05.02.2011. Bets Of The Day

05.02. (Sat) 13:45 Stoke City - Sunderland

The loss of Darren Bent will not have helped Sunderland's cause for goals, as Steve Bruce only managed to bring in midfielders Muntari and Sessegnon in the January transfer window. With Danny Welbeck still injured, Asamoah Gyan is Sunderland's only fit main striker, so Sunderland tend to keep games tight.

Stoke have similar problems with goals, and seven out of their last eight league games have seen a return of less than three goals a game. Head to head and the last five Premier League meetings have all ended with less than three goals and Saturday's early kick off will likely return a similarly low goal tally.

Match Odds: Stoke 2.05, Draw 3.20, Sunderland 3.30

Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.60

05.02. (Sat) 15:30 Koln - Bayern Munchen

Here we go again – Lukas Podolski is facing his former team. Last season Poldi was the joke of the whole Germany, with a miserable season that provided just two goals, and many critics argued that he shouldn’t even be in the World Cup squad. One of those goals, though, was versus the Bavarians, as the Prince definitely wants to prove his worth against them.

This time Bayern are visiting Koln when Podolski is on fire. He bagged seven Bundesliga goals already, three of them coming in 2011 – a lucky one versus Kaiserslautern and a neat double against Bremen. There is absolutely no doubt Koln will play for him to score, and the odds on that happening are good ans there is plenty of value to be found.

Match Odds: Koln 7.0, Draw, 4:20, 1:40 Bayern Munich

Tip: Lukas Podolski to score anytime @ 3.60

05.02. (Sat) 16:00 Leicester City - Barnsley

Leicester have not lost at home since the arrival of Sven Goran Eriksson and have a great record against Barnsley. In their last 10 recent meetings both home and away Leicester have won eight times, lost once while one game finished in a draw. Barnsley, three wins in 14 away games, find it hard to keep clean sheets on the road. Leicester should win by more than one goal.

Arsenal have a great record against Newcastle in recent years losing just once in their last 10 encounters. The Geordies will be missing Andy Carroll who upset the Gunners earlier this season. Newcastle have only kept three clean sheets at home so far and Arsenal have scored two or more goals in eight of their 12 away games. Using the Asian handicap again makes the price more attractive.

Match Odds: Leicester 1.45, Draw 3.80, Barnsley 7.0

Tips: Leicester - 1 @ 1.90 and Arsenal - 0.75 @ 1.90/ Double @ 3.60

05.02. (Sat) 16:00 Rotheram United - Crewe Alexandra

Rotherham versus Crewe in England's League Two is a match that looks a runner for the total goals market. Crewe, under long serving Dario Gradi, are a talented team that play in a stylish and expansive manner, but they have a soft underbelly and are vulnerable to more direct and physical teams in the division.

They got battered 6-2 at Northampton midweek and seven of their last eight away games have come in over 2.5 goals. The over 2.5 goals trend with Rotherham is apparent too with seven out of their last eight home games producing three or more goals.

Match Odds: Rotherham 2.10, Draw 3.25, Crewe 3.20

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80

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05-02-2011 22:00 Barcelona - Atletico Madrid

No Time To Stop

After dispatching Almeria in the Copa del Rey earlier this week, Barcelona host Atletico Madrid, hoping to break the record for consecutive Primera Division games won. Presently, Barca have 15 wins in succession under their belt, and victory at Camp Nou on Saturday night would set a new mark of 16.

Defeat against Betis around two weeks ago was a shock to Barcelona’s system, but they have digested the problems arising from that reverse and brushed off these problems impressively. A squad of largely fringe players was good enough to overcome Almeria 3-0 away from home in midweek, with the goals arriving from Adriano, Thiago and Ibrahim Affelay.

“We must try to recover in time for Saturday, as we face one of the strongest teams in the league,” Guardiola explained to the media in the aftermath of Wednesday’s win. “This is our hardest month, as we have had little rest.”

Saturday provides something of a grudge match for la Blaugrana. Though they defeated Atleti 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season, that game will be most remembered for Tomas Ujafalusi’s crude foul on Lionel Messi, which kept the diminutive Argentine away from the pitch for a couple of weeks, and in truth the South American was lucky it was such a short period of time.

There will, therefore, be a little more edge to this game than usual, especially as Barca would go 10 points clear of Real Madrid with a win.


Should Be Doing Better

Atletico Madrid’s hopes of Champions League football next season have all but vanished as they have been unable to maintain the hot pace maintained by Villarreal and Valencia, who have opened up a gap to the main peloton of teams as they attempt to nail down a top four spot. Los Colchoneros lie a distant seventh, 11 points off the pace.

Recent results have not eased the growing pressure on coach Quique Sanchez Flores, who saw his side lose consecutive Liga matches for the first time this season when they went down against Sporting de Gijon and then Athletic Bilbao. When these opponents were dispatched in the opening two games of the campaign, los Rojiblancos were being talked optimistically of as potential title contenders. Not so now.

“We are seventh. We should be third or fourth, but we'll see what happens,” the coach lamented after last weekend’s home defeat to los Leones, in which Luis Perea did his side no favours in earning a first half red card. “It takes courage and commitment for the team to succeed. I trust my players.”

While Atleti have a miserable record against city-rivals Real Madrid, they have historically fared better against Barcelona, though they will not make Saturday’s trip with any great optimism, especially having been outplayed by the Catalans when they met in the capital earlier this term.

Moreover, recent trips to Camp Nou have ended in complete despair, losing 11 goals over the course of their last two visits to the venue.

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Andres Iniesta has returned to training after a back sprain kept him out of the midweek encounter against Almeria. Carles Puyol and Jeffren Suarez remain on the sidelines.

Atletico

Mario Suarez has an injury question mark hanging over his head prior to the trip to Barcelona. Luis Perea is definitely out after being dismissed last weekend. On the other hand, Raul Garcia will return to action.

Prediction

Barcelona remain in unstoppable form, and it’s difficult to see an Atletico Madrid side so unpredictable defensively stopping the Catalan masters. With 15 successive wins in their bag, expect Barca to make it a record breaking 16, winning with some margin to spare.

Barcelona 4-1 Atletico Madrid

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05-02-2011 20:45 Cagliari - Juventus

Pushing & Pushing

Cagliari are not one of the sides fighting for their life in the Italian top flight and seem to be on course to secure a respectable mid-table slot for themselves. With 32 points from 23 matches, the Sardinians are in the top half of the table and are five points off a Europa League place.

