27.11. (Sun) 21:00 Olympique Marseille - Paris Saint Germain

Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MARSEILLE Mandanda Azpilicueta, Diawara, N'Koulou, Morel Lucho Gonzalez, Diarra, Cheyrou Ayew, Remy, Valbuena

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Sirigu Ceara, Lugano, Sakho, Tiene Bodmer, Matuidi Menez, Pastore, NeneGameiro

Olympique de Marseille boss Didier Deschamps is likely to recall left-back Jeremy Morel after the defender missed out in the midweek Champions League defeat to Olympiakos. The same goes for Cesar Azpilicueta, who had been dropped in favour of Charles Kabore on the right flank.
Lucho Gonzalez could also be in the frame for a start after being reduced to a cameo on Wednesday, and he could replace Jordan Ayew for the hotly-contested Clasico. Stephane Mbia returned to competitive action on Wednesday, but a high-profile game could come too early for the Cameroonian, who is still short of being match-fit.
Andre-Pierre Gignac will not feature against the Ligue 1 leaders after an alleged bust-up with the manager left him relegated to the reserve squad.
Under-fire Antoine Koumbouare has been told by sporting director Leonardo that his job is safe whatever the result at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday.
The PSG coach enjoys no injury concerns and will surely continue with the 4-2-3-1 formation which has seen them top Ligue 1 after 14 games.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Olympique de Marseille sit 10th in Ligue 1 after collecting 18 points from 14 games.

• L'OM were defeated by Montpellier 1-0 last weekend, before going down to Olympiakos in the Champions League, delaying their progress to the last 16.

• The next goal OM score in this fixture will be their 100th in the Derby de France.

• Marseille have recorded 30 wins in this fixture in the league over the years, dwarfing PSG's 18.

• Paris Saint-Germain were defeated 1-0 at home by Nancy on Sunday.

• Antoine Koumbouare's men sit joint-top of Ligue 1 with 30 points so far.

• Les Parisiens will be keen to take revenge for their previous defeat away to Marseille, losing 2-1 in March.

• PSG have failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous 10 games against their arch-rivals.

• Les Parisiens will be without their fans at the Stade Velodrome, after the LFP banned away support in this fixture due to a history of trouble. OM fans will be banned at the Parc des Princes when they next meet.

Prediction

These games are never short of controversy, drama and excitement and, despite both sides needing a win after last week's setbacks, it looks as if Marseille need the victory more after a week of bust-ups and frustrating defeats.
With PSG unable to count on travelling support, it could well be OM who celebrate a narrow win at the final whistle.

Editor's Prediction

Marseille 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 20:45 Milan - Chievo Verona

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AC MILAN AbbiatiAbate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta Nocerino, Van Bommel, Seedorf BoatengPato, Ibrahimovic

Chievo Sorrentino Frey, Andreolli, Cesar, Jokic Hetemaj, Rigoni, Bradley  Sammarco Pellissier, Thereau

The hosts will still be without long-term absentees Antonio Cassano, Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso, with none of the trio expected to return to the squad until after the new year.

On the plus side for the Rossoneri, Kevin-Prince Boateng is available after serving his domestic ban, along with Alexandre Pato, who has returned from injury with substitute appearances against Fiorentina and Barcelona. Philippe Mexes could also return to the squad after recovering from a hand injury; the former Roma defender is unlikely to start, even though Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out with a hip injury, but could well make the bench behind Daniele Bonera.

Domenico Di Carlo's side will have to face Milan without defenders Santiago Morero and Genardo Sardo, who are both suffering from thigh strains.

The visitors are also likely to be without Peruvian midfeilder Rinaldo Cruzado, with Paolo Sammarco expected to step in. However, Bostjan Cesar is in line to regain his place in the centre of defence after returning from the bench in last week's victory over Catania.

DID YOU KNOW

• Milan have scored more goals than any other side in Serie A this season, having netted 23 times so far, five more than leaders Juventus.

• The Rossoneri have only conceded one goal fewer than city rivals Inter, but remain 10 points above the Nerazzurri.

• Milan are still unbeaten at San Siro in Serie A this season, but did lose 3-2 at home to Barcelona in an entertaining Champions League clash on Wednesday.

• Chievo have won as many as they've lost this season, with four in each column.

• Only three teams have scored fewer goals than the Flying Donkeys, yet the visitors sit ninth in Serie A.

• Di Carlo's men have won only one game away from home this season.

Prediction

With Milan finding form in the past few weeks, along with boasting potential match-winners Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato amongst their ranks, a comfortable home win is in the offing for the champions.

Editor's Prediction

AC Milan 2-0 Chievo

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 20:00 Fluminense - Vasco da Gama

Nelson Perez/Fluminense FC

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FLUMINENSE Cavalieri Mariano, Leandro Euzebio, Elivelton, Carlinhos Edinho, Diguinho Marquinho, Deco Rafael Sobis, Fred

VASCO DA GAMA Fernando Prass Fagner, Dede, Renato Silva, Jumar Felipe, Romulo Juninho, Bernardo Elton, Diego Souza

The Classico dos Gigantes will take place at the Engenhao in Rio de Janeiro as Fluminense's home, the Maracana, is still undergoing work for the World Cup in 2014. If Vasco fail to match a Corinthians win elsewhere, then the title will be destined for Sao Paulo.

