Friday, November 18, 2011

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19.11. (Sat) 22:00 Valencia vs Real Madrid

UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid v Ajax
Getty

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

VALENCIA

GuaitaMiguel, Ruiz, Rami, Alba
Topal, Costa
Pablo Hernandez, Piatti, Mathieu
Soldado
 
REAL MADRID

 
Casillas
Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo
Xabi Alonso, Sahin
Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo
Benzema



Jose Mourinho will be sweating on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Arbeloa, both of whom returned from international duty with thigh and hamstring strains respectively. However, the two players are expected to shrug off the knocks to start against Unai Emery's men. Angel Di Maria is however out for a month with a knee problem, meaning Kaka will likely start, with Mesut Ozil edged out to the right hand side.

Real Madrid have several players returning from injury including Ricardo Carvalho and Fabio Coentrao, although the pair are likely to sit out the visit to Valencia.

Marcelo will be back in contention following an injury, while Nuri Sahin could start his first game in the white shirt of Madrid.

One man who will not be featuring for Valencia is Sergio Canales, who is on loan from Madrid and will miss most of the season with a serious injury. The home side are also unable to call upon Ever Banega or Hedwiges Maduro.

Despite his double on international duty for Brazil, Jonas is likely to be named as a substitute with Pablo Piatti a candidate to play behind Roberto Soldado. Pablo Hernandez could come into the team on the right wing.


DID YOU KNOW?
  • Valencia have lost their last three meetings against Real Madrid in La Liga, losing 6-3 to Los Blancos the last time the teams met in April.
  • The last four encounters between the two sides at Mestalla have produced a total of 23 goals.
  • Valencia are unbeaten at home in La Liga this season, winning four and drawing two out of their six games at Mestalla.
  • Real Madrid are on a run of seven consecutive wins in La Liga. An eighth would be their best run under Jose Mourinho since the coach took over the club in 2010.
  • Los Blancos have scored 39 goals after 11 matchdays, their second-highest tally at this stage of the season since 1950-51, where they had bagged 42.
  • Gonzalo Higuain has scored seven goals in seven appearances against Valencia.

Prediction
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-2  Real Madrid

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19.11. (Sat) 20:45 Napoli vs Lazio

Marek Hamsik & Ezequiel Lavezzi - Napoli (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

NAPOLI

De Sanctis
Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica
Maggio, Gargano, Inler, Dossena
Hamsik, Lavezzi
Cavani
LAZIO

Marchetti
Konko, Diakite, Biava, Radu
Brocchi, Ledesma, Lulic
Hernanes

Klose, Cisse

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri will have the luxury of choosing from a fully-fit squad as Walter Gargano and Salvatore Aronica will return to the starting XI. However, Mario Santana is still suspended and will miss the encounter.

Lazio boss Edy Reja will be without the services of influential attacking midfielder Stefano Mauri, who is sidelined with an injury. Andre Dias will not feature due to a thigh strain while Javier Garrido and Libor Kozak are also nursing injuries.

DID YOU KNOW
  • Napoli have only picked up two wins in their last seven Serie A matches (W2 D2 L3).
  • Walter Mazzarri's men have kept two clean sheets in their past three games at home.
  • The southern Italian outfit ran out 4-3 winners in last season's encounter with Lazio at the San Paolo.
  • Lazio have lost only three times in their last 13 Serie A matches against Napoli (W6 D4 L3).
  • The capital city side are currently riding an eight-game unbeaten streak in league play. (W6 D2 L0).
  • Edy Reja's men have won their last four matches away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Prediction
The joint leaders are unbeaten in their last eight games but face a daunting trip to the Stadio San Paolo. Klose continues his fine form as the capital-city side prove that they are legitimate contenders for the Scudetto.
Editor's Prediction
Napoli 2-3 Lazio

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19.11. (Sat) 20:45 Fiorentina vs AC Milan

Alberto Gilardino - Fiorentina (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
FIORENTINA


Boruc
Romulo, Gamberini, Nastasic, Pasqual
Behrami, Montolivo, Munari
Lazzari
Gilardino, Jovetic
AC MILAN


Abbiati
Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini
Aquilani, Van Bommel, Nocerino
Seedorf
Robinho, Ibrahimovic

Fiorentina look set to make two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Chievo a fortnight ago, which cost Sinisa Mihajlovic his job and allowed Delio Rossi to come into the hot seat.

