02-02-2011 20:00 Almeria - Barcelona

No Hope

In two fixtures against Barcelona this season, Almeria have an unimpressive aggregated score of 13-0 weight against them. With five of those goals having arrived in last week’s semi-final first leg at Camp Nou, the prospects of the southern club progressing to the final would appear to be microscopic at best.

Coach Jose Luis Oltra was left exceptionally disappointed by the dispirited and disjointed performance his team produced in Catalonya last Wednesday night. His goal would have been to keep the match competitive for as long as possible, but Almeria trailed 3-0 within 15 minutes, and had Barca not eased up a little, a real massacre could have been on the cards.

The Copa has been a useful tool for installing confidence in an Almeria side battling the drop, but there is nothing like an energy-sapping tie against la Blaugrana to suck it all back. Having chased the ball for 90 minutes at Camp Nou, the Andalucians would ultimately go down 2-0 against Real Sociedad at the weekend, leaving them firmly in the drop zone.

With no prospect of reaching the Copa final, pride is all that is left to play for at the Estadio del Mediterraneo for the hosts on Wednesday. With a tricky looking fixture against Espanyol forthcoming at the weekend, Almeria are a club with bigger problems to cope with, however.

Surely Finalists

Everything seems to be going the way of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side at present, as another piece of their jigsaw fell nicely into place over the weekend. La Blaugrana defeated their bête noire, Hercules, on Saturday evening before watching Real Madrid stumble to a wholly unimpressive 1-0 defeat against Osasuna 24 hours later.

Now seven points clear at the summit of La Liga, only the brave would bet against the Catalans picking up a third successive Spanish crown, while a place in the Copa del Rey final also appears to be in the bag after a stunning 5-0 victory over Almeria last week.

Guardiola will be particularly pleased that his men haven’t been forced into genuinely exerting Copa ties over the last few weeks. Athletic Bilbao stretched the Blaugrana in the round of 16, eliminated only on the away goals rule, but since then, convincing first leg victories over Betis and Almeria have allowed Barca luxurious cushions.

Against the Segunda Division club a fortnight ago, a strangely lacklustre Barcelona went down 3-1 in the second leg. It was a star-studded team that made that trip to Seville, and it should be expected that more fringe players are deployed in Wednesday’s match. Not only would they be hungrier to impress the coach, it would also prevent and of the club’s top stars picking up any troublesome knocks with the Champions League looming once more.

TEAM NEWS

Almeria

Sofiane Feghouli could debut for Almeria as he has been named in Jose Luis Oltra’s panel. Hernan Pellerano also returns to action, but Juanma Ortiz is a casualty. Pablo Piatti is rested.

Barcelona

Pep Guardiola has taken his whole squad to Almeria – even injured players Jeffren Suarez, Carles Puyol and Andre Iniesta. Only a handful of first pick players were rested against Betis, and it’s uncertain whether the coach will elect to make many alterations on Wednesday. Nolito and Thiago are in the squad.

Prediction

The result of this fixture is ultimately going to be inconsequential, much like Barcelona’s recent 3-1 loss against Betis. A home win is not unimaginable, but Pep Guardiola is a coach who hates losing, and he will encourage his team to go all-out for the victory.

 

Almeria 0-3 Barcelona

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02-02-2011 20:45 Udinese - Bologna

From Relegation Battlers To European Contenders

Last season around this time Udinese were bracing themselves for a lengthy battle with relegation, now they are flirting with the idea of playing in Europe. The Bianconeri's turnaround has been as much romantic as encouraging; for a side of their modest resources and means they are doing extremely well in rubbing shoulders with Italy's big boys.

At the weekend Udinese got the better of Juventus 2-1 in Turin and it was the second successive match in which they had humbled an Italian giant. Prior to that victory they had punctuated Italian and European champions Inter's five-game winning streak by dismissing them 3-1 in Udine and have won four of their five league encounters in January, drawing the other one.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten at the Stadio Friuli since September 19 and have won their last six games at home, and against a Bologna side terribly poor on the road, they will be expected to win. Udinese are currently sixth in the league standings with 36 points from 22 matches, but coach Francesco Guidolin has urged his players not to let this success dance into their heads.

