12-02-2011 22:00 Racing Santander - Sevilla

In Comes Marcelino

Just as they experienced a tough period at the start of the season due to the cruelty of their fixture list, Racing Santander have found the beginning of the second round of fixtures a difficult time. Pitted against many of Spain’s best clubs in quick succession, los Verdiblancos are struggling for victories, and though draws have been commonplace of late, that’s not been good enough for the club’s new owners.

Earlier this week, the bell finally tolled for head coach Miguel Angel Portugal, whose last act was to guide los Racinguistas to a 1-1 draw against struggling Zaragoza – the club’s fifth tie in seven league matches. Left-back Christian was the unlikely scorer of the opening goal, but Racing couldn’t hold on and would leak in the second half, costing two vital points.

This result was deemed unacceptable, and after little over a year in charge, Portugal was whisked out the door to be replaced with former Sporting de Gijon boss Marcelino, who enjoyed a previous stint at Racing during the 2007-08 season. His task is simple: stop Racing’s slide towards the Segunda Division.

Immediate improvement in the Cantabrian side is difficult to see. Forthcoming fixtures against Getafe, Villarreal and Real Madrid all look to be tricky ties on paper, but with a relatively simple end to the season in sight, all hope is by no means lost.

Don’t Doubt Sevilla

This season has certainly not gone according to plan for Sevilla, who perhaps should have taken their Champions League play-off elimination by Braga as a sign of things to come. Los Nervionenses had targeted winning a place in Europe’s premier competition as their aim for this campaign, but despite jettisoning Alvaro Alvarez at the beginning of the campaign, Gregorio Manzano has had little better luck.

After a miserable run of five successive defeats in the lead-up to the Christmas break, hope was rekindled by a sequence of three wins from four, though subsequent draws against Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga have acted to stifle the Andalucians once more. After showing plenty of verve in Galicia, their local derby against los Boquerones was a huge let-down in the end, with a scoreless outcome just.

“Let no one doubt that at the end of the championship, we will be among the largest teams in Spain,” president Jose Maria del Nido thundered on the club’s official website this week. “We will continue fighting among the majors, and to those who believe that we are dead, we will let them know we are more alive than ever.

“When things go bad, we are going to get ourselves more motivated to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.”

With a 13 point gap to bridge in just 16 fixtures, the president seems to be speaking from the heart rather than the head.

TEAM NEWS

Racing

Marcelino will be missing Alexandros Tziolis, Oscar Serrano and Papa Kouli Diop for his fresh bow in the Racing dugout. There have been no reports of fresh problems, and Markus Rosenberg is back following a ban.

Sevilla

Renato and Diego Perotti have both been cleared to play this weekend, but Frederic Kanoute continues to be troubled by adductor problems. Didier Zokora has been in the Cote d’Ivoire this week for personal reasons and should be considered a big doubt.

Prediction

Sevilla have been maddeningly inconsistent this season, so it’s difficult to know exactly what to expect of them. Equally, with a new man at the helm, Racing Santander will be eager to impress. A tight game is in prospect, with a draw helping the hosts more than their guests.

Racing 1-1 Sevilla

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12-02-2011 21:00 Saint Etienne - Olympique Lyonnais

Gaining Momentum

Despite crashing out of the Coupe de France courtesy of an embarrassing 0-2 defeat at the hands of Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot, and ignominiously losing 2-1 to relegation-threatened Lens, AS Saint-Etienne have in recent weeks restored their confidence with back-to-back wins against Toulouse and Montpellier. Currently fourth in the table, only two points behind second-placed Paris Saint-Germain, Saturday’s encounter presents les Verts with an excellent opportunity to firmly entrench themselves in the upper echelons of Ligue 1.

The victory over Montpellier, however, did not feature highly-rated striker Dimitri Payet, who was recently fined and relegated to the reserves for attempting to force through a move during the January transfer window.

Coach Christophe Galtier has nonetheless insisted that Payet remains an integral part of the team, alongside new recruits Alejandro Alonso and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. “I am someone who forgives, so I will ask the club to forgive him”, Galtier told Sky Sports. “Things will return to normal quickly enough. Dimitri will soon be applauded by the fans again.”

He also played down rumours of a rift between himself and Payet: “There is no tense relationship between player and coach. There is just a group that has been playing well without Payet. We will piece things back together slowly. Considering that we have brought in two players and the officials have been able to keep Dimitri, the group is now stronger, both in quality and quantity.”

Saint-Étienne’s home form is particularly impressive, with only one Ligue 1 defeat, against Lorient in November, coming at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard this season.

A Chance For Redemption

Thus far, it has not been a prosperous 2011 for Olympique Lyonnais. Entering the winter break a mere four points behind league leaders Lille, they now lie sixth in the table, seven points adrift of the summit. Although only two points short of the final Champions’ League berth, the nature of Ligue 1 is such that Lyon could find themselves missing out on European football altogether next season should they fail to heed the warning signs.

Last week’s 0-0 draw with Bordeaux was the latest in a succession of uninspiring performances that have included defeats to Valenciennes and Nice, and draws with Olympique de Marseille and AJ Auxerre. In all competitions les Gones have won just four of their previous twelve matches, while in Ligue 1 they have claimed only a single victory in their last five matches.

Unsurprisingly, the players themselves have been less than satisfied with their current form, with both Yoann Gourcuff and Hugo Lloris publicly admitting disappointment. Speaking to Eurosport following the stalemate against Bordeaux, however, the Lyon goalkeeper sought to remain optimistic: “We still had a good game. We put everything into the match, but we came up against a strong team. It was a game of men, with some great duelling.

“It’s a shame we missed the opportunity to make up two points on Lille [who drew 1-1 with Auxerre last weekend], but there are still plenty of games left.”

The season might not yet be over, but recent results have certainly interfered with Lyon’s title aspirations. So tight is le Championnat that anything less than a win against AS Saint-Étienne on Saturday will cause les Gones irretrievable damage, though the Ligue 1 crown may already be beyond their reach. When asked about the upcoming clash, Lloris added: “Regardless of the situation of both clubs, it’s a good game to play. It’s a derby. We don’t think about the points, it’s all about the victory.”

TEAM NEWS

Saint-Etienne

Les Verts have few injury concerns, with only Yoann Andreu and Albin Ebondo sidelined. It is expected that Christophe Galtier will recall Dimitri Payet to the first-team following his spell in the reserves.

Olympique Lyonnais

Likewise, Lyon manager Claude Puel will be relieved to have a relatively abundant squad at his disposal after the selection headaches he has faced earlier in the season. Clement Grenier and Ederson remain unavailable, since although the latter resumed training this week, it is unlikely he will return to first-team action in the immediate future.

