01-02-2011 20:45 Arsenal - Everton

Gunners On A Roll

Arsenal have had a fantastic month, barring a minor blip against Ipswich Town in the first leg of the semi-finals of the League Cup. But to their credit, the Gunners managed to trump the Championship side in the second leg to book a place in the final of the domestic cup tournament.

With silverware well within reach and the prospect of breaking a drought that has lasted six years, the north London club’s players are likely to be filled with positivity when looking back on their recent exploits. But the job is by no means done, as they still have to go on and win the final.

For now, however, the focus shifts to the Premier League, where Arsene Wenger’s men sit in second place – five points behind Manchester United.

Samir Nasri will be missing owing to a hamstring injury, while Sebastien Squillaci begins his suspension after seeing a red against Huddersfield.

The north London side will have to continue their positive run of results and get the three points against Everton, since the Red Devils could open up a huge gap if points are dropped at the Emirates.

Stuttering Strike Force

Everton have actually managed to play a good brand of football this season, attacking with purpose and intent and creating enough chances to win many games where they dropped points. The only real worry for manager David Moyes has been his strike force.

The Toffees' forwards have been unable to put away their chances on several occasions, which is arguably why they find themselves in 14th place. That they have lost fewer games than every other team outside the top six is in itself a reflection of their strength.

But much like their Merseyside rivals Liverpool, questions have been asked as to whether the team can actually manage to put together a protracted positive run of results and qualify for Europe.

At the present, 10 points stand between the Toffees and sixth-placed Sunderland, who have thus far amassed 37 points. But the Black Cats have played a game more than Moyes’ charges, which could potentially cut short the difference in points between the two sides.

But ifs, buts and maybes aside, Everton will have to snatch something from this game to continue to hope for a turnaround and secure European football when the curtain comes down on their current campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Samir Nasri (hamstring) is sidelined after falling prey to injury during Sunday's FA Cup game against Huddersfield, while Sebastien Squillaci saw a red during the same game and will begin his ban by sitting this one out.

Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remains sidelined, while Bacary Sagna (concussion) is a doubt for this game.

Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) is another player who is doubtful of making this fixture.

Possible starting line-up: Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny Clichy; Walcott, Song, Wilshere; Arshavin, Fabregas, Van Persie.

Everton

Phil Jagielka was on the bench throughout Saturday's FA Cup encounter against Chelsea, and should likely be fit enough to make his comeback against Arsenal. Victor Anichebe (groin) is a doubt for the trip to north London.

Louis Saha scored for his side and earned a few positive words from manager David Moyes, in a season in which the Scot has been generally unhappy with his strike force. The former Manchester United man should likely start the game despite having played against the west London club.

Possible starting line-up: Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Osman; Beckford, Saha.

Prediction

Arsenal have the home advantage and should grab the three points on offer, but not before some stiff resistance from Everton.

Arsenal 3-2 Everton

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01-02-2011 21:00 Manchester United - Aston Villa

Comeback Kings

Manchester United have made life difficult for themselves in recent fixtures, having to come from behind to beat both Blackpool and Southampton, which may just evoke memories of their last fixture against Aston Villa.

In November, goals by Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton had given the Midlanders a two-goal lead which they maintained until the 81st minute when Federico Macheda popped up to grab one back before Nemanja Vidic completed the recovery to snatch a point.

Whether the league leaders will be quite so generous again remains to be seen. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have conceded just seven goals at home so far this season, the best record in the top flight, and only West Brom have managed to deprive them of all three points on their own turf.

Hat-Trick Houllier

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are showing signs of improvement having eased away from the drop zone with important wins over Manchester City and Wigan Athletic before making it three on the bounce by knocking Blackburn Rovers out of the FA Cup.

Yet to take anything from Old Trafford they will need to improve their away form which has seen them win just twice so far this season at struggling Wigan and Wolves.

Indeed a win at Old Trafford will make it a hat-trick of away wins for the season and they will fancy their chances having won at United last season when a first-half goal from Gabriel Agbonlahor was enough to secure victory.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will revert back to his usual defence after changing his entire back five for the FA Cup win over Southampton.

Rafael has recovered from concussion suffered at Blackpool, Patrice Evra will also return having missed the FA Cup clash due to a family bereavement while key trio Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar are also expected to feature.

Up front Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are both expected to start after being left on the bench against Southampton, although Javier Hernandez’s recent goals mean the Mexican is pushing hard for a first-team place.

Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs; Berbatov, Rooney.

Aston Villa

Record signing Darren Bent will return to the Villa team having been ineligible for their FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers.

Defenders Richard Dunne and James Collins should also return after missing the cup tie, while Villa’s other new recruit, Jean Makoun, may partner Stiliyan Petrov in midfield.

Possible starting XI: Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Clark; Albrighton, Petrov, Makoun, Downing; Bent, Agbonlahor.

Prediction

The league leaders continue to win without looking at their best but will surely need to improve on recent displays if they are to despatch an improving Aston Villa.

Villa were a little unlucky not to beat United at Villa Park back in November but the hosts’ formidable home record means anything other than a win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will be considered a shock.

Man Utd. 2-1 Aston Villa

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31-01-2011 21:00 Racing Santander - Valencia

Uncertainty In The Air

Five matches without a victory, Racing Santander are a side quickly being brought back into the heart of the relegation battle. At the other end of the league, Valencia are putting together a sequence of hard-fought victories to maintain their Champions League challenge, and los Che will be hopeful of increasing their hosts’ misery on Monday evening.