"We have to allow our fans to dream,'' said Guidolin. "But in order to do so, we cannot fall asleep. In a couple of months we will see where we stand.

"We simply cannot get over-confident, we have to take it one game at a time. Wins give you further motivation and an added strength but I have a very serious side that works hard and will continue to do so.''

Encouraging Run Of Results

Bologna remain in danger of suffering relegation from Serie A as with 25 points from 21 matches they are just five points ahead of third-from-bottom Cesena, but the Rossoblu have shown signs of improvements in the new year and can be optimistic of survival.

This weekend their game against Roma was postponed because of bad weather but prior to that Bologna had destroyed Scudetto-chasing Lazio 3-1 at home. It helped them get over defeats to Inter and Napoli and kept them on track to Serie A survival.

The Felsinei have lost just once in their last five league games but have a poor away record, having won just twice in 11 league encounters. In the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, however, Bologna defeated Udinese 2-1 at home and will be hopeful of getting something from Udine tonight.

TEAM NEWS

Udinese

Basta, Ferronetti, Angella and Handanovic are injured while Alexis Sanchez is suspended.

Bologna

Ramirez is injured for Bologna while Gimenez is suspended.

Prediction

Udinese have a strong record at home and given the confidence they have at the moment, the Bianconeri should skip past the challenge of Bologna with relative comfort.

Udinese 3-1 Bologna

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02-02-2011 20:45 Sampdoria - Cagliari

Slipping Into Mid-Table Mediocrity

Sampdoria commenced the 2010-11 campaign riding on the wave of optimism as they were one of the potential 10 sides who could finish in the top-four. At one time the Genoa-based side did look good enough for at least a Europa League slot but things have degenerated since the ostracism and subsequent sale of talisman Antonio Cassano.

As things now stand, Domenico Di Carlo's team are very much likely to finish in mid-table. Currently placed 11th in the league standings with 27 points from 21 matches, Samp are seven points above the relegation zone and nine points off a European place.

Encouragingly, they do have a game in hand but having won just one of their last six league counters, the Blucerchiati are as good as finished in terms of playing in Europe next season is concerned.

At the weekend Sampdoria crashed to a 4-0 defeat in Naples to Napoli - it was their third successive Serie A fixture without scoring a goal and with star striker Giampaolo Pazzini having left for Inter, their woes upfront are only going to multiply.

The Donadoni Turnaround

Cagliari confront a similar problem up front as they sold striker Alessandro Matri to Juventus on Monday. They received €2.5 million for the initial loan deal and will get a further €15.5m at the end of the campaign should Juve decide to make the contract a permanent one, and for an also-ran like Cagliari this is indeed good business.

Coach Roberto Donadoni, though, believes that they can cope without Matri for the rest of the season and enthuses, "Matri is a great player. He is a striker that makes the difference. However, we were not Matri dependent. We have also done well without him.''

The Sardinians are nine points above the relegation zone in ninth and under Donadoni have undergone a rejuvenation of sorts. At the weekend Cagliari defeated Bari 2-1 in what was their third victory in five league fixtures in January.

However, the Isolani have a poor record on the road in Serie A this season and Donadoni has warned his side to be at their best in Genoa, stating, "Sampdoria have some problems but, with a team like theirs, they are designed to solve those and give a different complexion to their season. We will do our best and play like Cagliari - with respect and without fear.''

TEAM NEWS

Sampdoria

Semioli, Gastaldello, Lucchini and Pozzi are out injured and Perticone is suspended.

Cagliari

Laner is injured for Cagliari and will miss the trip to Genoa.

Prediction

Sampdoria have a good form at home and will not lose to Cagliari. They aren't in the midst of a good run of results but one suspects that they will eventually eke out the points.

Sampdoria 2-1 Cagliari

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02-02-2011 20:45 Roma - Brescia

Itching To Play

Roma's encounter against Bologna in Serie A at the weekend was canceled after just 17 minutes because of snow, meaning that heading into tonight's encounter against relegation-candidates Brescia the Giallorossi will have had more rest than the other Scudetto challengers.