Prediction

Little separates these two teams, and if the reverse fixture offers any indication, it will be an incredibly close contest. Although Saint-Étienne prevailed at the Stade Gerland courtesy of a stunning Dimitri Payet free-kick, Lyon’s desire to avenge their recent abject performances should ensure that, on this occasion, they leave the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard with all three points.

Editor's Prediction

AS Saint-Etienne 0-1 O. Lyon

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12-02-2011 20:45 Roma - Napoli

Scudetto Challenge Over?

Last weekend was supposed to be Roma's final chance to resuscitate their Scudetto ambitions. The former Italian champions had been somewhat inconsistent in the new year and despite a game in hand had fallen off the pace - a win against Inter was to turn around their fortunes.

However, Roma lost 5-3 at San Siro and now Claudio Ranieri's side have been reduced to target a Champions League spot. Stationed outside the top-six in seventh, the Giallorossi have mustered 39 points from 23 matches and are three points behind fourth-place Lazio and a massive ten points behind league leaders Milan.

Like Inter, Napoli will provide a similarly tough test, which Ranieri knows as much, and says, "The game against Napoli will be very difficult. Napoli are a great team. In the last game against them we played well, but the created more chances.

"I think it's the players who render the team to win, not the formations we play. How do you stop Marek Hamsik? By not turning up so the game is cancelled."

Milan, Here We Come

At the start of the 2010-11 campaign, Napoli were expected to engage in a multi-way battle for a Champions League place. With the second half of the season well under way, the Partenopei have emerged as genuine contenders for the Scudetto, and have sustained their consistency and focus.

Heading into Week 25, Walter Mazzarri's side are just three points behind league leaders Milan with 46 points from 24 matches. With the Rossoneri having dropped points in their last two encounters, Napoli have gained ground, their 2-0 victory over Cesena last weekend seeing them bounce back brilliantly from the shock defeat to Chievo.

In the reverse fixture in the league this season, Napoli defeated Roma 2-0 but Mazzarri claims that they cannot rely on past exploits and says, "Roma are a great side, one of the strongest in the league and they are full of champions, so it will be hard for Napoli.

"It will be an important test for us to understand where we are at mentally. The nice thing about this championship is that everything is unpredictable."

TEAM NEWS

Roma

Adriano is injured and will miss the game. Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso are suspended.

Napoli

Grava and Vitale are injured and are unavailable for the trip to Rome.

Prediction

Roma have a strong record at home but Napoli are in red-hot form at the moment. It promises to be an entertaining and exciting fixture and there could be a few goals, but it is unlikely that the Lupi will lose in Rome.

Roma 2-2 Napoli

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12-02-2011 20:00 Real Sporting Gijon - Barcelona

No Worries Yet

Sporting de Gijon are one of nine teams involved in an extremely congested battle against the drop. The foot of the Primera Division sees a large group of sides clustered around the 20 point mark, and only Malaga are guaranteed to be in the relegation zone come the end of the weekend. Los Sportinguistas could easily get sucked into danger, particularly as they are unlikely to take anything from Barcelona on Saturday.

The form of Manuel Preciado’s side has actually been pretty good in recent times. January proved a fruitful month for the Asturian outfit, who picked up three successive wins before eventually losing last weekend away to Athletic Bilbao.

“Losing in San Mames is not a trauma,” the coach explained after the game, relatively satisfied with what he saw from his team, who had been reduced to 10 men when Gregory Arnolin was dismissed with less than 20 minutes gone. “We know our challenge and we will fight to the death in it.”

If Sporting can maintain a decent level over the course of the next couple of months, they’ll be in excellent shape to win safety. Many of the league’s best sides are to be faced in the immediate future, so they’ll rely on their form in the closing weeks of the campaign to see them home.


Records Still Tumbling

Barcelona broke yet another record last weekend, defeating Atletico Madrid to set a new mark for consecutive victories in the Primera Division. Pep Guardiola’s side have now won their last 16 matches and remain on course for a quite breathtaking campaign. The style continues to flow as readily as the wins – of those 16 matches, on all but three occasions they’ve mustered at least three goals.

Guardiola is not a coach who will allow his team to relax, and he will doubtless point out the difficulty that Sporting gave Barca at Camp Nou earlier this season. La Blaugrana struggled to a 1-0 victory on that occasion, though it’s fair to say their level has risen a number of gears since then.

Lionel Messi remains the main driving force, as Atleti learned last weekend when the Argentine scored a terrific hat-trick at Camp Nou, but the team as a whole is playing impressively.

Arguably the best news Barca have received over the course of the last seven days comes away from the field, with Guardiola having successfully negotiated terms of a new contract. The Barca icon is now set to sign until the end of 2012 on February 22, and should he complete that term he will become the fourth longest serving manager in the club’s history.

La Blaugrana as a unit are as strong as ever and have the chance to once again go 10 points clear of Real Madrid if they pick up maximum points on Saturday. While outlasting their great rivals is the primary objective, there are all kinds of sub-goals being chased by this remarkable side, including the attainment of 100 points.

TEAM NEWS

Sporting

Alberto Lora and Gregory Arnolin are both suspended, so coach Manuel Preciado is hopeful that Sebastian Eguren shakes off a shoulder knock to play. The tactician has barely touched his starting XI in recent weeks, so minimal changes were expected.


Barcelona

Jeffren and Carles Puyol are the only two absentees for Barca, who have seen all their internationals return in a fit state.

Prediction

It’s hard to see even the best teams stopping Barcelona just now, and Sporting de Gijon don’t fall into that bracket. Expect another simple away win for la Blaugrana.

Sporting de Gijon 0-3 Barcelona

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12-02-2011 18:30 Sunderland - Tottenham Hotspur

Coming To The Crossroads

Sunderland are coming to a pivotal point in their season, having built a solid foundation in the first half of the campaign now is the time Steve Bruce will be looking for his side to push on towards securing Europa League qualification. Despite Liverpool leapfrogging them in the table, they’re in a good position, currently sitting seventh with four points in hand over their nearest rivals, but have a tough run of fixtures to come. After hosting Tottenham, they travel to Everton before a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. They then welcome Liverpool to the Stadium of Light before travelling to Manchester City.

Having lost their last two league games on the bounce, it’s critical for Sunderland to respond with three points against Spurs. Otherwise they could see all their previous hard work to get into this position wasted with a slide down the table. The positive is if they can get through this run of fixtures in a good position, their run-in looks relatively comfortable. These will be the games that make or break Sunderland’s season.

