29.-30. 01.2011. Bets Of The Week

29.01. (Sat) 16:00 Watford - Brighton & Hove A.

Watford were expected to struggle this season but Malky Mackay has a lot of confidence running through the veins of his young side at the moment. There is a possibility they could "do a Blackpool" and achieve promotion to the Premiership against all expectations.

Their defeat last week in Cardiff brought an end to a seven game winning streak and they will be looking to bounce back against Brighton in the FA Cup this weekend. The last eight games involving Watford have produced over 2.5 goals, so the odds of it happening again has significant appeal.

Brighton are flying high in League One under Gus Poyet but their recent away form has been patchy. Expect a few goals and a home victory here.

Match Odds: Watford 1.72, Draw 3.50, Brighton 4.20

Tip: Watford to win @ 1.72 Bet Now

16:00 Crystal Palace - Norwich City

16:00 Rotheram United - Stockport County

Norwich are holders of an incredible record of scoring in almost every single time on their travels. They've actually failed to score only once this season away from home while Crystal Palace, who are just above the relegation zone and are currently on a six-game home unbeaten run, simply can not afford to drop many more points at Selhurst Park. Expect an open game where both teams have a great chance of scoring.

Rotherham are chasing automatic promotion but they are on a four-game winless run and if they are to keep their promotion bid going they need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later. Opponents Stockport find it extremely difficult to keep clean sheets, conceding two or more goals in seven of their 13 away games so far and at the same time they have managed to score two or more only twice on the road.

Rotherham should put a stop to their winless streak and against a team of Stockport's strength I expect them to win in style, hence the backing of -1 asian handicap.

Match Odds: Crystal Palace 2.60, Draw 3.25, Norwich 2.45

Tip: Double on both teams to score (Crystal Palace - Norwich) and Rotherham (-1) @ 3.50

29.01. (Sat) 18:00 Real Sociedad - Almeria

Almeria are playing open and aggressive football lately. Argentinian sensation Leonardo Ulloa is in the form of his life, and they are scoring plenty of goals, while their defense is dreadful to say the least, despite having outstanding Diego Alves in goal. Last week they won 3-2 versus Osasuna, and two 4-3 wins against Mallorca in Copa del Rey are also to be taken into account.

On Wednesday they were thrashed 0-5 by Barcelona in the semi-finals, and it’s logical to predict they should both score and concede against the Basques. Sociedad are in similar mood themselves. Their last six league games went produced three goals or more, and that’s the statistic in nine in their last ten fixtures.

Match Odds: Real Sociedad 2.00, Draw 3.25, Almeria 3.40Bet Now

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80

30.01. (Sun) 21:00 Espanyol - Villarreal

Goals have been plentiful recently for both Espanyol and Villarreal and another feast is sure to be on the cards. Forwards Osvaldo, Luis Garcia and midfielder Callejon have all been on the mark recently leaving eight out of Espanyol’s last nine matches with at least three or more goals, including the last four at home.

El Submarino Amarillo are no strangers to goals either, boasting the likes of Rossi, Nilmar and Cazorla up front. Four out of Villareal's last five games have gone over the 2.5 goals mark and Espanyol will surely go on the attack at home against Juan Carlos Garrido’s side who won 4-0 earlier in the season at El Madrigal.

Match Odds: Espanyol 2.40, Draw 3.20, Villarreal 2.70

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85Bet Now

Read More

29-01-2011 22:00 Dep. La Coruna - Sevilla

Increase The Intensity

The lead-up to Christmas brought hope for Deportivo La Coruna that they might miss the worst of the relegation storm, but a poor run of results has been quick to suck them back into problems. Miguel Angel Lotina’s side may be stationed 13th in the table, but they are only four points clear of the bottom three, and the coach will want them to press on the accelerator immediately.

Over the course of their last three matches, Depor have failed to even muster a goal. Their defences were ripped to pieces in a 5-0 defeat at the Riazor against Barcelona before Valencia overcame them 2-0 on the east coast. Neither of these defeats was especially damaging, but the 1-0 loss in Zaragoza last weekend was an outcome that certainly leaves the Galicians with something to ponder.

“The feeling that I've got is that the players weren't conscious of the importance of the game,” Lotina told the media after the fixture. “The players just went out to see what could happen, and without scoring opportunities you can’t win in football.

“The game should have been a 0-0, but the players didn’t go out with ambition. We could have played worse, but we need more intensity, more will. We didn’t do the required things to win a Primera Division match.”

The pressure is clearly starting to tell on the coach, and a further defeat on Saturday will be another kick to the guts of the club.

Midweek Lament

Eleven points behind fourth-placed Valencia, the prospects of Sevilla reaching next season’s Champions League would appear to be slim. Having lost nine times already this season, los Nervionenses are well off their expected pace and only a remarkable resurgence in the closing months of the campaign will see them hit the targets they set for themselves at the campaign’s outset.

Defending their Copa del Rey title now looks like a difficult task too. Though los Rojiblancos played a hard game against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, they would ultimately go down 1-0 at home, leaving themselves a mammoth task of winning at the Bernabeu next week.

One incident in particular riled the Andalucian side, who felt that Luis Fabiano’s effort on the stroke of half-time hadn’t been successfully cleared by Raul Albiol on the goal line. “It was a very decisive moment for us, and perhaps may decide the tie during the second leg,” coach Gregorio Manzano lamented, though he would admit to being pleased with his side’s efforts overall.

“My players did not deserve to lose this match. We put in a great effort with a great attitude after they scored.”

Having gone well in the league since the turn of the year, Sevilla will want to maintain their strong form in rainy Galicia and cannot afford to be distracted by any lingering sense of injustice.

TEAM NEWS

Deportivo

There’s been more bad news for Andres Guardado, who has suffered yet another niggle to his hamstring. It could be three more weeks before the Mexican left-winger is able to play. Saul (knee) and Knut Olav Rindaroy (Achilles) are both problems too.

Manuel Pablo has been cleared to play after picking up a knock last weekend, while Michel and Riki are also available to coach Miguel Angel Lotina.

Sevilla

Sergio Sanchez and Romaric both picked up problems in midweek against Real Madrid and are hence extremely unlikely to play on Saturday. Frederic Kanoute is suspended.

Prediction

Defensive Deportivo La Coruna will attempt to keep this match tight, hoping to hit Sevilla on the counterattack. The Galicians don’t show a great deal of ambition even at home, and to that end they often invite their own problems. Los Nervionenses aren’t especially reliable opponents, and though they have been going better of late, victory after regular cup exertions may be too much to ask. One would expect Sevilla to come through, however.

Deportivo 0-1 Sevilla

Read More

29-01-2011 20:45 Catania - Milan

Counting On Home Form

Catania boast one of the best home records in Serie A as the Sicilian side have proved again and again that they are a formidable side in their own backyard. So far this campaign the Etnei have lost just twice at the Stadio Angelo Massimino and those defeats came at the hands of Juventus and Inter.

However, Catania's terrible away results (or lack of them) have pushed them to 16th in the league standings on 22 points from 21 matches, just three above the relegation zone. Diego Simeone's side have yet to register a victory in the league this new year as they have lost three of the four Serie A encounters and also bowed out of the Coppa Italia after going down 2-0 to Juventus in Turin in the Round of 16.