Not that it is an exceptionally good thing given that at the moment Roma have fallen ten points behind leaders Milan, and even with a game in hand they will be under pressure. Placed fifth in Serie A with 38 points from 21 matches, the Lupi are very much in the race for the championship but they will have to carry on winning.

And indeed, Roma are winning, having defeated Catania, Cesena and Cagliari in the league last month to collect nine points out of a possible 12 and also beat Lazio and Juventus in successive rounds to reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. The Maggica will aspire to carry on that positive run in February too.

Back To The Start

The weekend's 3-0 defeat to Chievo at home was Brescia's seventh defeat in eight league fixtures and saw the club sack their coach Mario Beretta. Beretta was appointed as the Rondinelle tactician only in December but with the team failing to inspire themselves or any hope of survival they thought that it would be best to change coach.

Interestingly, club chairman Luigi Corioni decided to reinstate Giuseppe Iachini, the man Beretta had replaced. Iachini led the Biancoazzurri to Serie A promotion last summer in his first season with the club and despite being given the boot in December he is looking forward to working with enthusiasm and hope again.

"I am saddened for Beretta but football is like this," said Iachini. "I return with enthusiasm and willingness to do well.

"The team is in a difficult situation but I hope I can help my players rediscover the spirit that saw us gain promotion to the top flight last summer. I believe we have the quality to defend our Serie A status.''

Brescia, though, have their work cut out as they are one of the worst away teams, having lost nine of the 11 league fixtures on the road this season, and in Roma will face the only Italian top flight team yet to be beaten at home.

TEAM NEWS

Roma

Pizarro, Brighi and Adriano are injured and will miss the match. Totti, Vucinic and Borriello all are expected to line up in attack in a 4-3-3 formation.

Brescia

Dallamano and Cordova are out injured for the trip to Rome. Kone is suspended.

Prediction

A win for Roma is almost guaranteed. The former Italian champions should garner the three points comfortably.

Roma 3-0 Brescia

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02-02-2011 20:45 Parma - Lecce

Pulling Ahead

Parma head into Week 23 of the 2010-11 Serie A campaign five points above the relegation zone in 15th. With 25 points from 22 matches, the Ducali have sustained hopes of survival in the Italian top flight especially with the bottom-three sides continuing to struggle for points.

At the weekend Pasquale Marino's side, though, slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Genoa to carry on their poor return of one win in four league encounters. After demolishing Juventus 4-1 in Turin in the opening match of the new year, Parma have stuttered and will hope to recover lost momentum at home tonight.

Parma have reinforced their squad with Italy international striker Amauri, who has come on loan from Juventus for until the end of the campaign. The 30-year-old is likely to start tonight and boasting an encouraging record at the Ennio Tardini, the Gialloblu will aspire for maximum points.

Flirting With Relegation

Lecce's current league position belies their form in January. The Giallorossi are one place and a point above third-from-bottom Cesena but having gone their last four league encounters unbeaten they are surely looking upward towards the sun.

The weekend's 1-1 draw with fellow relegation candidates Cesena was their third draw in a row in Serie A, prior to which the Lupi had defeated Lazio 2-1 in Rome. Six points in the last four matches have propelled them outside the bottom-three and coach Luigi De Canio will hope to maintain that run, although he also rues the dropped points against the Seahorses.

"The team has probably let its guard down slightly,'' said De Canio. "It's a real pity because we had chances in the first half to put the game beyond our rivals' reach.

"A win would have been a huge morale boost in our battle against the drop. We should have defended better in the last stages of the game. Now we must look ahead to another battle at Parma on Wednesday.''

TEAM NEWS

Parma

Pisano and Calvo are injured and are unavailable.

Lecce

Giuliatto, Ofere and Di Michele are injured and will not travel to Parma.

Prediction

Parma will start the match as favourites and should be confident of a win.

Parma 2-1 Lecce

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02-02-2011 20:45 Palermo - Juventus

Starting To Flounder

Palermo's start to the new year has been disappointing as per their calibre and potential. Having won just two of their five league matches in January, the Rosanero have dropped out of the top six and into eighth with 34 points from 22 matches.

At the weekend Delio Rossi's side collapsed 3-2 at San Siro as despite going 2-0 up against Italian and European champions Inter in the first-half they conceded three times in the second 45 minutes to slump to their eighth defeat of the season and sixth away from home.