Champions League Focus

The race for the Champions League spots is hotting up, and with a trip to the San Siro to face Milan to come on Tuesday Harry Redknapp’s men will be fully aware that they’ll need to come to places like the Stadium of Light looking for three points to stay in the hunt. Sunderland have only lost twice at home this season, but Spurs will be heartened to know that these defeats both came in their last eight games – with the most recent coming in their last home game against Chelsea.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out who the side on form is. Sunderland have only won three of their last eight games, drawing once and losing the rest; while Spurs have won five, drawn twice and only lost once – away to Everton at the beginning of January. That said, Spurs are a lot more vulnerable on the road, of the five defeats they’ve sustained this season four of them have been away from White Hart Lane. They also had a tough time cracking the Sunderland nut in the reverse fixture, which they drew 1-1.

TEAM NEWS

Sunderland

Sunderland are still without Danny Welbeck (hamstring) who isn’t expected back for first time action until the end of March. Likewise, David Meyler (knee) won’t be back in contention until the end of next month at the earliest. Fraizer Campbell (knee) will most likely be out for the rest of the season.

Captain Lee Cattermole (back) remains on the sidelines, as does Michael Turner (knee) who returned to training this week after a three month absence with a ligament injury sustained when he collided with the post during his side’s game against Everton back in November.

Manager Steve Bruce opted for three centre-backs in his side’s 3-2 loss against Stoke City and is likely to revert to his more familiar 4-5-1 formation for this game, with a tossup between John Mensah and Anton Ferdinand partnering Titus Bramble at the heart of the Sunderland defence.

Possible starting XI: Gordon; Onuoha, Bramble, Mensah, Bardsley; Elmohamady, Henderson, Richardson, Muntari, Sessegnon; Gyan.

Tottenham

Tottenham travel to the north-east with three of their most influential players at the cusp of returning to first team action. Rafael van der Vaart (calf) is the most likely to feature, as he sustained a minor calf injury in last weekend’s game against Bolton. Gareth Bale (back) is touch and go, and may well start from the bench with Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Milan just round the corner. While Luka Modric (appendicitis) is expected to miss out on the visit to Sunderland.

Other absentees for Spurs include Younes Kaboul (knee) who isn’t expected back until the middle of next month, as well as Tom Huddlestone (ankle) who is also out for at least another month. Ledley King (groin) remains on the sidelines.

Peter Crouch missed England’s midweek 2-1 victory over Denmark but is expected to return to the starting line-up for the trip to Sunderland.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Pienaar; Crouch, Defoe.

Prediction

The form book suggests an away win for this one, but Steve Bruce will have his troops fired up off the back of two straight league defeats. It’ll be a tough ask for Spurs, who travel to the north-east without several key midfield players and a distracting glamour tie in the Champions League looming. It may well come down to who needs the points more, and you get the feeling Sunderland – with their tough run of fixtures ahead – may well have more desire on the day.

Sunderland 2-1 Tottenham

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12-02-2011 18:30 Kaiserslautern - Borussia Dortmund

Faltering Lautern Looking To Stop The Rot Against The Leaders

It's been a poor start to 2011 for Marco Kurz' men and to make matters worse die Roten Teufel welcome runaway leaders Dortmund to the Fritz Walter Stadion on Saturday evening. Last weekend's 3-2 away defeat at Hoffenheim was the club's third in a row and the newly-promoted club are yet to register a win in the second half of the Bundesliga campaign. Is there cause for concern? Perhaps, yet Kurz and co aren't throwing in the towel yet.

"We're playing well and raised our game again at Hoffenheim, but still came away without any points. It's a difficult situation for the team, but they will stick to their course and keep focusing on what's ahead. There's absolutely no sense of resignation," the Kaiserslautern coach told the Bundesliga official website.

The last time the two sides met Dortmund thrashed the Rhineland-Palatinate club 5-0 but the 2009-10 2.Bundesliga champions are looking forward to the challenge of trying to stop a team who have already won 10 games on the road this season.

"Dortmund are a young, hungry team and we know what we can expect from them. We're looking forward to it nevertheless, and it's great to be able to measure yourselves against the league leaders," Kurz continued.

Stats would show Kaiserslautern have reason to be confident going into Saturday's encounter. BVB have won only one of their last 18 matches at the Fritz Walter Stadion and the last time die Borussen were there they had to settle for a 3-3 draw after going 3-1 up.

Dortmund will start the game as heavy favourites but who would bet against Borussia's bogey team from causing the upset of the Bundesliga weekend?

BVB Looking To Keep Their Eyes Focused On The Prize

Despite last week's 0-0 stalemate versus Schalke, the leaders BVB still find themselves 12 points clear at the top of the league and only one of the biggest collapses in Bundesliga history could see Jurgen Klopp's men throw away the title now. Yet their is no room for complacency at die Schwarzgelben with Klopp keen to emphasise the importance of the task ahead at the Betzenberg.

"We already had some high-tempered games this season. We will again not let ourselves be distracted in a negative manner by a heated atmosphere. We go there to play football," Klopp told Borussia's official website.

With Kaiserslautern looking more like relegation candidates by the week, BVB will be fully aware that they will be coming up against a team fighting for their Bundesliga survival which could make things a whole lot tougher for the stand-out team of the season so far.

Yet there are plenty of people around the club looking forward to this weekend's fixture especially Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

"For games like this you are a football romantic. Kaiserslautern against Borussia Dortmund - this is a traditional fixture, and we love games like this," the 51-year-old told the German media.

With a fiery atmosphere guaranteed, Saturday's evening Bundesliga game could be a real cracker.


TEAM NEWS

Kaiserslautern

The home side are expected to make three changes from the side who were narrowly beaten by Hoffenheim last weekend 3-2. Martin Amedick is expected to return to the centre of defence after recovering from a hamstring strain with Mathias Abel likely to make way. Florian Dick will serve a one game suspension (five yellow cards) so Jiri Bilek will deputise. On-loan winger Adam Hlousek could make his debut with the injured Oliver Kirch (ankle ligament) making way. Jan Simunek has returned to training but will is not expected to be named in the matchday squad.

Probable Starting XI: Sippel - Petsos, Amedick, Rodnei, Jessen - Tiffert, Bilek - Ilicevic, Moravek, Hlousek - Lakic

Borussia Dortmund

The leaders are expected to make only one change from the side who drew 0-0 with Schalke last weekend with Neven Subotic returning from a one match suspension to replace Felipe Santana at the back. Die Borussen are without injured playmaker Shinji Kagawa who has a broken metatarsal while Sebastian Kehl, Patrick Owomoyela and Florian Kringe all miss out despite all three being within weeks of returning to first-team action.

