28-02-2011 20:45 Milan - Napoli

Making Experience Count

Ahead of their Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed that their experience would help them see off the challenge of the Premier League side. While on that occasion the Rossoneri failed to get a grip on things, this time, with Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson available, the former Italian and European champions will hope to make that advantage count.

This season Milan are in real contention of winning the Scudetto for the first time since 2004. With European success looking to have eluded them after their encounter with Spurs in the first leg of the Round of 16 ended in a 1-0 defeat at home, the focus is firmly on the domestic arena, where coach Massimiliano Allegri is aspiring to create a legacy (of sorts) for himself in winning the championship for the Diavolo in his first season in charge.

However, despite holding a three-point advantage over Napoli in pole position in Serie A, Milan wouldn't head into this Monday night's clash at San Siro riding the wave of overconfidence. Last weekend's victory over Chievo in Verona was only their second win in five competitive fixtures and their last match at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza ended in a loss.

Milan won the reverse fixture 2-1 in Naples but survived a late scare when Ezequiel Lavezzi scored, and would be wary of an Azzurri side who have won their last three league fixtures.

History Starts To Whisper

Napoli haven't won the Scudetto since 1990 when a certain Diego Armando Maradona guided the Partenopei to their second championship in four years. Over 20 years have passed and the Neapolitans haven't come close to winning the championship. Until now.

This time there is a genuine chance that Napoli could construct history. With 52 points from 26 matches, the Azzurri are second in the table and a victory at San Siro on Monday will see them draw level with leaders Milan.

Walter Mazzarri's do not have a 'championship-winning mentality' or the experience but they do have the enthusiasm and exuberance as well as the joint second-best defensive record in the Italian top flight this campaign and the joint highest number of wins.

Napoli also have Edinson Cavani, the league's top scorer with 20 goals in 26 appearances. The Uruguay international striker has been finding the target right, left and centre and has been one of the best players this season. The 24-year-old scored both the goals in Napoli's 2-0 victory at Roma and with him on song, Mazzarri will be optimistic of garnering all three points in Milan.

TEAM NEWS

Milan

Pirlo, Inzaghi, Bonera, Ambrosini and Antonini are injured and will miss the clash on Monday.

Napoli

Grava is injured for the Azzurri, while Lavezzi is suspended.

Prediction

Napoli will be confident of at least getting a point in Milan and with their firepower and the Rossoneri's vulnerable defence they will be gunning for all three. However, Milan have proved themselves strong at home and with a superior firepower as Lavezzi is suspended for the visitors from Naples, they will win what will be a closely contested game.

Milan 1-0 Napoli

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27-02-2011 21:00 Athletic Bilbao - Valencia

The Lion's Den

Athletic Bilbao are up against Valencia in what star striker Fernando Llorente is billing as a 'huge match'. "Once again we play at home and we must show that we are to remain strong in our home," said Llorente, who hoped to see the "aggressive and strong team" which Athletic are well known to be at San Mames.

A fine run which saw Les Leones put together four straight wins was ended by two successive away defeats to Mallorca and Barcelona. Though the Champions League places may be just out of their reach, Athletic could open up a gap and secure their place in the Europa League qualifying positions.

Currently, they stand in fifth place, only one point ahead of Espanyol in sixth, and four ahead of the chasing pack that is Sevilla and Real Sociedad. Llorente is unfazed by the challenge that lay ahead for the Basque club, adding: “We must be ready and not conceding anything. It will not be easy but at home I think we can beat them [Valencia]”.

Gaining Domestic And Continental Momentum Is Key

For Valencia, a win at the daunting San Mames could open up some breathing space between themselves and Villarreal in the race for automatic Champions League qualification.

Los Che suffered continental hangover last weekend after being frustrated by the ever-improving Sporting Gijon. They remain in third, two points ahead of the Yellow Submarine and need to build on their good form lately.

Coach Unai Emery has had a week to prepare for this game, and is eager for his charges to get a result in Bilbao in the run-up to the Champions League return legg clash against Schalke 04. Juggling domestic and continental games is no easy task, and Los Che despite their inability to break the Germans, find themselves unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions, their last reverse coming against Real Madrid on December 4.

As we approach the business end of the season, gaining momentum on both fronts is of huge priority to Los Che, and this must continue this weekend.

TEAM NEWS

Athletic Bilbao

Joaquin Caparros has reportedly told Oscar Marcos that he will replace the suspended Andoni Iraola. Meanwhile, Gaizka Toquero will partner Fernando Llorente upfront at the expense of Ander Iturraspe.

Valencia

Mehmet Topal is highly doubtful for the game as he experiences discomfort with his calf. Other than that, there are no fresh injury worries for Unai Emery.

Prediction

This game has draw written all over it, Athletic are itching to end their losing streak whilst Valencia need to continue their form if they are to go further this season. You can’t win ‘em all. Both sides are set to close each other down.