Of course, no one is speaking about a launch for Europe for Cagliari, who are starting to cement their place as an also-ran in Serie A this campaign.

The Isolani have won their last two league games, defeating Bari 2-1 at home last weekend and then winning 1-0 in Genoa against Sampdoria in midweek.

Cagliari will aim to carry on their rise up the table in the Italian first division and after having defeated Roma and Palermo already in the campaign, the Rossoblu will hope to add Juventus to the names of the stronger sides who have been slayed by their sword.

Crisis At Juventus

Three defeats in a row. Two wins in ten. Outside the top-six. 13 points off the pace. Crisis.

Juventus' season has collapsed and what appeared a legitimate challenge for the Scudetto when December 2010 subsided into January 2011 has now been reduced to a desperate attempt to rescue a place in Europe.

Two successive defeats in the past seven days, first to Udinese in Turin and then to Palermo in Sicily, have forced the Bianconeri firmly on the backfoot with their 2010-11 campaign blown apart.

Heading into Week 24 Juventus are limping in eighth spot, with 35 points from 23 matches. Juve are a massive 13 points off the pace and are six points off a Champions League spot.

Also out of the Europa League and the Coppa Italia, it is becoming desperate for the Old Lady, who need to return to winning ways this weekend or commence planning her funeral.

TEAM NEWS

Cagliari

Laner and Agazzi are injured for the Sardinians.


Juventus

Rinaudo, De Ceglie, Quagliarella, Toni, Traore, Pepe and Iaquinta all are sidelined due to various injuries.

Prediction

Juventus lost yet again in midweek and are in a free-fall. Against Cagliari in Sardinia they could struggle once again but should eventually return to Turin with a point.

Cagliari 1-1 Juventus

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05-02-2011 20:00 Villarreal - Levante

Storming Form

Juan Carlos Garrido’s Villarreal are in terrific form, and had it not been for the frightening pace of Barcelona and Real Madrid, they would surely get more praise from the worldwide media than they are currently awarded. With 21 games gone, they boast a tally of 45 points, which is title-winning form in most leagues, but only enough for third in the Primera Division.

Finishing third now has to be the Yellow Submarine’s aim, though they are only six points back from los Blancos. Earning a spot in the top three guarantees Champions League football for next season, and given the form Garrido’s men have shown, they certainly deserve it.

El Madrigal remains a fortress under the former ‘B’ team coach. Only Valencia have prevented Villarreal picking up maximum points at the venue over the course of the season to date, and in the coach’s near year long spell at the helm of the east coast outfit, only Barcelona have won at the venue.

It’s been the away form of the players that has really given cause for optimism in recent times. A terrific success against Espanyol last weekend, which came courtesy of yet another Giuseppe Rossi screamer, left the coach proud.

“It’s difficult to envisage a better game,” Garrido explained after the win at the Cornella-El Prat, which was Villarreal’s fourth away success of the season in league play.

Boosted

While Villarreal’s star has ascended once more this season, it looks increasingly likely that Levante’s will drop come the end of the campaign. Luis Garcia’s side have shown in bursts they have the ability to compete in La Liga, but ultimately they have lacked the firepower or defensive resilience to pick up points.

Optimism was gained last weekend, when a 2-0 victory over Getafe ended a five match winless streak. Los Granotes may not have seen the majority of the ball, but they were positive when they were in possession, getting plenty of shots away and scoring twice in the second half through Valdo and Felipe Caicedo.

“This is the lift we wanted,” confirmed Luis Garcia after the match. “It has served to break the dynamic and we are very happy. We have been more intense and could have scored even more goals.”

While the coach is clearly pleased with what was achieved last weekend in Valencia, he was quick to note that “what lies ahead will be very long and will make us suffer”.

Stationed in the relegation zone, three points shy of safety, now would be a bad time to become detached, so the next few weeks are liable to be pivotal to los Granotes, who won’t expect a great deal from their short trip to Villarreal this weekend.

TEAM NEWS

Villarreal

A muscular injury will deprive Villarreal of Marco Ruben for at least the next two fixtures. Nilmar returned to the bench last weekend and could take his place. Juan Carlos, Marcos Senna and Carlos Marchena are all missing.

Levante

Felipe Caicedo is missing due to suspension, which is a big blow to los Granotes. Manolo Reina, first choice goalkeeper for much of this campaign, is doubtful due to a hamstring problem, while Juanfran should be fit.

Hector Rodas and Sergio Gonzalez are both out with hamstring injuries.

Prediction

Villarreal rarely slip up at home, and after defeating Espanyol last weekend they certainly won’t to trip against lowly Levante. Only complacency can prevent the hosts earning three more points.

Villarreal 3-0 Levante

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05-02-2011 18:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Manchester United

United Juggernaught Steams On

Manchester United have now gone 24 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

It is unlikely that they will be fazed by their trip to Molineux to face the team at the opposite end of the table, though their record on the road leaves a lot to be desired, only winning three times.

Ferguson will be keen to rotate the squad with the FA Cup games against Crawley Town and Champions League fixtures against Marseille in the pipeline.

Scoring goals should not be an issue whoever the personnel, with all of United's front line particularly impressive of late. Rooney’s brace in his last outing against Aston Villa may prove the catalyst for the misfiring striker to find his feet in front of goal again.

The Late, Late Show

This is the third time the sides have met this season, with the spoils going Manchester United’s way the previous two times.

Although, given the bipolar nature of the teams’ league positions, the games have been much closer than you would expect, with typical late United goals being the deciding factors.

Ferguson’s side knocked Wolves out of the League Cup when they met in October courtesy of a late Javier Hernandez goal, whilst a month later, United won 2-1 in the Premier League fixture, this time with Park Ji-Sung sinking a late winner.

With Wolves’ inability to find the back of the net, their joint top league goal scorers Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher have the combined tally of less than half of Berbatov’s output, a lot rests on their defence being able to shackle a rampant United attack.

TEAM NEWS

Wolves

Mick McCarthy has a slight striking headache ahead of the visit of league leaders Manchester United.

With both Stephen Hunt and Manchester United youth product Sylvan Ebanks-Blake struggling, McCarthy could opt to hand a start to loan signing Jamie O’Hara, but it is more likely that he will appear from the bench.

