorca en la Liga BBVA, solo dos.
En Iberostar, los mallorquines o meten dos (lo ha hecho en cuatro partidos) o no marcan (en tres).
Los de Miguel Ángel Portugal no conocen la victoria a domicilio desde marzo, perdiendo los últimos cinco compromisos de esta índole.
En las últimas siete jornadas Markus Rosenberg ha anotado cinco dianas.
Los cántabros han encajado siete goles en los primeros quince minutos de cada partido, el bagaje más pobre de la LigaBBVA.
Sin embargo, el Racing es el único de los dos equipos al que no le marcan en el último cuarto de hora.
El Mallorca ha recibido cinco tantos de penalty esta temporada.

Getafe - Villarreal

El Getafe solo le ha ganado dos veces al Villarreal en la elite.
No obstante, siempre que lo ha hecho ha sido por 3-0, como sucedió el último duelo en abril.
Siempre le marcan los Azulones al Submarino Amarillo en el Alfonso Pérez desde que ambos se miden en Primera.
Nilmar ha mojado en cuatro de los cinco encuentros ligueros con su equipo, el cual encadena trece partidos marcando.
En sus nueve encuentros como local, los de Míchel o marcan al menos tres goles, o no ganan.
Los castellonenses son los que más puntos han obtenido (nueve) tras ir por detrás en el marcador. Y siempre han vencido cuando se han adelantado.
El Getafe es el único equipo de la Liga BBVA al que no le meten un gol de cabeza.

Sevilla - Almería

El Sevilla ha derrotado al Almería dos de los tres partidos que han disputado en el Pizjuán.
Los nervionenses le han mojado la oreja a los almerienses en los últimos cuatro choques.
Los hispalenses vienen de cosechar tres derrotas consecutivas. No obstante, no han perdido en Eduardo Dato tres veces seguidas desde marzo de 2002.
A los del Poniente Andaluz les da igual jugar en casa que fuera, han obtenido la misma cantidad de puntos (cinco).
Los de José Luis Oltra son los que más acumulan la mayor proporción de pases largos en un partido de la Liga BBVA (el 20,8%).
Los jugadores sevillistas son los más habilidosos al conseguir marcharse de su rival en un 54% de sus intentos.
El Sevilla es el conjunto que más veces se ha estrellado contra la madera con nueve remates a los palos.

Italy - Serie A preview matches, Preview Matches | by

Italian Serie A Opta Facts - 11-13 December

Alongside Inter, AC Milan have scored the most goals against Bologna in Serie A (194 in 126 meetings).
The Rossoneri have won seven of their last 10 league meetings against Bologna, losing two and only drawing one.
At home, Bologna have failed to beat AC Milan in their last five meetings in the top-flight, failing to score in four of these fixtures.
Bologna have won their last two league games, against Cesena and Chievo; the last time they managed three consecutive win was in February 2005.
AC Milan have won five of their last six Serie A fixtures - a 1-1 draw against Sampdoria completes the record.
Away from home, Massimiliano Allegri's side are unbeaten in their last six games (four wins and two draws).
Bologna have conceded only three goals this season at home - the fewest in Serie A so far.
Bologna have scored only one goal in the first 30 minutes of play (the fewest in this campaign), while the Rossoneri have bagged the most in this period (13).

Brescia - Sampdoria

This will be the 25th meeting between these two sides in the top-flight: Sampdoria lead by 13 wins to six, with five draws.
The record of previous meetings at Brescia's ground is perfectly even, with four wins each and as many draws.
Brescia have won only one of the last eight league games against the Blucerchiati at the Rigamonti - four draws and three wins for the guests complete the record.
Brescia are winless in the last 11 match-days of Serie A (eight defeats and three draws) - currently the longest run in the competition.
Brescia have scored only two goals in their last four games at home.
Samp have suffered only one defeat in the last 12 rounds of this campaign, however they have shared the points seven times in the process.
Away from home, Sampdoria have lost only one of their last 10 games, winning four and losing five.
Nine of Brescia's 11 total goals this season have been scored before half-time - the highest ratio in Serie A (82%).

Cagliari - Catania

This will be the 15th meeting between these two sides in Serie A: Catania lead in the head-to-head by six wins to four, with four draws completing the record.
Cagliari have managed to win only one of their last six meetings against Catania in the top-flight.
However, at home the Sardinians have lost only one of their previous seven meetings against Catania in the league, winning three times so far.
Cagliari have won three and lost two of their last five Serie A games at home.
Catania are winless in their last 14 Serie A games on the road (seven draws and as many defeats).
Cagliari have scored the most goals in the first 15 minutes of play in Serie A (four).
The Sicilians have conceded only one goal in the first 30 minutes of play so far this term - fewer than any other Serie A side this season.