It's desperate time for Catania as they need maximum points against Milan to continue their fight against survival in the Italian top flight. In the reverse fixture at San Siro in September the Rossazzurri collected a point after drawing 1-1 and this weekend they will be trying to achieve at least a similar result.

Coach Simeone has urged his players to forget last weekend's defeat to Parma and concentrate on the encounter against Milan. The Argentine said,"We made too many sloppy mistakes and I can't allow that. We must correct that.

"There was also a drop in concentration and you cannot afford to do that in this competition. We will have to play a perfect game against Milan if we are to get a result.''

Back Up And Running

Milan's start to the new year had been somewhat stuttering as after a late goal secured them a 1-0 victory in Cagliari, they failed to win against Udinese and Lecce, allowing the other Scudetto challengers to close the gap.

However, Massimiliano Allegri's side have since turned the tide and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Having dismissed Bari 3-0 in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, the Diavolo defeated Cesena 2-0 at San Siro last weekend and in midweek got the better of Sampdoria 2-1 in Genoa to force their way into the semi-finals of the Italian Cup.

Milan lead the Serie A standings by just four points from second-placed Napoli and are themselves on 44 points after 21 matches. Having gone six competitive matches in 2011 without suffering a loss, the former Italian and European champions will be hopeful of a positive result in Catania.

TEAM NEWS

Catania

Biagianti, Potenza, Llama and Izco are injured and will miss the visit of Milan.

Milan

Boateng, Zambrotta, Inzaghi, Amelia, Pirlo, Jankulovski, Nesta, Gattuso, Seedorf, Flamini, Strasser and Abate are injured and will miss the trip to Sicily.

Prediction

Catania are strong at home and will have the confidence of getting at least something from their encounter against Milan. The Rossoneri, though, are back in form but one suspects that the Sicilians could just about pull off a surprise.

Catania 2-2 Milan

Read More

29-01-2011 20:00 Hercules - Barcelona

Repeat The Trick

Hercules provided one of the stories of the season when they recorded a 2-1 victory against Barcelona at Camp Nou earlier this season. If the Alicante club rather caught the Catalans on the hop on that occasion, they can expect a severe backlash from la Blaugrana on Saturday night as the champions aim to overcome the only team to have bruised them this term.

Back in September, los Herculanos got their tactics correct, squeezing Barca through the centre and forcing them to play wide, and didn’t make any catastrophic errors. In addition, Nelson Valdez enjoyed an unforgettable night in attack, bagging a couple of goals to silence the great venue and shock the previously untouchable hosts.

Things haven’t always run so smoothly for Esteban Vigo’s men since then. Indeed, Hercules have won only one of their last five matches and have been shut out on four occasions, although it should be noted that their only victory – a smashing 4-1 success over Atletico Madrid – has been their only home fixture during that period.

Vigo has lamented his side’s poor start in recent fixtures, losing a goal in the opening seconds in a 2-0 defeat against Sporting Gijon and then shipping the opener against Athletic Bilbao last weekend after less than five minutes. With Barca famously quick-starting, no early mistakes can be afforded, else the 12th placed side in the league could face a very long evening indeed.

Going For The Perfect 10

Barcelona will remember Hercules well from their September meeting, and that defeat will simply act as a spur for a team who have been largely untouchable on the domestic front since. Away from home, Pep Guardiola’s side have been particularly irresistible, winning all nine of their road Liga matches to date.

Boasting a four point advantage at the top of the Primera Division, Barca went some way to ensuring their presence in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday evening with a terrific 5-0 victory over in-form Almeria. The match was over as a contest after just 15 minutes as early goals from Lionel Messi, who struck twice, and David Villa propelled la Blaugrana en route to a victory that was capped by Pedro and Seydou Keita.

Most teams prefer playing at home, but this weekend Guardiola is pleased to be able to take his troops away due to the poor condition of the Camp Nou playing surface. “We hope that with the break in games at the stadium, the pitch will be able to improve,” he explained. “We’ll have to work hard at it because it’s not quite right. Maybe the result [against Almeria] has even more merit if you bear that in mind.”

In all competitions, the Catalans already have scored more than 100 goals to their name this season. The Primera Division stats show them scoring at a rate of more than three a game, while a stingy defence has only given up a meagre 11. Saturday’s task is formidable for the hosts.

TEAM NEWS

Hercules

Nelson Valdez has been toiling with a foot injury this week, but he shouldn’t have a problem facing Barca. Abraham Paz, on the other hand, is almost certainly missing; Sergio Rodriguez and Noe Pamarot are expected to play in the heart of the defence as a result.

Barcelona

Dani Alves has yet to receive the all-clear to play but has been training with the squad. Carles Puyol and Jeffren Suarez are both missing.

Prediction

Defeat to Hercules last time out will still hurt Pep Guardiola’s men, who will certainly not take the weekend’s trip to Alicante lightly. Fully focussed, there are few teams in the world who can stop Barca, and it will take another super-human effort on Saturday night for the hosts to come away with the points.

Hercules 0-3 Barcelona

Read More

29-01-2011 19:00 Valenciennes - Olympique Lyonnais

Sliding Down The Table

On Saturday evening, two sides with very different ambitions will meet at the Stade Nungesser. Valenciennes simply hope to beat the drop, while Olympique Lyonnais are clinging onto their hopes of capturing an eighth Ligue 1 crown, and at the very least desire a top three finish that will secure them Champions League football yet again.

VA are a side who have been left battered and bruised by injuries all season, and though their problems in the treatment room are starting to clear up, there are major worries on the field for the northern outfit, who are flirting alarmingly near the drop zone after a poor run of form.

Over the course of their last six matches, Valenciennes have picked up only one victory and, more worryingly, have suffered five defeats. Eliminated from the Coupe de France by Angers, they were downed 2-1 by Montpellier a fortnight ago before enjoying a one week respite.

The northerners offered Lyon a stiff challenge earlier this season, when they ground out a 1-1 draw at the Stade Gerland after falling behind to a goal from Jeremy Pied, and they generally go well against OL at home. In 27 previous league encounters in Valenciennes, nine have been won by the hosts, eight by the away side and 10 shared.

Still Finding A Rhythm

Claude Puel was a manager under pressure after the first half of the campaign, but Lyon have remarkably enjoyed an unbeaten league run that stretches back to late September, when they lost the local derby with Saint-Etienne. OL have rarely been their dominant selves, but the early signs in 2011 have been a little better.

After dispatching Caen 1-0 in the Coupe de France, les Gones gave a performance of real pomp and confidence against Lorient in their first league encounter of the year. Visiting goalkeeper Fabien Audard enjoyed a fine evening but was still beaten by the home side on a trio of occasions, the pick of which was Bafetimbi Gomis’ terrific opener.

Last weekend it was back to the disappointing OL of the latter part of 2010. Though they controlled long spells of their Coupe de France encounter against Nice, Puel’s men were left frustrated in the final third and ultimately went down 1-0 against the Stade du Ray outfit, eliminated in extra-time after Dejan Lovren had been sent-off.