Palermo at the Renzo Barbera, though, are a formidable team as they have won seven of the 11 league fixtures played in front of their own supporters. The Aquile will also take heart from the fact that earlier this season in the reverse fixture they destroyed Juventus 3-1 in Turin.

Going Up In Smoke

Juventus' season went from bad to worse at the weekend as they were destroyed both in terms of results and morale by Udinese, going down 2-1 to suffer their fourth defeat of the new year.

With Europa League hopes having vanished in the first-half of the campaign and the Coppa Italia chance stolen by Roma, Luigi Del Neri's side are now in real danger of missing out on a place in Europe altogether.

Currently stationed in seventh place in the league standings with 35 points from 22 matches, the former Italian and European champions are a point behind sixth-placed Udinese and three points behind Inter, who are fourth. If the Nerazzurri win their game in hand, then Juve will be six points off a Champions League slot, a considerable gap in the context of their wretched run of results.

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio has asked everyone at the club to regain confidence and enthuses, “This negative month is over at last. We’re really disappointed about this period and about the defeats.

"Unfortunately, we aren’t in luck, but the group stick together, we want to win and do our best. Football gives you the chance of reversing the circumstances and on Wednesday in Palermo we have to show our value through a great performance."


TEAM NEWS

Palermo

Hernandez, Pinilla and Goian are injured and will sit out the match against Juventus. Carrozzieri and Munoz are suspended.

Juventus

Rinaudo, De Ceglie, Quagliarella, Toni, Traore, Pepe, Motta and Iaquinta are injured and will not travel to Palermo. Bonucci is suspended.

Winter signings Barzagli and Matri will start in defence and attack respectively.

Prediction

Juventus will have two new players in their starting line-up and coach Del Neri could struggle to mastermind a victory in Palermo. However, given the Rosanero's setback at the weekend a draw for the Bianconeri is not out of the question.

Palermo 1-1 Juventus

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02-02-2011 20:45 Fiorentina - Genoa

Back In The Jungle

Fiorentina have had a yo-yo season, having lurched from the branch of hope to the bough of despair. Having commenced the new year on a positive note, drawing with Bologna away and then defeating Brescia at home, the Viola have since failed to sustain their momentum and going into Week 22 they are just five points above the relegation zone in 13th.

At the weekend Fiorentina slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Lazio in Rome and stretched the winless run to three matches. Not that it was an entirely surprising result - the Gigliati have not won a single league game away from Florence this campaign. At home, though, Fiorentina are formidable as they have lost just twice in Florence all season.

Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic wants his side to maintain that home record and stay focused against Genoa, and stated, "We are in an ugly situation. But we have to be the ones to come out of it. I am someone who never gives up, I am used to fighting.

"But at this time I cannot raise my voice, we just have to be calm and prepare for our next game. We must win. It will be a tough game and we are hoping to stop the rot.''

Back To Winning Ways

Genoa have been terribly disappointing this season, first under Gian Piero Gasperini and then under Davide Ballardini. Until this weekend the Grifoni had not won a single game in any competition in 2011 and were fast slipping into the murky waters at the basement.

However, the 3-1 defeat of Parma at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at the weekend has resuscitated them and Genoa now find themselves a healthy seven points above the relegation zone in 12th. Hopes of garnering a European place at the end of the 2010-11 campaign have dried up but in a season that has threatened to collapse on them, finishing in mid-table wouldn't be a disaster.

Ballardini now hopes that his players regain their confidence and self-confidence and make an impression against Fiorentina, and stated, "We played a great game against Parma. I saw a big improvement from my players, especially in front of goal.

"Now we must pick up where we left off against Parma and win in Florence.''

TEAM NEWS

Fiorentina

Vargas, Natali, Jovetic and Frey are injured and will miss the game against Genoa.

Genoa

Antonelli and Hallenius are injured while Dainelli is suspended.

Prediction

Fiorentina have a good record at home and they are unlikely to lose. Genoa will be buoyant after their weekend victory and could manage a draw.