Adlene Guedioura (broken leg) and Michael Kightly (knee) remain long-term absentees.

Possible starting XI: Hahnemann; Foley, Berra, Stearman, Ward; Jarvis, Edwards, Henry, Milijas, Hunt; Doyle.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson may choose to shuffle the pack when his team travel to bottom of the table Wolves, with a more or less full strength squad.

With Park Ji-Sung back from the Asian Cup, Ferguson may choose to rest Ryan Giggs, who has featured heavily of late.

Rafael Da Silva may also be drafted back in following his rest against Aston Villa, hoping to usurp to recently retired Gary Neville as the club’s long-term established right-back.

Nani will probably start, with Ferguson keen to get the winger back to full match fitness. And with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez all firing on all cylinders, one will find themselves unlucky not to start.

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

Prediction

It’s bottom versus top, and the league table never lies. Surely it must be a United win this weekend?

Wolves 0-2 Man Utd.

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05-02-2011 18:00 Zaragoza - Racing Santander

Give The Maximum

Having pulled away from the drop zone decisively around this time last year, Zaragoza are in the midst of repeating the trick under the stewardship of Javier Aguirre, whose side have enjoyed a fine January and are moving clear of immediate danger. Racing Santander are not a team who will go down easily, though los Manos approach the weekend fixture with real hopes of three points.

Just as the panic button was about to be pressed at la Romareda, the Aragon club have found their form. January brought with it five league fixtures, four of which were won by Zaragoza, and the other of which ended in defeat away to Champions League chasing Espanyol. Now five points clear of the relegation zone, Zaragoza’s position looks healthier, but they are by no means safe.

This has been recognised by the squad, who will treat the weekend’s game against a positional rival with the utmost severity. “We know what is at stake but with the confidence that we individually and collectively have, we will try to play a complete game in which we must jump onto the field at 200 per cent,” striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle explained to Marca in midweek.

Over the four weeks, los Manos have more than doubled their points tally for the previous four months, but their margins remain slim. They’ve yet to win a game by more than a solitary goal this season, so focus at all times will be essential.

Liven Up The Attack

Racing Santander are not opponents who should be considered easy to dispatch. Against Barcelona in Primera Division action earlier this month, they gave a pretty good account of themselves, despite going down 3-0, and just last weekend they matched Valencia sufficiently to earn a 1-1 draw.

Los Verdiblancos were starved of possession for long periods of that game but opened the scoring through Ariel in the first half. In a dramatic concluding chapter to the fixture, Tino Costa levelled for the hosts before both teams had players dismissed in stoppage time – Mehdi Lacen the home player to be dismissed.

“There was a foul in Valencia’s goal,” coach Miguel Angel Portugal grumbled to the media after the game, though he was pleased with the showing of his side. “Overall, we played well. We had a good attitude in the first half and also in the second.”

Though there would be no return of Nikola Zigic on loan to los Racinguistas, the club were active in the final days of the transfer market, snapping up former Barcelona forward Giovani Dos Santos to augment an attack that has been pretty feeble for much of this season. Mustering significantly under a goal a game, Racing have to push that figure up if they’re to secure comfortable safety.

TEAM NEWS

Zaragoza

Ikechuwku Uche is back training with the squad after a succession of knee problems, while Paulo da Silva could debut.

Victor Laguardia remains a long-term concern.

Racing

Markus Rosenberg is suspended, but Mehdi Lacen’s two-match suspension has been quashed and he should feature from the outset. Alexandros Tziolis, Oscar Serrano and Papa Kouli Diop are long-term issues.

Prediction

Crucially, momentum and home advantage is with Zaragoza, and it would be a real blow to the Aragon side if they failed to make it count. Expect to see Javier Aguirre’s side edge Racing Santander into more problems, though a close match is in prospect.

Zaragoza 2-1 Racing

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05-02-2011 18:00 Osasuna - Mallorca

Feasted On Merengues

Osasuna scored one of the most memorable results of the season last weekend, when they defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at the Reyno de Navarre, throwing los Blancos’ title hopes to the point of oblivious. Victory was also important for the Pamplona club, who themselves are in the midst of attempting to avoid the drop, and on Saturday they will hope to maintain their momentum against Mallorca.

Only three points outside of the relegation zone, los Rojillos certainly cannot afford to rest on their laurels, but Jose Antonio Camacho’s men have much room for optimism after a polished defensive performance last weekend. After showing fine organisation at the back, Javier Camunas struck the killer blow to the capital men.

Criticised by Cristiano Ronaldo for an overly aggressive approach, Osasuna’s players have laughed off such claims from the Portuguese winger. “Madrid know perfectly well that we did things better than them and that’s why we won the game,” Camunas claimed to Marca. “Madrid cannot make excuses with the players we have.”

With a wind of positivism in their sails, Osasuna will hope to build upon victory over los Blancos in an attempt to eradicate the memories of an eight match winless streak that put them in difficulty in first place.


Start Scoring

While Osasuna’s stock rises, Mallorca’s is sharply sinking. Michael Laudrup’s side weren’t expected to play a great season, but after a positive start to the campaign, hopes had risen on the Balearic Island of potentially getting into the region of last season’s strong finish. These have been dispelled by six defeats in eight matches.

Presently, els Barralets are on a three match losing streak. Defeats against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in back-to-back weeks might have been anticipated, but the horrendous 4-0 loss against Sporting de Gijon last weekend will be a loss that is hugely damaging to morale.

“The 4-0 defeat was a very hard stick because we had not lost that many goals in our previous 10 matches playing [at the Iberostar Estadi],” Laudrup grumbled at the conclusion of the match. “Football has not changed much, but if team does not win we can be satisfied with the good intention and attitude of the players. The question boils down to scoring goals and we’ve not done that in the last three games.”

With 27 points in the bank, Mallorca are still firmly in the middle of the table, but a continuation of their recent results will see them sucked back into bother, which is the last thing their Danish coach needs. Points on Saturday would be very welcome.

TEAM NEWS

Osasuna

It’s been largely good news for los Rojillos on the injury front this week. Nacho Monreal, Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei have all been given the thumbs up to play this weekend. Ruper and Alvaro Cejudo remain absent.

Damia is suspended.

Mallorca

New signing Akihiro Ienaga has expressed his interest in debuting at the weekend. No fresh selection issues have been named, and the squad is boosted by the return of Ivan Ramis from suspension.