Defender Matija Nastasic should replace the suspended Cesare Natali at centre-back, while Mattia Cassani's extended spell on the sidelines means Romulo will slot into right-back. The reshuffling of the pack thus paves the way for Gianni Munari to be given a rare start in midfield, but there is no such luck for Per Kroldrup, who is approximately around a month away from a return to full fitness. Stevan Jovetic picked up a muscle strain on international duty with Montenegro, but the club are hopeful he will be fit in time to take his place in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri is expected to make alterations of his own, headlining with Alessandro Nesta, who should reclaim his place alongside Thiago Silva in the heart of AC Milan's defence.

Furthermore, Antonio Nocerino is back from his ban and should replace Urby Emanuelson, while Massimo Ambrosini is set to be axed for Mark van Bommel as the midfield anchor. However, Antonio Cassano, Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini remain out for the foreseeable future, but Philippe Mexes is nearing a comeback from a wrist injury, as Kevin-Prince Boateng sees out the last match of his suspension.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Fiorentina have lost 67 times to AC Milan, more than against any other Serie A opponent.
  • The Viola have scored just two goals in the last seven games played against the Rossoneri in the league.
  • Against Fiorentina, Alexandre Pato has already scored five goals, one in each of his five appearances; only against Udinese has he scored more in Italy, with six.
  • AC Milan are currently on a run of five consecutive wins; the last time they managed six in a row was during the 2005/06 season.
  • The champions have scored two or more goals in each of their last five games, the first time this has happened since 1930-31; only Juventus and Torino have managed to score more than two goals per game in six consecutive Serie A matches.
  • Milan have the most prolific attack in the league with 23 goals to their name, at least seven more than any other side.
  • Since then, Milan have notched up eight victories and three draws against Fiorentina, winning their last seven.

Prediction
The arrival of the former Palermo man should give Fiorentina a timely boost, as the appointment of a new coach always brings new energy and ideas to the table. However, with a Milan side currently at the peak of their powers, combined with a number of key performers coming back into the fold, they should be able to eventually overcome the hosts and make it a super six.
Editor's Prediction
Fiorentina 1-2 AC Milan

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19.11. (Sat) 20:00 Barcelona vs Zaragoza

Xavi, Iniesta, Barcelona
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BARCELONA


Valdes

Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Messi, Cesc, Villa

REAL ZARAGOZA

Roberto
Juarez, Meira, Lanzaro, Paredes
Barrera, Micael, Ponzio, Juan Carlos
Luis Garcia
Postiga

Barcelona have three first team players currently recovering from injury. Ibrahim Afellay is back in light training but is still some way away from returning to action after his cruciate injury.

Pedro is still recuperating from a knee problem, while Adriano suffered a leg muscle injury whilst on international duty with Brazil and is expected to be sidelined for 10 days.

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano returned to training on Thursday after their World Cup qualifiers but the former Liverpool man limped off in his last match for Argentina and is a slight doubt. Alexis Sanchez made a late return from international duty with Chile and may be rested by Pep Guardiola.

For Javier Aguirre's side, Abraham Minero and Adam Pinter took part in a training session on Monday and look to have fully recovered from their respective injuries.

However, there's bad news for Real Zaragoza this week as Paraguayan defender Paulo Da Silva has reportedly suffered a break in his right leg and looks to be missing for the foreseeable future.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The last match between Barcelona and Real Zaragoza was a 1-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's side, in which Seydou Keita scored the all important goal.
  • Barcelona have notched up 34 goals so far in La Liga this season, Zaragoza have managed to score just 12 times.
  • Barcelona have welcomed Zaragoza to Camp Nou 57 times, and only lost twice.
  • The Aragon outfit's last win at Camp Nou was a 1-0 victory 46 years ago.
  • Javier Aguirre's side have conceded nearly double the amount of goals than they have scored this season, netting 12 times and leaking in 22 goals.
  • Zaragoza's top goalscorer this season is Helder Postiga with four goals. Lionel Messi has scored 14, which is three more than the entire Zaragoza side.