Virtually since the start of the season, los Verdiblancos have been embroiled in a fight against the drop. The fixture computer certainly hasn’t been kind to Miguel Angel Portugal’s side, who found themselves having to play Spain’s top outfits in quick succession at the beginning of the campaign and now find themselves with an equally testing run as the second half of the season gets started.

Barcelona, unsurprisingly, proved to be too good for los Racinguistas at Camp Nou last weekend, though there was not too much to be ashamed of regarding the 3-0 final score. “It’s what everybody expected,” conceded a resigned Portugal at the end of last weekend’s fixture. “It’s difficult to stop Barca currently.”

Indian businessman Syed Ali Ashan’s takeover of the club remains clouded in doubt, giving this fixture an uncertain backdrop for a side desperate to push into the middle of the table and afford themselves some breathing space when the easier fixtures arrive in the spring.

Leaving It Late

Valencia are starting to become a team who specialise in the last 10 minutes of matches. In each of their last five matches, they’ve scored vital late goals, with last minute or stoppage time winners recorded against Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Malaga.

Unai Emery’s side are not playing especially smoothly, but when the results are coming as they are at present, even the notoriously fickle crowd at the Mestalla cannot complain to vehemently.

Last weekend’s encounter with Malaga could be considered something of an exception. Playing against 10 men since the 15th minute, los Che allowed their guests to take a 2-1 lead, and even though that was overturned, los Boquerones again hit back to 3-3 once they had lost another man due to an expulsion. Against nine men, Valencia toiled before eventually finding the winner through Aritz Aduriz.

Still, Valencia managed to record their fifth successive Liga victory, carrying them to within a whisker of Espanyol in fourth place once more. Three points on Monday night are again important, but a convincing performance would help silence some of the critics, who maintain that los Che have been getting lucky a little too often lately.

TEAM NEWS

Racing

Pablo Pinillos is back involved after overcoming knee problems. Alexandros Tziolis, Oscar Serrano and Papa Kouli Diop are all still injured, while Pedro Munitis serves the second of a two-match suspension.

Valencia

Juan Mata has been omitted from the squad as he is suffering from left ankle problems. David Albelda, Vicente Rodriguez, Miguel Moya and Cesar Sanchez continue to be sidelined.

Prediction

Valencia’s habit of winning tight games may well be brought to an end on Monday evening. Not since September have Racing Santander tasted defeat at home, though it’s unlikely they will have to power to overcome Unai Emery’s somewhat unpredictable outfit.

 

Racing 1-1 Valencia

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30-01-2011 15:00 West Ham Utd. - Nottingham Forest

Hammers Looking To Bounce Back

After losing 4-3 on aggregate in the League Cup semi-final against Birmingham City in midweek, Hammers boss Avram Grant will be looking for a response from his players against an in-form Nottingham Forest side.

The Hammers have won the competition on three occasions, the last being a 1-0 victory over Arsenal back in 1980, so fans will be hoping their side can extend their cup run and get to a major final after falling at the last hurdle on Wednesday.

Grant knows that it will be hard to pick his players up following such a defeat, but what will be more worrying is that the Hammers have only picked up two wins from their last five games in all competitions - a 2-0 win over Barnsley in the FA Cup and a 2-1 victory over Birmingham in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Forest Flying High

The Championship side are flying high at the moment and are currently on a five-match winning streak following a narrow 1-0 victory over Bristol City in midweek.

Billy Davies’ men are now only a point off the automatic promotion spots in the Chmapionship as they look to return to the Premier League, and know they can heap more cup misery on the Hammers.

Forest have sold out their official allocation of tickets for the tie at the Boleyn Ground, so will expect huge support from their travelling fans, who feel another cup upset could be on the cards in what is turning out to be another impressive season for the Championship side.

TEAM NEWS

West Ham United

Manager Avram Grant will have strikers Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne available after suspension but new-signing Gary O’Neil is cup-tied, having already played for Middlesbrough in this season's competition.

However, the Hammers' boss will be without defender Manuel Da Costa (ankle) and midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh), while Kieron Dyer and Lars Jacobsen are also doubts for the clash at Upton Park

Possible starting XI: Green, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Bridge; Sears, Noble, Parker; Obinna, Piquionne, Cole

Nottingham Forest

Boss Billy Davies has hinted that he is likely to make some changes to the team come Sunday, with captain Paul McKenna and David McGoldrick expected to get run-outs.

Midfielder Marcus Tudgay is also cup-tied for the clash against the Hammers but Davies has no new injury concerns after Tuesday's win against Bristol City, with Dexter Blackstock the only long-term absentee.

Possible starting XI: Camp; Gunter, Morgan, Chambers, Lynch, Cohen, Moussi, McKenna, McGugan; Earnshaw, McGoldrick

Prediction

After their defeat against Birmingham in the Carling Cup in midweek, the Hammers will be looking to extend their FA Cup run further. However they will be up against a Forest side who are full of confidence at the moment and will have nothing to fear when they travel to Upton Park. This will no doubt be a test for Avram Grant’s side but Forest should have enough to get a draw.

West Ham 1-1 Nottingham Forest

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30-01-2011 15:00 Notts County - Manchester City

Daring To Dream

After shocking the country with a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the last round, County fans are daring to dream that they can make it two Premier League scalps on the trot, but the history of the fixture isn't in their favour.

City are unbeaten in nine league and cup meetings against County, and won at Meadow Lane back in 2001, beating the home side 4-2 after extra-time in the second round of the League Cup.

The sides have been drawn together in the FA Cup four times, most recently in 1995 when Manchester City progressed after a replay, with a 5-2 victory at Maine Road.

Mancini Looking To Get The Job Done

Roberto Mancini will be hoping that his multi-millionaires can overcome this tricky trip to Nottingham on Sunday and move one step closer to Wembley.