Probable Starting XI: Weidenfeller - Pizszcek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Sahin, Bender - Blaszczykowski, Goetze, Grosskreutz - Barrios

Prediction

BVB have been phenomenal away from home this season and with Kaiserslautern struggling for points and form then it's hard to look beyond another Dortmund victory. However, the home side will make things hard for the leaders and a hostile atmosphere will certainly help the strugglers.

1. FCK 1-2 Borussia

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12-02-2011 18:00 Atletico Madrid - Valencia

Heading For Failure

Since the turn of the year, it almost feels like Atletico Madrid have lurched from disaster to disaster. In five Primera Division matches they’ve earned only four points, and for the first time all season they’ve slipped to three successive defeats. If the capital side are to avoid making it an unwelcome four, they must improve against Valencia on Saturday evening.

Last weekend, Atleti came under the spell of Barcelona and Lionel Messi, though los Colchoneros didn’t make life especially difficult for the Catalans. Defensively, Quique Sanchez Flores’ side continue to be a shambles, and as a result, the coach is starting to come under severe scrutiny, which will only heighten with a negative weekend result.

“Clearly, there is much concern with what happens in the team. These players are currently giving no joy to the fans. It is time to get back to winning,” club president Enrique Cerezo told AS earlier this week.

“I do not know what’s wrong, I do not think that they have forgotten how to win, I always said that if we do not get in the top four, then the season would be a failure.”

It would take a miracle for Atleti to reach the Champions League spots. Presently they boast 30 points, 14 points behind los Che, who lie in fourth. As a result, Diego Forlan has accepted the best that can be attained is a Europa League spot.

Gunning For Third

Unai Emery may not necessarily be a favourite of the Mestalla crowd, but few will be complaining of the results the young coach has attained over the last couple of months with Valencia. From the last seven league matches of the east coast club, a highly impressive six have been won, meaning that they’ve moved firmly into the top four, six points clear of Athletic Bilbao in fifth.

Champions League football looks likely to be won by los Che, but they must secure this prize. A 1-1 draw away to Racing Santander a couple of weeks ago represented a minor hiccup, but Valencia were back on form against Hercules last Sunday, when goals from Aritz Aduriz and Tino Costa guided them to a comfortable 2-0 success.

“We are happy with the win, but there is still room for improvement in various aspects of our game,” Unai Emery explained to the media after the game, before underlining his desire to challenge Villarreal for third. “We know that we cannot catch up to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid. But we are on a level playing field with Villarreal and matches against them will be decided by the small details.”

In most campaigns, Valencia’s impressive tally of 45 points would be enough to have them considering an outside chance of the title, but such is the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid, that is simply not the case. Third is instead los Che’s ultimate goal, and if they were to claim a win on Saturday, they would take a giant step towards that.

TEAM NEWS

Atletico

Mario Suarez has overcome a hamstring problem and will be involved in the squad, but Filipe is ruled out. David de Gea is a slight doubt after picking up an injury with the Spain Under-21 squad and has been reduced to individual training.

Valencia

Juan Mata missed out on Spain Under-21 duty in midweek due to an ankle injury, but it’s thought he’ll be fine to feature at the weekend. David Albelda, Vicente Rodriguez, Miguel Moya and Cesar Sanchez are still out.

Ricardo Costa returns after suspension.

Prediction

These two sides could not be in any more contrasting form. Atletico Madrid are in their worst period of the season, while Valencia are in their best. Los Che haven’t always served to convince during their recent purple patch, and Atleti are certainly capable of far better. Expect the hosts to regain some pride by earning an exciting draw.

Atletico Madrid 2-2 Valencia

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12-02-2011 18:00 Milan - Parma

Stammering And Stuttering

Milan's start to this month has been unconvincing as they have drawn both their games and find themselves being caught by the other Scudetto challengers. The goalless encounter with Lazio at San Siro wasn't exactly a disappointing result but the 1-1 draw with Genoa last weekend was.

The four points dropped in those two games mean that Milan's lead at the top of the table in Serie A has now been trimmed to just three points and their advantage over city-rivals Inter is a mere five points with the defending Italian and European champions retaining a game in hand.

It is almost imperative that the Rossoneri win against Parma this weekend or else see themselves lose their grasp over the Scudetto. Coach Massimiliano Allegri is staying focused and says "The season is still long and there are many games to go. I have never seen a team in Italy win the Scudetto with months to go.

"It would have been nice for everyone, but we are doing well at the moment. We knew Inter would return to fight for the Scudetto, and Napoli and Roma are also fighting. But what we need to do is to carry on with the focus."

Eying An Upset

Parma will head to Milan on Saturday targeting a shock win over the former Italian and European champions. The Ducali haven't looked in great health of late and also have a poor away form, but with the Diavolo not exactly looking formidable in their last two matches, Pasquale Marino's side will be hopeful of getting something from San Siro.

Parma are currently 15th in the league standings with 26 points from 24 matches and are just four points above the relegation zone. Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina saw them gain their first point in three league encounters and regain some confidence.

Attacker Sebastian Giovinco hopes that Parma can demonstrate some of that confidence and belief against Milan and enthuses, "We must go there trying to play our own style, without any fear.

"The only danger is from ourselves, in the sense that we have to be in the right frame of mind on the pitch. In my opinion, we are capable of getting a result."

TEAM NEWS

Milan

Antonini, Boateng, Zambrotta, Inzaghi, Amelia, Strasser, Ambrosini and Legrottaglie all are on the sidelines and are not available for action this weekend.

Parma

Pisano, Calvo and Marques are injured and will not travel to Milan because of injuries. Morrone is suspended.

Prediction

Milan have stuttered in recent games and Parma will be hopeful of conjuring up an upset. However, the Rossoneri's quality in attack is far superior to that of the visitors and the Italian giants should garner the points with relative ease.

Milan 3-0 Parma

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12-02-2011 16:00 West Bromwich Albion - West Ham United

Baggies Looking For The Magic 100

West Brom entertain the Hammers on Saturday looking for two massive milestones. The Baggies have earned 99 points and scored 99 goals at home in the Premier League so will be hoping to make it 100 on both fronts.

Unless a manager is appointed beforehand, caretaker boss Michael Appleton will become the youngest ever Premier League manager at the tender age of just 35 and the former Manchester United midfielder will need to sure up Albion's defence if they are to record a much needed victory.

Albion have kept just one clean sheet in the league this season, fewer than any other team in the Premier League, and have alarmingly conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven league games at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies sit precariously on the edge of the relegation zone in 17th place and will be looking to beat fellow strugglers West Ham to avoid dropping into the bottom three.