Prediction
Barcelona usually struggle slightly after international matches, but you still feel they have far too much quality for Zaragoza to handle. The visitors at Camp Nou have not there in 47 years and it does not look likely that they will end this streak. Apart from one blip against Sevilla, Barcelona have been tremendous at home in La Liga this season and another comfortable win looks to be on the cards.
Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Zaragoza

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19.11. (Sat) 18:30 Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

FC Bayern München, Mario Gomez & Jupp Heynckes
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN MUNICH


Neuer
Boateng, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Lahm
Luiz Gustavo, Alaba
Muller, Kroos, Ribery
Gomez

BORUSSIA DORTMUND


Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Felipe Santana, Hummels, Lowe
Bender, Leitner
Gotze, Kagawa, Grosskreutz
Lewandowski

With Anatoliy Tymoshchuk suspended, Luiz Gustavo takes his place as Bayern's anchor. Some would expect Kroos to set up shop next to him as the Bavarians' second pivot after his glittering displays for Germany, but Jupp Heynckes publicly stated on Wednesday that young Toni would not be taking Bastian Schweinsteiger's place – so David Alaba starts in central midfield.

In defence, Jerome Boateng returns from suspension, so expect Rafinha to drop to the bench. In attack, Arjen Robben has been passed fit, although Heynckes may wish to use the Dutchman sparingly.

Having fractured his cheekbone in a clash with Wolfsburg's Sotirios Kyrgiakos at the start of the month, while Neven Subotic is still a few weeks from a return to action for Dortmund. Felipe Santana will deputise at centre-back, and elsewhere in the back line, Marcel Schmelzer's availability will be subject to a late decision by Jurgen Klopp.


DID YOU KNOW

  • These two teams have met each other a total of 85 times. Bayern are in the lead in terms of games won with 39, while Dortmund have only 20.
  • Dortmund can close in on Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to a meagre two points if they pick up an away win at the Allianz Arena, although Bayern still have a vastly superior goal difference with +28 to BVB's +17.
  • From 1995-2009, Dortmund star Mats Hummels, now considered to be amongst the best defenders in the Bundesliga, was a Bayern Munich youth and fringe player.
  • Mario Gomez is amongst the very top scorers at club level in Europe this season with a mammoth tally of 13 goals. Dortmund's closest is Robert Lewandowski with eight.
  • Dortmund are unbeaten in seven games, while Bayern are on a four-match winning streak.

Prediction
Bayern have been playing with a swagger for months now and will be difficult to stop, especially at the Allianz Arena. The hosts will undoubtedly find the net, so the result may be dependent on whether Dortmund can keep up with the pace.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 Borussia Dortmund

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19.11. (Sat) 18:30 Swansea vs Man Utd.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SWANSEA CITY

Vorm
Rangel, Monk, Williams, Taylor
Dyer, Britton, Gower, Sinclair
Allen
Graham
MANCHESTER UNITED
 
De Gea
Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
Nani, Fletcher, Rooney, Park
Hernandez, Welbeck
Brendan Rodgers will have to make do without Ferrir Bodde, as the midfielder is still recovering after undergoing surgery. Alan Tate also remains on the sidelines owing to an odd golfing accident that saw him end up with a broken leg.

Stephen Dobbie (ankle) and Steven Caulker (knee) are both doubts, with the latter believed to be unlikely to make it in time for this fixture.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has a fair amount of injury worries, with Darron Gibson (ankle), Michael Owen (thigh), and Chris Smalling (toe) currently on the sidelines, although Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young have been tipped for returns.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs, Rafael and Anderson are doubts for this clash as they are still regaining fitness following their respective injuries, with the lengthy list of absentees likely forcing Sir Alex to use Wayne Rooney in midfield again.

 DID YOU KNOW?


  • Swansea City are undefeated at home in the Premier League this season, having won three and drawn two of their five games at the Liberty Stadium.
  • The Swans have also conceded only one goal at home in the league this campaign, with no other team having a better defensive record.
  • This match will be the first meeting between the two sides in the Premier League era. The last time they locked horns was back in 1983 when Frank Stapleton and Bryan Robson scored one each to give the Red Devils a 2-1 victory.
  • Manchester United have played Swansea 16 times during the course of their history, but have never been able to beat the opposition away from home.
  • But Sir Alex Ferguson's players are currently undefeated on their travels this season and have scored 10 goals. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have scored more.
  • United have scored one or more goals in their last 14 league games, but they have scored only one goal in each of their last four matches.

Prediction
Manchester United are the better side, but Swansea have been stubborn on their own turf. The visitors' quality, as well as the the fear of Manchester City getting away, should propel Sir Alex Ferguson's men to snatch three points.
Editor's Prediction
Swansea 0-1 Man Utd.