Fiorentina 1-1 Genoa

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02-02-2011 20:45 Chievo Verona - Napoli

A Win At Last

Chievo had gone nine competitive games without registering a victory until the weekend and were plummeting towards the bottom-three of the table. They were not so much as inviting relegation into their house as preparing a feast for the relegation demon to saviour. Their season was collapsing fast.

At the weekend, though, the Flying Donkeys returned to their senses as they comprehensively defeated Brescia 3-0 away from home. The three points saw them jump back into the respectability of mid-table and increased the gap between them and the dropzone to a considerable seven points.

Heading into tonight's fixture against Napoli, Chievo will be brimming with confidence after going four Serie A fixtures unbeaten. Chievo have lost just twice at home in Verona in the league and earlier in the season hammered Napoli 3-1 in Naples.

Closing In On Milan

Last night Serie A leaders Milan increased the gap between themselves and Napoli to five points but with the Partenopei playing today in Verona that lead could be trimmed down to just two.

Walter Mazzarri's side have been in excellent form this campaign and are going great guns, and although they are not flaring up talks of their first Scudetto since 1990, with such opportunities presenting themselves the Azzurri will be keen to take advantage.

Napoli head to Verona on the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Sampdoria in Naples with Edinson Cavani firing in three goals and Marek Hamsik also chipping in. It stretched the Azzurri's unbeaten league run to four games and helped them finish January on a high after starting the month (and the new year) with a 3-1 defeat to Inter.

The former Italian champions have an encouraging away form too as they have registered six wins in 11 league fixtures on the road, scoring 15 goals in the process. They will also take heart from the fact that their last away match in Serie A ended in a 2-0 victory in Bari.

TEAM NEWS

Chievo

Luciano and Marcolini are injured and will miss the visit of Napoli.

Napoli

Grava, Vitale and Yebda are injured and will miss the trip to Verona. Lavezzi and Mascara are suspended.

Prediction

A win for Napoli seems a logical result but Chievo will be buoyed after their win at the weekend and will hope to defeat the Neapolitans. It will be a hard-fought match and one suspects that eventually the away side would win. Just.

 

Chievo 1-2 Napoli

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02-02-2011 20:45 Cesena - Catania

No Escaping The Drop

Cesena look doomed for the drop. What commenced as a fairytale campaign in which they were even in pole position in the table for a short period of time has degenerated into an expected battle for survival.

Going into Week 23, Massimo Ficcadenti's side find themselves third from bottom with 20 points with 22 matches, just a point from safety. At the weekend they held Lecce to a 1-1 draw away from home, bringing an end to three successive defeats in a row.

Coach Massimo Ficcadenti is hopeful that they can achieve something more against Catania tonight and said, "Considering how the game was going, we cannot be too disappointed with the result. In the end, we claimed a point and that is what counts.

"Now we turn our attention to the game against Catania, knowing that we have another opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.''

Getting Dragged Into The Quagmire

Catania slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Milan in Sicily at the weekend in what was their second successive league defeat and sixth competitive fixture without a win. At the moment the Etnei are two points above the dropzone with 22 points from 22 matches and are in real danger of getting dragged into the bottom-three.

Catania last won a match in December and are in a wretched run of form. A defeat tonight could force the Elefanti into the relegation zone and they need to be careful especially as they have not won a single match in the league away from home.

Coach Diego Simeone acknowledges the difficult situation Catania are in but remains optimistic and says, "We are in a difficult situation. The team doesn't react and we just have to work as hard as possible to change that trend.

"I am not afraid because the only thing I know is to work hard. Even in my first experience as coach back in Argentina with club Racing we were last with two points and then we managed to defend our status winning the last five games of the season."


TEAM NEWS

Cesena

Lauro and Colucci are out suspended for the Seahorses.

Catania

Biagianti, Izco, Alvarez, Capuano, Carboni and Potenza are injured and will miss the match against Cesena.

Prediction

This is going to be a scrappy game and nowhere near entertaining. A narrow win for Catania shouldn't be illogical even though they are away since Cesena are low on confidence.

Cesena 1-2 Catania

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02-02-2011 22:00 Real - Sevilla

Looking Ahead After Defeat

A place in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is likely to be what’s on offer to Real Madrid and Sevilla when they kick-off the second semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening. Unlike Barca’s tie, nothing is yet settled before this fixture, though los Blancos start as strong favourites after a 1-0 victory at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan a week ago.

