08.05. (Sun) 21:00 Olympique Lyonnais - Olympique Marseille

DID YOU KNOW?

* Lyon sit in third place in Ligue 1, having suffered two defeats in their last five games which has seen their title hopes suffer badly in that period.

* Les Gones are seven points behind leaders Lille, with only five games left to play.

* Lyon's Argentinian hitman Lisandro Lopez has a 100 per cent scoring record against the side from Provence, boasting three goals in three appearances.

* Claude Puel's men haven't conceded a goal at home in the second half this season in Ligue 1.

* Lyon haven't beaten Marseille at Stade Gerland since the 2005-06 season when goals from Tiago and Sidney Govou gave them a 2-1 victory.

* Similarly, Lyon have only won one of their last eight games against Marseille since 2007.

* A win for the home side would still keep their faint title hopes alive, but realistically it would keep them in the hunt for a Champions League berth for next season.

* Marseille suffered a slip-up at home to Auxerre last Sunday, drawing 1-1. That result saw them surrender top spot to Lille, only four days after reclaiming it.

* Les Phoceens are a point behind Rudi Garcia's side, with five games remaining.

* Didier Deschamps' men have won their last five away games on the trot.

* They are also unbeaten in their last eight away games. Their last reverse came in December away to Nice.

* Marseille have found the net in the last 12 games running.

* This fixture last season threw up arguably, the most exciting Ligue 1 match in recent memory. OM found themselves 4-2 up at the break, and required a Jeremy Toulalan own goal in the 93rd minute to salvage a memorable 5-5 draw.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Olympique Lyonnais (4-3-3)
Lloris; Reveillere, Cris, Lovren, Kolodziejczak; Gonalons, Pjanic, Kallstrom; Pied, Gomis, Lisandro;

Lyon manager Claude Puel revealed in the pre-match press conference that Jeremy Toulalan would sit out this encounter after picking up a knee problem in the win over Montpellier 10 days ago. Yoann Gourcuff is also struggling to shake off an adductor problem. There is also a defensive problem as Aly Cissokho and the returning Michel Bastos are suspended following their red cards in the 2-0 defeat to Toulouse last weekend.

Olympique Marseile (4-3-3)
Mandanda; Taiwo, Diawara, Heinze, Fanni; Kabore, Lucho, Ayew, Remy, Valbuena; Gignac;

Marseille welcome back Loic Remy for this encounter; the striker completed a ban after squaring up against Abdelhamid El Kaoutari of Montpellier three weeks ago and is in line to face his former club. The only other injury concern is Stephane Mbia who is recovering from a groin injury picked up in the Coupe de la Ligue Final triumph. Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta is nearing a return from a serious knee injury which has kept him out of action for six months.

Prediction

Lyon have endured a difficult few weeks, and will be disadvantaged with the absence of a few key players at Stade Gerland on Sunday. Marseille, who are the best away side in Ligue 1 this season, can afford no more slip-ups, but the defending champions' experience rarely fails to come to their rescue in the big games. A narrow win for Les Phoceens on the cards.

O. Lyon 0-1 Marseille

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08.05. (Sun) 20:45 Genoa - Sampdoria

DID YOU KNOW?

* Genoa have won four of their last five derbies against their city rivals.

* The Grifoni have scored seven goals in their last two home matches.

* Davide Ballardini has not lost to Samp in five attempts in Serie A.

* Genoa have won four of their last five games at home.

* Sampdoria have been held scoreless in 19 games this season.

* The Blucerchiati only have one win in their last 10 road matches.

* Sampdoria have conceded eight goals in their last four encounters.

* Giampaolo Pazzini still leads Samp in scoring this season even though he left the club for Inter in January.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Genoa (4-4-2)
Eduardo; Mesto, Dainelli, Kaladze, Criscito; Konko, Kucka, Milanetto, Antonelli; Floro Flores, Palacio

Genoa coach Davide Ballardini has the luxury of picking from a full squad ahead of the clash with Samp.

Samdoria (4-4-2)
Curci; Zauri, Volta, Lucchini, Ziegler; Mannini, Tissone, Palombo, Laczko; Pozzi, Biabiany

Alberto Cavasin with be without the services of defensive stalwart Daniele Gastaldello, Gilberto Martinez and Marco Padalino who are all nursing injuries.

Prediction

The form book can be thrown out the window for most city derbies but it's hard to see Samp beating their rivals on Sunday. They have been atrocious in the new calendar year and don't have enough scoring touch to trouble Genoa.