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19.11. (Sat) 18:00 Club Africain vs Maghreb Fes

Caf confederation Cup logo
Mahmoud maher

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CLUB AFRICAIN

Ayoub
Iffa, Rssaissi, Yaakoubi, HaddediZiadi, Alexis, Regii
Dhaouadi, Mechergui
Mouihbi
MAGHREB FES

Zniti
Hajj, Zekroumi, Mrani, Hamouni
Baamar, Elbasri

Faracha, Chtibi
Bourezzou, Halhoul

Faouzi Benzarti may spring a surprise and keep Chadian centre forward Ezechiel Ndouassel on the bench in favour of Youssef Mouihbi, who is usually used as a support striker or winger. Another expected change will be Mehdi Rssaissi and Bilel Iffa switching positions. Rssaissi will move into the middle of defence while Iffa will revert back to being a right-back for this first leg.
For their part, Rachid Taoussi's side arrived on Wednesday and have begun their preparations for the final. Both the club and Moroccan media outlets are keeping mum on injuries and lineup changes, but what is known is that there will be very few travelling Maghreb Fes supporters at Rades Stadium on Saturday.
A special trip was planned by the team officials for the fans, but that was cancelled in light of post-match incidents that transpired between Wydad fans and Tunisian police at the conclusion of the Caf Champions League final, both at the stadium and at Carthage International Airport.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • This is the third Tunisian-Moroccan confrontation in a Caf Confederation Cup final. In 2006, Etoile beat FAR Rabat and last year FUS Rabat overcame CS Sfaxien.
  • Club Africain haven't won an African title since 1991, and they haven't been in a continental final since 1999.
  • If Club Africain lift the trophy, they will set up an all Tunisian Caf Supercup final against 2011 Caf Champions League winners and rivals Esperance.
  • This is Maghreb Fes' maiden appearance in an African final.
  • Biancorosso coach Faouzi Trabelsi is no stranger to big games. He has already won this competition during his time at the helm of Etoile in 2006 and another continental title in 1994 with Esperance.
  • Maghreb Fes will be in high spirits after ousting Wydad from Morocco's Throne Cup on penalties. Their goalkeeper Anas Zniti played a huge role in the win by saving three penalty kicks.
Prediction
Editor's Prediction
Club Africain 1-0 Maghreb Fes

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19.11. (Sat) 18:00 FC Internazionale Milano vs Cagliari

Inter celebrating (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
INTER

Castellazzi
Jonathan, Lucio, Ranocchia, Zanetti  Cambiasso, Thiago Motta, Stankovic
Sneijder
Pazzini, Milito
CAGLIARI

Agazzi
Pisano, Canini, Ariaudo, Agostini
Biondini, Conti,
Nainggolan
Ekdal
Nene, Thiago Ribeiro

Inter boss Claudio Ranieri will be without the services of goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who is out with a thigh injury, while defenders Maicon and Yuto Nagatomo are nursing problems as well. Philippe Coutinho trained on his own and will miss the game while Cristian Chivu is suspended.

Sulley Muntari picked up a knock on international duty during the week and could sit out the encounter at San Siro.

New Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini will be missing pint-sized playmaker Andrea Cossu and influential defender Davide Astori due to injury. Moestafa El Kabir will also miss the match due to injury.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • Inter have scored only two goals in Serie A action at San Siro in the 2011-12 campaign.
  • The Nerazzurri have picked up just one win in their last five league matches, losing three and drawing the other.
  • Claudio Ranieri's side have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven domestic games.
  • Cagliari's last win over Inter came in 1995 at the Stadio Sant'Elia.
  • Davide Ballardini's men are winless in their last five matches with three draws and two defeats.
  • The Sardinians have scored seven goals in five encounters on the road this season.

Prediction
Inter should take care of business against the struggling Sardinians at San Siro with Pazzini and Sneijder scoring in a comfortable win.
Editor's Prediction
FC Internazionale Milano 2-0 Cagliari

Serie A Opta Facts - November 19-20


Bologna - Cesena

These two sides have met 18 times so far in Serie A: last season both fixtures were won by the away team, while Cesena won the two previous meetings in 1990/91.

Bologna have beaten Cesena just once in their last six meetings at the Dall'Ara, and have failed to score in four of these games.

Bologna have not shared the points in the last seven match-days (three wins and four defeats).

By beating Atalanta 3-1, Bologna ended a 10-game winless run at home in Serie A.