“In the first half we were not able to change the rhythm to slice our way through,” Puel lamented last weekend, according to Ligue 1’s official website. “In the second half we missed chances and Lionel Letizi pulled off several fine saves. After that the game was decided by the role of the dice and a sending off. It hurts because the squad really wanted to win. We are very disappointed.”

With the plans for OL’s new Stade des Lumieres tabled this week, Lyon will be in the mood to celebrate, and victory over Valenciennes at the weekend would certainly give them just cause to be content.

TEAM NEWS

Valenciennes

Valenciennes still have a host of injury problems to concern them. Renaud Cohade, Guillaume Loriot, Foued Kadir and Jonathan Lacourt are all missing, while Rafael and Karba Bangoura are being slowly reintroduced after long spells out. Mamadou Samassa and Jose Saez are both slight doubts due to injury, while Gael Danic and David Ducourtioux will have to overcome illness to play.

Vincent Aboubakar is suspended along with Rudy Mater.

Lyon

Ederson is the only OL player missing from this fixture due to injury. The Brazilian was due to miss the duration of the campaign because of a ruptured hamstring, but his recovery has been swifter than expected and the 25-year-old is expected back imminently.

Dejan Lovren is suspended after being sent off in the Coupe de France loss in Nice last weekend.

Prediction

Though Valenciennes are traditionally a difficult unit to beat at home, Lyon’s form in January has largely been positive, and for that reason they must be placed as favourites to win this match. Any slip from les Gones would also badly damage their championship hopes.

Valenciennes FC 1-2 O. Lyon

Read More

29-01-2011 18:00 Real Sociedad - Almeria

Change The Momentum

Real Sociedad are not presently in the Primera Division relegation dogfight, but if their poor recent form continues, Martin Lasarte’s side will certainly start to be drawn into the thick of the action. After starting the season so promisingly, one win and five defeats in their last six matches leave the Basque club at a crossroads in their campaign.

Initially their form at Anoeta was the cornerstone of their success, but this has escaped them in recent weeks, with defeats against Valencia and Sevilla hampering the progress of the San Sebastian outfit significantly.

Away from home against Villarreal last Sunday, la Real nearly sprung a significant shock in El Madrigal, taking the lead through an effort from Mikel Aranburu. But Sociedad were on the back foot for the majority of the game and would twice leak goals from Giuseppe Rossi.

“We have to try again to be strong in Anoeta because it will be key to achieving our goals,” Aranburu explained to Marca this week, doubtless eyeing Saturday’s fixture as a juicy opportunity to claim three points.

The performance on the east coast last weekend, in conjunction with a fine 4-0 win over Getafe in their previous match, is enough to suggest that the Basques are in the midst of turning their form around, but if that is not the case, the last weeks of the campaign will prove very nervy indeed.

Morale Hit By Midweek Loss

Jose Luis Oltra finally seems to be changing the fortunes of lagging Almeria, though anyone watching their midweek dismantling at the hands of Barcelona could be forgiven for thinking that this unit is one destined for relegation. The Andalucians capitulated in Camp Nou, losing three goals in the first
15 minutes before eventually going down 5-0.

“The team did not believe in what it could do,” the coach lamented after the midweek loss. “I am annoyed because I don’t think we even tried.

"We were unable to get into the match, and this is a sad feeling. I am for the most part guilty for the team's result. I didn't expect us to lose this badly.

This result is at odds with their recent Primera Division form, which suggests that they can hope for significantly better. A 1-1 draw against Real Madrid could even have been a victory, while success over Osasuna 3-2 last weekend has put Oltra’s side within touching distance of safety.

Having lost six of their previous 10 away matches, Almeria are by no means a side who flourish on the road, even if they have managed a shock win at the home near neighbours Sevilla. If Oltra is to guide his side away from the bottom three, then this is the kind of match they need to start to profit from.

TEAM NEWS

Real Sociedad

Joseba Llorente will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a back injury against Villarreal last weekend. Mikel Gonzalez has also been carrying a knock, though he was banned in any case. Zurutuza returns after a ban.

Almeria

Juanito and Marcelo Silva are both going to have to prove their fitness before the trip north, though Juanma Ortiz is the only player definitely ruled out of this clash.

Prediction

Effectively out of the Copa del Rey, Almeria now have the opportunity to focus primarily on the league. Their recent form has been excellent, but though Real Sociedad’s form has been poor in recent times, the San Sebastian club are showing signs of stepping their game up and will claim a narrow home win at Anoeta.

Real Sociedad 2-1 Almeria

Read More

29-01-2011 18:00 Mallorca - Real Sporting Gijon

Madrid Loss, But Optimism Gained

Mallorca remain safely in the heart of the Primera Division, though a poor run has seen them fall away from the main pack of clubs chasing European football. Michael Laudrup’s side will therefore want to get back on track against Sporting de Gijon on Saturday, when they open up Round 21 of Primera Division action at the Estadio Iberostar.

Recent results have been lamentable for the Balearic club, who have picked up only six points in their last seven games. This sequence worryingly comprises of five defeats, though the performance against Real Madrid in a 1-0 reverse in the Spanish capital last weekend at least brought some cause for hope.

“Fair or unfair does not exist in football, but I am very happy with this game, because there are many things I am proud of,” Laudrup explained to the media in the aftermath of the fixture. “Our ‘keeper [Dudu] Aouate did not make a save in the first half, and I think that in the end we deserved a draw. We have missed chances.”

The biggest problem Mallorca have had in recent times, and Laudrup alluded to this in his post-match interview, is that they toil to score goals consistently. Batches of three and four against Hercules and Almeria at the turn of the year provide room for optimism, but in their other 18 matches they’ve only struck 16 times. Unless this statistic changes, els Barralets will continue to bob along in the middle of the standings.

Two Wins, But It’s Still Tense

Only a couple of weeks ago, things were looking bleak for Sporting de Gijon. After enduring a really difficult 2010, during which they only won a handful of games, Manuel Preciado’s side had slumped into the relegation zone off the back of an 11 match winless run. Consecutive victories over Hercules and Atletico Madrid have changed the complexion of their season somewhat.

For much of last weekend’s encounter against los Colchoneros, los Sportinguistas were on the back foot. Despite playing at El Molinon, they mustered little above 40 per cent of the possession and struck only six shots at goal. Preciado’s side did manage the game’s decisive moment, David Barral shooting home a terrific Miguel de las Cuevas pass.

“The six points are a very important and are an especially big boost for the squad. These wins give you confidence, but it must be remembered that we are still in a delicate position,” Preciado smiled after the game, happy with his side’s defensive efforts. “In our last two home games, our rivals have only created one moment of danger, and that was Atletico Madrid in the 93rd minute.”

If the pressure has been eased on Sporting somewhat, it can just as quickly be thrust straight back on. Preciado will be looking for a strong performance from his side in Mallorca, though a draw would constitute a good result for the visitors.

TEAM NEWS

Mallorca

The squad has been depleted by several players being allowed to leave over the course of the last week. Tuni and Alhassane Keita (who was on loan at Valladolid) have had their contracts terminated, while Fernando Cavenaghi appears well on his way too.

Though there are few selection issues, Ivan Ramis is suspended.

Sporting

Andre Castro could be introduced into the starting XI, but it’s more probable that the system used in the last two games is retained. No big changes are expected in the squad, though Alberto Botia and Luis Moran have yet to return after injuries.