On the other hand, Pierre Webo, Nunes and Joao Victor will all sit out injured.

Prediction

After last weekend’s magnificent success, it would be a huge let down if Osasuna were to slip unexpectedly at the hands of Mallorca. The Islanders haven’t been playing impressively of late, and the hosts will expected to earn three more points.

Osasuna 2-0 Mallorca

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05-02-2011 18:00 Getafe - Deportivo La Coruna

No Problems Yet

Two of the Primera Division’s most out-of-form sides clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday evening. Between them, Getafe and Deportivo La Coruna have earned only a couple of points this year, conceding goals freely and rarely threatening to score. With relegation jitters starting to seep in, this is a clash of vital importance.

There can be little doubt that los Azulones are much the better positioned of the sides, having started the season in a broadly positive manner. Indeed, until the turn of the year, the Madrid club could quite justifiably consider a push for a European berth, but three defeats and a draw have since forced fans to reconsider their prospects.

Coach Michel remains relatively upbeat, despite the recent slump, which continued with a loss against struggling Levante last weekend. “I look up the classification, which is where we are,” he told Marca. “I have no reason to look down. We're closer to our goal than we are to problems.

“I am calm and confident with my players. We have a close relationship and I know they are going to get us away from that last bad month.”

February certainly looks a far less intimidating month for the capital side, and a win over Depor would allow Getafe to attack fixtures against Malaga, Racing Santander and Levante with genuine optimism.

Sevilla Slip

Deportivo La Coruna have not managed to charge away from the relegation zone in the type of manner that might have been expected of them. Presently they remain only three points clear of 18th placed Levante, and the form of the Galicians does not inspire thoughts that they will move clear of the bottom positions in the near future.

One win in seven is not a particularly good record, especially as they have lost three of their last four. Indeed, it took a late strike from Laure last weekend against 10-man Sevilla to secure a 3-3 draw in a remarkable game at the Riazor. Two goals up against depleted opponents, el Geta should have closed the game out but instead capitulated and were lucky in the end to get a draw.

“We had the game won,” coach Miguel Angel Lotina stated after the game. “We allowed them to rebound and we got nervous before we finally got the draw.”

Give Depor’s recent form, it should come as little surprise that they struggled to close the game out, simply because it’s a position they’ve become unaccustomed to. Barcelona, Valencia and Zaragoza all recorded wins over the north westerners without so much as the concession of a goal, and should they continue along that track, the closing weeks of the campaign will prove to be very nervy indeed.

TEAM NEWS

Getafe

Pedro Rios and Adrian Colunga will both be fit for the weekend’s encounter at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Getafe could also welcome back Rafa but Mario is still out.

Manu del Moral and Dani Pareja are both suspended.

Deportivo

Laure is expected to be available for this encounter, but on the other hand Antonio Tomas and Alberto Lopo are both racing to be available. Andres Guardado and Saul are both sidelined.

Prediction

Given the poor performances of both sides in recent times, this is a tough game to call. Getafe are on a particularly poor run and are clearly capable of much better, but a draw is perhaps the likeliest outcome.

Getafe 1-1 Deportivo

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05-02-2011 18:00 Athletic Bilbao - Real Sporting Gijon

European Dreams

Sitting sixth in the Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao can still hold out legitimate hope of qualifying for Europe this season, particularly as Real Madrid and Barcelona will compete the Copa del Rey final, opening another Europa League place to be won via La Liga. On Saturday they host Sporting de Gijon, hopeful of moving three points closer to their goal.

Few teams command a home record as imperious at Athletic’s. San Mames is always an intimidating venue for teams to travel too, and this season is proving to be little different. Already they have chalked up eight successes in only 11 matches, but it will have been a 2-0 success against Atletico Madrid last weekend that will have given the squad particularly reason to be satisfied.

Goals in either half from Toquero were good enough to guide los Leones to a third successive victory for the first time this season, giving the Basque side confidence of picking up a fourth win on the spin. “Europe is possible if we remain constant,” Pablo Orbaiz told Marca with some confidence. “We cannot forfeit a game.”

Winning four matches in a row would be a massive achievement for Athletic, who are no longer one of Spanish football’s genuine giants. Securing three more points would help improve their growing status under Joaquin Caparros.

Fab Four

Sporting de Gijon are a side firmly on the up. The recent form of the Asturian outfit has been very strong indeed, carrying them away from immediate danger and up towards the middle of the table. There is a very definite split in the Primera Division standings, and the club who hail from El Molinon will have to bridge that gap if they are to secure safety though.

Remarkably, they’ve managed to pick up three successive victories in league play, having earned only two victories over the course of the whole campaign previously. Not only have los Sportinguistas earned their success, they have done so without conceding a goal against Hercules, Atletico Madrid or Mallorca, who were blown away 4-0 last weekend.

“There have been games where we played much better today and we lost,” coach Manuel Preciado reasoned to the media last weekend. “A month ago everything was black and now everything looks white, but not too much.”

Preciado will attempt to stick with an unchanged starting XI for the fourth successive match as he attempts to ensure the positive momentum of recent weeks is carried forward. With one defeat in seven, Sporting are not a side who should be considered a pushover, and even Barcelona, whom they play next weekend, will not look at the fixture and consider it easy.

TEAM NEWS

Athletic

Ekiz Borja seems to have shaken off a knock and should start, though Fernando Amorebieta is closing in on first team action once again. Urko Vera could debut but third choice goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez is missing after a finger operation. Ibai Gomez and Jon Aurtenetxe are long-term issues, while Javi Martinez is banned.

Sporting

No alterations are expected in Manuel Preciado’s starting XI. Andre Castro and Nacho Novo will have to be happy with spots on the bench. Alberto Botia and Luis Moran are selection issues.

Prediction

Sporting’s success last weekend shows that they can be effective, but they will find the going very tough against Athletic Bilbao. Los Leones generally expect to out-battle any opponents at San Mames, and they should be too good for their weekend guests.

Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Sporting de Gijon

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05-02-2011 18:00 Almeria - Espanyol

Greatest Campaign?

Eliminated from the Copa del Rey as expected by Barcelona on Wednesday evening, Almeria can forget their dream of lifting any silverware this season and must instead focus on avoiding the nightmare of relegation. Their next test comes in the form of a very able Espanyol side, who are in the thick of challenging for the Champions League.