Leicester City took Mancini's men to a replay back at Eastlands after an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Walkers Stadium in the last round, and the last thing that Mancini wants is another fixture as the season reaches the business end.

TEAM NEWS

Notts County

Premier League giant killers Notts County will be without Alan Judge for their home tie with Manchester City, after the midfielder was ruled out for eight weeks with a broken bone in his foot.

Defender Mike Edwards looks set for a return though, after missing the midweek trip to Hartlepool with a hamstring injury.

Lee Hughes, a goalscorer in County's third round victory over Sunderland, should return to the starting line-up, after coming off the bench to score against Hartlepool on Tuesday.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Nelson; Darby, Pearce, Edwards, Harley; Westcarr, Ravenhill, Bishop, Martin; Gow; Hughes.

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini's side will be without England winger Adam Johnson who injured his ankle in training and will not be risked at Meadow Lane.

Recent signing Edin Dzeko should make his FA Cup debut partnering Carlos Tevez in attack, and Micah Richards is also in contention for a place in the starting eleven, after recovering from a back problem.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Hart; Richards, Lescott, Toure, Kolarov; Milner, Yaya Toure, Barry; Silva; Dzeko, Tevez.

Prediction

Despite knocking out Premier League opposition in the shape of Sunderland in the last round, Notts County will find that Manchester City have far too much quality for the League One side on Sunday.

Lee Hughes will give the City defence a problem, but if City start well it will be a comfortable afternoon for Roberto Mancini's men.

Notts County F.C. 0-3 Man City

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30-01-2011 13:00 Arsenal - Huddersfield Town

Full Steam Ahead For Gunners

Arsenal will be looking to back up their place in the League Cup final with a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Huddersfield are the visitors on Sunday and Arsene Wenger will be hoping to continue his record of never being beaten by lower league opposition during his time in charge of the Gunners.

But as the north London club continue to fight for a trophy on four fronts this year it is likely the French boss will rotate his squad.

With important games against Everton in the Premier League, the small matter of two matches with Spanish giants Barcelona and a cup final against Birmingham all looming, Wenger has admitted his squad will be stretched.

But he insists his side can cope, claiming this is the best squad he has known since he started the job.

He said: "The squad will be stretched but I have 25 players of the same quality - I have never had a squad of this equal strength in my life.

"I want to take advantage of it and go for every single competition."

No Fear

Huddersfield visit the Emirates in decent form.

They currentyly lie third in League One and overcame Dover in the last round to set up the clash with Arsenal.

Manager Lee Clark, who is no stranger to the big occasion, having played 260 games for Newcastle, is hoping his side do not freeze on the day, and insists they can pull off a shock result if they play without fear.

He told the club's official website: "It's right up there as one of the biggest and best occasions for the football club for a long time.

"It's a great opportunity for the players and for everybody involved with the club because we get to enjoy the day and experience playing at one of the best stadiums in world football and against some of the best individuals and teams around, as they have shown on many occasions."

"I think they are an outstanding side - the pace and the tempo they play at and the way they pass the ball so quickly and accurately to each other is unbelievable.

"Despite this we have to go there with a game plan and try to stick to it to the best of our ability. If we do, you never know. The Cup is about shocks and this would be a huge one because as I have said we are massive underdogs. All we can do is focus on our own performance."

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Sebastien Squillaci and Abou Diaby will return to Arsene Wenger's squad and could start as the manager looks to freshen up his team.

Manuel Almunia (elbow) and Tomas Rosicky (sickness) could also return to the squad as the Gunners continue to fight on four fronts for silverware.

Bacary Sagna could feature for the Gunners after suffering concussion in the 3-0 win over Ipswich. If the full-back does not make it he should be ready for the Premier Leaue clash against Everton on Tuesday.

Carlos Vela will be not available for selection after signing for West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season.

Otherwise Arsene Wenger has no new injury concerns.

Possible line-up: Szczesny; Eboue, Squillaci, Koscielny, Gibbs; Song, Denilson, Rosicky; Nasri, Chamakh, Walcott.


Huddersfield

Huddersfield will take on Arsenal without leading goalscorer Jordan Rhodes, who has been ruled out for eight weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in last week’s goalless home draw with Colchester.

Lee Clark could start with Lee Novak, who replaced Rhodes, who has scored 16 goals this season, on Saturday, alongside Alan Lee in the FA Cup fourth-round clash at the Emirates.

Tamas Kadar, the on-loan Newcastle defender, is also unavailable for selection after missing Town's last two games due to a hamstring injury.

Long-term absentees Gary Naysmith (toe), Leigh Franks (hamstring) and midfielder Damien Johnson (knee ligaments) are still sidelined.
Benik Afobe, recently signed on loan from Arsenal, is not available for selection after his parent club refused to allow him to play in the tie.

Possible line-up: Bennett; Peltier, Clarke, McCombe, Kilbane; Hunt, Gudjonsson, Arfield, Pilkington; Novak, Lee.

Prediction

Huddersfield will give it their all but it seems unlikely their endeavour will be enough to overcome Arsenal's class.

Arsenal 2-0 Huddersfield Town

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30-01-2011 21:00 Espanyol - Villarreal

Coming Through The Tests

With over half the season gone, Espanyol remain a side firmly in the running to earn a Champions League spot. Boasting 37 points, Mauricio Pochettino’s men lag Valencia and Sunday’s opponents Villarreal by three and five marks respectively. The fixture at the Cornella-El Prat therefore promises to be a huge encounter in the context of the race for the top four.