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Valencia

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27-02-2011 21:00 Lille Metropole - Olympique Lyonnais

Time To Refocus

The past week has seen the end of Lille’s European adventure, with the French league leaders crashing out of the Europa League on Thursday courtesy of a 3-1 defeat at Dutch table-toppers PSV Eindhoven. Although leading 0-1 at half-time, Lille conceded shortly after the break, and following the dismissal of their goalscorer Pierre-Alain Frau collapsed entirely.

Although Rudi Garcia indicated that the Europa League was not his top priority by starting Eden Hazard, Gervinho and Moussa Sow on the bench, the Lille manager now has the responsibility of boosting his team’s fragile morale ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Thursday’s match was the latest in a string of worrying results for Lille, who have won only one out of their last five matches in all competitions. Last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Montpellier HSC has seen Lille’s lead at the top of Ligue 1 drastically reduced, with Stade Rennes lurking a mere two points behind.

In response to his team’s loss to Montpellier, Rudi Garcia was swift to emphasize the significance of Sunday’s upcoming clash in view of the title, and to impress the need for improvement upon his players.

“Given our performance, we didn’t deserve a result”, Garcia admitted to AFP earlier in the week. “We did a lot of very average things but it’s not like we need to throw in the towel. We just need to knuckle down and get focused.

“We didn’t show the kind of desire that a side on top of the table has, the kind of side that does anything to get the points. Now we absolutely have to bounce back in the league against Lyon on Sunday."

As only four points separate first and fifth position, anything but a win against Olympique Lyonnais could send les Dogues into third place, leaving them in a precarious position ahead of potentially dangerous visits to Olympique de Marseille, Stade Brestois and FC Lorient.

An Opportune Moment

It will be a confident Olympique Lyonnais side that travels to the Stade Lille-Metropole on Sunday. Having outplayed Real Madrid for the first half of their Champions League last-16 encounter at the Stade Gerland on Tuesday, les Gones might consider themselves unlucky to take only a 1-1 draw to the Bernabeu in three weeks’ time.

Nonetheless, their incisive play and the resilience they displayed following Karim Benzema’s opening goal will no doubt provide encouragement for not only the away leg in Madrid, but also in their quest for the Ligue 1 title.

Speaking to UEFA.com after the match, manager Claude Puel praised his side’s efforts and stated, “We produced a great game, a real spectacle. They made the most of Karim coming on to score. After that we started to play our own game again and we finished very strongly to get the equaliser.

“It’s a pity we missed opportunities, especially in the first half. Our final pass wasn’t clinical enough. We deserved more because we gave our all. The scoreline is not satisfying but the performance was good.”

Lyon’s domestic form of late is equally impressive, with their only defeat in seventeen Ligue 1 matches coming at Valenciennes last month. Both their 1-4 away win in the Rhône derby and last Friday’s 4-0 victory over Nancy have been free-scoring displays, and against an attacking Lille side, this may prove timely. Currently in fourth position, a win could take les Gones into second, just one point behind their hosts.

And it is clear that the players are equally focused on the Ligue 1 title. “We are now in a positive phase”, playmaker Yoann Gourcuff told UEFA.com. “We know that we’re well positioned in the league.

"But the pace is very high at the top. The top five teams are not wasting many points, and are playing well. So far we’re trying to stay focused on the league, and still be amongst the top teams, in order to achieve our objectives.”

TEAM NEWS

Lille

Les Dogues have no pressing injury concerns, and it is likely that Rudi Garcia will have a full complement of players at his disposal.

Lyon

Only Lisandro Lopez is doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury in training last week.

Prediction

With both teams aware of the significance of this encounter, it is likely to be a measured affair. Although three places behind their hosts in the Ligue 1 table, Lyon will be encouraged by their 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture, and in light of Lille’s recent form, should claim another victory against their northern rivals.

Lille 1-2 O. Lyon

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27-02-2011 20:45 Sampdoria - Inter

Mid-Table Modesty

Sampdoria’s 2010-11 campaign is as good as over. The Blucerchiati are currently stationed in the bottom half of the table with 31 points from 26 matches; with eight points the difference between them and the relegation zone and 11 points the gulf between them and a place in Europe, Samp are now part of the also-ran contingent.

Last weekend Domenico Di Carlo’s side were involved in a goalless draw with Fiorentina in Florence and prior to that they had lost the Derby della Lanterna to Genoa 1-0. Sampdoria have been in mixed and inconsistent form in the new year, and with hopes of European qualification having long withered, they are destined to finish in mid-table.

Sampdoria, though, have a strong record at home as they have lost just three of the 13 league encounters in front of their own supporters this campaign. Samp will also be encouraged by the fact that in the reverse fixture in October they held Inter to a 1-1 draw in Milan.

Returning To Winning Ways

With Inter’s European campaign having been almost deflated beyond repair, the Nerazzurri will turn their attention back onto to the league action. Midweek’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at San Siro in the first-leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League means that they are one foot into the waters, with hopes of a treble evaporating fast.

In Serie A, though, Leonardo’s side are going strong and having recovered from a disaster-sewn Rafael Benitez tenure, the Beneamata are in realistic chance of successfully retaining the Scudetto. Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari placed them third in the table on 50 points, two points behind Napoli, who are second, and five behind leaders Milan.