Hammers Looking To Continue Impressive Record Against Strugglers

West Ham travel to the Midlands on Saturday hoping to continue their good record against the teams around them. The Hammers have lost just two of their 14 games against teams currently in the bottom half of the Premier League but might be worried after last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City.

The Hammers also struggle to keep goals out of their net - having failed to keep a clean sheet away from home in 21 Premier League games.

Sitting in 20th position at the bottom of the table is worrying for West Ham supporters but they will be buoyed by the fact that they can climb above West Brom with a win at the Hawthorns on Saturday - plunging their rivals into the relegation zone.

If West Ham don't survive this season it won't be for the want of trying - the Hammers have been caught offside 89 times this term, the highest in the league, and have used a staggering 32 players in their fight for survival.

TEAM NEWS

West Brom

West Brom caretaker boss Michael Appleton says he has a full squad to choose from - after a number of players shook off injuries throughout the past week.

Graham Dorrans and Marek Cech are both in full training and Appleton expects Chris Brunt (ankle) and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (dead leg) to be ready to play on Saturday.

None of the Baggies' international stars have reported back from midweek duty injured and Appleton has declared a full bill of health at the Hawthorns.

Possible starting XI: Myhill; Jara, Scharner, Olsson, Cech; Vela, Morrison, Brunt, Mulumbu, Thomas; Odemwingie.

West Ham

Avram Grant will be without a trio of first team players for Saturday's trip to the Hawthorns, with Robbie Keane, James Tomkins (both calf) and Matthew Upson (Achilles) all ruled out.

German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is unlikely to feature despite playing 60 minutes of reserve football in midweek as he steps up his comeback from a thigh injury.

The former Aston Villa player is yet to feature for the Hammers in the Premier League after picking up an injury in pre-season but it appears that he will be available for selection sooner rather than later.

Possible starting XI: Green; Jacobsen, Reid, Da Costa, Bridge; O'Neil, Parker, Noble; Ba, Piquionne, Obinna.

Prediction

Both teams will be desperate for a win in what will undoubtedly be dubbed a relegation six-pointer this Saturday afternoon.

In Piquionne, new signing Demba Ba, and Obinna, West Ham certainly have the attacking threat to trouble an extremely shaky Baggies defence.

But the home fans will be hoping that caretaker boss Michael Appleton's trademark passion will rally the team after the surprise sacking of Roberto Di Matteo last Sunday, and that the quality of Chris Brunt as well as Arsenal loanee Carlos Vela will ensure that the Baggies record a much needed three points this Saturday.

Neither side can defend and both like to attack, so a clean sheet is off the cards...

West Bromwich 2-1 West Ham

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12-02-2011 16:00 Liverpool - Wigan Athletic

Resurgent Reds Looking To Continue Superb Run Of Form

Following the victory at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool are now only six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and talk of a Champions League finish come the end of the season is now, somewhat unbelievably, no longer out of the question.

Since Kenny Dalglish's appointment at the club, no team in the Premier League can match Liverpool's record, having won four games in a row and not conceding in any of them, it would appear that the club have turned full circle after a disastrous first half of the season.

Leaky Latics Hoping To Climb Out Of Relegation Zone

Roberto Martinez' side have conceded nine goals in their last four games and will have to improve at the back if they are to cause an upset against their rampant hosts.

A sublime 4-3 victory over Blackburn last Saturday will have provided a huge confidence boost to the visitors but the Latics haven't won back to back league games within the same season for almost two years and will go into the clash at Anfield as major underdogs.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard looks set to start for the hosts after missing out for England in midweek with a groin injury, leaving Kenny Dalglish with an almost full squad to choose from for the visit of the Latics.

However, Jonjo Shelvey will miss out after suffering a knee injury and £35 million signing Andy Carroll is also sidelined with a thigh problem as he and the Reds fans await his much anticipated debut.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Gerrard, Lucas, Meireles; Kuyt; Suarez.

Wigan

Roberto Martinez has a full list of players to pick from ahead of his side's trip as James McCarthy, who has been suffering with an ankle injury, returns to the first team having sat out Republic of Ireland's 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday.

However, Martinez may be tempted to switch his formation to a 4-4-2, or play McCarthy in a more advanced role, as to protect his side against Liverpool's successful three at the back system, employed by Dalglish in recent weeks.

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

Prediction

Liverpool’s recent run of form means they should have too much for Wigan. Anything other than a home win would be a huge surprise.

Liverpool 2-0 Wigan Athletic

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12-02-2011 16:00 Blackpool - Aston Villa

Blackpool Hope To Stop The Rot

Last week's 5-3 thriller at Goodison Park was Blackpool’s eighth defeat in nine games as the Seasiders' disastrous start to the year continues.

Injuries to goalkeepers Paul Rachubka and Matthew Gilks has left Ian Holloway short of resources, with a patched up Richard Kingson set to start between the sticks despite suffering from knee and head problems.

With Tottenham and Chelsea to visit Bloomfield Road in the coming weeks, Blackpool will hope to recover their early season form after their recent run of results has seen them slip to 15th in the table and just two points above the relegation zone.

Houllier Has Adam On Villa's Radar

Gerard Houllier believes he has the quality in midfield to nullify the threat of Blackpool's Charlie Adam, despite twice attempting to sign the Scot in the January transfer window.

Speaking to The Birmingham Mail, he said: “He was a target for us, but I prefer my midfielders. We’ve recruited some good players.”

Villa are currently sat in 14th place and will hope to complete the double over Blackpool after beating them 3-2 in November, a result which would see them open up a four-point gap on the Seasiders who are one place below them in the table.

TEAM NEWS

Blackpool

Jason Puncheon looks set to make his home debut in Saturday’s fixture against Aston Villa at Bloomfield Road, after the forward scored his first goal for the Seasiders in their 5-3 defeat at Everton last week

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway will recall goalkeeper Richard Kingson following an injury to Paul Rachubka in training. Matthew Gilks is still six weeks from returning to action with a knee problem, leaving Kingson as the only available goalkeeper and Blackpool with a race to dip into the emergency loan market before the fixture.

Charlie Adam returns to the side unscathed from Scotland’s midweek win against Northern Ireland, whilst James Beattie should retain his place in the starting line-up.

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

Aston Villa

International trio Stewart Downing, Darren Bent and Ashley Young all returned from midweek injury free, with Bent and Young both on the score sheet as England overcame Denmark 2-1.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier could stick with the same side which drew 2-2 at home last Saturday with Fulham, with only long term injury victims Fabian Delph and Luke Young still sidelines, and the suspended Nathan Baker, unavailable for selection.