Since that fixture, Jose Mourinho’s side have suffered a real body-blow in the league, going down 1-0 against Osasuna on Sunday night. If talk of Barca having opened up a decisive four-point advantage prior to that game may have been a little over-hyped, the league would certainly appear to be the Catalans’ to throw away now they have a seven mark cushion.

“Tomorrow is a new day. There will be another match and we will be there,” Mourinho explained optimistically to the media on Sunday night.

Silverware in knockout competition remains a distinct possibility for los Merengues, though. Still in the Champions League, Madrid will first focus on Wednesday’s Copa encounter against Sevilla. A Karim Benzema strike presently separates the sides, giving the capital side real hope that they can progress to the final, where they could potentially gain some measure of revenge against Barca.

If los Blancos have been a little unconvincing away from home, at the Bernabeu they have been imperious under Mourinho, winning every match they’ve played. On Wednesday they really need to bounce back and give their fans a lift, and the odds are in favour of them doing just that.

Route To Europe

Sevilla are a side also struggling to match their supporters’ expectations in the Primera Division, though these are not as lofty as those in Madrid. European football is anticipated at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan next season, though presently stationed eighth in the standings, it’s difficult to see such hopes being matched by way of a strong Liga finish.

The Copa del Rey offers los Nervionenses another way into the Europa League, and Gregorio Manzano’s side will be doubly determined to win the competition because they are the defending champions, having negotiated their way past Barcelona last term to life the trophy.

Repeating that feat presently looks unlikely. Sevilla’s strength is generally their home form, so after losing the first leg 1-0, their hopes look slim. Los Rojiblancos certainly pushed their opponents all the way last Wednesday night and were controversially denied a goal when Raul Albiol cleared off the line from Luis Fabiano. It was a decision so tight, even television replays were inconclusive.

If the character of the Sevilla side was being questioned previously, Saturday night’s encounter against Deportivo La Coruna should have silenced any critics as the Andalucians bounced back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to secure a draw against the Galicians, despite playing the final 30 minutes with only 10 men after Andres Palop had been dismissed.

Manzano will have to whip up similar enthusiasm if a remarkable recovery is to be achieved against Madrid.

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Marcelo returns to the squad after flu, but Pepe, Gonzalo Higuain and Jerzy Dudek remain injury issues. Pedro Leon, Sergio Canales and Fernando Gago are all overlooked by Jose Mourinho.

Sevilla

Gregorio Manzano is taking his entire panel to Madrid aside from Tiberio Guarente, Ivica Dragutinovic and Arouna Kone miss out due to injury. Andres Palop travels with the squad but is suspended, while Daniel Jimenez will probably start on the bench. New signings Ivan Rakitic and Gary Medel could debut.

Prediction

Sevilla were stubborn opponents for Real Madrid in the first leg, and they will prove to be so again. Los Blancos are a tired looking side, but they will summon up the energy to progress through on Wednesday night, though a scare at some point in the evening should be considered likely.

Real Madrid 3-1 Sevilla

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02-02-2011 20:45 Birmingham City - Manchester City

Blues Looking To Take Cup Form Into Premier League

Birmingham fans will be hoping their side can record a third straight home victory when they face Manchester City this Wednesday. Alex McLeish's men beat West Ham and Coventry City in their previous two games but both were in cup competitions - and the Scot will be hoping his players can take confidence gained from this performances into a difficult game against high-flying City.

Whilst they have been impressive in the domestic cups, Birmingham's league form has been a worry - winning just four games in the Premier League.

Survival last season was build on a solid defence but the Blues have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight league matches - recording just one victory. McLeish will need the fans to get St Andrew's rocking like it was for the League Cup semi-final victory over West Ham if Blues are to stand a chance of taking all three points.

City Hoping It Is Third Time Lucky In The Midlands

Manchester City fans will travel to St Andrew's on Wednesday hoping their side can record a victory in their third visit to the Midlands within a month - after defeat against Aston Villa in the league and a draw at Notts County in the FA Cup last Sunday.