Prediction

Even though their recent results have been poor, Mallorca are not a side who should be underestimated at home, as six wins from 10 league games proves. Sporting have yet to win on the road, and assuming the hosts can find the net at least once, they should be too good for the visitors.

Mallorca 2-0 Sporting de Gijon

Read More

29-01-2011 18:00 Malaga - Zaragoza

Signs Of Improvement

Sitting second bottom of the Primera Division, Malaga are in difficulty. The owners of the club have been quick to react, feeding coach Manuel Pellegrini a fortune with which to buy new players, and the fruits of this effort will hope to be harvested on Saturday, when they meet Zaragoza in La Liga.

Los Boquerones were quick to dip their toes into the January transfer market, but as yet it has brought them no success; not that they would have expected much given that their last two fixtures have pitted them against Barcelona and Valencia. Hope could have been taken for a brighter future after last weekend’s fixture at the Mestalla, which was lost 4-3 at the death, but which showcased great character on the Andalucians’ part.

They opened the scoring early on and were reduced to 10 men by the time they recaptured the lead to go 2-1 up. Los Che twice hit back to grab a 3-2 advantage, with Helder Rosario dismissed between the hosts’ two goals. Malaga could easily have surrendered but managed to hit back through a fine solo Julio Baptista goal, though they would succumb right at the death when Aritz Aduriz found the net.

Although the trip to the east coast was ultimately an expedition that failed to yield any rewards for los Boquerones, they should feel a good deal better about their overall ability after a gritty and tenacious performance, the kind of which they’ll have to replicate on a regular basis if they are to move away from the foot of the standings.

Out Of The Woods... For Now

Like Malaga, Zaragoza are a side looking to move away from the relegation zone, and the Aragon outfit have been making progress to that end over the course of the last couple of weeks. Javier Aguirre finally seems to have installed some discipline into his men, and this has been rewarded by 1-0 victories over both Levante and Deportivo La Coruna.

Boasting three wins in their last four league matches, los Manos have moved away from the relegation zone, but the likelihood is that they will sink back into the mire should they suffer a reverse on Saturday.

“It was a good win, but the league does not end today,” the Mexican coach was keen to remind his players following the narrow win over Depor, which came courtesy of a Said Boutahar free kick, and he was also anxious to flag up his side’s offensive problems. “With the ball we have not been good, but defensively we have been correct. It is not a problem to play with one or two strikers but it is collective issue that is necessary to coach.”

Home form has very much been the forte of north-eastern club. Indeed, they’ve yet to taste victory on their travels this season, though they have been tough to beat on the road, earning five draws in nine matches. Zaragoza will not go into the weekend’s fixture consigned to defeat, but their fans will not be too hopeful of a vital win either.

TEAM NEWS

Malaga

Red cards last weekend for Martin Demichelis and Helder Rosario, don’t mean both are banned. While the Argentine will serve a one-match ban, the latter has seen his expulsion annulled this week. Weligton has been slapped with a two-game suspension by the disciplinary committee, while Apono’s fifth yellow card of the season means he is also banned for one fixture. He has also been hit with a further two-game suspension by the disciplinary panel.

Ruben is a long-term injury problem.

Zaragoza

Ivan Obradovic has been ruled out due to injury, while fellow defender Matteo Contini is suspended. There are no other fresh issues for los Manos.

Prediction

This is a great opportunity for Malaga to put their season back on track after a couple of defeats. If they can muster the fighting spirit they showed in Valencia and combine it with more discipline, they should be good enough to overcome a Zaragoza side who are also improving. A number of suspensions could be a spanner in the works to the hosts.

Malaga 2-1 Zaragoza

Read More

29-01-2011 18:00 Levante - Getafe

Too Many Mistakes

There can be little doubt about it: Levante are a side in deep trouble. Though the Valencia side have enjoyed two strong bursts of form this season, it’s been far more common for them to slump into lengthy periods of defeats, and as a result they lie at the foot of the standings with only 15 points to their credit.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of los Granotes’ position is that their form appears to be getting worse. All of their last five league matches have been lost, and only in one of their last 15 matches have they managed to keep a clean sheet. Arguably the greatest low – aside from a derby defeat against Valencia – came with last weekend’s 4-1 reverse against Sevilla.

“In the first half, we made significant errors,” coach Luis Garcia explained. “We cannot make mistakes if we want to compete.”

Levante are making mistakes at the moment, and plenty of them. Only Malaga’s astounding tally of 45 goals against is worse than los Granotes’ 34, and unless something is done to stop the bleeding at the back, it seems that a quick return to the Segunda Division is on the cards for a team who have yo-yoed between the top two leagues for much of the last decade.

In A Slump

Getafe’s season has been riddled with ups and downs to date, and at the present time Michel’s men find themselves in something of a trough. After a four match winning sequence before Christmas, Europe was very much on the cards, but three defeats in four games since mean that mid-table consolidation must be achieved by the Madrid club.

With three fixtures at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in January, Getafe might have expected to make some headway in the league, but instead of flourishing, they’ve wilted in front of their home support. A competitive defeat against Real Madrid at least yielded some positive signs, but losses against Real Sociedad (4-0) and Espanyol (2-1) have followed.

“It would be wrong to despair,” goalkeeper Oscar Ustari told Marca this week. “Not everything that glitters is gold, for good and the opposite too. We are not mentally ill. We are concerned about the situation... but this team is always optimistic.”

Michel called a meeting with his players earlier this week to try and resolve the problems of Getafe’s form. Juan Albin indicated that the conference was successful and that the players have gained renewed confidence to retrace their steps in order to become the team that was so impressive during December.

The players must now show their talents in Valencia on Saturday, and if they do, they have every chance of winning.

TEAM NEWS

Levante

Striker Wellington Silva could make his debut for the club this weekend. Hector Rodas, meanwhile, is doubtful after limping out of training with a hamstring complaint. Nano and Sergio are both poised to sit out once more. Miguel Perez and Nacho Gonzalez have yet to return to the squad after picking up problems.

Getafe

Jaime Gavilan is expected to be drafted back into the team. Mario Alvarez has started running again but is still some distance from full fitness, while Javier Arizmendi again sits out.

Prediction

Goals have to be forecast in this game, simply because Levante struggle to defence. The hosts will have to come out to try and win this fixture, which should suit Getafe. El Geta may have toiled of late, but they have the potential to achieve a lot more, something los Granotes have rarely shown over the course of the last month.

Levante 1-2 Getafe

Read More

29-01-2011 18:00 Lazio - Fiorentina

Recovering Lost Rhythm

Lazio have lurched from one branch of inconsistency to another in the new year and have continued to slip down the table. Once looking a good bet for chasing Milan for the Scudetto, Edy Reja's side are currently in danger of missing out on a top-four place altogether.

Last weekend's 3-1 demolition at Bologna was the Aquile's second successive loss after they were destroyed 2-1 by Roma in the Coppa Italia, Round of 16 tie last week. The result means that going into Week 22 Lazio are fourth in the league standings with 37 points, seven behind leaders Milan.