Kyle Walker will hope to finish off what has been a fine week for the young full-back, which has seen the Tottenham loanee score a stunning strike against Fulham and earn a first call-up to the full England squad.

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

Prediction

Blackpool’s attacking mentality should lead to an enjoyable game with an Aston Villa side just beginning to find their feet under Gerard Houllier. Villa’s pace up front and Blackpool’s slide in form since the turn of the year could result in the away side having just too much quality for the Seasiders.

Blackpool 1-3 Aston Villa

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12-02-2011 16:00 Blackburn Rovers - Newcastle United

Kean After Stability On The Pitch

Rovers boss Kean is secured to a long-term contract but his team have shown none of this stability during his tenure.

Last Saturday's loss at Wigan extended the Scot's record to show four defeats, three wins and one draw. The result saw Rovers further entrenched in the middle of the table, with a vital five-point buffer to the relegation zone.

Tenth-placed Newcastle sit one spot above them. A victory on Saturday would see them usurped and allow the club to look forward rather than back.

Comeback Kings Back Down To Earth

Few matches in history matched the thrills of the 4-4 draw with Arsenal but manager Alan Pardew wouldn't want a repeat.

Four goals down and with the Andy Carroll shaped hole in his squad glaring, the ex-West Ham boss couldn't have been blamed for expecting a long season ahead at half-time last weekend. Cheik Tiote's wonder-strike didn't just lift the roof then but blew away the gloom over St James' Park.

Pardew has enjoyed a steady beginning in the north-east but has only tasted victory on the road once. That 1-0 win was attained on his last trip to Lancashire and a repeat show would be just the ticket for the travelling Geordie support.

TEAM NEWS

Blackburn

The return of star striker Roque Santa Cruz has given manager Steve Kean a much needed boost after the Paraguayan missed last weekend's 4-3 loss to Wigan Athletic.

The Manchester City loanee could be joined by new signings Ruben Rochina and Mauro Fornica in the matchday squad. Midfielders Keith Andrews and Steven Nzonzi are pushing for starting spots after completing comebacks from long-term injuries.

Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic is back after he missed the previous game for personal reasons.

Promising defender Phil Jones is still at least a month away from the first team picture after he tore knee ligaments.

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

Newcastle United

The Magpies' striker crisis has been eased after Leon Best's hamstring strain in the 4-4 draw with Arsenal has not proved to be too serious.

The Republic of Ireland international has been joined by shock signing Shefki Kuqi who is available after his free transfer move. The Finland international will help plug the gap left by Shola Ameobi after he broke a cheekbone.

Midfielders Dan Gosling and Stephen Ireland remain out of contention after knee injuries. Winger Hatem Ben Arfa also joins the pair on the sidelines after a broken leg, but could return before the end of the month.

Both Alan Smith and Ryan Taylor look likely to miss the rest of the season with ankle injuries.

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

Prediction

Fresh off the back of their comeback against Arsenal, Newcastle should prove too hot to handle for the hosts. Only the prospect of Santa Cruz's return offers a chance of a result.

Blackburn 0-2 Newcastle

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12-02-2011 16:00 Birmingham City - Stoke City

Aiming To Strike Early

Stoke City will be looking to do something they haven't manage to do all season - score in the first 15 minutes.

The Potters are the only side in the Premier League this season who have failed to score within the first 15 minutes of a Premier League game.

An astonishing 77 per cent of their goals have been scored in the second half.

Building A Fortress

St Andrew's has seen just 25 goals scored all season, which is the lowest in the Premier League.

This low amount of goals has helped Birmingham to string together a good set of results that has seen them lose just two of their last 27 games at home.

Even though they have only lost a small proportion of their games at St Andrew's they are without a win in their last five home games, having drawn four and lost the other one.

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

Birmingham will be boosted by the news that new signing Obafemi Martins has received international clearance and is set to start for the home side.

James McFadden is likely to miss the game with a knee injury.

The only long term injury concern for the hosts is Scott Dann who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

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

Stoke City

Stoke head into the game as one of only two teams not to have any players currently injured.

The Potters have no players suspended so that leaves Tony Pulis in a position to pick from his entire squad.

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

Prediction

With the clash being a Midlands derby, both teams will give that bit extra in an attempt to take all three points.

St Andrew's rarely sees many goals and I can see this game going in a similar direction.

Birmingham are without a home win in five games and need the points more to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle, so I can see a home win.

Stoke will put up a tough fight but I can't see them getting anything from this game.

Birmingham 1-0 Stoke

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12-02-2011 16:00 Arsenal - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fully Focused

All eyes will be on Arsenal at the weekend as they look to bounce back from the shock of losing a four goal lead at Newcastle last Saturday.

And with Manchester United playing Manchester City at lunch-time on Saturday there could be the opportunity to close the gap or pull away from a rival, so the clash at Wolves could be vital in the race for the Premier League title.

Throw into the mix a Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona next week and suddenly this match is not as simple as it first seemed.

One thing is for certain, Arsene Wenger's side will have to be fully focused on a Wolves team who have shocked many of the top sides in the league.

If the Gunners turn up with their minds on Barcelona they could come unstuck against Mick McCarthy's battling side.

The return of Djourou is a huge boost to the Gunners, who have conceded a goal every 251 minutes of Premier League football with him in the side and a goal every 54 minutes without him.

But the big question on everybody's lips is how will they react after surrendering their four goal lead in the second half at St James' Park last Saturday?

Only time will tell but they will have to be 100 per cent focused if they are to beat a tenacious Wolves side, but having gone 16 games unbeaten against the men from the Midlands, the tide is in their favour.


Wolves Eye Another Scalp

Wolves head to north London full of confidence after condemning Manchester United to their first defeat of the season last weekend.

Add this to the fact they have beaten Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool this season they have no reason to fear the challenge in front of them at the Emirates.

And whatever the outcome on Saturday, McCarthy is targeting a win in Wolves' following fixture against fellow relegation candidates West Brom.

He told the Express & Star: “We could end up going to Arsenal and getting beaten, but then beat West Brom but don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to Arsenal to get beat.

“I’d like six points out of these next two games to make it nine with the win over United as well. We’ve got to play West Brom and they’ll have a new manager. They might have beaten West Ham at home or lost."

And the win over United, when no-one gave them any chance of getting a result, has given them confidence for the relegation scrap they face until the end of the season.

McCarthy insists his side will take one game at a time and not think about the future or what has happened in the past.

He continued: ”I don’t take the view that the game before has a direct affect on the next game. It can’t, because when you see our result against Bolton, how on earth does it stack up what we did against Manchester United?

“Most people would have thought they’d have turned up here and slapped us.”