City have to go back five-and-a-half years for their last win at Birmingham but will be confident they can leave with the victory after picking up 21 points on their travels this season - a number only bettered by Arsenal with 24.

Whilst scoring goals has been a problem for City recently, with Mancini's men yet to score an away league goal in 2011, keeping them out has been their strength - with an equal-best Premier League number of 11 clean sheets this campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

New signing Obafemi Martins is unlikely to make his debut for Birmingham after the club confirmed he had joined them on a six-month loan from Rubin Kazan. The former Newcastle United striker has been described as "explosive" by manager Alex McLeish, who will be hoping that the pacey Nigerian can fire his side to Premier League safety.

But speaking to Sky Sports after his transfer was confirmed, Martins said he was unlikely to train with his new club until Wednesday or Thursday.

Curtis Davies is another player who could feature for Alex McLeish's side - after the centre-back was signed from local rivals Aston Villa to cover the gap left by the hamstring injury that has ruled Scott Dann out for the rest of the season.

McLeish should include key trio Roger Johnson, Cameron Jerome and Craig Gardner in his starting XI after they were rested for the FA Cup clash with Coventry.

Long-term absentee James McFadden (knee) is also unavailable.

Possible starting XI: Foster; Carr, Davies, Johnson, Ridgewell; Bentley, Gardner, Bowyer, Ferguson, Hleb; Jerome.

Manchester City

Manchester City will be without England winger Adam Johnson, who was ruled out for two to three months with an ankle injury sustained in training last Thursday.

Mancini is also sweating on the fitness of captain Carlos Tevez - after the Argentinian missed the FA Cup clash with Notts County on Sunday due to a back injury.

Tevez is expected to recover in time for the Birmingham game, and speaking on the club's official website, Roberto Mancini said: "It's very unlucky, we don't have a player like Adam but I hope that Tevez will be okay for Birmingham, we will see on Monday."

Mancini is likely to reinstate Vincent Kompany, Aleksandar Kolarov and David Silva - after all three were rested for the FA Cup game last Sunday.

City are also without fiery Italian Mario Balotelli - with the striker ruled out until March due to a knee problem.

Possible starting XI: Hart; Richards, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; De Jong, Barry; Milner, Y Toure, Tevez; Dzeko.

Prediction

Birmingham City are hard to beat at St Andrew's but will have to ensure they do not give Manchester City a head-start like their last two home games. Both West Ham and Coventry City went ahead against Birmingham, with McLeish's men producing strong-willed performances to turn the two games around.

Manchester City have the likes of Carlos Tevez and Nigel de Jong to recall to their starting XI and will have the quality to cause Birmingham problems. But under the floodlights at St Andrew's and in front of a passionate home crowd, I expect Birmingham to battle hard and secure a valuable point.

Birmingham 2-2 Man City

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02-02-2011 21:00 Bolton Wanderers - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Relegation Battle

Despite currently sitting eight points above the relegation zone, Owen Coyle will be desperate for his side to recapture their best form, with Bolton failing to win in any of their last five league games.

For Wolves, the consequences are much more significant and should they fail to better West Ham’s result against Blackpool, then they will replace the Hammers at the bottom of the table.

However, there will be no lack of motivation from Mick McCarthy's men, with the Midlands side able to move out of the drop zone if results go their way.

The task is likely to be a difficult one, however, with Wolves suffering defeats in both fixtures against Bolton last season, although they have shown their ability to upset the odds with victories over both Chelsea and Liverpool and scoring three goals away to Manchester City in recent league fixtures.

TEAM NEWS

Bolton Wanderers

Daniel Sturridge goes straight into the Bolton Wanderers squad after completing his loan move from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Sturridge could be named in the starting line-up and would likely replace Johan Elmander alongside Kevin Davies.

David Wheater is expected to make his first league appearance for Bolton after joining from Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old featured for the Trotters in their 0-0 FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the weekend and should remain in the starting line-up.

Gary Cahill and Stuart Holden were rested for the visit of Wigan and will be recalled for the Premier League clash.

Ivan Klasnic, who has recovered from a groin injury, was an unused substitute in the FA Cup tie and could hand Owen Coyle an option in attack, while Lee Chung-Yong is back in the country after representing South Korea in the Asian Cup in Qatar, where they beat Uzbekistan in the third place play-off.