The encounter against Sampdoria in Genoa on Sunday evening will also mark the return of striker Giampaolo Pazzini to the club he left in January to join the defending Italian and European champions.

The Italy international forward has been in good form for Inter in 2011 and ahead of the clash enthused on Thursday: "It will be a particularly tough game for me. I had two great years in Genoa. The emotion will be high when I arrive at the ground, let alone get on the pitch.”

TEAM NEWS

Sampdoria

Semioli, Pozzi and Tissone are injured for Sampdoria and will miss the visit of Inter.

Inter

Samuel, Milito, Cordoba, Thiago Motta, Cambiasso and Ranocchia are injured and are set to miss the trip to Genoa. Maicon is suspended.

Prediction

Sampdoria are struggling for points but the Genoese side have a strong record at home. Inter lost to Bayern Munich in midweek in Milan and this could affect them psychologically. A draw in Genoa could be final outcome.

Sampdoria 1-1 Inter Milan

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27-02-2011 19:00 Racing Santander - Villarreal

Racing On A Good Run

Racing Santander has enjoyed a four-match unbeaten streak, stretching back to their defeat to Barcelona on January 22. This has enabled Racing to pull away from the heated relegation fight and put a bit of daylight between the teams in the scrap at the bottom.

However, they’re not entirely safe, such is the situation at the bottom of the table, Los Racinguistas find themselves five points from the relegation zone, yet weirdly just six off Sevilla in seventh place in the standings. A continued run of form starting with Villarreal on Sunday will enable Racing to climb up La Liga and away from any demotion worry.

Midfielder Adrian Gonzalez recognises the task at hand: "The two combined wins against Sevilla FC and Getafe CF have allowed us to distance ourselves from the relegation zone and make the stay is closer but we can not relax because the competition is very close.”

New coach Marcelino may not have been helped with distractions off the field surrounding owner Ahsan Ali Syed, although this shouldn’t impact their play on the field.

European Qualification Ensures Domestic Push

Villarreal have continued their push for European glory after beating Italian high-flyers Napoli 2-1 at El Madrigal to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League where they face another tough tie having been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen.

The Yellow Submarine showed great character to recover from conceding a dangerous away goal to the Partenopei to turn the tie on its head thanks to late first half goals from Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi.

Coach Juan Carlos Garrido was understandably happy after the game. "We are very happy for the victory and progressing to the next round," the tactician told AS after the match. "We also played a good game, and the team can gain some confidence after a string of poor results [in the league].

And to the league it is, where El Submarino Amarillo have dropped to fourth behind Valencia in the race for automatic Champions League qualification. Their Europa League adventures have contributed to a continental hangover as Villarreal haven’t won for three matches in the league, and will look to correct that at El Sardinero.

TEAM NEWS

Racing Santander

Marcelino doesn’t have any fresh injury headaches heading into the game.

Villarreal

Juan Carlos Garrido is expected to rotate his side for the match on Sunday which comes just three days after the Europa League tie. One or two fringe players may be included in the starting XI, yet this mostly should remain unchanged.

Prediction

Villarreal haven’t had much time to prepare for this game. Racing on the other hand are a difficult side to overcome, and despite their lack of attacking quality, they’re not doing too badly in the league recently and an assured display could see them increase their run to five matches unbeaten.

Racing 1-1 Villarreal

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27-02-2011 17:30 Werder - Bayer Leverkusen

Fan Intervention To Inspire Bremen?

There is no dressing up the fact that Bremen are in trouble. Every week Thomas Schaaf and co must wonder when the club's fortunes will improve, only for things to get even worse.

Last weekend's 4-0 defeat in the Nord derby to rivals Hamburg was a sickening experience for all concerned with the club, especially 250 fans in particular who sought answers from the team.

When news broke that the supporters had surrounded the team coach after the game, many would have expected to hear about the discontent fans hurling abuse and causing trouble. This was not to be the case.

Instead, the pack of Bremen supporters encouraged a factual and peaceful discussion with general manager Klaus Allofs, coach Schaaf, captain Torsten Frings and his vice Per Mertesacker.

"It is absolutely correct how the fans voiced themselves. You could clearly tell their worries about the current situation. The manner in which they presented themselves was positive and gives one courage," Allofs told the club's official website after the incident.

Everyone involved with the club will hope the situation can add renewed optimism to the Bremen cause and bring everyone who cares about the team together.

What is for certain is that as the club head into Sunday's crunch home tie with Leverkusen, the supporters still believe. The fans left the team last Saturday evening with chants such as "We are Bremen", "Never second division" and "Thomas Schaaf, you are the best."

Contrasting Fortunes For Bayer And Werder

Their is certainly a contrast in fortunes between the two sides heading into Sunday's crucial game between Bremen and Leverkusen. Leverkusen come into the game on the back of a 4-2 victory over Stuttgart and a 6-0 aggregate win in the Europa League over Metalist Kharkiv to send die Werkself into the last 16.