Having latched onto the top teams, Espanyol have shown that they have improved their away form sufficiently to be able to compete with them. Six of their last nine Primera Division matches have ended with los Periquitos claiming three points, and at home this season they’ve been almost unstoppable. Barcelona may have won 5-1 at their city-rivals, but Pochettino’s men have otherwise not dropped a solitary point at home.

Two testing away matches have threatened the position of the Catalan club over the last fortnight, but these challenges have been overcome impressively. Improved Sevilla were edged 2-1 before Getafe were beaten 3-1 thanks to a trio of second half goals from Luis Garcia, Jose Callejon and Sergio Garcia.

The absence of top scorer Pablo Osvaldo was expected to significantly slow the momentum of los Periquitos, but that hasn’t been the case. The likes of Callejon and Luis Garcia have instead lifted the level of their performances, making up for the loss of their chief marksman. Even having lost Victor Ruiz to Napoli this week, this is a side that will take some stopping, particularly in front of their home support.

Travelling Toils

There can be little doubt that in the first half of the Liga season, Villarreal were the strongest force behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Juan Carlos Garrido’s side have maintained their form through the winter break and into the second half of the campaign, winning three of their four fixtures since the turn of the year.

The Yellow Submarine are not infallible though, and statistics such as their tally of six wins in their last eight matches could be misinterpreted. Much of their strength has come from their performances at El Madrigal, where they have been almost flawless this term. Only one of those aforementioned victories has come on the road, and even that was a 1-0 success over struggling Zaragoza.

Garrido has his side playing magnificently at home, and even without a number of crucial first team players they’ve managed to pick up wins over Osasuna and Real Sociedad over the last fortnight. La Real actually had the lead at El Madrigal, but a couple of magnificent finishes from Giuseppe Rossi ensured there would be no surprising slips from the third placed club.

Adding to the good feeling around the east coast outfit is the news that Rossi has penned a contract extension this week. With the American-born Italian international striker presently in full flow, the Yellow Submarine will boast a significant scoring threat, but one away win in six is not the kind of record that befits a team as lofty as Villarreal and points to potential trouble on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Espanyol

The sale of Victor Ruiz to Napoli will significantly weaken Espanyol’s rearguard, while the club’s precarious financial position is leading them to sell Didac Vila too.

Raul Baena is doubtful because of a leg problem and Aldo Duscher is expected to overcome concussion to play.

Pablo Osvaldo continues to fight his way back to fitness. Ivan de la Pena, Ernesto Galan and Felipe Mattioni are long-term concerns.

Villarreal

There have been no reports of fresh injury problems to concern Juan Carlos Garrido. Juan Carlos, Marcos Senna and Nilmar all remain out. Carlos Marchena is closing in on action.

Prediction

These two outfits occupy lofty positions in the Primera Division standings largely off the back of terrific home form. Villarreal may have recorded an emphatic victory over Espanyol when they last met, but the story could be very different at the Cornella-El Prat. The loss of Victor Ruiz will hurt the hosts, however.

Espanyol 2-2 Villarreal

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30-01-2011 21:00 Monaco - Olympique Marseille

Battling The Drop

Threatened seriously by relegation, Monaco will look for every point they can possibly get between now and the end of the term, though Sunday’s fixture against Olympique de Marseille looks to be a difficult one for the principality club.

With a meagre tally of three wins all season, les Monegasques have installed Laurent Banide as the man to lead them out of this remarkably barren spell. Guy Lacombe’s rather abrasive and conservative approach won him few friends in the support, leading to Banide promising a more attack-minded Monaco in the future.

His opening game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw against Auxerre. Adriano may have scored a fine acrobatic effort for les Rouge et Blanc, but this was not a performance from which a great deal of optimism could be taken. Chances were few and far between for the visitors, who have been lacking an offensive edge to their play this season.

Dieumerci Mbokani was supposed to be the man to bang in the goals on the Mediterranean coast, but he became another relatively big name striker to flop at the Stade Louis II and has been ushered out the door on loan to Wolfsburg, unlikely to ever return. On the other hand, Mahamadou Diarra was been acquired from Real Madrid in an attempt to provide some experience and stability in the team, but they will need more than that to compete against OM.

Getting Back In Gear

Marseille are a side not prospering as they might. Lying fifth in the Ligue 1 standings, the defending champions remain one of the favourites to pick up the crown in May, but at the same time they are six points off the pace of leaders Lille and have endured some rather questionable form over the last month-and-a-half.

A 1-0 derby defeat in Nice started the rot, which continued with a sequence of draws and wouldn’t be properly ended until a fortnight ago, when Didier Deschamps’ men got the better of Girondins de Bordeaux at the Stade Velodrome. That performance was much more like it from les Phoceens, who prospered through goals from Andre-Pierre Gignac and Brandao.

At times their striking duo has been maligned this season – and not without cause – but this pair also helped OM by Auxerre into the final of the Coupe de la Ligue, which they can look forward to in April.

Unlike Sunday’s hosts, Marseille have made no tracks to make additions to their squad in January. Real Sociedad prospect Antoine Griezmann has been tentatively examined, but despite Mathieu Valbuena being ruled out for six weeks, no concrete steps have been taken to add depth to Deschamps’ squad.

OM still boast a formidable unit, and worrying for Monaco, there have been signs of it clicking into gear recently.

TEAM NEWS

Monaco

Djimi Traore is out for the duration of the season, while Cedric Mongongu is unavailable for this match. In addition, Nicolas Nkoulou is banned.

Mahamadou Diarra’s registration will have to be rushed through if he is to play any part on Sunday.

Marseille

Worries over Edouard Cisse and Gabriel Heinze have been allayed, and instead only long-term victim Cesar Azpilicueta and Mathieu Valbuena miss out because of injury. Brandao is suspended, though.