Genoa - Napoli

Genoa have shared the points against Napoli 30 times in Serie A - more than against any other side in the Italian top-flight.
Genoa are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Napoli.
Last January the goalless draw at the San Paolo ended a run of five consecutive wins for Genoa against Napoli in Serie A.
Napoli have managed to beat Genoa only once in their last 12 meetings in this competition, at home in January 1995.
Napoli have managed to win at the Marassi against Genoa only once in their last 13 visits in the league (4-3 in January 1992).
Napoli have won five of their last seven league games, but have lost their last two on the road against Lazio and Udinese.
Genoa have scored only six goals at home this season, no other Serie A side have scored fewer at their own ground.
Half of Napoli's goals this season (12 out of 24) have been scored in the last 15 minutes of play, including Maggio's last gasp winner against Palermo last Thursday.
Genoa however, have conceded the fewest goals in the last 30 minutes of play so far in this campaign (two).

Juventus - Lazio

Juventus are unbeaten in their last 11 league meetings against Lazio (seven wins for the Bianconeri and four draws, including last January's 1-1).
Lazio have failed to win at Juve's ground since December 2002 (2-1); since then, the Old Lady have won four times in Turin, sharing the points twice.
Juventus are unbeaten since 23 September, when they were beaten by Palermo 3-1 - since then, they have recorded the longest unbeaten run in Serie A (11 fixtures).
Lazio have conceded only three goals in the first half so far this season, the fewest in Serie A alongside Sampdoria.
Overall, Lazio have the joint-best defence of this competitions, alongside AC Milan and Sampdoria (12 goals conceded).
The Biancocelesti will face the most prolific attack of the Serie A - Juve have netted 29 goals so far this season.
Juventus have already conceded 11 goals at home soil this term - a league-high.
Lazio have won each of the nine games in which they have taken the lead this season, while Juve have taken all three points in seven of the 10 fixtures they were ahead.

Lecce - Chievo

Chievo have won five of their 10 Serie A meetings against Lecce so far, two draws and three successes for the Salentini complete the record.
The record in the head-to-head at Lecce's ground in perfectly even, with both sides winning twice and one draw.
Chievo have not scored a single goal in their last three visits to the Via del Mare in Serie A.
Lecce have the worst defence of this competition (31 goals conceded), and have also shipped the most headed goals (six).
Chievo have conceded only five goals after the break so far this season - a Serie A-low.
Chievo have won each of their five games in which have taken the lead this season, whereas Lecce have won only three times out of they six games they were leading.
Chievo have already gained seven points from trailing situations, only Inter (eight) have done better so far in this competition.

Palermo - Parma

Palermo have managed to beat Parma only twice so far in 10 Serie A meetings - three wins for the Ducali and five draws complete their record.
However, Palermo had the better in the last meeting, played at the Barbera last February.
Last Monday's 1-0 defeat against Napoli ended a run of three consecutive wins for Palermo in the league.
However, at home the Rosanero have won their last three games in Serie A.
Parma have managed only one win on the road this season (1-0 against Bari); two draws and four defeats for the Ducali.
Hernan Crespo has netted each of Parma's last five goals over the last three match-days of this campaign.

Roma - Bari

Roma are unbeaten in their last 15 games against Bari in the top-flight, since January 1992.
Bari have never scored more than a single goal in a game in their last 12 meetings against Roma.
Roma are unbeaten in their 29 meetings at home against Bari in Serie A.
However, the Giallorossi were held to 1-1 draws in two of their last four meetings against Bari at the Olimpico.
Claudio Ranieri's side have won only one of their last four league games this season.
However, the Giallorossi have notched-up five consecutive wins at home.
Bari are winless in the last 10 match-days of this competition, and have failed to score in four of the last five.
Bari have netted only 10 goals so far this season - the Serie A joint-lowest so far.

Udinese - Fiorentina

Fiorentina have won three of their last four Serie A meetings against Udinese, including the last two.
These two sides have not shared the points in their last eight meetings, in which they have won four times each.
Udinese have won three of their last four meetings at home against the Viola, though the guests had the better in their last trip to the Friuli (1-0 in November 2009).
Udinese have notched-up four wins and a draw in their last five games at home in this competition.
Fiorentina are waiting for their first away win since beating Napoli at the San Paolo last March (12 games).
Udinese's worst defeat in Serie A was 7-0 against Fiorentina in January 1959.
The Viola have already lost 10 points from leading situations, a joint-high alongside Cesena.