Lazio have been in disappointing form since the start of 2011 as they have won just once in five competitive fixtures and have lost three of them. However, the Biancocelesti's record at home is very encouraging as they have won seven of the 11 league encounters they have been involved in at the Stadio Olimpico so far.

Back In Form

Fiorentina have often looked relegation material as they have hovered just above the relegation zone on occasions and have endured poor form. However, coach Sinisa Mihajlovic appears to have stabilised the Viola ship, with his side yet to lose in the league in the new year.

Three draws and one victory this month have propelled the Gigliati to 11th in the league standings with 25 points from 20 matches, a considerable six points above the relegation zone. The shadows of a late-season relegation dogfight hang over Fiorentina, but given their current form and the number of sides struggling for points below, they should be safe.

Fiorentina, though, have an abysmal away record as they have yet to register a victory on the road in Serie A this campaign. Having drawn five and lost five of their ten away matches, scoring only seven goals in the process, they will target an improvement on that record in Rome.

TEAM NEWS

Lazio

Sculli, Bresciano, Del Nero, Meghni, Garrido, Matuzalem and Rocchi are out injured for the Aquile. Dias and Zarate are suspended.

Fiorentina

Vargas, Natali, Jovetic and Frey are unavailable as they are nursing injuries. Pasqual is suspended.

Prediction

Lazio will be favourites as they are at home but Fiorentina could make the Aquile sweat for the victory.

Lazio 1-0 Fiorentina

Read More

29-01-2011 16:00 Bolton Wand. - Wigan Athletic

First cup clash for Lancashire neighbours

The two sides have met 33 times in their history but surprisingly this will be their first meeting in the FA Cup. Wigan have the slight edge with 13 victories to Bolton’s 11 overall but in both their meetings in the league this season the games have ended 1-1. The Latics will also take heart from their record at the Reebok Stadium, as they have won two, drawn two and lost two on their visits there but they have not recorded a victory on the ground since 2008.

The local rivals, who are just seven miles apart, last met 24 days ago at the Reebok when a late Ronnie Stam goal earned the Latics a point after Rodrigo had given the Trotters the lead with his first goal for the club.

Cup provides welcome distraction

Bolton will be glad of the cup distraction as they are still searching for their first league win of 2011, the heavy 4-0 defeat against Chelsea meant they have lost three and drawn one of their Premier League matches this year. However, they did beat York City 2-0 in the third round thanks to late strikes from Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander to set up the tie with Wigan.

Like their Lancashire neighbours, Wigan they have also not won a league game in 2011, and their only win in the last eight games came in the third round tie with Hull City which they won 3-2 with goals a brace from Mohamed Diame and a goal from Callum McManaman. Their away form continues to be poor, they have only won twice away from the DW this season, and their home form has started to take a nose dive as they were beaten by Aston Villa in midweek and Roberto Martinez will be hoping to get back to winning ways in this tie.

TEAM NEWS

Bolton

After watching the defeat to Chelsea from the bench, David Wheater is expected to make his debut against Wigan alongside Gary Cahill again in defence. The centre-back was not involved in Middlesbrough’s defeat to Burton Albion in the first round so he is not cup-tied for this game.

Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic is still a doubt for the match with the groin strain that he picked up in training two weeks ago and Lee Chung-Yong is still away with South Korea at the Asian Cup.

Jlloyd Samuel, Sean Davis and Joey O’Brien are all ruled out through injuries. Samuel suffered a calf strain in early October, Davis is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury and has got February as his return date and O’Brien has not featured this season due to persistent knee problems.

Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Wheater, Robinson; Rodrigo, Holden, Muamba, Taylor; K Davies, Elmander.

Wigan

Despite defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday there were some big positives for Wigan and Roberto Martinez. James McCarthy played 85 minutes and also grabbed a goal on what was his return from injury. Franco Di Santo also returned to the starting line-up against Villa, and Victor Moses was named on the bench. Captain Gary Caldwell returns for this match after serving his one-game suspension.

Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is ineligible to play against his parent club so Mike Pollitt and Chris Kirkland will be fighting it out to take his place between the posts.

Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz continues to be sidelined with a thigh strain, and the only other player missing for the Latics is Tom Cleverley who picked up a hamstring injury against Bolton earlier this month.

Possible starting XI: Pollitt; Gohouri, G Caldwell, S Caldwell, Figueroa; McCarthy, Thomas, Watson, McArthur, N’Zogbia; Rodallega.

Prediction

Like any local derby this will be a tight affair but neither team will want a replay so should go all out to win this match on the day. Bolton’s attacking options, combined with Wigan’s poor away form, should give them the advantage.

Bolton 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Read More

29-01-2011 16:00 Birmingham City - Coventry City

Confidence on high

Birmingham’s emphatic comeback win on Wednesday will have the players on a massive high and will be pumping with confidence.

Few fans may see the heated attitude of a normal midlands derby between these two sides, especially not one so similar that was on show against fierce rivals Aston Villa just two weeks ago, but the event on Saturday may envisage a hearty atmosphere into St Andrew's.

The Blues may be in the League Cup final, but the team haven’t seen an FA Cup final since 1956 where they were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City and have a few games to win if they want to go all the reach Wembley for a second time this season.

Shot down in a time of glory

Coventry’s finest moment in football came on May 16 1987 when they came to Wembley for that season’s FA Cup final and triumphed 3-2 over David Pleat’s Tottenham.

This would usually have meant that the Sky Blues would have been able to take their place in the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following season, but due to the tragic events that occurred at Heysel the two years previously, all English clubs were banned from playing in Europe or a third season.

The final was commentated by BBC legend John Motson who claimed that it was the ‘finest cup final’ that he had ever commentated on due to its clean, good-willed yet well-contested football and was seen as a great spectacle of English football at the time.

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

After their prolonged and well earned League Cup win in midweek it would be fair to say that manager Alex McLeish will rest some of his more fatigued players from Wednesday’s victory.

The cup finalists will still be without defender Scott Dann (hamstring), Enric Valles (ankle) and James McFadden (knee).

Wednesday’s hero Craig Gardner picked up a knock in the victory over West Ham and is expected to start on the bench at most unless he can shake it off in time.

David Bentley will be available in this tie as he did not feature in Tottenham’s FA Cup fixture and so will have a dynamic element on the right, given that he starts.

Possible starting XI: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Murphy; Larsson, Fahey, Ferguson, Hleb; Derbyshire, Zigic.

Coventry

The Sky Blues offloaded midfielder Michael Doyle this week to Sheffield United so Sammy Clingan is expected to come into the starting line-up.

Otherwise boss Aidy Boothroyd is expected to start his strongest side on Saturday afternoon.

Possible starting XI: Westwood; Keogh, Cranie, Wood, O’Halloran; Baker, Gunnarsson, Clingan, McSheffrey; King, Eastwood.

Prediction

Birmingham have too much good feeling to waste in a loss against their local club and a win should be certain for the St Andrew's outfit.

Birmingham 2-0 Coventry

Read More

29-01-2011 16:00 Australia - Japan

Australia will take part in the Asian Cup final for the first time in their history on Saturday in Doha, as Japan look for their fourth title.

If Alberto Zaccheroni were to lead the Samurai Blue to victory it would make them the most successful team in the history of the competition (Iran and Saudi Arabia also have three Asian Cup trophies to their name).