Prediction

A tight game is likely in store. Monaco have made draws their speciality this season, and though a rampant Marseille side would overcome the hosts, OM are not at their peak at present. Still, Didier Deschamps’ side should have the edge, especially after their recent victories.

 

AS Monaco FC 1-2 Marseille

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30-01-2011 20:45 Juventus - Udinese

No Prospects Of A Trophy

Juventus' 2010-11 season appears to have collapsed. The 4-1 hammering by Parma in Turin at the start of the new year triggered an avalanche, which albeit somewhat contained now, has left long-lasting damage and also helped expose the cracks that were already present in the Old Lady's fortress.

With Scudetto hopes virtually relinquished, Juve's Coppa Italia ambitions too were put to flight on Thursday evening as the Bianconeri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Roma in Turin in the quarter-finals. This leaves Juventus with no chance of winning a (major) trophy. Again.

However, Luigi Del Neri's side have much to play for between now and the end of the season. Currently stationed in sixth place in the league standings, Juve have collected 35 points from 21 matches and are just a couple of points behind Lazio, who are fourth.

The former Italian and European champions are nine points behind leaders Milan but a disappointing run of form that has seen them win just once in the league this month have put them way off the pace as far as launching a challenge for the Scudetto is concerned.

Italy's Most Attractive Team

Udinese are fast becoming the neutral's favourites as the Bianconeri continue to exhibit lovely passing, free-flowing and attacking football inspired by the attacking duo of Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Di Natale. Last season's relegation candidates, Francesco Guidolin's side are rapidly becoming serious challengers for a top-six finish.

With 33 points from 21 matches, Udinese are a point behind Palermo in eighth and just a couple of points behind Juventus. Finishing in the top six in Serie A would be massive for a club like Udinese and, indeed, a victory over Del Neri's struggling team this weekend could see them break into a European place.

Udinese head to Turin on the back of a 3-1 demolition of Italian and European champions Inter in Udine last weekend. It was the third time this month alone that the Zebrette had scored three or more goals in a single match, and they do guarantee entertainment and thrill at the Olimpico Grande Torino where Juventus have often looked insipid, unimaginative and uninspiring.

TEAM NEWS

Juventus

Rinaudo, De Ceglie, Iaquinta, Quagliarella, Toni and Traore are out injured and will miss this match. Amauri and Del Piero will start in attack in a 4-4-2 formation.

Udinese

Basta, Ferronetti and Angella are injured and will not travel to Turin. Di Natale and Alexis Sanchez will be the forwards in a 3-5-2 system.

Prediction

Juventus lost in the Coppa Italia on Thursday evening, as they continue to stutter in the new year. On the contrary, Udinese have been in sensational form and they are very much likely to take at least a point in Turin, and with a little bit of luck could even collect all three.

Juventus 1-2 Udinese

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30-01-2011 19:00 Osasuna - Real

Cut Out The Errors

Times are tough for Osasuna, who have dropped alarmingly towards the relegation zone over the last two month. Jose Antonio Camacho has failed to lead his team to a single victory in eight matches, and though they have picked up a smattering of draws, these have not been enough to keep the Navarre side away from danger.

Defeat last weekend in Almeria was particularly damaging, lifting the southern side within touching distance of los Rojillos. Only one point better off than the teams in the drop zone, the pressure is truly mounting in the Basque region.

“We made mistakes that cost us expensively,” Camacho, a former Real Madrid boss, explained after last weekend’s reverse.

Nevertheless, there is a degree of optimism in the camp that something positive can be taken from the weekend’s fixture. “We’ll have more of a chance to beat Madrid than we did with Barcelona,” Javier Camanus told the press, referring to the recent 3-0 defeat given to his side by the league-leading Catalans. “We had our opportunities, but in the end there was a clear victory.”

Recent form dictates that los Rojillos approach this fixture as great underdogs, though the north eastern corner of Spain is never hospitable to los Blancos, and roared on by a partisan crowd, the hosts will carry an extra spring in their step for this extremely difficult fixture.

Keep On Winning

Real Madrid continue to cling gamely onto the coattails of Barcelona as they search for their first silverware in three seasons. Jose Mourinho’s men have maintained a startling pace throughout this campaign, but they haven’t quite been able to match the remarkable consistency of their Catalan rivals, who enjoy a four point advantage in La Liga.

Barca have also been able to kill off their Copa del Rey semi-final tie at the first attempt, something that los Blancos couldn’t quite do when they met Sevilla on Wednesday night at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. A fine goal from Karim Benzema gave los Merengues the edge, but a 1-0 lead is not decisive, even if they are going back to the Bernabeu, where Mourinho’s men have been flawless since the Portuguese took over.

“We had to be very careful against Sevilla because they are a good team with a lot of great offensive players,” Iker Casillas explained after the midweek success. “The important thing for us is winning. We will now have to turn our attention to the league and taking on Osasuna, and then think about the second leg of the tie.”

Only four times this season have los Blancos slipped in the league, and on each of these occasions they were playing away from home. Mallorca and Levante ground out early season draws against a Madrid side still fine tuning, but a recent 1-1 tie on the road against Almeria was a more concerning result, particularly since the southerners nearly snatched a win. There is no margin for error on Sunday.

TEAM NEWS

Osasuna

Sergio Fernandez suffered a knee problem last weekend, but an MRI scan earlier this week showed it to be relatively minor. He is a doubt for the weekend. Nacho Monreal, Ruper and Alvaro Cejudo are still out.

On the plus side for los Rojillos, Walter Pandiani has trained normally this week and should have a role to play. Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei are back training after Asian Cup duty with Iran.