Bremen on the otherhand suffered their heaviest defeat of the season to Northern rivals Hamburg last week, a 4-0 thrashing to send team spirit to rock bottom while there was to be no midweek European fixture following their earlier Champions League exit.

Leverkusen sit second in the table while Bremen languish down in 14th place. Jupp Heynckes' men can even boast a near full-strength squad while Werder are crippled with a lenghty list of absentees.

So does Heynckes believe the game will be a walk in the park? Of course not.

"We saw in our 4-2 win over Stuttgart how hard it is to play against established Bundesliga club’s who have got themselves into trouble and need every point. We need to go there with the necessary confidence to win the game. Nothing else counts," the veteran tactician told the club's website.

With title rivals Bayern and Dortmund also meeting this weekend, Leverkusen will be hoping to take advantage of at least ont of those sides dropping points. In current form, who's to bet against them?

TEAM NEWS

Werder Bremen

Thomas Schaaf's struggling team are without several important players for the visit of Leverkusen. Captain Torsten Frings will miss the game through a one game suspension while Wesley, Naldo, Sebastian Boenisch, Felix Kroos, Christian Vander, Samuel, Onur Ayik and Daniel Jensen also miss out through injury. There is some good news for the home side with Tim Wiese returning from suspension and Claudio Pizarro expected to return to the starting line-up after shrugging off a muscular problem.

Probable Starting XI: Wiese - Schmidt, Mertesacker, Proedl, Silvestre - Hunt, Bargfrede, Fritz, Marin - Pizarro, Arnautovic

Bayer Leverkusen

Die Werkself are relatively injury free going into the game with Bremen with Tranquillo Barnetta and Fabian Giefer the only players on the injury-list. Jupp Heynckes' men are expected to name the same team who defeated Stuttgart 4-2 last weekend meaning Michael Ballack will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Probable Starting XI: Adler - Schwaab, Hyypia, Reinartz, Kadlec - Rolfes, Vidal - Sam, Renato Augusto, Castro - Kiessling

Prediction

Werder Bremen 1-1 Leverkusen 

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27-02-2011 17:00 Arsenal - Birmingham City

* Arsenal are unbeaten in their past 11 matches in all competitions.
* Without Cesc Fabregas in the team Samir Nasri has scored nine goals in nine games this season; when both have been playing the Frenchman only has five goals in 20 appearances.
* Nikola Zigic has scored three goals in his past four league games for Birmingham.
* Alex McLeish's side have only lost once in their past seven matches in all competitions.
* Arsenal and Birmingham have both scored 13 goals on their way to the Carling Cup final. Defensively the Gunners have been much more solid, conceding only two goals to the Blues' eight.
* Three of the last six League Cup finals have gone to extra-time.
* Arsenal's fans may have waited what feels like an eternity to win another major trophy but their six-year wait is nothing compared to Birmingham's 48-year trophy drought. The last time the Blues won anything of note was back in 1963 when they beat city rivals Aston Villa to win the League Cup.
* Both sides have lost League Cup finals in the past decade, with the Blues losing to Liverpool on penalties back in 2001, while Arsenal lost 2-1 to Chelsea in 2007.
* Arsene Wenger has taken Arsenal to eight major finals during his time at Arsenal and he as a 50 per cent success rate, winning four and losing four.
* Sunday represents not only an important day in Birmingham's history but is also the birthday of club owner Carson Yeung. The Hong Kong businessman will hope his side give him a birthday present to remember.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Arsenal (4-3-3): Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Nasri; Bendtner, Van Persie, Arshavin.

Birmingham (4-4-2): Foster; Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Ridgewell; Hleb, Ferguson, Gardner, Larsson; Martins, Zigic.

Prediction

Cup finals are always tricky affairs to call, especially the League Cup final which has provided numerous shocks over over the past 20 years. And the injuries sustained by Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Stoke in midweek has really clouded the issue of who is going to be victorious on Sunday afternoon.

But Arsene Wenger's Arsenal should still have the firepower to overcome Birmingham and end their near-six-year wait for a major trophy. Alex McLeish's side will not roll over lightly though and expect the Blues to be in contention in this final from the word go, but Arsenal, on  Wembley's big pitch, should have enough quality to pick up the first major silverware of the season.

Arsenal 2-1 Birmingham

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27-02-2011 15:00 Roma - Parma

Back To Winning Ways

Vincenzo Montella’s arrival appears to have revived Roma with the players having recovered their spirits. In midweek the Giallorossi won 1-0 against Bologna away from home in what was a rescheduled fixture from late January. That victory placed the former Italian champions in sixth spot in the Serie A standings with 42 points from 26 matches.

The win in Bologna was the Lupi’s first victory in six competitive games and followed a dramatic but eventually detrimental 4-3 defeat to Genoa. Roma had actually gone 3-0 up against the Grifoni only to concede no fewer than four goals in the second half.

However, having tasted victory once again on Sunday afternoon the Roma players will be keen to gift-wrap caretaker coach Montella a home win. As the takeover is nearing its fruition, it is getting more and more important for Roma to fulfill their potential. With Claudio Ranieri gone, the new era has already begun and the Roma fans will expect to see the dawn at home on Sunday.