 

Genoa 2-0 Sampdoria

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08.05. (Sun) 19:00 Barcelona - Espanyol

DID YOU KNOW?

* Barcelona will know that Espanyol will not roll over in this fixture. Of their last six home matches in league play against their city-rivals, they’ve won only twice.

* However, Pep Guardiola’s men have won three of their last five matches against their fellow Catalans, including a 5-1 success away from home earlier this term.

* Incredibly, la Blaugrana have struck the opening blow in 30 of their league matches this season and have only been shut out once.

* When Carles Puyol has been present, the Camp Nou outfit have yet to lose this term.

* In the last seven league matches at the great venue, Lionel Messi has struck five goals.

* Espanyol’s form in the second half of the campaign has been very weak indeed, picking up only 14 points.

* Away from home, the Cornella-El Prat outfit have not tasted success in six outings, during which they’ve been held scoreless on five occasions.

* Their tally of 42 league goals this term is dwarfed by Barcelona’s 89.

* Barcelona derbies have been pretty feisty affairs in recent times, with three red cards in the last five.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Barcelona (4-3-3):
Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Villa, Messi, Pedro

There are still plenty of question marks in the Barcelona squad after the midweek draw against Real Madrid. Eric Abidal made his return to action, but asking him to play a full 90 minutes may be stretching things too much, while Adriano continues to toil with injury. Maxwell tends to be the other option in that role, but he too is struggling.

Elsewhere, big changes to the squad should not be anticipated, though if there are one or two weary legs from a hectic and demanding schedule, Guardiola will make alterations.

Espanyol (4-2-3-1):
Kameni; Galan, Amat, Rodriguez, Chica; Vedu, Marquez; L. Garcia, Alonso, Callejon; Osvaldo

Sergio Garcia and Baena both continue to miss out because of injury problems, with the former not expected to play again this season after recently undergoing a knee operation.

Joan Verdu had appeared poised for a ban, but his yellow card last weekend has been annulled, allowing him to feature.

Prediction

Barcelona have to be favoured at Camp Nou to defeat their city rivals. Pep Guardiola’s side may not be quite as devastating as they have been for periods during this campaign, but they will have the power to march to a win in a match that is likely to prove competitive.

Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol

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08.05. (Sun) 18:00 Twente - Ajax

DID YOU KNOW?

* Both of these sides are also the contenders for the Eredivisie title. That will be decided in a head to head clash next week at the Amsterdam ArenA.

* Siem de Jong of Ajax will come up against his brother Luuk in Twente colours.

* Twente have conceded just three goals in the KNVB Beker.

* The Tukkers last won the Dutch cup in 2001 when they beat PSV after penalties.

* Nacer Chadli, Luuk de Jong and Theo Janssen are Twente's leading goalscorers in the tournament with three goals each.

* Shot stopper Sander Boschker is one of only two players to have featured in all five games.

* Young winger Chadli has already made 48 official appearances for the Enschede side this season.

* Ajax have conceded only twice in this year's KNVB Beker, with one of those goals being an own goal from defender Daley Blind.

* The Godenzonen have so far won 18 KNVB Beker finals.

* Siem de Jong, Mounir el Hamdaoui and Miralem Sulejmani have all scored three goals in the tournament so far.

* The Amsterdam side have a fine disciplinary record; only six players were booked in five games, while no red cards were given to Ajax players.

* Ajax have already played 53 official matches in the 2010-11 campaign.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Twente (4-3-3)
Boschker; Rosales, Wisgerhof, Douglas, Buysse; Landzaat, Brama, Janssen; Ruiz, L. De Jong, Chadli.

Head coach Michel Preud'homme doesn't have too many injury worries ahead of Sunday's KNVB Beker final and will be able to field what can be considered to be his best XI. Young full-back Nicky Kuiper is the only absentee, while tricky winger Emir Bajrami isn't fully match fit, but is expected to make the match squad.

Ajax (4-3-3)
Vermeer; Van der Wiel, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Boilesen; De Zeeuw, Eriksen, Anita; Sulejmani, S. De Jong, Ebecilio. 

Frank de Boer will have to make do without the services of first choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg in De Kuip, but has a more than capable back-up available with Kenneth Vermeer. Swedish midfielder Rasmus Lindgren will also miss the match due to injury while Mounir el Hamdaoui is doubtful. Miralem Sulejmani missed Wednesday's squad training, but is expected to feature.