In their way stands Asia’s top-ranked team according to FIFA, though at times during this tournament they haven’t lived up to their billing.

The cliché goes that a champion team is able to win without playing well, though it would be unfair to suggest Australia’s victories against Iraq and Uzbekistan were undeserved.

Facing the defending champions at the quarter final stage appeared to galvanize Holger Osieck’s men, who turned in their best display of the tournament before dismantling a poor Uzbekistan.

They’ve hit top form at the right time after an unconvincing start during the group stages and in that respect their campaign has been similar to Japan’s.

Arriving in Qatar as the form team, boasting European stars Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, the Japanese made hard work of what should have been a straightforward group.

Just as Australia’s win over Iraq was a turning point in their campaign, so to was the stirring comeback Japan managed against the hosts at the same stage.

Down to ten men, the underperforming Kagawa burst into life with a match-winning double and his absence through injury in the final is a huge blow to his team’s chances.

Japan have also just been through a gruelling 120 minutes against South Korea, where Eiji Kawashima was the hero on penalties, bouncing back after a disastrous individual display against Qatar.

That match will have taken a lot out of Japan both mentally and physically, though the return of starting centre-back Maya Yoshida from suspension is important.

Australia are sweating over the fitness of Tim Cahill, who hasn’t had much of an impact at this tournament.

It has instead been the performances of Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay that have caught the eye:s the midfielder has laid on four assists in his last two games and has nailed down a starting spot in the line-up alongside more established European stars.

His energy, distribution and ability to link up with both David Carney and Harry Kewell down the left flank will be crucial to Australia’s chances.

Keisuke Honda’s creative talents will be just as important to Japan given the absence of Kagawa, while captain Makoto Hasebe has been superb.

On current form Australia look the more balanced side with a striker in form in Harry Kewell, an effective midfield system and a miserly back-line marshalled by Sasa Ognenovski and Lucas Neill.

Japan’s defence has let in six goals to Australia’s one and this has largely been due to the absence of usual central pairing Yuji Nakazawa and Tulio Tanaka, who missed the tournament through injury.

They do however have a midfield that is far superior technically to Australia’s, while left back Yuto Nagatomo has been one of the stars of the Asian Cup.

There are a couple of layers to this match given the stylistic differences between the two sides and their colourful history on the pitch, which really began on June 12, 2006 in Kaiserslautern.

It was then that Tim Cahill wrote a famous chapter in Australia’s football history with his two dramatic late goals to sink the Japanese, kicking off a rivalry that will be mutually enjoyed for years to come.

Japan of course got a measure of revenge when they knocked the Socceroos out of the 2007 Asian Cup on penalties at the quarter-final stage. The stakes are considerably higher this time around.

TEAM NEWS

Australia

Tim Cahill will play despite previous concerns over his fitness, while Matt McKay is certain to retain his place in what should be an unchaged line-up.

Probable starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Schwarzer; Wilkshire, Ognenovski, Neill, Carney; Valeri, Jedinak; Holman, Cahill, McKay; Kewell

Japan

Maya Yoshida returns from suspension to take his place at the heart of the Japanese defence while Shinji Kagawa is ruled out with with a broken foot and Nagoya playmaker Jungo Fujimoto is likely to replace him.

Probable starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Kawashima; Uchida, Konno, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Hasebe; Okazaki, Honda, Fujimoto; Maeda

Prediction

If Japan had Kagawa this might have been a different tip but as it stands, Australia have the momentum given the manner of their last two victories. I always saw the Iraq match as their litmus test and they passed it with flying colours. This should be a first Asian Cup win for Australia.

Australia 2-0 Japan

Read More

29-01-2011 15:30 Werder - Bayern Munchen

Schaaf Looking To Repay The Faith

There is no question about it, Werder are in trouble. The Northwestern club currently languish way down in 14th position, only three points ahead of the relegation play-off place. Last weeks 3-0 defeat to Koeln was embarrassing to say the least, an abject performance devoid of any confidence, courage or quality.

So it is fair to say Thomas Schaaf is on the edge, in every sense of the word. The 49-year-old has been involved with the club since the age of 11 and has never played for or managed any other club. Yet everyone involved with the club, whether it be the supporters, players or board members are surely getting tetchy with the current predicament.

Schaaf has been in charge of die Werderaner since 1999 and has enjoyed great success but this is sure to go down as his worst campaign in charge of Bremen. Could it be a time for a change? Not yet according to the club's managing director Klaus Allofs.

"We will not make a change on the managerial position as we feel there is no use making a change just for the chance to see a psychological effect that could last maybe one or two weeks overall," Allofs told Deutsche Presseagentur.

"This mistake has been made so often by so many clubs in the past. We are not going to commit such a blunder. From my point of view there is definitely no better manager for Werder Bremen than Thomas Schaaf."

Quite the vote of confidence. Schaaf will be hoping to repay the faith shown in him by the Werder board and what better way to do it than to defeat champions Bayern on Sunday.

Bayern Gunning For Top Spot

With the Bundesliga approaching the business end of the season, Bayern look ready for the run-in. A 1-1 draw versus Wolfsburg was a disappointing start to 2011 for Louis van Gaal's men but the champions looked back on track last weekend with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Kaiserslautern. A 4-0 win over Alemannia Aachen midweek in the DFB Pokal will only add to the sense of belief within the camp that they can catch runaway leaders Dortmund.

Victory over rivals Werder Bremen this weekend could potentially see die Roten move into a Champions League qualification place, a rare sight for all Bayern supporters this season. The return of Arjen Robben has certainly lifted the club even if the team did receive another setback when Franck Ribery was ruled out until mid-February when he suffered a knee injury versus Wolfsburg a fortnight ago.

However, the German giants will also be greatful for the return of another player, but strangely enough this player has been fit all season. World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Mueller was expected to set the Bundesliga alight after his brilliant debut season and impressive World Cup shenanigans but it seemed he was suffering from second season syndrome in the early stages of this campaign after some lethargic performance.

Yet the 21-year-old has looked in fine form of late and is very much relishing continuing this form versus an out of sorts Werder Bremen. Although the young striker is well aware of the threat Saturday's opposition will possess.

"Bremen have been among the best teams in Germany for many years. You shouldn't make the mistake [of underestimating Bremen] and get blinded by the table. Werder still have an excellent team with many good players," Mueller told werder.de.

Victory over Werder would be a huge result for a side still 13 points behind leaders Dortmund. Yet FC Hollywood are certainly a team who believe their best is yet to come while rivals Dortmund could perhaps be running out of steam. Would you really bet against a Bayern comeback?

TEAM NEWS

Werder Bremen

Struggling Bremen have a number of injury concerns for the visit of Bayern this weekend. Marko Arnautovic is expected to miss the game after suffering some bruising to his shin and calf in training earlier in the week. Long term absentees Christian Vander, Sebastian Boenisch, Naldo, Daniel Jensen and Wesley all miss out for Schaaf's team but the return of Tim Borowski will be a huge boost, The ex-Bayern midfielder is expected to start the game from the bench. Aaron Hunt is expected to start after recovering from a stomach infection

Probable Starting XI: Wiese - Fritz, Mertesacker, Proedl, Silvestre - Bargfrede, Frings - Kroos, Hunt, Marin - Pizarro

Bayern Munich

Bayern have no fresh injury concerns after their midweek 4-0 victory over Aachen in the DFB Pokal. However the Bavarian club have been dealt a blow with the news that Franck Ribery will now be out until mid-February with a knee injury. Diego Contento (stress fracture) Toni Kroos (foot) and Ivica Olic (knee) all miss out in a game Bayern will be keen to win.