Hope Springs Eternal

Parma remain part of the contingent who are struggling for survival in Serie A. Having collected just 27 points from 26 matches, the Ducali find themselves just two places and four points above the bottom-three and in desperate need of points.

Heading into Week 27, Parma have reiterated their support in coach Pasquale Marino, with the club’s chief executive Pietro Leonardi stating: "The team is behind the coach, they trust him like we do, we don't see a need to change.”

Parma will be looking for an upset at the Stadio Olimpico despite boasting a poor away form in the league as Roma have failed to win any of their last three competitive fixtures in Rome and lost to Shakhtar Donetsk and Napoli this month. In the reverse fixture in October, Parma held Roma to a goalless draw at home.

TEAM NEWS

Roma

Adriano and Perrotta are injured and will miss the visit of Parma. Rosi, Mexes and Greco are suspended.

Parma

Calvo and Marques are injured and are unavailable for the visit to Rome.

Prediction

Roma lost to Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk at home recently but they still retain their strength and aura in Rome. Parma are struggling for survival and have a wretched record on the road, so a comfortable victory for the Lupi looks the most likely outcome of this encounter.

Roma 2-0 Parma

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27-02-2011 15:00 Palermo - Udinese

Stopping The Rot

Palermo have suffered from bouts of inconsistency this campaign and despite remaining one of the main contenders for a top-four finish in Serie A, the Sicilians are uncertain whether they would even get into Europe next season as at the moment they are stationed outside the top six.

Last weekend Palermo went down 1-0 to Bologna on the road, following their shock 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina at home. Back-to-back defeats came after back-to-back victories over Juventus and Lecce and have placed them two points off a Europa League slot and a massive eight points behind Lazio, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League position.

Coach Delio Rossi is coming under increased pressure and although that he will not be sacked anytime between now and the end of the 2010-11 campaign, he needs to reform his team, re-inject confidence in the players and return them to winning ways.

With the Rosanero boasting an encouraging record at home with eight wins out of a possible 13 in the league, they should be trying to armour themselves with confidence.

Entertainment Guaranteed

Home or away, Udinese do not disappoint when it comes to giving the spectators and the viewers unalloyed entertainment. The Bianconeri may have failed to score against Brescia last weekend but the goalless draw in Udine saw them extend their unbeaten league run to nine matches – except losing to Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia on penalties, Udinese have yet to taste defeat in 2011.

At the moment Udinese are fifth in the Serie A table with 44 points from 26 matches. With just four points separating them from fourth-place Lazio, the Zebrette are very much in contention for a place in next season’s Europe’s premier club competition, and with their current stride they should be confident of accomplishing just that.

Udinese’s away form, though, isn’t as impressive as their record at home is as they have lost more league encounters on the road than they have won. However, Francesco Guidolin’s side have won their last three away matches in Serie A, including that against Juventus in Turin.

Having got the better of Palermo 2-1 in Udine in the reverse fixture in October, Udinese will travel to Sicily basking in hope and optimism.

TEAM NEWS

Palermo

Cassani, Miccoli, Pinilla and Goian are injured for the Sicilians. Carrozzieri and Garcia are suspended.

Udinese

Basta, Ferronetti and Angella are out for the Bianconeri.

Prediction

This promises to be an attack-minded and entertaining game of football. Both Palermo and Udinese are firmly committed to attacking football and one can expect goals in this fixture. The Sicilians are strong at home but Udinese are in a good run of form - this encounter could end in a draw.

Palermo 2-2 Udinese

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27-02-2011 15:00 Cesena - Chievo Verona

The Struggle Continues

Cesena have shown signs of improvements from time to time but their effort has not matched the results. Heading into Week 27 the Seahorses find themselves second from bottom in the league table, having mustered 22 points from 26 matches.

Last weekend Massimo Ficcadenti’s side played out a high-scoring 2-2 draw with fellow relegation candidates Parma on the road to bring to an end to back-to-back defeats. However, Cesena have yet to win a league match since the first week of January when they won 2-1 in Brescia.

Mid-Table Safety

Worries of relegation had crept in on Chievo but the Flying Donkeys’ revival since late January means that they are now comfortably placed in mid-table and are likely finish there as well at the end of the season.

With 31 points from 26 matches, Chievo find themselves in 13th position in the league standings. Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Milan in Verona was their second successive loss in the league after they lost to Cagliari in Sardinia the weekend before.

Chievo have a poor record on the road this season but Stefano Pioli’s side will hope to collect all three points on Sunday given that they are up against one of the worst teams in the Italian first division.


TEAM NEWS

Cesena

Fatic and Gorobsov injured for the Seahorses.

Chievo

Luciano is injured for the Flying Donkeys. Cesar and Rigoni are suspended.

Prediction

Cesena would struggle against Chievo even at home but playing in front of their own supporters should give them the confidence and the motivation to get at least a point.