Prediction

Neither of the two teams have been in great form in the past few weeks, but they've both recorded several consecutive wins. Ajax's hot streak could come to an end on Sunday though as the individual class of Bryan Ruiz and Theo Janssen could prove to be too much for them. The Tukkers aren't likely to concede more than once because of their excellent organisation and Twente could very well leave De Kuip celebrating after a narrow in an entertaining match.

Twente 2-1 Ajax

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08.05. (Sun) 17:10 Manchester United - Chelsea

DID YOU KNOW?

* Manchester United have not lost a single Premier League game at Old Trafford this season. Their record reads 16 wins, one draw, and no losses.

* The Red Devils have also scored 43 goals at home this season, which is the most by any team in their own backyard.

* United have picked up 10 out of a possible 15 points from their last five league games. Their dropped points came in the form of a goalless draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, and a defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

* Sir Alex’s charges are also on course to equal Chelsea’s record of accumulating a mammoth 55 points at home. The Blues won 18 and drew one of their 19 games at Stamford Bridge during the 2005-06 season.

* No team has scored a first-half goal in the league against United at Old Trafford this season.

* Chelsea are undefeated in their last 10 Premier League games, with eight wins against their name. But during this period, they did lose twice to the Red Devils in the Champions League.

* But the Blues have done well away from home in the domestic circuit, as they have scored 29 goals on their travels. Only Arsenal (36) have scored more.

* But to Carlo Ancelotti’s credit, his players are also the most defensively adept unit when playing away from home, as they have shipped in only 17 goals so far. This is the least number of goals conceded by any team in the top-flight on their travels.

* Despite having lost two Champions League matches to the OId Trafford outfit, the Blues have the upper hand in league games. They have won the last three league meetings between the two sides. But it has to also be noted that Chelsea have managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last 15 visits to Old Trafford.

* Florent Malouda is Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals to his name.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Manchester United (4-4-2)
Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Giggs, Park; Rooney, Hernandez.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently admitted that Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra should be able to feature in the blockbuster clash against Chelsea.

The Scot is also expected to make changes to the line-up that he fielded against Schalke, with Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand , Ryan Giggs, Javier Hernandez , Park Ji-Sung, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic all likely to return to the starting XI.

Sir Alex has also confirmed that Darren Fletcher will not start on Sunday, despite having made a cameo appearance against Schalke.

Chelsea (4-3-3)
Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Malouda, Drogba, Kalou.

Carlo Ancelotti has an almost full squad to choose from, with only Jose Bosingwa being out through injury. Yury Zhirkov is expected to undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he can play any part in the clash at Old Trafford.

There have also been reports that Fernando Torres could be dropped from the starting line-up for this clash, as the Spain international has scored only once since his January move to Chelsea.

Prediction

United and Chelsea are well matched in terms of quality coupled with form, and this should make for a very interesting encounter.

The Red Devils have a chance of parking the bus and carving out a draw that would give them a massive advantage in terms of winning the title, but it appears unlikely that such a system will be adopted by manager Sir Alex Ferguson - particularly as it is a home game.

Ryan Giggs also recently admitted that the gameplan is likely to be an attacking one to kill any real hope that the Blues might have of winning the title. But the likes of Didier Drogba and Malouda pose a significant threat themselves, and could threaten the hosts’ back line.

An entertaining game appears to be in the offing. And considering the home form shown by United pitted against the recent run that Chelsea have been on, a draw would appear to be likely.

Man Utd. 2-2 Chelsea

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08.05. (Sun) 15:05 Stoke City - Arsenal

DID YOU KNOW?

* Arsenal have won four games on the bounce against Stoke City, with Sebastien Squillaci’s only league goal for the north London club sealing a 1-0 victory at the Emirates in February.

* Stoke however have not lost in any of the games in which they have taken the lead this season, winning nine and drawing four.

* The Potters have only lost one of their last six games, having drawn three and lost two.

* Arsenal have given away nine penalties so far this campaign, the highest conceded in the Premier League.

* The Gunners' fragility has been highlighted once again this season, yet their defensive record tells a somewhat different story, and with 30 points from 17 games, they have the best away record in the division.

* Stoke boasted a four-game winning streak against Sunday’s opponents, until they were defeated 3-1 in last season’s meeting at the Britannia Stadium.

* Robin van Persie has found the net in each of the last seven away games, and also has an impressive record of 18 goals from 20 games in 2011.

* If the Stoke backline can keep Van Persie & co at bay, it will be their third clean sheet in a row – the first time for 13 months this has happened.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Stoke City (4-4-2)
Begovic; Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson; Pennant, Whithead, Wilson, Delap; Jones, Walters.