Even against a fringe Barcelona team, Almeria could make no headway against the Catalans, who boasted a 13-0 aggregate score against the Andalucians prior to the semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Jose Luis Oltra’s side went down 3-0 in midweek, but the coach wasn’t too bothered about the final outcome.

“The Copa has allowed us to escape our league classification, and we have enjoyed it more, which is why we have done so well,” he explained to the press. “But now, we must refocus. This match [against Barcelona] should not cause us any problems because everyone did well. I was always preparing for our next match instead of focusing solely on Barcelona.

“If we can avoid relegation, this will be the best season for the side in our history.”

Almeria lie second bottom of the standings, but their momentum has been broadly positive in recent weeks, and if they were to take anything against Espanyol at the weekend, that trend would continue.

Hope Still Lives

Espanyol’s quest to finish fourth in the Primera Division was given a buffeting last weekend, when they suffered just their second home defeat of the season. Prior to the visit of Villarreal, Barcelona were the only outfit to have successfully visited Cornella-El Prat, where la Blaugrana picked up an emphatic 5-0 victory, and though the Yellow Submarine’s win was not as emphatic, it was just as important.

Los Periquitos are at something of a crossroads in their campaign; they can either sink or swim. Though on the field their results have been impressive, away from the pitch they have been forced to sell promising defenders Victor Ruiz and Didac because of their inclement financial position. Additionally, leading scorer Pablo Osvaldo has been hit by a medium-term injury, which has hampered their attacking potential.

“We have not dismantled the team. We would have done if we had sold Osvaldo, Baena and Javi Marquez. We sold two players but I’d be lying if I said it will not affect the team,” sporting director Ramon Planes frankly admitted to Marca, perhaps suggesting that the final run before the end of the season will be too long for his side to realistically keep pace.

Last weekend’s match against Villarreal wasn’t a total write-off, and does suggest that this Espanyol side still has legs. Coach Mauricio Pochettino argued after the game that he thought a draw would have been a fairer result.

Even at full strength, the Barcelona club have struggled to find their best level away from home, so Saturday’s encounter against Almeria is a big clash, and a potentially defining one for the club’s campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Almeria

Carlos Garcia will sit this fixture out as he has a one-match suspension to serve. A virus has rendered Luna a doubt, while Juan Ortiz is injured.

Espanyol

Raul Baena is closing in on full fitness, but it’s not expected he’ll be available for the weekend’s clash. Also absent is Aldo Duscher, who was booked for a fifth time this season against Villarrea.

Long-term problems in the form of Ivan de la Pena, Ernesto Galan and Felipe Mattioni persist, and Pablo Osvaldo is not ready to return yet.

Prediction

Almeria’s recent form suggests that they are capable of earning something against an Espanyol side rocked by the loss of several important player. Expect Jose Luis Oltra’s side to at least win a point, hurting the Champions League aspirations of los Periquitos just a little more.

Almeria 1-1 Espanyol

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05-02-2011 18:00 Udinese - Sampdoria

Reality Check

Udinese's back-to-back destruction of Inter and Juventus, two of the traditional powerhouses of Italy, conceived hopes of a European finish with whispers of a place in the Champions League beginning to gain pitch. However, midweek's disappointing 1-1 draw with Bologna has brought the Bianconeri back to the ground.

Udinese are currently in seventh spot in the league standings with 37 points from 23 matches, level with Palermo and just four points off a Champions League place. A place among the elite in Italy is not out of question yet as with other Europe-chasing teams failing to maintain consistency, the Zebrette should perceive themselves as potential candidates for a place in the Europa League.

Udinese have a terribly good form at home too as Francesco Guidolin's side have registered no fewer than seven Serie A victories at the Stadio Friuli and have scored 19 goals in 11 league encounters in Udine this campaign.

Relegation Form

It wouldn't be justified if one were to term Sampdoria as one of the candidates for relegation from Serie A this season but their form is so abysmal at the moment that it wouldn't be surprising if they get dragged into the dogfight after a couple of rounds.

Domenico Di Carlo's team are one of the worst sides form-wise in the Italian top flight at the moment as they have lost their last three competitive fixtures and have register just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions. The Blucerchiati have been so poor that they are now in the lower half of the Serie A table with 27 points from 22 matches, just six points above the relegation zone.

Sampdoria's away form in the league so far this season is terrible too but they need to get at least something from their match in Udine to ease the pressure on themselves.

With Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini both gone, no one at the club really is targeting for a European place, but with points hard to come by just as the goals, if things don't improve Samp could get immersed in the murky waters at the basement.

TEAM NEWS

Udinese

Basta, Ferronetti, Angella and Handanovic are unavailable for the Bianconeri as they are injured.

Sampdoria

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

Prediction

Udinese dropped points in midweek but with Sampdoria in a wretched run of form and disappointing on the road, the Bianconeri should return to winning ways this weekend.

Udinese 2-0 Sampdoria

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05-02-2011 16:00 Wigan Athletic - Blackburn Rovers

Turnaround In Fortunes Needed

The Latics haven’t won in the league since Boxing Day and have only picked up four points in the seven games since that victory over Wolves. They came close to victory against West Brom in midweek after goals from Charles N’Zogbia and Ben Watson but they were denied three points by a Marc-Antoine Fortune effort 11 minutes from time.

Rovers haven’t won away from home during January, and they will be hoping February brings them some more luck. They will also be hoping to reduce the number of goals they concede away from Ewood Park, having let in a less than impressive eight in their last three fixtures on the road.

Rovers Have Edge Over Local Rivals

The two clubs, who are 25 miles apart, have met 15 times in their history, with Rovers dominating those matches, winning 11 of them while Wigan have only been successful in two. The last two meetings have both been at Ewood Park and Blackburn won them both 2-1.

The league meetings between the sides have only taken place in the Premier League and Rovers have won the majority of the games, claiming 23 points from a possible 33 over the last six seasons.

At the DW Stadium, formerly the JJB Stadium, both teams have recorded two victories and one game has ended in a draw but games have been laden with goals. They have shared 19 in the five games at Wigan, an average of 3.8 per game.

Despite their dominance over Wigan, Blackburn haven’t beaten them on their own turf since 2007, and with their current away form they will be hoping they see a turnaround in their fortunes and see them do the double over Wigan for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

Mixed Emotions For Wigan Chairman Whelan

Games between Wigan and Blackburn are always sentimental affairs for Latics chairman Dave Whelan, as he has such affection for both clubs.