Cesena 1-1 Chievo

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27-02-2011 15:00 Cagliari - Lazio

Floating In Mid-Table

Cagliari continue to play the role of willing also-rans as the Sardinians remain neatly tucked in mid-table, out of the reach of the relegation monster and way behind the promises of European qualification.

Placed tenth in the Serie A standings with 35 points, Cagliari are 12 clear of the bottom-three and seven off a Europa League slot. With the teams above them stronger than them and those below them - especially those near the relegation zone - depressingly struggling for points, Cagliari’s season is as good as over.

However, the Isolani will still be looking to collect more points and give Europe a push. Cagliari have won seven times at home in the league this season and will be confident of forcing Lazio to the edge.

Lingering Scudetto Dreams

Lazio chiefs continue to insist that they are not playing for the Scudetto and that qualifying for Europe would be deemed a success. However, with the league’s top-two Milan and Napoli confronting each other on Monday, the former Italian champions will be looking to sneak in on them.

At the moment Edy Reja’s side are fourth in the Serie A table with 48 points, seven points off the pace. A victory over Cagliari in Sardinia on Sunday afternoon will see them trim the gap on leaders Milan to just four points, making their Scudetto chances more concrete.

Lazio are on a good run of form, having won their last two league encounters and yet to lose in five. The Biancocelesti’s last away fixture saw them win 2-0 in Brescia and they will be confident of getting at least a point in Cagliari.

TEAM NEWS

Cagliari

There are no injury or suspension worries for the Sardinians.

Lazio

Rocchi, Diakite, Mauri, Muslera and Brocchi are injured for the Aquile and will miss the trip to Sardinia.

Prediction

Cagliari have proved themselves to be strong at home and will be confident of winning against Lazio. However, the Roman side are in a good run of form and should muster a narrow away victory.

Cagliari 1-2 Lazio

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27-02-2011 15:00 Brescia - Lecce

Hoping For One Last Push

Heading into Week 27 Brescia find themselves third from bottom in the Serie A table with 23 points from 26 matches. All is not lost for the Biancoazzurri, though, as they are just three points behind Catania, who are 17th.

Ahead of their relegation six-pointer against Lecce, Brescia will take encouragement from their goalless draw with Udinese in Udine last weekend. The Bianconeri are in a great run of form and are fighting for a place in Europe, and staving them off from scoring is a feat indeed.

Increasing The Gap

Lecce have been in and around the relegation zone for long but heading into this weekend’s round of matches in Serie A, the Giallorossi find themselves with some breathing space as they lie 15th in the standings, four points clear of the dropzone.

Lecce have also run into a bit of good form as they have won two of their last four matches. Last weekend Luigi De Canio’s side conjured up a massive shocker as they destroyed former Italian and European champions Juventus 2-0 at home.


TEAM NEWS

Brescia

Dallamano, Sereni, Filippini and Cordova are injured for Brescia and will miss the visit of Lecce.

Lecce

Giuliatto, Di Michele, Ofere, Tomovic and Ferrario are injured and will miss the trip to Brescia. Giacomazzi and Vives are suspended.

Prediction

This is a relegation six-pointer that could go either way. Brescia will have the edge as they are at home and could just about sneak all three points.

Brescia 2-0 Lecce

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27-02-2011 15:00 Bari - Fiorentina

Doomed For Relegation

Bari are set to win the race to become the first side in 2010-11 to suffer relegation from Serie A. Having managed just 15 points from 26 matches, the Galletti find themselves rooted to the bottom and a massive 11 points from safety.

Bari have won just three times in the league all season and their last victory came in the first week of January against fellow relegation candidates Lecce. Last weekend the Biancorossi suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Lazio in Rome.

Bari have a porous defence that has conceded a whooping 40 league goals this season and they are statistically the worst side attack-wise, having mustered only 14 goals so far.

Eying Another Away Victory

A day before Valentine’s Day Fiorentina gift-wrapped themselves their first away win of the 2010-11 campaign in Serie A. The 4-2 shock defeat of Palermo in Sicily came as much as a surprise as a refreshment and this Sunday they will be hoping to repeat that feat in Bari.

At the moment Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side are in 11th spot in the table with 33 points from 26 matches, out of the reach of the relegation demon and too far away to reach the Europe-fairy. Last weekend Fiorentina held fellow mid-table side Sampdoria to a goalless draw at home and will aspire for maximum points this weekend.

The Gigliati will also be encouraged by the fact that in the reverse fixture against Bari in Florence in October they won 2-1.

TEAM NEWS

Bari

Barreto, Salvatore Masiello, Kutuzov, Almiron and Rudolf are injured and will sit out the visit of Fiorentina. Rossi is suspended.

Fiorentina

Santana, Kroldrup, Jovetic and Frey are injured for the Viola.

Prediction

Fiorentina should be confident of mustering maximum points against Bari, who are at the foot of the table.