Probable Starting XI: Kraft - Lahm, Tymoshchuk, Badstuber, Luiz Gustavo - Pranjic, Ottl - Mueller, Schweinsteiger, Mueller - Gomez

Prediction

Werder Bremen 1-3 Bayern Munich  

Read More

29-01-2011 15:30 Schalke 04 - 1899 Hoffenheim

Onwards And Upwards (And Further In The Cup)

After a false start to the second-half of the season against Hamburg, recent games have brought Schalke some respite and much needed confidence. The away victory in Hannover was a fine result against one of Germany's form sides and it was hard-won, with Manuel Neuer and Christoph Metzelder's sterling work at the back paying off. However, it cannot compare to the spontaneous outpouring of joy upon wonderkid Julian Draxler's stunning 120th minute winner to knock FC Nuernberg out of the DFB-Pokal. Felix Magath believes the momentum will propel die Koenigsblauen to a third successive win:

"I see us having the upper-hand before the kick-off. Yes, we have a difficult 120 minutes of cup football in our legs but that's not such a big problem. We take a lot of momentum from the 3-2 win against Nuernberg. On the other hand, Hoffenheim lost and they also had to make the long trip home from Cottbus," he told the club's official website.

Lots of the talk in the aftermath of that cup win has of course surrounded Draxler, whose rise to first-team action has been meteoric. Having scored nine goals for the under-19 team, he made such an impression in the training camp out in Turkey that he was handed a start against Trabzonspor and subsequent appearances in competitive games. It will be interesting to see how he copes with not just higher expectations from the fans and the media but with the important role of providing some impetus down the left-flank. After all, he has been preferred to Jose Manuel Jurado, who did not come cheap.

Draxler has considerable potential as a player, which may or may not be realised as we've seen before with previous Schalke talents. As a team, Schalke have most certainly not delivered the results they are capable of. However, after writing off a European spot a fortnight ago, a place in the top five is very much back on the agenda:

"A win is absolutely necessary since we lost our most recent home game (in the Bundesliga) to Hamburg. We are looking towards the top of the table and we still have the European places in our sights."

Patience The Order Of The Day

Turbulent is a word that one would use to describe recent happenings at Hoffenheim, the club who outgrew the village after which they take their name. However, with the departures of Ralf Rangnick, Demba Ba and Luiz Gustavo behind them, Dietmar Hopp will be hoping for a quieter, less eventful and successful end to the season, with the football doing the talking. Hoffe have brought in some interesting replacements in David Alaba and Ryan Babel. The former Liverpool man debuted in the disappointing cup defeat in Cottbus and showed signs of what may be to come. Babel has since been joined by Edson Braafheid, who is looking forward to linking up with his compatriot:

We speak the same language and we are able to help each other. The combination between us could be very good. I have a good feeling about it," he told Hoffenheim's website.

Wednesday's surprise elimination at the hands of in-form 2.Bundesliga side Energie Cottbus was a setback the team could have done without ahead of the trip north to Gelsenkirchen and Marco Pezzaiuoli is aware of the difficulties the match will hold but pleaded for some patience. TSG's Achilles heel proved to be a vulnerability on the counter attack and an inability to create and then take enough clear-cut chances.

"Schalke are on the up. After teething problems at the start of the league season, they are becoming more and more dominant," he told the club website.

"The young team needs time and the team needs to find itself first of all. We should call upon our experience of the reverse fixture. We won 2-0 and played very well. We need to be more compact in possession. Furthermore, in attack we must show more determination and create more chances, and then also put them away."

TEAM NEWS

Schalke 04

Felix Magath is without the suspended Lukas Schmitz, meaning that Christian Pander will make his first start in the Bundesliga this season at left-back, having played further forward in midweek. Atsuto Uchida is still on Asian Cup duty and Levan Kenia is still recovering from injury. Julian Draxler's cup heroics mean he will start on the left and Christoph Moritz is handed the chance to step into the shoes of Ivan Rakitic.

Probable Starting XI: Neuer - Hoewedes, Papadopoulos, Metzelder, Pander - Farfan, Kluge, Moritz, Draxler - Raul, Huntelaar

Hoffenheim

Youngster Manuel Gulde and striker Chinedu Obasi are the only absentees through injury but there remain a number of selection quandries for Marco Pezzaiuoli. He could stick with the starting eleven that played against Cottbus in midweek although Peniel Mlapa could come in for Boris Vukcevic on the right flank, Tobias Weis is a contender for Sebastian Rudy's midfield spot and we could see Edson Braafheid debut at left-back in place of Andreas Ibertsberger.

Probable Starting XI: Starke - Beck, Vorsah, Compper, Ibertsberger - Salihovic, Rudy, Alaba - Vukcevic, Ibisevic, Babel 

Prediction

Schalke have the bit between their teeth and are starting to play much better. Hoffenheim are coming into the game after a defeat in midweek and although they will be boosted by their new signings, I think the home side will have just too much, although it will by no means be one-way traffic throughout.

Schalke 04 2-1 Hoffenheim

Read More

29-01-2011 14:00 Aston Villa - Blackburn Rovers

Villa Look To Continue Impressive Turnaround

The signing of Darren Bent from Sunderland has launched a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of manager Gerard Houllier. A lowly league position had the fans grumbling about the Frenchman but two league victories on the bounce, against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic, has seen Villa climb to 13th in the Premier League.

Although Bent is unable to play on Saturday, Houllier has a wealth of attacking options available to him and will be expecting the trio of Ashley Young, Marc Albrighton and Stewart Downing to terrify the Rovers defence.

Villa fans will be hoping for a repeat of a similar fixture back in September, when the boys in claret and blue beat Rovers 3-1 in the League Cup - with a lively Ashley Young grabbing two goals.

Rovers Looking To Continue Playing Expansive Football

Many predicted Steve Kean would struggle to step into Sam Allardyce's shoes but the new boss has impressed at Ewood Park - coaxing Rovers into a slightly more open style of play that has seen them rise up the table to eighth position.

A 2-0 win against West Brom last weekend was their third consecutive home victory and fans travelling to Villa Park will be hoping that their team can continue their impressive style of play away from Ewood Park.

Rovers lost their last two away games, at Chelsea and Sunderland, but with players like Morten Gamst Pedersen and Jason Roberts expressing their desire to battle for a first-team place, fans will be hoping that they can combine a fluent passing game with some steel to progress to the next round of the cup.

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Gerard Houllier is without his record signing Darren Bent - who is cup-tied after scoring for Sunderland in their 2-1 loss to Notts County in the third round earlier in January.

The Villa manager has no fresh injury worries following Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic but are still without Fabian Delph and Stephen Ireland - who both have knee injuries.
Possible starting XI: Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Clark; Albrighton, Petrov, Makoun, Downing; A Young; Agbonlahor.