Since last April, Bologna have scored just four goals in eight games at home: on top of the three against Atalanta, the only other was a Diamanti penalty against Inter.

Cesena remain the only side still winless in this campaign (seven defeats and three draws so far for them).

Away from home Cesena have lost five games out of five so far, failing to score in the last four.

Cesena have scored just three goals so far this term - a Serie A-low.


Catania - Chievo

Chievo lead by three wins to two in their eight previous meetings against Catania in Serie A.

The Sicilians have scored exactly one goal in seven of these eight fixtures, a 2-0 win in May 2007 completes the record.

Losing to AC Milan 4-0 before the International break, Catania ended a six-game unbeaten run in the league.

However, at home Catania remain unbeaten in their last seven games between this and last season (five wins and two draws).

By beating Fiorentina 1-0, Chievo managed their first win after five match-days from which they had picked up just two points.

Chievo have managed to score more than one goal in just two games this season: a 2-1 win vs Genoa and a 2-2 draw with Novara.

Sergio Pellissier has netted four goals against Catania, his favourite opponent in Serie A after Lazio and Inter.


Fiorentina - AC Milan

AC Milan are on a run of five consecutive wins; last time they managed six in a row was in 2005/06, when they notched up six under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Rossoneri have scored two or more goals in their last five games, the last time they managed such a record was in 1930/31.

Overall, only two teams have managed to score more than two goals in six consecutive Serie A games: Juventus (twice) and Torino.

AC Milan have the best attack of this competition: 23 goals, at least seven more than any other side.

Fiorentina have suffered 67 defeats against AC Milan, more than against any other Serie A side.

AC Milan are unbeaten against Fiorentina since November 2005 (3-1 at the Franchi).

Since then, the Rossoneri have notched up eight wins and three draws against the Viola, and had the better in their last seven meetings.

Fiorentina have scored just two goals in these last seven games played against AC Milan in Seria A.

Against Fiorentina Alexandre Pato has already scored five goals, one in each of his five appearances against the Viola; only against Udinese has he scored more in Italy (six).


Genoa - Novara

These two sides have met 20 times in the top-flight, all between 1936 and 1956: Genoa lead by nine wins to eight, with three draws.

Genoa have won just one of their last six league games, 2-1 vs Roma at home.

However, at home the Grifoni are unbeaten since April (six wins and five draws).

The victory against Inter is Novara's only win of this campaign; five defeats and six draws complete their record.

Away from home Novara have picked up just two points since the start of this Serie A campaign.

Novara are the Serie A side to have scored the most goals in the last 15 minutes of play (seven).

Rodrigo Palacio has been directly involved in nine of Genoa's 13 goals in this campaign, scoring five and making four assists.

Since the start of 2011, Palacio is the only Serie A player to reach double figures for both goals scored (13) and assisted (11).

Marco Rigoni has been involved in half of his side's 12 goals so far, scoring four and providing two assists.


Inter - Cagliari

Inter have always beaten Cagliari over the past two seasons, conceding just one goal overall.

Since 1995, Cagliari have beaten Inter only once, in May 2009 2-1 at the Sant'Elia.

The Sardinians have collected just two points from their last 11 visits to Inter, as a result of two draws in January 2009 and December 1996.

Only once over their last eight Serie A games have Inter managed to score more than a single goal, when they beat Bologna 3-1 at the Dall'Ara.

The Nerazzurri have won just two of the first nine games of this campaign, they have only twice before won fewer after the opening nine games of a Serie A campaign, winning just one in 1930/31 and 1946/47.

At home Inter have won just one out of four games this term, scoring just two goals at the San Siro in the league.

Cagliari are winless in their last five Serie A games, and have scored just one goal in the process.

Cagliari have picked up more points away from home (seven) than at home (six) in this Serie A campaign.


Juventus - Palermo

Palermo lead by six wins to two over the last four Serie A seasons against Juventus.

The Rosanero have won their last four meetings against the Old Lady, and their last three at Juve's ground.

Juventus are the only side still unbeaten in this Serie A campaign (five wins and four draws).

At home, the Bianconeri haven't lost any of their last 10 league games (five wins and as many draws).

Palermo have taken just one of their 16 points this season away from home (a goalless draw in Rome against Lazio).

Away from home the Sicilians haven't scored since last May (five games in a row).

Palermo have already scored four goals from outside the box this term, a league-high.