Bari 0-2 Fiorentina

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27-02-2011 14:30 West Ham United - Liverpool

* Liverpool's Raul Meireles has scored in five of Liverpool's last six matches.
* Kenny Dalglish's side have won their last four league games against West Ham
* Liverpool are currently on a three-game unbeaten away run in all competitions.
* In each of their last four wins, Liverpool have scored three goals.
* Liverpool have not won three consecutive league games away from home since May 2009.
* West Ham's last seven goals have been scored by strikers.
* Only Birmingham City (13) have scored fewer goals at home than West Ham (14) this season.
* West Ham have lost 13 of their last 16 league games against Liverpool.
* Avram Grant's side have only kept three clean sheets in the league all season.
* At this stage last season, West Ham had only two more points from 27 games but were in 13th place.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

West Ham (4-4-2): Green; Jacobsen, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Bridge; O'Neil, Noble, Parker, Obinna; Ba, Piquionne.

Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Reina; Agger, Skrtel, Carragher; Kelly, Lucas, Poulsen, Johnson; Kuyt, Meireles; Suarez.

Prediction

Kenny Dalglish has only lost one league match since taking charge and it's easy to underestimate the Scot's impact since his January arrival.

West Ham's bolstered attack could give the visitors problems and Demba Ba has shown early promise of being able to score consistently. But Liverpool look more assured with every passing game and if Meireles is on form, the midfielder could make the difference.

West Ham 1-2 Liverpool

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27-02-2011 12:30 Catania - Genoa

The Battle Continues

Catania’s battle against relegation continues as the Sicilians remain dangerously close to the bottom-three. As a matter of fact, the Etnei are just a place and three points above third-from-bottom Brescia with 26 points from as many matches.

Catania, though, have a formidable record at home. Diego Simeone’s side have suffered just three defeats at the Angelo Massimino all season and those losses came at the hands of Juventus, Inter and Milan.

In the reverse fixture in October, Catania went down 1-0 to Genoa, and will therefore be emboldened to go for a victory this time to avenge themselves.


Running Into Form

Genoa’s 2010-11 campaign is virtually over with the Grifoni languishing in ninth place in the Serie A standings with 35 points from 26 matches. With relegation worries not bothering to haunt them and Europe looking a faraway dream, Davide Ballardini’s team has become an also-ran.

However, this isn’t deterring the Rossoblu from winning games and collecting points. Last weekend Genoa conjured up what is arguably the most shocking comeback of the league season in Italy. After going 3-0 down to Roma by the early minutes of the second-half, they scored four goals and emerged victorious 4-3.

The win was their second in a row and followed a 1-0 defeat of Sampdoria in the Genoa derby. It also saw Genoa stretch their unbeaten run in the league to four matches and they will now hope to continue that streak in Catania.

TEAM NEWS

Catania

Capuano, Biagianti, Bellusci, Martinho and Sciacca are injured for the Sicilians. Spolli is suspended.

Genoa

Destro, Konko, Chico and Milanetto are injured. Rafinha is suspended.

Prediction

Catania are very strong at home and Genoa would struggle for even a point. The Sicilians should eventually garner a win.

Catania 2-0 Genoa

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26-02-2011 Bet of the day

Match Odds: Bayern Munich 1.83, Draw 3.60, Borussia Dortmund 4.20 (William Hill)

October 12, 1991 - the last time Borussia Dortmund left Munich with a win in the Bundesliga. Since then both sides have won the Champions League and Bayern have switched stadiums but the rivalry between the sides endures and if anything has become fiercer.

If Juergen Klopp needs any extra motivation to break the 20-year curse he should consult the betting odds. Bookies have priced a Dortmund win at 4.20 which is frankly a slap in the face for the runaway league leaders.

For starters Dortmund have the best road record in the league winning 10 from 12 scoring more goals in the process. They also have the best defensive record in the league shipping just 13 goals in 23 games and are fresher having had a week's rest since their last match against St Pauli.

A price of 4.20 on an away win is crazy indeed. You can even back Dortmund at a tasty evens (2.0) to avoid defeat at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich, another side who have just won with a crazy price, are gathering a head of steam with the Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben duo committing 'Robbery' given half a chance. The champions were another mad price (3.20) to beat Inter in midweek and are 1.83 favourites for this one.

A massive 13 points separates the sides in the league and even a home win wouldn't change the dynamic of the Bundesliga massively. Dortmund will be highly motivated to nip any potential title charge from the Bavarians in the bud and sink a Bayern side still buzzing from their San Siro triumph.

The Pick

Borussia Dortmund to win @ 4.20

The Conservative

Both teams to score @ 1.60/ Over 2.5 goals @ 1.61

The Long Shot

Bayern Munich 0-3 Borussia Dortmund @ 51.0

Dortmund's last league win in Munich was by a 3-0 scoreline in 1991

Match Odds: Bayern Munich 1.83, Draw 3.60, Borussia Dortmund 4.20 (William Hill)

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26.-27. 02.2011. Bets of the week

Wigan Athletic - Manchester United 
Wigan Athletic play host to 11-time Premier League champions Manchester United, and a quick look at the record books doesn't look good for Wigan with 12 games against United resulting in 12 defeats.
However, I think it could be a good time to play United, as this week they have had a difficult Champions League midweek match away to Marseille, and I am sure they will also be looking ahead to two massive away games at Chelsea and Liverpool before the second leg against the French side.
Sir Alex could use this game as an opportunity to rest some of his so-called 'star' players. If he does, then perhaps Wigan might be able to get something from this game.
Match Odds: Wigan 6.25, Draw 4.0, Man Utd 1.45
Tips: Back both teams to score @ 1.90 / Back draw @ 4.0 


Wolverhampton Wanderers - Blackpool 
We seem to be guaranteed goals anytime Blackpool play. They had a great victory during the week beating Tottenham 3-1. Their attack minded formation and daring approach ensures they are always likely to score and concede.