Blackburn

Blackburn manager Steve Kean admits that new loan signing Jermaine Jones is not yet fully accustomed to the speed of English football but is likely to include the American international in his starting XI after his impressive debut in the 2-0 win over West Brom last Sunday.

Loan signing Roque Santa Cruz is eligible to play at Villa Park as the striker was an unused substitute in Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Leicester City in the third round.

Kean has a relatively injury-free squad but is still without long-term absentees Ryan Nelsen and Phil Jones (both knee), and Vincent Grella and Keith Andrews (both groin).

Possible starting XI: Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Givet, Olsson; Hoilett, Dunn, J Jones, Pedersen; Kalinic, Santa Cruz.

Prediction

Both teams are enjoying good mini-runs in the Premier League and should be high on confidence. I expect a physical battle in the centre of midfield between new boys Jean Makoun and Jermaine Jones and whoever gets the best of that area of the pitch could hold the key to success.

Under Kean Rovers look to play a less direct style of play than in the Allardyce era so I expect this game to be an exciting end-to-end one full of attacking play.

Both sides are capable of scoring goals but I expect Villa's young, talent attacking players to just about make the difference in this tie.

Aston Villa 2-1 Blackburn

Read More

29-01-201 13:30 Everton - Chelsea

Upturn In Form

Chelsea have scored 13 goals in their previous three games and look to have turned somewhat of a corner in what has been a season of struggles for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have returned to form and together with Florent Malouda are a formidable force.

Chelsea have not conceded a goal since Jose Bosingwa’s 5th-minute own goal in the 1-0 loss to Wolves in early January and David Moyes’ goal-shy Everton will have their work cut out breaking the robust Londoners down.

Need For A Goalscorer

Everton’s league struggles this season can be sourced from their inability to score enough goals. Their 14 home goals this season is just one more goal than Chelsea have scored in their previous three games.

Tim Cahill is Everton’s top goal scorer this season with nine, however he is away on international duty with Australia. Their next top scorers are Jermaine Beckford and Seamus Coleman with five goals and the need for a goal scorer has never been more prevalent for David Moyes as he let two strikers leave the club in this transfer window.

Premier League rookie Beckford will be the man entrusted with scoring the goals for Everton, who are unbeaten in their previous four games.

TEAM NEWS

Everton

The Toffees are boosted by the return of England international Phil Jagielka who will be primed to stop the threat of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba after he recently returned to goal scoring form.

Louis Saha could return to the squad provided he recovers from a thigh strain in time. Everton have a lack of striking options if Saha is unavailable as Tim Cahill remains on international duty and Yakubu and James Vaughan having been sent out on loan. Jermaine Beckford and Victor Anichebe are the only senior strikers fit.

Boss David Moyes may opt to use just one striker and five across the midfield with Johnny Heitinga moving into defensive midfield.

Possible starting XI: Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Arteta, Heitinga, Osman; Beckford.

Chelsea

Chelsea have no new injury worries ahead of their trip to Merseyside as Frank Lampard, Alex, Yossi Benayoun and Yuri Zhirkov remain sidelined.

Both Lampard and Alex are close to a first team return but Saturday’s game will come too soon.

Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to make major changes with Salomon Kalou the likeliest of the squad members to be given a starting role. Given Chelsea’s struggles in the league this season, Ancelotti is likely to take this competition extremely seriously as he attempts to retain the FA Cup.

Gael Kakuta’s loan deal to Fulham leaves another space in the squad for one of Chelsea’s youngsters.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Mikel, Essien; Kalou, Drogba, Malouda.

Prediction

Chelsea’s recent good form looks like continuing against an Everton team that have struggled at home. Everton will look to keep the game very tight and the first goal will be key. Drogba and Co. will march towards the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Everton 0-2 Chelsea

Read More

28-01-2011 - 20:30 Bayer Leverkusen - Hannover 96

Leverkusen Aiming To Dominate Match & Improve Home Record

Leverkusen enter Friday’s crunch clash with Hannover on a high note, having beaten 'Gladbach 3-1 in their previous match. In doing so, die Werkself reclaimed second place, although they still have much to do if they are to qualify for the Champions League.

Their opposition on Friday is a Hannover side that thus far has surpassed all expectations, having earned more points in just over half the year as in the previous season. Ahead of Friday’s match, Gonzalo Castro complimented the Saxons.

“They’re a good footballing side who are up near the top for a reason,” he said according to the official Leverkusen website.

Former 96 man Hanno Balitsch was also respectful, but anticipated a win justified by Leverkusen’s quality.

“Of course, I hope we can win on Friday night, as Hannover are one of our main rivals. We’ve got more quality on the pitch.”

Even so, Leverkusen will have to improve on their home form if they are to take three points. Die Werkself have won just one of their last four matches at the BayArena, a record upon which Rene Adler believes his side can improve.

“We have a lot of catching up to do in terms of results at home. It’s not how we’d imagined it, so it’s up to us to make it right,” the goalkeeper said. “It’s our aim to go out and dominate the opposition for 90 minutes.”


Set Pieces The Key For Hannover

Hannover were disappointed to lose 1-0 last week after playing 90 minutes of good football against Schalke. However, die Roten have recovered from the match and enter Friday’s encounter with Leverkusen with their heads held high.

Coach Mirko Slomka has helped the Saxons to an impressive 34 points from 19 matches and third place in the Bundesliga table. For his efforts, the Croat was offered a contract extension to 2013, which he signed earlier this week.

Slomka anticipates “an incredibly difficult match,” but knows his “team are hungry for success.” He went on to praise the talent his opponents will bring to the pitch.

“With Michael Ballack, Arturo Vidal and Renato Augusto, Leverkusen have enormous amounts of quality in the middle of the park. Especially Ballack who is still indisputably a top player, international quality like that is always helpful.”

Nonetheless, Slomka believes in his team’s ability, and has singled out execution of set pieces as crucial to the 96 cause. Should they climb their Everest on Friday, Hannover will be second only to Dortmund.

TEAM NEWS

Bayer Leverkusen

After his impressive performance as a substitute against 'Gladbach, Michael Ballack is expected to be given a starting role at the base of an attacking diamond. Patrick Helmes has been omitted from Jupp Heynckes’ squad for disciplinary reasons, while Sven Bender, Tranquillo Barnetta and Benedikt Fernandez have all been ruled out for lack of fitness.

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

Hannover

Slomka is expected to make no major changes to his squad; the only position in question is that of central defence, where Emanuel Pogatetz is tipped to start ahead of Mario Eggimann. Jan Schlaudraff, Carlitos, and Leon Andreasen, meanwhile, are all set to miss out due to injuries.

Probable Starting XI: Zieler – Cherundolo, Haggui, Pogatetz, Schulz – Stoppelkamp, Schmiedebach, Pinto, Rausch – Abdellaoue, Ya Konan

Prediction

It won’t be easy for either team, but this one should go in favour of the hosts. The stability formed by the central midfield triangle of Vidal, Ballack, and Rolfes means that service to the Hannover forwards will be very limited, and that they will be heavily marked in possession. Between Sam, Renato Augusto and Kiessling, Leverkusen have more than enough quality to win the match.

Leverkusen 2-1 Hannover 96

Read More