As a player Whelan made 78 appearances for Blackburn in four years, he appeared for the club in the 1960 FA Cup final but the day was one to forget for the Wigan chief. Rovers lost the game 3-0 to Wolves at Wembley and Whelan also broke his leg in the match.

After retiring in 1966, Whelan went into retail, setting up JJB Sports and then DW Sports. And in 1995 he bought his beloved Wigan Athletic when the club were in Division Three and set about lifting them up the divisions.

He has masterminded the club’s meteoric rise to the Premier League since taking over, and has continued to fund the purchase of players that has enabled them to survive in the division for five seasons.

TEAM NEWS

Wigan

Charles N’Zogbia, who was the subject of two bids from Newcastle on deadline day, netted against West Brom in midweek and will be hoping to continue his goal-scoring run.

On-loan Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is back in contention following his hamstring injury after returning to training this week, but Roberto Martinez may not want to rush him back and risk a relapse.

Striker Conor Sammon joined Wigan on deadline day from Kilmarnock and should be in the squad for this game after watching the 2-2 draw against West Brom from the stands.

Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz is the only absentee for Wigan, having been out of action recently with a foot injury.

Possible starting XI: Al Habsi; Boyce, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Figueroa; Thomas, Watson; N’Zogbia, McCarthy, Moses; Rodallega.

Blackburn

Spanish midfielder Ruben Rochina and Argentine striker Mauro Formica joined Rovers on deadline day but were not included against Spurs, and they are unlikely to start this match as Steve Kean lets them settle into life in England.

Vince Grella and Keith Andrews both returned to the squad against Villa and also against Tottenham so are likely to be involved. Ryan Nelsen played against Spurs and is expected to continue at centre-back alongside Christopher Samba.

Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz was withdrawn early in the FA Cup game against Aston Villa last weekend with a groin strain, the injury kept him out of the midweek defeat to Spurs and will keep him sidelined for this match.

The only other absentee is Phil Jones who was ruled out for the season when he picked up a knee injury against West Ham in December.

Possible starting XI: Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson; Hoilett, J Jones, Dunn, Pedersen; Kalinic, Roberts.

Prediction

Wigan will be keen to lift themselves out of the bottom three again and aim to get back to winning ways in this Lancashire derby, but Blackburn have seen a revival under Steve Kean and should be strong enough to get an away victory.

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Blackburn

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05-02-2011 16:00 Tottenham Hotspur - Bolton Wanderers

Race For Champions League Places Hots Up

As the battle for a place in the top four intensifies, Tottenham will be hoping to keep their credentials intact with a win over Bolton.

Spurs currently sit in fifth place in the table, only three points behind Chelsea in fourth and right in the mix for European qualification.

But manager Harry Redknapp has conceded his side face a huge battle to retain top flight European football at the Lane after Chelsea threw down the gauntlet by spending £75 million on Fernando Torres and David Luiz.

The Spurs boss said: "For us to finish above them would be a real feat.

"They have spent about £70m in the transfer market but we have just got to keep going and it would be a fantastic achievement."

He also believes Chelsea's recent transfer activity could catupult them back into the title race, even though they are 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.

“I would not write Chelsea off from winning the championship," he said.

"Although Manchester United look as though they keep getting results, they are not playing as well as they have done in the past.

“They are red-hot favourites but Chelsea have won the championship and have Torres to come in.

“They could go on a run and be a big danger to everyone.”

But, despite the worry of Chelsea's newly bought strength, Tottenham will be hoping to keep the pressure up on them with a win.

They will have to do it without a host of first-team names but can take comfort from the fact they are unbeaten in 10 league games at White Hart Lane.

Competition For Places At The Reebok

While Tottenham struggle with an injury list as long as Harry Redknapp's shopping list, Owen Coyle has a number of selection dilemmas to solve.

After recruiting Daniel Sturridge and David Wheater in the January transfer window, Coyle has plenty of options to choose from for the first time in his stint as Bolton boss.

And he believes this strength in depth played a massive part in their win over Wolves.

He said: "We haven't had any luck in the last month. Probably everything that could conspire against us has gone against us.

"We've worked very hard in the January window, I think it's been a very good window for us.

"We've kept the group together, as I stressed all season we would, and we've added to that."

The strength of his squad has left the former Burnley boss struggling to find room for some of his stars.

"It wasn't easy to leave David Wheater out given he had a quality debut in the FA Cup on Saturday against Wigan," he added.

"It wasn't easy to leave Robbie Blake out of the 18 but that's because we've built up the squad.

"That gives me some selection dilemmas but as a manager I've shown all throughout my career I'm not afraid to make big decisions."

And no-one will be complaining if Bolton manage to complete a league double over Champions League chasing Tottenham.

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham

Michael Dawson returns to the squad after completing his suspension following the red card against Fulham in the FA Cup.

The England international should return at the heart of Harry Redknapp's defence alongside William Gallas, easing the club's crisis at the back.

Gareth Bale is doubtful and will have a late fitness test on a back injury that has kept him out of the side for the past week.

That's where the good news stops for Spurs as Younes Kaboul (knee), Luka Modric (appendicitis), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Steven Pienaar (concussion) are all still on the sidelines.

Club captain Ledley King was supposed to go under the surgeon's knife this week but due to a lost passport has had to reschedule the surgery in Germany for next week.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart, Jenas, Palacios, Lennon; Crouch, Defoe.

Bolton

Bolton will look to rotate their squad after their tough game in midweek against Mick McCarthy's Wolves.

Lee Chung-Yong, who played his first game since returning from the Asian Cup in the win, could be rested after his exploits during the week.

Owen Coyle must decide whether to recall new signing David Wheater to the side after he was left out of the team that won 1-0 at Wolves.

The Trotters boss also has selection issues in attack and could hand new loan signing Daniel Sturridge his first start for the club after netting the winner as a second-half substitute in midweek.

Jlloyd Samuel is out of the squad and the only injury casualty for the club with a calf muscle strain.

Possible starting XI: Jaaskeleinan; Ricketts, Cahill, Wheater, Robinson; Lee, Holden, M Davies, Taylor; Elmander, K Davies.

Prediction

Despite Bolton managing to beat Tottenham at home earlier this season, I just can't see them doing it again.