Anyone backing the both teams to score market in their home matches this season has not lost yet. They travel to a Wolves team this weekend still feeling sore over the concession of a late goal against West Brom. Expect an entertaining match with both teams scoring.

Match Odds: Wolves 1.83, Draw 3.50, Blackpool 3.75

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.65 


Manchester City - Fulham 
Manchester City have won their last six games in all competitions at Eastlands, and the return of Mark Hughes should not really pose Roberto Mancini much trouble with Fulham only winning once away from home all season.

This fixture is heavily biased towards goals. Both teams have scored in the last 13 meetings; ten of which finished with three goals or more. Dzeko and Tevez are starting to show signs of an improving partnership and pushing Kolarov further up the pitch might prove fruitful.
Manchester City's last four matches at home have yielded an average of 5.25 goals and goals should be expected again on Sunday.
Match Odds: Man City 1.44, Draw 3.75, Fulham 7.0
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.90

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26-02-2011 22:00 Deportivo La Coruna - Real

Hopes Of Winning

Only three points clear of the relegation zone, the future of Deportivo La Coruna is distinctly unclear at present. Miguel Angel Lotina’s side have attained some noteworthy scalps over the course of the season, but all too often they’ve been held to draws or have slipped to narrow losses. Anything they can take from Saturday night’s match against Real Madrid would have to be considered a bonus.

Though their standing in the league suggests mediocrity, at the Riazor they’ve fared pretty well this term. Only two of their 11 league fixtures have been lost at the venue, though a 4-0 thumping by Barcelona was particularly humbling. It’s generally been Deportivo doing the slaying in the north east of Spain, with their 1-0 victory over Villarreal a fortnight ago a particularly noteworthy result.

Last weekend goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia hit the headlines when he salvaged a point for his side against Almeria, coming up for a stoppage time corner to head into the net, an act that appears to have prompted fresh confidence in the Galician side.

“I have hopes of winning, I know it's difficult but it’s possible,” Lotina is quoted as saying in Marca this week, regarding Saturday’s fixture. “We can’t make mistakes and we must try to do harm when we can develop our play.

“Winning against Madrid would retention [in the Primera Division].”

Lotina is clearly setting a lot of store in the weekend’s fixture for his team, though he clearly anticipates a ferocious battle against opponents driving for the league title. Hammered 6-1 away from home the last time the sides met, Super Depor will have to show a very different face in front of their home fans.

Step Forward

Frustrated in midweek by Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid go back to their business in the Primera Division knowing that even the slightest slip is likely to give Barcelona a decisive advantage in the race for the crown. Jose Mourinho’s men have been allowed back into the race by Barca’s slip against Sporting de Gijon, and it looks unlikely they’ll be given any more reprieves.

Los Blancos have plenty to consider ahead of Saturday night’s clash. They produced a rather tame performance at the Stade Gerland on Tuesday evening, though a 1-1 draw against the French side certainly allows them to take an optimistic approach into the second leg of their Champions League encounter in two-and-a-half weeks.

Mourinho would have expected his unit to hold out after Karim Benzema strutted off the bench to burst past several players and score mere seconds after arriving on the pitch, but poor defending from a set-play cost the Spaniards almost right at the death.

“We have taken a step forward,” Mourinho mused after the encounter. “It's the first time we have scored a goal in Lyon. Everything is left open against a quality opponent but I hope the Bernabeu helps the team create a magical European night.”

The Portuguese’s focus will be fully directed towards Depor on Saturday evening as the Spanish crown remains a huge priority for the Madrid giants. Historically, the Riazor has been a venue unkind to los Merengues, but after breaking their jinx last season, they will expect to continue serenely this term against opponents struggling for form.

TEAM NEWS

Deportivo

Andres Guardado is set to return to the starting XI after injury, while Saul is back with the squad too. On the other hand, Xisco will miss six weeks due to injury and Manuel Pablo is doubtful too.

Real Madrid

Sami Khedira picked up a hamstring injury against Lyon and is set to miss a couple of weeks because of the problem. Jerzy Dudek and Gonzalo Higuain continue to recover from long-term worries.

Prediction

Midweek fatigue will be a factor on Real Madrid’s part, but they should still be strong enough to see off a Deportivo La Coruna unit known for their defensive resilience. Such outfits have caused los Blancos problems in the recent past, so nothing should be taken for granted.

Deportivo 0-1 Real Madrid

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