Palermo captain Fabrizio Miccoli has scored four goals against Juventus.


Napoli - Lazio

Napoli have won just three of their last 13 games against Lazio in Serie A; six wins for the Biancocelesti and four draws complete the record.

Napoli's 4-3 win last season at the San Paolo ended a run of five games without a win for them against Lazio in Serie A.

The Partenopei have won just two of their last seven Serie A games, two draws and three defeats complete their record.

Napoli have kept four clean sheets in their last six league games.

After picking up just one point from their first two games, Lazio have notched up six wins and two draws in the ensuing eight match-days, reaching the top of the Serie A table on 21 points.

Away from home, Lazio have won four games in a row after drawing 2-2 at the San Siro against AC Milan.

Lazio have found the net in their last 10 games on the road (24 goals in total).

Edinson Cavani is Serie A's second top scorer since the start of the 2010/11 campaign on 30 goals, only Di Natale (36) has netted more.

The Uruguayan scored a hat-trick in the last meeting played at the San Paolo between Napoli and Lazio.


Parma - Udinese

Udinese are the Serie A side against whom Parma have won the most games (15) and scored the most goals (49) in their Serie A history.

Parma are unbeaten in their last five Serie A meetings against Udinese, and won the two games last season (2-1 at the Tardini and 2-0 at the Friuli).

Since 1997/98, Udinese have won at Parma's ground just twice in 13 games: the last in October 2006 (3-0).

Parma are the only Serie A side yet to share the points in this campaign.

At home, Parma have alternated between a win and a defeat in their five games of this Serie A season; should this trend carry on, they would lose against Udinese.

Udinese have kept the most clean sheets so far this season in Serie A (seven).

Francesco Guidolin's side have conceded just four goals, and have the best defence of this competition, while Parma have conceded the second-most goals (18).

Antonio Di Natale has attempted the most shots (156) and scored the most goals (36) over the last two Serie A seasons.

Roma - Lecce

Roma's only defeat against Lecce in Serie A is the one that cost the Scudetto for the Giallorossi at the end of the 1985/86 campaign (2-3 at the Olimpico).

Since then, Lecce have picked up just two points in 13 Serie A games at Roma's ground, as a result of two draws in September 2004 and October 1988.

Roma have won their last five games against Lecce in the league.

Under Luis Enrique the Giallorossi have won four and lost three of their last seven league games.

At home, Roma have won just two out of five games this season, and have kept only one clean sheet (against Palermo).

Beating Cesena in their last game, Lecce ended a run of seven winless games in the league.

The goal netted by Cuadrado at Cesena was Lecce's first goal away from home this season, after three away games in which they failed to find the net.

Lecce have had the most players booked this season (18).


Siena - Atalanta

These two sides have met 10 times in Serie A so far: Atalanta lead by four wins to two, four draws complete the record.

Siena have managed to score only one goal in their last four Serie A games against Atalanta.

Siena have not repeated the same result twice in a row in their last 12 Serie A games.

At home, the Tuscans have recorded three wins in a row in their last three games, scoring nine goals overall and conceding just one.

Siena won their last home league game 4-1 (vs Chievo); only once before have they managed to score more than four in a Serie A game (6-3 vs Livorno in May 2005).

Atalanta have won just two of their last 17 Serie A games away from home, both this season.

Atalanta's last three goals have been netted by German Denis, who has taken his total tally for the season to seven.

La Liga Opta Facts - November 19 - 21


Atlético de Madrid - Levante

Atlético Madrid have won five of their last six Liga meetings against Levante.

Levante have never managed to win at the Vicente Calderón in la Liga, registering five defeats and one draw, scoring one goal (Felipe Caicedo last season).

The Madrid side have picked up only one win in their last seven league outings.

A league-low three different players have scored for Atlético Madrid this season (Falcao, Adrián and Dominguez).

Levante have lost their last two Liga fixtures by a 2-0 score line.

Atlético have scored the joint-most headed goals this season in la Liga (five).


Barcelona - Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza have conceded 249 goals so far against Barça in the league, more than against any other Spanish team.

Real Zaragoza have managed to win just twice in 57 previous meetings at Barcelona's ground in La Liga: 1-0 in April 1961 and November 1965.

Barcelona have always scored in 23 home games against Real Zaragoza in the league since November 1986.

Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten in their last 15 games, currently the longest run in La Liga.