Tottenham 2-1 Bolton

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05-02-2011 16:00 Newcastle United - Arsenal

Life after Carroll

Newcastle begin life at St James' Park without their local hero Andy Carroll after the youngster completed his record breaking £35 million transfer to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

Add to the fact that Shola Ameobi is out for up to six weeks with a fractured cheekbone, Newcastle are suddenly short of strikers and alarmingly only six points clear of the relegation zone.

Leon Best scored a hat-trick in a recent 5-0 home win against West Ham, and will have to find that form for the remainder of the campaign to ensure Newcastle are a Premier League outfit next season.

Gunners looking to continue title momentum

The north London side will be hoping to pile the pressure on Manchester United with a win as they will go just two points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who face Wolves at Molineux in the day's late kick-off.

The form guide suggests a draw though as six of the last 10 league meetings at St James' Park have ended all square.

The most recent fixture occurred in March 2009, when goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri sealed a comfortable 3-1 win for Arsene Wenger's men.

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle

The Magpies are without striker Shola Ameobi, who fractured a cheekbone against Fulham in midweek and looks set to be out for six weeks.

Ameobi's absence along with the sale of Andy Carroll leaves manager Alan Pardew very short of striking options, with Nile Ranger, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands the only three fit forwards to choose from.

Cheick Tiote returns from suspension and will start in the centre of midfield alongside Kevin Nolan, with Danny Guthrie likely to drop to the bench.

Alan Smith is out for the rest of the season whilst Dan Gosling, Steven Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa and new signing Stephen Ireland are still a few weeks away from fitness.

Possible starting XI: Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez; Best, Ranger.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will be unable to call on the services of Alex Song after the midfielder was forced to come off at half-time in Tuesday night's victory over Everton.

Abou Diaby replaced the defensive midfielder and looks set to start as Arsenal attempt to keep the pressure on Manchester United at St James' Park.

Theo Walcott also picked up a knock against Everton, but the England winger has shrugged off his ankle problem and will start on Saturday.

Samir Nasri remains out with a hamstring problem and Thomas Vermaelen is still a long way away from fitness with his never-ending Achilles problem.

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

Prediction

Newcastle looked awful against Fulham on Wednesday night, and with Ameobi unfit and the sale of Carroll dampening the atmosphere on Tyneside, Saturday is a fantastic opportunity for Arsene Wenger's men to go two points behind Manchester United.

Theo Walcott's pace destroyed Newcastle in the League Cup fixture earlier in the season, and with his speed going forward, twinned with the creativity of Fabregas and Wilshere in the middle, they should cruise to a comfortable victory.

Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal

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05-02-2011 16:00 Everton - Blackpool

Week Of Rumours Does Nothing To Help Inconsistent Toffees

Rumours regarding the departure of David Moyes earlier in the week were quashed with a defiant immediacy but no matter what the Scot says, his side are struggling to find any consistency this season and their disappointing position in the league is living proof of that. Only one win in five games, with that coming against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup, the Blues will need a win at Goodison or may find themselves in the relegation dogfight.

Struggling Seasiders Looking To Improve

Ian Holloway's side have lost their way somewhat after a remarkable first half of the season, having lost their last four games, making that six defeats in seven. Their only win in that period was against the Toffees' city rivals Liverpool and the travelling Seasiders will be hoping that proves to be a good omen or the Premier League new boys' season threatens to unravel into disarray.

TEAM NEWS

Everton

David Moyes' side will be boosted by the return of the talismanic Tim Cahill, who has been on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup since late December. The club's top scorer with nine goals this season, his return will no doubt be welcomed by Moyes.

The Everton boss is also set to welcome back Tony Hibbert, who missed out on the club's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday due to illness, though Phil Neville is more likely to get the nod at right-back. This leaves Moyes with a complete squad to choose from, an enviable position to be in from the eyes of Ian Holloway.

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

Blackpool

David Carney, having returned from the Asian Cup to play against West Ham in midweek, will potentially line up alongside Andy Reid and James Beattie, after the duo joined Ian Holloway's side on transfer deadline day.

However, Blackpool's injury list is longer than that of their hosts on Merseyside, with long term injuries to Matt Gilks, Stephen Crainey, Chris Basham and Billy Clarke leaving all four players unavailable for selection at Goodison Park.

Possible starting XI: Kingson; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Baptiste; Reid, Adam, Vaughan; Beattie, Campbell, Harewood.

Prediction

Everton were incredibly unlucky not to take anything out of their game against Arsenal and are looking stronger every week. They should prove too strong to a Blackpool side looking a little out of sorts.

Everton 3-1 Blackpool

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05-02-2011 16:00 Aston Villa - Fulham

End Of A Long Wait

Fulham will bid to end a disastrous run that hasn't seen them win at Villa Park in the league for over 25 years.

The last time Fulham won at Villa Park in the league was March 1973, where the Cottagers came out 3-2 victors.

Since that fixture the two teams have met 11 times, with Villa winning six of those ties. The remaining five were draws.

Not So Mid-Table

Both teams are currently sat mid-table in the Premier League at the minute but the way that things are going it could instantly change.

In the worst case scenario Villa could be just one point above the drop zone following the weekend's games and Fulham just two points clear.

Just a few weeks ago Villa found themselves in the bottom three and in a precarious position, but a run of results has seen them rise the league.

Both teams will be anxious to avoid defeat and prevent them being dragged into the scrap once again.

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Villa don't have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash with Fulham.

Defender Luke Young has been sent to see a specialist to try and solve his back problem.

Fabian Delph and Stephen Warnock also miss out through injury, whilst Nathan Baker is suspended.

Possible starting XI: Friedel; Walker, Collins, Dunne, Clark; Albrighton, Petrov, Downing, A Young; Bent, Agbonlahor.

Fulham

Philippe Senderos and Dickson Etuhu are expected to return to first team action within the next few days and will face late fitness tests.

Bobby Zamora is to return in the next couple of weeks from a broken leg but the game will come too soon for the striker.

Aaron Hughes will definitely miss the game with a hamstring injury.

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

Prediction

Both teams are desperate for a win and will do everything they can to gain three points.

Gerrard Houllier and Mark Hughes will undoubtedly be looking towards their attacking players for their input but I can see them cancelling each other out.

This game will either be won or lost in midfield and I can't choose between the two sides so I'm opting for the draw.

Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham

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05-01-2011 15:30 Koln - Bayern Munchen

Faulty Fax Machines and Flailing Form

Lets not beat around the bush, it's been a very bad week for Koeln. A 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers St Pauli last weekend leaves the club in 16th position, relegation being very much on the cards if consistency isn't found.

A bad week was made a whole lot worse on Monday when the transfer of Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting from Hamburg broke down. The reason? A faulty fax machine.

The dodgy fax connection resulted in the DFB receiving the necessary paperwork 12 minutes after the deadline with a later appeal from the club being rejected.

Die Geissboecke will ultimately be disappointed on missing out on the young Cameroonian international, especially as the proposed transfer was an attempt to resurrect the club's flailing attack, there 22 goals this season being the lowest in the whole of the league.

What is for certain is that Frank Schaefer's men will need to discover the kind of form that has seen the team defeat the likes of Hamburg and Werder Bremen.

Recent form against Bayern indicates the Bundesliga strugglers certainly have a chance against the champions with eyes in particular being on ex-Bayern players Michael Rensing and Lukas Podolski who will be keen to frustrate their former employers.

With or without Choupo-Moting, Koeln are going to have to find their form, and fast.

Ottl And Co Looking To Stop The Rot

Last week's impressive 3-1 victory over Werder Bremen made it five games unbeaten for Louis van Gaal's men as the champions continue in their trail of leaders Dortmund. The Bavarian giants now sit in third place, the first time this season the club have been in the champions league qualification positions.

So it is fair to say that things look decidedly rosey in Munich at the moment as die Roten head to North Rhine-Westphalia for a showdown with 16th-placed Koeln.

It would appear that given their good form Bayern should make light-work of defeating a team who are embroiled in a relegation battle. However, recent form may prove otherwise.

Bayern have failed to beat Koeln in their last four outings with three draws and a defeat indicating that despite their good form, the champions will need to approach the game with an air of caution.

Yet Andreas Ottl appears very confident about Saturday's encounter. "We've got a good run started. We're playing fluid football and creating a lot of chances. We're in good shape and Koeln aren't a bogey team for us," the midfielder told the Bundesliga official website.

Ottl has been a peripheral figure at the Allianz Arena over the years but has become an important member of the first team in recent weeks and Mark van Bommel's recent departure will surely strengthen his position in Bayern's starting line-up.

The holding midfielder has played an important role in Bayern's last two victories which has given the 25-year-old a much needed confidence boost.

"We won them both, which also speaks in my favour. The coach believes in me and I'm hopeful of keeping my place."


TEAM NEWS

Koeln

Frank Schaefer is expected to ring the changes after last week's disappointing 3-0 defeat to St Pauli. Miso Brecko and Geromel are expected to come into the defence in place of Andrezinho and Tomoaki Makino respectively. Youssef Mohamad will start alongside Geromel in place of attacker Slawomir Peszko in what will be a defensive reshuffle. Petit has shrugged off a hamstring strain and is expected to take the place of Martin Lanig in the centre of the field. Koeln continue to be without Kostas Giannoulis (ankle), Kevin McKenna and Sebastian Freis who are both back in training but short of match fitness.

Probable Starting XI: Rensing - Brecko, Geromel, Mohamad, Eichner - Petit, Matuschyk - Clemens, Podolski, Ehret - Novakovic

Bayern Munich

Bayern have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to name the same line-up that defeated Werder Bremen last Saturday. Franck Ribery continues his spell on the sidelines with the knee injury that is likely to keep him out until mid-February. Diego Contento (stress fracture), Toni Kroos (foot) and Ivica Olic (knee) also miss out.

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

Prediction

FC Köln 2-2 Bayern Munich

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05-01-2011 13:45 Stoke City - Sunderland

The Old Boys' Clubs

Stoke and Sunderland don't just share red and white striped shirts, but players too.

For several years Potters boss Pulis picked up the castaways from the Stadium of Light, with Liam Lawrence, Danny Higginbotham, Dean Whitehead and club record signing Kenwyne Jones all trading the north-east for the Midlands as Stoke built up a side for promotion to and then stability in the Premier League.

But last month the relationship was turned on its head as Bruce tried, ultimately in vein, to sign Stoke forwards Tuncay Sanli and Ricardo Fuller. The former eventually left for Wolfsburg while the latter was held onto after Icelandic outcast Eidur Gudjohnsen left the club on deadline day.

And how Bruce must wish he had picked up at least one of the Midlands side's tricky forwards, with Welbeck out for another month and Fraizer Campbell out until May, he is left with just Asamoah Gyan as an out-and-out forward.

Breaking The Britannia Duck

Sunderland battered Stoke all out of shape when the sides met earlier in the season at the Stadium of Light.

That 2-0 victory saw Shawcross sent off for two bookable offences with Asamoah Gyan netting twice.

Bruce's side head to the Britannia with a strong away record. Despite winning just three times on the road, they're netting a goal a game on their travels, but have failed to score in their last two trips to the Potteries, where they have been beaten in the last two seasons.

TEAM NEWS

Stoke

Tony Pulis should ring the changes after opting for a bizarre 5-4-1 shape in defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, featuring just one true winger and no Rory Delap. Captain Ryan Shawcross should return after completing his suspension for the red card picked up at Fulham.

Expect Kenwyne Jones to start up front with John Carew, with Ricardo Fuller – whose proposed move to Saturday's opponents fell through last month – likely to figure from the bench.

Possible starting XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham; Pennant, Delap, Whitehead, Etherington; Carew, Jones.

Sunderland

Steve Bruce remains without striker Danny Welbeck, who will be absent until mid-to-late March after undergoing surgery to cure a hamstring injury.

Lee Cattermole is also expected to be absent, with an estimated return date of February 12 following his knee injury.

Bruce may opt for the same side that was beaten by Chelsea, when Kieran Richardson operated effectively as a second striker.


Possible starting XI: Gordon; Onouha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley; El Mohamady, Henderson, Malbranque, Sessegnon; Richardson; Gyan.

Prediction

Both sides were defeated in midweek, yet only Pulis has the luxury of chopping and changing his side, with Sunderland shorn of key men through injury and a lack of enterprise in the transfer market. But the Black Cats weren't abject in their loss, which is less than can be said of Stoke's pitiful display at Anfield. A score draw would be a safe bet.

Stoke 1-1 Sunderland

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