Real Madrid

Emmanuel Adebayor has indicated his desire to play in Sunday’s match after signing from Manchester City on loan this week. On the other hand, Mahamadou Diarra has been allowed to leave for Monaco.

In terms of injuries, los Blancos are again without Jerzy Dudek, Pepe and Gonzalo Higuain.

Prediction

This is a fixture Real Madrid can ill-afford to lose, and though they’ve had problems in the past against stuffy, defensive units when playing away from home, Jose Mourinho will find a way for his side to overcome Osasuna.

Osasuna 0-2 Real Madrid

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30-01-2011 17:30 Fulham - Tottenham Hot.

Another Cup Final On The Horizon?

Fulham may not have had the best of seasons so far, but signs of improvement are there. On the face of it they currently lie 15th in the Premier League, but it wouldn’t be a underestimation to say that their current league position does not reflect the quality of their squad.

Before the unfortunate 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in midweek, they had only lost twice in their previous eight games in all competitions and are more than capable of springing a surprise or two at on their home turf on Sunday.

In antithesis to Spurs, the home side will relish an extended run in the FA Cup and, with stuttering league form hampering them last season as well, they will put their full focus on the competition as it will be a fresh change from league life, just like they did with the Europa League last season - and we all know what happened, or nearly happened, with that.

Again though, on paper the omens are not good for Fulham fans. In recent times, Spurs have enjoyed the bragging rights over their London rivals as they have remained unbeaten in their last seven outings, including the league double over them and dumping them out of this very competition at the quarter-final stage last season.

How Important Is The FA Cup To Spurs?

That is not a question that has even needed to be answered before; usually it’s a categorical ‘very’.

Spurs are a cup team after all. They have won this competition eight times, the third most successful side behind Arsenal (10 wins) and Manchester United (11 wins). They have already proved these cup credentials this season with an impressive debut showing in the Champions League by winning, arguably, the toughest group.

Perhaps this season the FA Cup will be viewed differently though. Spurs have faltered lately in the league with a record of two draws and a loss from their last three games. However, their last league victory came against Sunday’s opponents with a 1-0 win at the beginning of the month.

With this faltering league form putting another season of Champions League football in doubt, and a vital Champions League tie with AC Milan scheduled for mid-February, Redknapp and company could be excused for putting their priorities elsewhere for the time being. But say it quietly, the year ends in a one after all.

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Mark Hughes does not have as delpleted a squad as his Spurs counterpart on Sunday, but he is missing key men. Bobby Zamora has turned the corner in his recovery from a broken leg, but he is not expected to see a glimpse of the pitch until mid-Febuary at the earliest.

The same goes for Philippe Senderos (calf), while goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is still on international duty with Australia at the Asia Cup. Dickson Etuhu (hamstring) is still expected to miss the game after not making the trip to Liverpool with an injury he picked up against Stoke, so new signing Steve Sidwell should continue to deputise.

Possible starting XI: Stockdale; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Dempsey, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff; A Johnson, Dembele.


Tottenham

Currently on the injury table are Gareth Bale (back) and a string of long-term absentees including Ledley King (knee), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Jamie O’Hara (back) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle), with manager Harry Redknapp confirming that the latter is “still a long way away”.

Sandro (back) and Wilson Palacios (knee) are also doubts, so the only fit defensive-minded midfielder, Jermaine Jenas, will continue to deputise.

On the plus side, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Heurelho Gomes are all expected to return after missing the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, and new signing Steven Pienaar can be included after not making Everton’s squad in the previous round.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Jenas, Modric, Kranjcar; Van der Vaart; Pavlyuchenko.

Prediction

With Spurs’ minds possibly elsewhere, Fulham may well be faced with an easier feat than they first feared when the draw was made. However, despite the distractions and injuries, Spurs are a challenge for any side. Score draw.

Fulham 1-1 Tottenham

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30-01-2011 17:00 Atletico Madrid - Athletic Bilbao

Quality, But Little Consistency

Atletico Madrid were initially founded by a group of Basque fans who longed for their days of involvement with Athletic Bilbao, but the cordial relationship enjoyed between the clubs in the early 20th century is now long forgotten and the pair go to war on Sunday wrestling over sixth position in the Primera Division standings.

Los Colchoneros’ week has been dominated by events off the field. Real Madrid and Chelsea were both associated with huge bids for Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, but both were reportedly rejected by the capital side, who also had to turn down an approach from the Blues over defender Diego Godin too.

Additionally, coach Quique Sanchez Flores is now under the most intense of scrutiny. A 1-0 reverse away to Sporting de Gijon last weekend has left los Rojiblancos a disappointing 10 points adrift from the Champions League spots, and unless there is a dramatic improvement in their fortunes over the next four months, Atleti will not mingle with the continent’s best next term.

Consistency has been a chronic problem for the Vicente Calderon side all season. A positive start to the term was perhaps blown a little out of proportion, and with more than half of the campaign passed, los Colchoneros have failed to better the two-game winning streak they achieved at the outset.

Atleti have only lost successive matches once this term, and in front of their fiery home support will expect to take points against the team the capital side essentially emerged as an off-shoot of.

Well On Track

Athletic Bilbao’s form has been rather similar to that of Atletico Madrid in that their inconsistency has been their only constant over the course of the campaign. Los Leones lie seventh in the table with nine wins to their credit, though they have only enjoyed back-to-back victories on two occasions.

Last Monday night against Hercules, an easy 3-0 success at home gave Joaquin Caparros’ men a triumph to follow-up a positive 2-1 result against Racing Santander, so the Basque side are chasing three successive wins for the first time this season in Madrid.