At home their last defeat came in September 2010 vs Hercules (0-2); that was also the last game when the Blaugrana conceded more than a single goal at the Camp Nou.

The last player who managed to score against Barça at the Camp Nou was Corona (for Almeria back in April); since then, the Catalans have kept nine consecutive clean sheets at home in the league.

Barcelona boast the best defence of this competition (just six goals conceded, and eight games keeping the clean sheet so far).

Zaragoza have conceded the joint-most goals before half-time (12, alongside Osasuna).

Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in his last six appearances played in La Liga vs Real Zaragoza.

David Villa has scored just three goals in this campaign; last season, after 11 matchdays he had netted six.


Granada - Mallorca

Granada have won just one of their five home games in the league this season.

Fabri González's men have failed to score in their last three outings at the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium in the league.

Granada have failed to score in eight of their 11 games this term in La Liga.

Granada's four goals this term in la Liga have been scored by four different players; they are the only team where no player has scored more than once.

Mallorca are on a run of six winless games in la Liga.

A league-high 50% of Mallorca's goals have been scored from the penalty spot this season (four out of eight).


Osasuna - Rayo Vallecano

Osasuna have only managed to win four of their 12 Liga encounters against Rayo.

Like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético and Valencia, Osasuna have yet to lose at home this season in La Liga.

Raúl García has scored or assisted 57% of Osasuna's goals this season in La Liga (four goals and four assists).

Rayo Vallecano's only top-flight win at Osasuna's ground was recorded in January 2003.

Osasuna have conceded the most goals this season in la Liga (24).

Osasuna have scored a league-low three second-half goals this season in la Liga.


Racing v Malaga

Malaga are unbeaten in their last four visits to Racing in La Liga (two wins and as many draws).

In the previous 32 meetings between these two sides in La Liga were scored on average 2.7 goals per game.

Racing have won just one game so far in this campaign, right in their last game at home against Real Betis

Racing are alongside Sevilla the only two teams with four goalless draws in this La Liga campaign.

Malaga have picked up just 13 yellow cards so far - a league-low.

Only one of Malaga's last six goals was scored before the 60th minute of play.

Racing have netted just two goals at home soil so far, a joint-low alongside Granada in La Liga this season.

Malaga are alongside Real Madrid the only side yet to concede a goal in the last 15 minutes of play.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have conceded the highest percentage of goals in the first half (79%, 11 out of 14).


Real Sociedad v Espanyol

Real Sociedad have won just one of their last eight meetings against Espanyol in La Liga, and just one of the last four at home.

Only two of the 61 previous meetings between these two sides in San Sebastián have ended goalless.

The Basque side are currently bottom of La Liga table on eight points, and have taken just one of the last 21 available (as result of a goalless draw with Getafe).

Espanyol have managed to score more than a single goal just in one of the 11 games played so far in this campaign, as they beat 2-1 Athletic on match-day 3.

Espanyol have picked up the most yellow card so far in La Liga (40).

In their last away game against Malaga, Real Sociedad scored their first goal in the first half since match-day 1 against Athletic.

Real Sociedad have conceded the most goals in opening 15 minutes of each half (five).

Real Sociedad are the only side in La Liga to have lost more than a game (two) after scoring the first goal.

Espanyol are alongside Sevilla the team that picked up the most red cards in this campaign (four).


Sevilla FC - Athletic de Bilbao

Sevilla have won 11 of their last 14 league meetings against Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic have won only two of their last 33 trips to the Sánchez Pizjuán in la Liga.

Marcelo Bielsa's men are on a run of seven league matches without defeat.

Manu del Moral has scored four of Sevilla's last five league goals.

Sevilla have conceded a league-low one goal in the first half of games this season.

Bilbao have made the joint-fewest changes in their initial lineups this season in La Liga (16 alongside Levante)


Sporting de Gijón - Getafe

Getafe have lost their last two trips to El Molinon in la Liga, failing to score in the process.

Sporting are undefeated in the last four matchdays, winning twice and drawing twice.

Sporting have picked up a league-low five points at home this season.

Manolo Preciado's men have picked-up the joint-most points this season coming back from losing positions (five).

Getafe have picked-up a league-low one point on the road this term.

Sporting's David Barral is one of three Liga players to have scored 50% of their respective teams' goals this season (alongside Mallorca's Tomer Hemed and Atlético's Falcao).

Barcelona have won 10 of their last 12 meetings against Real Zaragoza in La Liga, including the last six.