The relegation threatened club have lost six out of seven games against the sides around them at the bottom of the table.

But against the sides in the top half they have raised their game and have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool – although they have not won at Arsenal since 1979.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists his side enjoy being the underdogs and revel when nothing is expected of them, saying it gives his players "something to fight for".

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Johan Djourou should recover from the knee injury picked up against Newcastle last week to feature, but Alex Song remains doubtful with a thigh problem.

Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are fit to play after missing out for their countries in midweek.

Brazilian midfielder Denilson is doubtful for the clash and will have a late fitness test on his hamstring.

Abou Diaby starts the first of his three match suspension after being sent off for a shove on Joey Barton last week.

Frenchman Samir Nasri (hamstring) is still one week from returning and Thomas Vermaelen continues his comeback from an Achilles injury in training and could return to first team action in two weeks.

Lukasz Fabianksi will be out of action for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

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

Wolves

Mick McCarthy has no new injury worries ahead of the trip to north London and is likely to stick with the side that ended Manchester United's unbeaten run.

Jamie O'Hara will keep his place despite being hauled off after only 59 minutes of his debut because of a lack of match fitness.

McCarthy was concerned by the fact the on loan star had already picked up one yellow card and looked like receiving another as he tired, but the midfielder impressed during the time he was on the pitch.

Stephen Hunt (calf) and Michael Kightly (knee) will have late fitness tests but both face a race against time to be fit for the trip to the Emirates.

Adlene Guedioura is still unavailable for selection as he continues his rehabilitation after breaking his leg earlier in the season.

Possible starting XI: Hennessey; Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi; Jarvis, Henry, Milijas, O'Hara, Ward; Doyle.

Prediction

Arsenal 3-1 Wolves  

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12-02-2011 15:30 Wolfsburg - Hamburger SV

Just Call Me 'Trainer'

Wolfsburg have finally done it. They've dispensed with the services of the Bundesliga's first English head coach in Steve McClaren with manager Dieter Hoeness admitting that it was a mistake to hire the former Middlesbrough gaffer in the first place. McClaren, who often did his best to disguise the fact that he is actually Anglophone, never came to terms with some temperamental characters at a club who are still recovering from their shock Bundesliga triumph in 2008-09.

McClaren's replacement for the time being is Pierre Littbarski, known affectionately as Litti. An outstanding player in his day, he is one of FC Koeln's greats, scoring 116 Bundesliga goals as both a striker and attacking midfielder. The 50-year old is Wolfsburg's fourth head coach since Magath left for Schalke, although his appointment is on an interim basis until the end of the season. Huub Stevens, Martin Jol and Ralf Rangnick have all been mentioned as long-term successors as well and should Littbarski struggle to make an early impact, Hans Meyer could come in as a firefighter.

Littbarski has already overturned the €100k fine imposed on Diego by McClaren in one of his last acts as coach, deciding that a one-game ban is enough. The Brazilian playmaker defied orders from above to take and subsequently miss a penalty in last week's derby against Hannover ; McClaren had entrusted new signing Patrick Helmes with the responsibility from twelve yards. Littbarski, who moves up from assistant coach, refused to take any shots at his old boss:

"The players don't need to call me Herr Litbarski - a simple 'Trainer' is enough. Basically, I value a mix of creative freedom and discipline but that does not imply that we previously had problems with discipline. There are no grounds for criticising the work of Steve McClaren, whom I phoned yesterday. It was important for me to talk with him. We discussed a few things and wished each other good luck."


Nice To Be Back Playing

It is two weeks since Hamburg last stepped onto the pitch in the Bundesliga. Of course this is not down to a quirk of the fixture list or an enforced international break but largely of the club's own doing. The decision to lay a new surface proved to be a sporting and PR disaster for die Rothosen as it was unable to cope with the heavy rain in Hamburg a week ago. As such, the Hamburger Stadtderby against St Pauli, which had been greatly anticipated, quite literally turned out to be a damp squib. Thankfully, there is not too long to wait for the fixture to be fulfilled - it will be played next Wednesday although there are those, with some justification, who believe that HSV should have been docked three points.

With six points since the resumption of the league in mid-January, Hamburg have not done too badly although such a statistic is deceptive for two victories over Schalke and Eintracht Frankfurt were followed by a defeat to Nuernberg. The next few fixtures are most definitely winnable for Armin Veh's men and they need to embark upon a good run if they are to make a sustained challenge for the European spots, as the former Wolfsburg coach himself acknowledged:

"In order to meet our objective of finishing in the first five, we must be successful in this game. It is difficult for us to analyse Wolfsburg. You are not exactly sure how they will play and how much they will look to change."

Veh, who struggled to lift Wolfsburg after title-winning coach Felix Magath's departure, still has a point to prove to his critics. He has not helped himself with his public statements of a lack of long-term desire to continue as a head coach but in the short-term, he has grounds for optimism. Hamburg produced one of their best performances of the campaign in the reverse fixture - a 4-2 win in the Imtech Arena - and Joris Mathijsen was impressive in his 45 minutes for the Netherlands in midweek.

"It is important for us to be mentally sharp. It is a very important week and we have to be on our game. Should we play like we did (in the reverse game) then we will also win this one."

Problems, scandal and crisis are never too far away at Germany's second biggest club in terms of revenue, according to the recently released Deloitte Money League. Although Ruud van Nistelrooy has made his peace, Dennis Aogo has hit out at the lack of planning by the club for its future. All things considered, it will be a welcome relief for HSV just to be back playing again.

TEAM NEWS

VfL Wolfsburg

The most high-profile absentee for die Woelfe is Diego, who is serving a one game ban imposed by the club after his antics against Hannover. Sascha Riether is out with a twisted knee, Mario Mandzukic with a broken toe and Tolga Cigerci with a metatarsal injury. In Diego's absence, a 4-4-2 is likely. Josue and Grafite are doubts but at least one should make the starting line-up ; if not then Makoto Hasebe and Dieumerci Mbokani are ready to step in. There is still no place for Koo Ja-Cheol in the squad.

Probable Starting XI: Benaglio - Pekarik, Kjaer, Friedrich, Schaefer - Dejagah, Hasebe, Polak, Tuncay - Grafite, Helmes

Hamburger SV

Die Rothosen are preparing a selection surprise of their own with reports suggesting that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be benched in favour of a Mladen Petric - Anis Ben-Hatira strikeforce. Gojko Kacar is still out through suspension as are injured quartet Dennis Diekmeier, Collin Benjamin, Heung-Min Son and Romeo Castelen. Despite his impressive showing for the Dutch in midweek, it appears that Eljero Elia will be on the bench, with Marcell Jansen being preferred down the left flank.