“We are well on track,” Caparros smiled after goals from Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain sent los Herculanos home from the north empty handed. “We have taken one step further and we will go to compete against Atletico.”

In just the second week of the campaign, the Bilbao club were defeated 2-1 at San Mames by los Colchoneros, so revenge is on the cards to some extent. Having lost to Atleti at the Vicente Calderon last spring, los Leones will be aware that a difficult challenge stands between them and a first hat-trick of Primera Division wins in nearly 18 months.

TEAM NEWS

Atletico

Sergio Aguero and Tiago have both resumed training and are available, in principle, for the weekend’s fixture. Jose Antonio Reyes has also overcome an ankle sprain.

Raul Garcia has a groin injury, but was suspended in any case, while Mario Suarez continues to fight a hamstring problem.

Athletic

Urko Vera has joined up with the squad and could be involved at the Vicente Calderon.

Fernando Amorebieta has exercised with the squad, but it’s not thought he’ll play at the weekend. Ibai Gomez and Jon Aurtenetxe are long-term issues.

Prediction

If Atletico Madrid can focus on this fixture, there is no reason why they shouldn’t win. Athletic Bilbao have a mediocre away record, while los Colchoneros’ form at home this season has generally been pretty steady. Atleti can be at their worst when they are expected to excel, and it may benefit the hosts that los Leones are being tipped to upset them.

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Athletic Bilbao

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30-01-2011 15:00 Napoli - Sampdoria

Mission Scudetto

Napoli have won the Scudetto just twice in their history and last won the Italian championship in 1990. But this season the Partenopei could add one more to their trophy cabinet as under Walter Mazzarri they are on a full-throttle chase for the Serie A title.

Last weekend's 2-0 away win against Bari saw the Neapolitans remain just four points behind leaders Milan in second and sustain hopes of championship success. It was their third league match without defeat and fourth competitive fixture without suffering a loss.

However, in midweek Napoli's Coppa Italia hopes closed their eyes upon the light of this world as they went out of the quarter-finals to Inter but only on penalties. But that they could hold the Italian and European champions for 120 minutes after they had been dismissed 3-1 at San Siro at the start of the new year must have been encouraging to the Azzurri, and this will help them head into their encounter against Sampdoria with confidence.

No Ambition, No Worries

Sampdoria's season seems to be over. Placed in a comfortable, if modest, mid-table position, the Blucerchiati have little chance of breaking into the top six in Serie A and are way out of reach of the relegation octopus' tentacles.

In midweek Sampdoria's Coppa Italia adventure came to a halt as Domenico Di Carlo's side went down 2-1 to Milan in Genoa in the quarter-finals. Two quick goals from Brazil international forward Alexandre Pato led to the defeat of Samp and now they would have to keep on floating virtually aimlessly for the rest of the campaign.

With 27 points from 20 matches, Samp are eight points off a European place and as many above the relegation zone; they are placed perfectly in mid-table and one suspects that from now until the end of the season Di Carlo will try to consolidate this respectable position for the former Italian champions.

TEAM NEWS

Napoli

Grava, Vitale and Lavezzi are injured and will miss the visit of Sampdoria. Sosa will start alongside Hamsik behind Cavani in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Sampdoria

Semioli, Gastaldello, Lucchini, Pozzi and Dessena are unavailable for the trip to Naples as they are injured.

Maccarone and Macheda will commence in attack as the two centre-forwards in a 4-4-2 system.

Prediction

Napoli will head into this encounter as favourites as they have a formidable record at home. Sampdoria will not make it easy but given their modest run of results in recent weeks it would be hard for them to get much in Naples.

Napoli 2-0 Sampdoria

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30-01-2011 15:00 Lecce - Cesena

Running Into Form

Lecce appear to have hit some form in the new year and despite still being very much in contention for a place in the bottom three, the Giallorossi will be encouraged and buoyed to go for an attempt for survival in the Italian top flight in the second half of the season.

Placed just a place and point above the dropzone, Lecce are undefeated in their last three league fixtures - they won 2-1 against Lazio in Rome, held Milan to a 1-1 draw at home and gained a valuable point in Florence last weekend as they drew 1-1 with Fiorentina.

However, Lecce are defensively the worst side in the division so far in 2010-11, having conceded a whooping 38 goals in 21 league fixtures. But the Salentini will be fired up for revenge against Cesena as in the reverse fixture in September they suffered a 1-0 away loss.

Returning To Winning Ways

Cesena have lost their last three Serie A matches and are looking real contenders for a bottom-three place in the table. With just 19 points from 21 matches, the Seahorses are third from bottom and are fast sinking deeper into the water.

However, one cannot but help feel considerate towards Cesena as the three games they have gone down in this year were against Roma, Inter and Milan - three of their biggest clubs in the Italian top flight. Massimo Ficcadenti's side, though, commenced the new year on a positive note as they defeated Brescia 2-1 on the road and then drew a blank with Genoa at home.

Cesena's away form in Serie A, though, is abysmal as in the ten league encounters on the road they have won just once and have lost no fewer than seven times, conceding 16 goals in the process and scoring just seven.

TEAM NEWS

Lecce

Giuliatto, Ofere and Gustavo are out injured for Lecce.

Cesena

Fatic, Piangerelli and Schelotto are out injured and will miss the trip to Lecce.

Prediction

This is a relegation six-pointer that neither side can afford to lose. It is going to be a hard-fought encounter and is not going to be a pretty one. Cesena don't have an encouraging away form and this implies that Lecce will head into this match as favourites.