Expect Tony Pulis to the name side that drew a blank away at Blackpool last weekend, with Andy Wilkinson having recovered from a dead leg.

The game will no doubt be used as a stage by the Stoke players to ensure their place in the FA Cup final team next weekend, while Ryan Shawcross’s first encounter against Aaron Ramsey since that infamous tackle will doubtless also provide a sideshow to the fixture.

Arsenal (4-3-3)
Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielney, Clichy; Ramsey, Song, Wilshere; Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin.

With Cesc Fabregas still sidelined with a thigh strain, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere will look to control central midfield, while Andrey Arshavin looks set to replace the injured Samir Nasri who misses out with a hamstring injury.

Thomas Vermaelen could make his first appearance since August, standing in for Johan Djourou who is doubtful due to an ankle injury.

Prediction

Despite Arsenal looking destined to complete another trophyless campaign, they may well have been liberated from their recent malaise after a stirring victory over league leaders Manchester United last weekend.

No doubt Stoke will have next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City lingering in the back of their minds at least, and I expect a well contested victory for Arsene Wenger’s men, whose determination to prove their worth should resonate into their performance on the pitch on Sunday.

Stoke 1-2 Arsenal

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08.05. (Sun) 15:00 Udinese - Lazio

DID YOU KNOW?

* Udinese have slumped to four defeats in their last five games.

* Antonio Di Natale has scored eight times against Lazio in his Serie A career.

* Samir Handanovic has saved five penalties this season.

* Udinese have conceded 12 goals in their last five encounters.

* Lazio have only one win in their last four matches away from the Stadio Olimpico.

* The capital city club have not played out a draw in their last 11 games.

* Lazio have scored eight goals in their last three encounters on the road.

* Five Lazio players have been sent off in the last seven matches.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Udinese (3-5-2)
Handanovic; Benatia, Zapata, Angella; Abdi, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Sanchez, Di Natale

Alexis Sanchez has recovered in time from his injury and should feature up front with Antonio Di Natale. Gabriele Angella will fill in for the suspended Maurizio Domizzi while Almen Abdi will replace the banned Gokhan Inler.
Lazio (4-4-2)
Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Biava, Dias, Garrido; Hernanes, Brocchi, Matuzalem, Bresciano; Floccari, Zarate
Lazio coach Edy Reja will have to make do without key midfielders Cristian Ledesma and Stefano Mauri who are suspended.

Prediction

Both teams need to win this match as the race for the final Champions League spot heads into the final straight. There were plenty of goals in the first encounter of the season and another high-scoring affair seems likely.

Udinese 2-2 Lazio

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08.05. (Sun) 15:00 Inter - Fiorentina

DID YOU KNOW?

* Inter are currently riding an 11-game Serie A winning streak at San Siro

* The defending champions are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings against Fiorentina.

* Giampaolo Pazzini's eight goals since joining Inter have all come in the second half.

* Leonardo's men have scored 29 goals in their last 10 matches at home.

* Fiorentina have won their last two games, outscoring their opponents 7-3 in that span.

* The Viola have only lost once in their last 10 matches.

* Alessio Cerci has scored four goals in his last two games.

* Fiorentina have picked up eight points in their last five matches on the road.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Inter (4-3-1-2)
Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Ranocchia, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Thiago Motta; Kharja; Pazzini, Eto'o

Julio Cesar is back between the posts after serving a one-match ban. The news is not all good for Leonardo though as Wesley Sneijder, Dejan Stankovic and Goran Pandev will miss the match through injury. Walter Samuel is not quite ready to return while MacDonald Mariga is suspended.
Fiorentina (4-3-3)
Boruc; De Silvestri; Gamberini, Kroldrup, Pasqual; Behrami, D'Agostino, Montolivo; Cerci, Gilardino, Vargas

Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic will return to his old stomping ground without the services of long-term absentee Stevan Jovetic and Adrian Mutu who is out for the remainder of the season.

Prediction

Inter have been untouchable at San Siro in Serie A since Leonardo took the reigns and have an excellent track record against Fiorentina in recent years. All signs point to a win for the hosts on Sunday.

Inter Milan 3-1 Fiorentina

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08.05. (Sun) 13:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers - West Bromwich Albion

DID YOU KNOW?

* This will be the first top-flight meeting between the two sides at Molineux since April 1983 when the Black Country rivals fought-out a goalless draw in the old English First Division.

* Wolves have not enjoyed a home victory over their neighbours since 2006. Jay Bothroyd’s 83rd minute strike was the difference that day in a season during which the teams met in the the FA Cup and play-off semi-finals as well.