Valencia - Real Madrid

The last four league encounters between Valencia and Madrid at Mestalla have produced 23 goals.

Real Madrid have won their last four Liga meetings against Valencia.

Real Madrid are on a run of seven consecutive wins in La Liga. An eighth consecutive victory would be their best run under Jose Mourinho's management in the league.

Real Madrid have scored 39 goals after just 11 matchdays, their second-highest tally at this stage of a season, after their 42 goals in 1950/51.

Away from home, Real Madrid have scored 15 goals and conceded just one this season in the league.

Karim Benzema has yet to score outside of the Santiago Bernabeu this season in La Liga.

Gonzalo Higuaín has netted seven goals in just seven Liga appearances against Valencia.


Villarreal - Betis

Villarreal's three wins in nine home games against Betis in the top flight have all been by a one goal margin.

The Yellow Submarine have only managed one win in their last seven Liga outings.

Betis are on a run of seven winless Liga matches.

Betis have failed to score in their last four Liga fixtures; they have never gone five consecutive top-flight games without finding the net.

Villarreal are unbeaten without star striker Giuseppe Rossi this season in the league, winning once and drawing once.

Muñiz Fernández has shown more red cards than any other referee in la Liga this season (seven).

19-11-2011 ŽELJKO KALAJDŽIĆ (OFI, GRČKA) O „UKLJUČENJU“ DOKSE I LEVADIJAKOSA

MOJ TIP
AEK - ASTERAS     1
Kerkira - Ergotelis     x
Olimpijakos - Panatinaikos     12
Doksa - Panionios     2
ATROMITOS - LEVADIJAKOS     1
OFI - Aris     1
Janjina - Ksanti     1x
PAOK - Panatolikos     1


Konačno se Levadijakos i Doksa uključuju u takmičenje, a po programu će sve dosad odložene mečeve da odigraju do februara naredne godine. Zbog neizvesnog statusa, nisu posebno pojačani u prelaznom roku, pa nastupaju sa maltene "drugoligaškim" postavama. Niko u Grčkoj ne veruje u njihov opstanak, a Doksa je po meni malo lošija od Levadijakosa.
Zbog svega toga fiks kola je kec na Atromitos, koji nije slučajno na trećoj poziciji. AEK nije dobar kao par prethodnih sezona, ali je kod kuće mnogo ubedljiviji nego na strani. Aris ima novog trenera, ali ne verujem da može da iznenadi Atinjane.

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19.11. (Sat) 16:00 Man City vs Newcastle

Roberto Mancini, Manchester City
PROSHOTS

PROBABLE LINEUPS


MANCHESTER CITY

Hart
Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy
Milner, Toure, Barry, Silva
Dzeko, Aguero
NEWCASTLE UNITED
 
Krul
Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Taylor
Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez
Ba, Best
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini may miss the services of Owen Hargreaves, as the midfielder is recovering from a calf injury. Meanwhile, Samir Nasri has also been slated as a doubt after missing France's international friendlies. Sergio Aguero has declared himself fit after picking up a groin strain while with Argentina. Vincent Kompany returns from a one-match ban following his sending off versus Wolves.

Gabriel Obertan (toe), Alan Smith (hamstring), Sylvain Marveaux (groin) and Michael Williamson (ankle) are all sidelined with respective injuries for Newcastle United, but Cheick Tiote has reportedly made progress in his recovery from a knee injury that he picked up last month.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Manchester City and Newcastle United are the only two teams that have not lost a single game in the Premier League this season. Stretching back to the last campaign, both sides have gone undefeated for 14 matches.
  • City also have an excellent record against the men from Tyneside in the recent past, as they are undefeated in the last nine meetings between the two sides.
  • Roberto Mancini's men have scored 39 goals in the Premier League so far. No other team has managed to hit the back of the net more times.
  • But Newcastle United have been solid in defence, conceding only eight goals in the league. Theirs is the most miserly defence in the top-flight at the moment.
  • Demba Ba (pictured right) has been prolific for the Toon this season, scoring eight goals in his last six league games, including a hat-trick against Stoke City. He is currently fifth in the goalscoring charts, with two opposition forwards - Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero - higher up, with the duo occupying the second and third places respectively.

Prediction
Manchester City and Newcastle are both undefeated in the league so far, but the home side have a significantly better squad and should be able to take down Alan Pardew's men.
Editor's Prediction
Man City 2-1 Newcastle