Lecce 2-1 Cesena

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30-01-2011 15:00 Inter - Palermo

Getting Back Into Form

Inter bounced back from last weekend's 3-1 hammering by Udinese in Udine with a victory over Napoli in the Coppa Italia in midweek. However, progression into the semi-finals of the Italian Cup came only on penalties as the Nerazzurri failed to find the target in 120 minutes of football.

Nevertheless, it was the victory that Leonardo's Scudetto hopefuls needed to regain their confidence. Last weekend's encounter against Udinese was defined by the 41-year-old Brazilian as "truly the toughest test we’ve had yet" and having failed miserably at the Stadio Friuli, midweek's win against second-placed Napoli should be something of a harbinger of optimism.

Palermo, though, pose a difficult challenge and facing three strong and confident sides in succession will be a massive test for Leonardo as well as a recovering Inter team. The Beneamata had started their era under the Brazilian with five competitive wins in a row and it will be interesting to note whether they can embark on a similar run again.

The Adventure Continues

Palermo's 2010-11 campaign continues to be an adventure as the Sicilians progressed to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia in midweek after defeating Parma on penalties at home. It was the Rosanero's second win in a row after last weekend's 1-0 victory over Brescia and kept them fighting them on two fronts.

Palermo are currently outside the top six in Serie A at the moment as they have 34 points from 21 matches, but being just a solitary point behind Juventus in sixth and three behind fourth-placed Lazio, the Aquile are very much in the running for a Champions League place.

Delio Rossi's side, though, need to improve their record on their travels as they have won just three out of ten league encounters away from home. Palermo's last away win in the league came in late November and they lost their last match on the road, losing 3-1 to Cagliari in Sardinia.

TEAM NEWS

Inter

Sneijder, Samuel, Julio Cesar and Milito are injured. New signing Pazzini too is unavailable. Stankovic, Chivu and Cordoba are suspended.

Palermo

Hernandez, Pinilla and Goian are injured and will miss the trip to Milan. Carrozzieri remains suspended.

Prediction

Inter have struggled since last weekend and qualified for the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia only on penalties. Against a dangerous Palermo side the Nerazzurri could struggle again but the home advantage should count in their favour.

Inter Milan 2-1 Palermo

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30-01-2011 15:00 Genoa - Parma

Desperate For A Win

The last time Genoa registered a victory in Serie A was way back in the first week of December when they destroyed relegation-candidates Lecce 3-1 away from home. Since then the Grifoni have lost two of the five league fixtures and are winless in six competitive games.

Genoa are currently in 14th place in the league standings with 24 points from 20 matches and are just five points above the dropzone. Relegation is not exactly a worry given the team that coach Davide Ballardini has at his disposal, but with positive results not coming for almost two months things are becoming a bit edgy for the Rossoblu.

Genoa's record at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris too needs improvement they have collected just 11 points out a possible 30 and have scored only eight times in those fixtures. They are in dire need of some inspiration to restore some respectability to their season and require all three points from this fixture.

Back In Form

Parma's 4-1 demolition of Juventus in their opening game of the new year conceived hopes of survival for the Ducali but subsequent defeats to Cagliari and Brescia seemed to have turned back the clock.

However, Pasquale Marino's side have run back into some good form in the last couple of matches as they defeated Catania 2-0 in Serie A last weekend and forced Palermo to a penalty shoot-out win in their Coppa Italia quarter-final tie in Sicily.

Parma are in a mid-table slot with 25 points from 21 matches and are six points above the dropzone. Encouragingly, the Gialloblu are above Bologna, Genoa and Chievo in the table and being back in form, they will be confident of a good result in Genoa.

TEAM NEWS

Genoa

Antonelli and Hallenius are out injured for Genoa.

Parma

Pisano is unavailable because of injury while Zaccardo and Paci are out suspended.

Prediction

Genoa will head into this encounter as the favourites of the two sides to collect all the points. Parma will give the Grifoni a chase for their money but the hosts should eventually come up with the goods.

Genoa 2-0 Parma

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30-01-2011 15:00 Cagliari - Bari

Mid-Table Security

Last weekend Cagliari lost 3-0 to Roma in Rome in Serie A but peeling off the initial layer of disappointment, one would find some encouragement. The Sardinians' performance against the Scudetto-chasing side was laudable as they did force the Lupi to defend desperately at times.

At the moment the Isolani are perched on 10th spot with 26 points from 21 matches, a healthy seven points above the relegation zone but a considerable nine points off a Europa League spot. Mid-table comfort is what Roberto Donadoni's side would have aimed for at the start of the 2010-11 campaign and mid-table security is what they have at the moment.

However, Cagliari should still try and climb up the charts so as to increase the gulf between them and the bottom-three. The Rossoblu have looked comfortable at home, having won five league fixtures at the Stadio Sant'Elia. Their last match in front of their own supporters ended in a 3-1 destruction of Europe-chasing Palermo.

It's All Over

Bari's relegation from Serie A remains a formality. With 14 points from 21 matches, the Galletti are six points adrift of safety and having won just one in 16 league matches they are in a wretched run of result.

Last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Napoli in front of their own supporters was the Biancorossi's fourth in a row in the new year, which started on a positive note as Lecce were finished off by a single goal.

Bari's performance haven't improved either and having won just once on the road all season in the league they will have little prospect of registering a victory in Sardinia against a confident Cagliari side.

TEAM NEWS

Cagliari

Nainggolan and Conti are suspended.

Bari

Ghezzal, Salvatore Masiello and Barreto are out injured for Bari while Parisi is suspended.

Prediction

Another defeat is in the offing for Bari as Cagliari should bag all three points in Sardinia.

Cagliari 2-0 Bari

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