The midfielder is likely to be rested after his exploits for his country but may feature as a substitute.

Jlloyd Samuel, Ricardo Gardner, Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien all remain absent through respective injuries and are some time away from a return.

Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Wheater, Robinson; M Davies, Muamba, Holden, Taylor; Sturridge, K Davies.

Wolves

Wolves have made two late acquisitions during the January transfer window with the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Adriano Basso and the loan capture of Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara.

O’Hara has been injured for most of the season but is believed to have recovered from a back injury to put him in contention to feature at Bolton, although most likely as a substitute.

Basso, however, has been brought in as emergency cover and is unlikely to even make the bench.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has recovered from a calf strain and could return after appearing as a late substitute in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Stoke City in the FA Cup, while Sam Vokes was also a late substitute and could be included in the squad.

Dave Edwards missed Wolves' fourth round FA Cup exit after suffering an illness and is unlikely to be named in the squad, and Wayne Hennessey will replace Marcus Hahnemann in goal after the American stepped in against Stoke.

Michael Kightly remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery and is still several weeks away from full training, while Adlene Guedioura is another long term absentee with a broken leg.

Possible starting XI: Hennessey; Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Ward; Jarvis, Foley, Milijas, Fletcher; Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.

Prediction

Bolton have been very poor of late but the signing of Daniel Sturridge may just be enough to galvanise the squad, and the home crowd will give them the edge.

Editor's Prediction

Bolton 2-1 Wolves

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02-02-2011 - Fulham - Newcastle United

Fulham Buoyed By FA Cup Win

Fulham head back into Premier League action still dreaming of the FA Cup after their 4-0 win over Tottenham at the weekend.

The Cottagers put in a storming performance against Harry Redknapp's side which has started talk of targeting the FA Cup final.

But Mark Hughes will know how important Premier League survival is and will want his players to switch their focus back to Newcastle.

With the additions of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Steve Sidwell, and with players returning from injury, things are looking up for Hughes' men.

If they keep replicating their cup performance it will not be long before they are shooting up the table.

Pressure On Newcastle Strikers

Both sides found themselves busy on transfer deadline day, bringing in new recruits. Fulham brought in Eidur Gudjohnsen from Stoke while Stephen Ireland checked in at St James' Park.

But one of the big stories of the day was the news that Newcastle sold striker Andy Carroll for a fee in the region of £35 million. The news came as a big shock to everyone at Newcastle and his absence will be a huge loss.

One of the worrying things for Newcastle fans will be the lack of a replacement.

Alan Pardew was rumoured to have been working right up until the last minute of deadline day to bring in a replacement, but his efforts came to no avail.

Now the pressure will be on Shola Ameobi, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands to produce the goals in Carroll's absence and keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

New signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could go straight into the match squad after joining from Stoke on loan until the end of the season. He will replace striker Eddie Johnson after he completed a loan move to Preston North End until the end of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is back after helping Australia to the final of the Asian Cup, but will be rested for this match with David Stockdale continuing in goal.

Aaron Hughes is Mark Hughes' only injury worry ahead of the match against the Toon Army, while Dickson Etuhu and Matthew Briggs could be back in the squad after recovering from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

Striker Bobby Zamora (broken leg) and Philipe Senderos (calf) are closing in on returns but will come up short for the visit of Newcastle.

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

Newcastle

Midfielder Stephen Ireland will go straight into the squad for the trip to west London. The former Manchester City and Aston Villa player has not featured in the league since the turn of the year and will get an immediate opportunity to recapture the firm he showed for City.

Alan Pardew will still be without Cheik Tiote as he completes his three match suspension following his red card in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Stevenage.

Steven Taylor is a doubt with a hamstring injury and will face a late fitness test.

Ryan Taylor (ankle), Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) and Dan Gosling (knee) should all be back by the end of the month but Alan Smith is still sidelined.

Possible starting XI: Harper; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Guthrie, Ireland, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi.

Prediction

Even though he’s still injured and hasn’t been playing in the last few weeks, I can see the exit of Andy Carroll having a huge impact on the Newcastle squad.

Fulham 2-1 Newcastle

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