* West Brom have gone 33 Premier League games without a clean sheet, an ongoing record for the division.

* Newly-crowned Barclays Premier League player of the month, Peter Odemwingie can become the first Premier League player this season to score in five consecutive matches. He needs one goal to reach a career-best tally of 15.

* West Brom have won 52 and Wolves 51 of the 143 previous league contests between the clubs since their first meeting in January 1886.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-5-1)
Hennessey, Foley, Berra, Craddock, Ward; Jarvis, O'Hara, Mancienne, Milijas, Hunt; Fletcher

Mick McCarthy will give a late fitness test to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake’s hamstring injury ahead of the derby clash as he only has Steven Fletcher available in attack.

Michael Kightly is also a doubt with a groin strain while the game will be too early for Dave Edwards after having an injection to try a solve his back problem.

West Bromwich Albion (4-5-1)
Carson,Olsen, Shorey, Meite, Tamas, Morrison, Mulumbu, Reid, Vela, Odemwingie, Cox


Albion should be boosted by the return of Jerome Thomas but still have concerns over the availability of skipper Chris Brunt, Steven Reid and Gonzalo Jara for the Wolves trip.

Paul Scharner is suspended after his red card in last Saturday’s win over Aston Villa, so Steven Reid is set to replace the Austrian.

Prediction

Wolves 2-1 West Bromwich

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07.-08. 05.2011. Bets of the week

07.05. (Sat) 16:00 Bolton Wanderers - Sunderland
Sunderland were terrible last time out against Fulham and even manager Steve Bruce branded their defending as "awful." The situation doesn’t get much better up front, with the Black Cats having no recognised striker available for Saturday’s game. Hardly ideal preparation for a side with only one win in their last eleven games.
Opponents Bolton have the feel of a side who are great at home and not so good away. Bolton have won their last five games on the bounce at the Reebok including a good win over Arsenal, whilst on the road, the Trotters have only managed to pick up two wins all season. With Sunderland safe and strikerless, Bolton will look to continue their good home form and compile further misery on Steve Bruce.
Match Odds: Bolton 1.83, Draw 3.40, Sunderland 4.50
Tip: Bolton to win @ 1.83

07.05. (Sat) 16:00 Chesterfield - Gillingham
Gillingham still have a chance of reaching the play-offs and need to go for three points against already promoted Chesterfield. A single point will clinch the title for the hosts but they could actually lose and still be champions if Bury fail to win away against Stevenage.
The Gills must avoid defeat at the very least and they are unbeaten in their last 11 games on the road. Chesterfield have won just the once in their last five games and goals look a likely outcome in this game. Both teams have kept just six clean sheets respectively at home and away all season so defensive strength isn't great.
Chesterfield have conceded 30 at home which is exactly the same that Gillingham have scored away. Offensively Chesterfield have scored 56 at home while Gillingham have notched 37 on the road.
 Match Odds: Chesterfield 2.20, Draw 3.30, Gillingham 3.30
Tip: Both teams to score @ 1.65

07.05. (Sat) 22:00 Sevilla - Real
Sevilla - Real Madrid has the look of an excellent match in Andalucia. It will be interesting to see how they respond after their exit in the Champions League at the hands of arch enemies Barcelona and their shock defeat at home to Real Zaragoza last week.
I expect Los Blancos to play with a bit more liberty now that the pressure is off and should beat a Sevilla side that tend to blow hot and cold.
Match Odds: Sevilla 3.10, Draw 3.50, Real Madrid 2.10
Tip: Real Madrid to win @ 2.10

08.05. (Sun) 17:10 Manchester United - Chelsea
Under former Manchester United and Blackburn star Henning Berg, Lillestrom are a joy to
watch. Nigerian strikeforce of Anthony Ujah and Emmanuel Igiebor are the best in Norway, while Erling Knudtzon is an extremely promising young attacking midfielder.
They are scoring at will, with an extraordinary 7-0 win at Stabaek on the opening day followed with results like 4-4 draw at Rosenborg and 5-0 thrashing of Haugesund, while they are also capable of spectacular defeats like 1-4 at home to Brann.
Lillestrom should be a good bet to win at promoted Fredrikstad, but the hosts have started positively and it is by no means a certainty. Going for a high scoring game is a better option, as current average number of goals in Lillestrom games is over five per game.
Match Odds: Fredrikstad 2.40, Draw 3.30, Lillestrom 2.70
Tip: Over 3.5 goals (2.62)

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