Probable Starting XI: Rost - Demel, Westermann, Mathijsen, Aogo - Pitroipa, Jarolim, Ze Roberto, Jansen - Petric, Ben-Hatira

Prediction

With Joris Mathijsen back in central defence alongside the Bundesliga's most successful tackler, Heiko Westermann, I expect Hamburg to be solid at the back against a Wolfsburg attack still looking to get to know each other. Given the upheaval in Volkswagen country this last week, Hamburg may well just sneak their third win of the Rueckrunde and do the double over die Woelfe.

VfL Wolfsburg 0-1 Hamburg

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12-02-2011 15:30 Bayern Munchen - 1899 Hoffenheim

'Robbery' To The Rescue

Since the return of Arjen Robben in January, Bayern have seen a sharp spike in form. In just 301 minutes of play, the Dutchman has recorded four scorer’s points as the Bavarians have earned three wins and a draw. Last week’s 3-2 loss to Koeln proved just how valuable the winger is to his team; Robben sat out that match with an illness, and Bayern threw away a two-goal lead. Heading into Saturday’s match with Hoffenheim, the winger is fully fit once more, and is expected to start.

Joining Robben in the starting line-up will be fit-again left winger Franck Ribery, who has recovered from a knock to his knee. The pair last played together in May of 2010, when Bayern beat Werder Bremen in the DFB Pokal final. Though they have only featured in the same squad on rare occasion, Robben and Ribery (also known as 'Robbery') have a tremendous partnership, and will try to find their best form ahead of Bayern’s Champions League Round of 16 clash with Inter.

Bayern will hope to find their form as a whole not only for the Inter clash, but in an attempt to save their domestic campaign. The Bavarians head into Round 22 in fifth place, a standing that to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is unacceptable.

“It is clear that second place is now our minimum aim,” the club CEO told reporters after the Koeln defeat. “We cannot risk losing out on Champions League qualification.”

No fewer than three points will suffice on Saturday, but Bayern have no shortage of talent and have impressed at home this year. It will be no easy task, but on their day, the vice-champions of Europe have the potential to beat any club.

Hoffenheim With No Intention To Compromise

The transfer of Luiz Gustavo to Bayern was a divisive issue at Hoffenheim, to the point that in protest Ralf Rangnick resigned from his position as coach. Now the Sinsheim club heads to Munich to face the club that controversially signed one of its brightest stars. However, new coach Marco Pezzaiouli stressed before the match that his side will not hold a grudge against the Brazilian, but instead will be extra-motivated by the challenge that awaits in Bayern as a team.

“Luiz was always well regarded in the team,” Pezzaiouli said according to the official Hoffenheim website. “Luiz is not all that counts, because the name of Bayern Munich has so much motivation in itself.”

“The team will try to play successfully against Munich and not Gustavo alone.”

While Pezzaiouli praised his team’s opponents and admitted Saturday’s match will be a huge challenge, he pledged to send his players out with plans to impose their style of play.

“In our preparations we are look not to play based on the strengths of Bayern, but on our own. We want to frustrate FC Bayern and take points in Munich.”

TEAM NEWS

Bayern Munich

With Robben and Ribery back in the squad, Louis van Gaal will be able to slide Thomas Mueller into the hole behind Mario Gomez, and Bastian Schweinsteiger into a deep midfield role alongside Andreas Ottl. It is expected that Luiz Gustavo will slot in at left back, although Danijel Pranjic could occupy the position on the left side of defence. Toni Kroos is still sidelined as he recovers from a metatarsal problem, while Diego Contento and long-term casualty Ivica Olic are both out.

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

Hoffenheim

Marco Pezzaiouli is expected to make no surprises with his squad, which will line up in an aggressive 4-3-3 stance and hope to take the game to Bayern. Edson Braafheid is suspended following last week’s sending off, and Manuel Gulde and Chinedu Obasi remain unfit.

Probable Starting XI: Starke – Beck, Vorsah, Compper, Ibertsberger – Rudy, Alaba, Salihovic – Sigurdsson, Ibisevic, Babel

Prediction

Never bet against Bayern when Robben is in the squad, especially when the match is to be played in Munich’s Allianz Arena. Bayern have won seven of their ten home matches, and will benefit from having a fit “Robbery” available. Hoffenheim have a chance, but given their unimpressive away form and tendency to play an open, attacking game, the village side will likely be out-gunned in a high-scoring affair.

Bayern Munich 3-1 Hoffenheim

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12-02-2011 13:45 Manchester United - Manchester City

Invincibles Are Sunk

After a run of 29 matches unbeaten Manchester United finally came unstuck last weekend at Wolves and will hope to bounce back against ‘noisy neighbours’ City on Saturday lunchtime and maintain their title charge.

Indeed victory for the Red Devils will put them eight points ahead of their city rivals, having played a game less, and in all likelihood end Roberto Mancini’s hopes of landing the Premier League title.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted this is a “terrific” game for his side after defeat last weekend and having lost just once to Manchester City at Old Trafford since 1974, will hope that this is one run his side can maintain this weekend.

City Closing The Gap

Manchester City, meanwhile, are quietly maintaining their own title challenge and a win on Saturday would see them, temporarily at least, move second and just two points behind their rivals.

Last weekend’s win over West Brom saw a welcome return to form and after watching United’s unbeaten run end they will now hope they can inflict their first home defeat of the season.

To do so they will need to show more attacking endeavour than they did in the reverse fixture at Eastlands earlier in the season, and against Arsenal at the Emirates last month.

However, City possess one of the strongest front lines in the Premier League and one that certainly looks stronger on paper than the last City side to win at Old Trafford in February 2008, when goals by Darius Vassell and Benjani did the damage in a 2-1 win.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

The hosts will again be without Rio Ferdinand after he picked up a calf problem last weekend therefore Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans will partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the United defence. Rafael should return, however, to take up his position at right-back.

As exclusively revealed by Goal.com UK on Friday, Darren Fletcher is a serious doubt after aggravating an ankle injury in training.

Elsewhere, Antonio Valencia is still a couple of weeks away from a return from his broken leg although Park Ji-Sung could be involved after returning from the Asian Cup.

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

Manchester City

Micah Richards is still a doubt with concussion and the game may also come too soon for Mario Balotelli as he recovers from a knee problem. Midfielder Nigel De Jong could also miss out as he battles with an ankle injury.

Adam Johnson, of course, remains on the injured list and having been left out of the starting XI against West Brom last weekend, Edin Dzeko will be hoping to start at Old Trafford.

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

Prediction

Man Utd. 2-2 Man City  

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