Abel Braga has been fortunate enough to be able to consistently select the majority of his first 11 in recent weeks. Flu's main injury worry comes in the holding midfield position as Edinho missed two training sessions earlier in the week. He has since returned, but if he is rendered unfit then Erwin Valencia will step in. Club captain Fred has hit a purple patch, scoring 12 goals in his last six appearances.

After selecting a greater number of first-team players for the Copa Sudamericana tie with Universidad de Chile in midweek, Vasco have several doubts. The veterans of the side, Felipe and Juninho, are struggling with fatigue, with the former leaving the field early in said game.

Diego Souza is available after being suspended for the Copa Sudamericana tie and is likely to start in attack in the absence of Eder Luis, who has a broken metatarsal. Elton faces a late fitness test after suffering a light ankle sprain in the previous game.

DID YOU KNOW

 

• The two sides last came up against each other in Round 18 of the Brasileiro. Rafael Moura scored a second-half equaliser for Fluminense in a 1-1 draw.

• Of the 20 goals scored by Fred, only three came in the first half of the season. The other 17 goals have come since Round 20.

• The hosts need to win in order to have any chance of lifting the title this season. No other result will do, though 2012 Copa Libertadores qualification is secured.

• Fluminense have been involved in four previous Rio de Janeiro derbies this year and have yet to win a single one, drawing one and losing three.

• Depending on Corinthians' result against Copa Libertadores hopefuls Figueirense, Vasco da Gama could go top with a win.

• The visitors could be without Elton, their leading scorer with 11 goals. Diego Souza, with 10 to his name, returns, but the next top-scorer is centre-back Dede with six.

• Vasco's form has dropped in recent weeks, seeing them win only four of their last 10 Brasileiro fixtures.

• The visitors have taken five points from a possible 12 in their previous derby-day fixtures this year. They could add another six points with victories over Fluminense and Flamengo in their final two games.

Prediction

A tight clash between two of the best teams in Serie A is on the cards, and the Rio rivals could easily cancel each other out in Sunday's meeting.

Editor's Prediction

Fluminense 1-2 Vasco da Gama

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 19:45 Athletic Bilbao - Granada

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ATHLETIC BILBAO Iraizoz Iraola, J Martinez, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe De Marcos, Perez Muniain, Herrera, Susaeta Llorente

GRANADA Roberto Nyom, Lopez, Mainz, Siqueira Moises, M RicoJara, Martins, Benitez Geijo

Following a tumultuous start, Marcelo Bielsa’s Basque revolution is well and truly under way after a string of impressive results that has seen the club go on an 11-game unbeaten run. The Argentine coach has won plenty of praise for his team’s crisp passing game that led to a first win in 18 years at Sevilla on Sunday and helped the Basque club climb to seventh in the league table. Athletic welcome back defenders Borja Ekiza and Fernando Amorebieta from injury and suspension respectively for the visit of Granada. Ander Iturraspe also makes a comeback from suspension but may have to settle for a place on the bench following Inigo Perez’s solid showing in the 2-1 win over Sevilla.
Struggling Granada’s season took a turn for the worse after their home game with Real Mallorca was called off midway through the second half – with the home side leading 2-1 - after the assistant referee was struck by an object thrown by a fan. Although the Spanish football federation has since ruled that the game will be completed behind closed doors in December, it will come as scant consolation to the Andalusian outfit, who will rue the nature in which a game that was going in their favour was stripped away from them.
Granada coach Fabri Gonzalez has a few minor injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Basque Country. Defenders Diego Mainz and Guilherme Siqueira may shake off knocks to the hamstring, while on-loan midfielder Dani Benitez could miss out with back pain. Portuguese midfielder Carlos Martins is expected to be available for selection despite an illness in his family.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Athletic Bilbao have won four and drawn four in their impressive eight-game unbeaten run in the Primera Division

• Teenage defender Jonas Ramalho became the first black player to represent the Basque club when he came on as a late substitute against Sevilla.

• Athletic are one of only three clubs which have never been relegated from the Spanish top division, the others being Real Madrid and Barcelona.

• Granada are competing in the Primera Division for the first time in 35 years.

• The Andalusians hold the unenviable distinction of having scored the fewest goals in La Liga (six).

• All six of Granada’s goals this season have been scored by different players.

Prediction

San Mames remains a daunting place to visit for many - as champions Barcelona found out earlier this month. It is hard to predict anything other than a comfortable home win.

Editor's Prediction

Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Granada

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 17:30 Mainz 05 - Bayern Munchen

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

MAINZ Wetklo Pospech, Bungert, Svensson, Fathi Caligiuri, Kirchhoff, Soto Ivanschitz N. Muller, Allagui

BAYERN MUNICH Neuer Boateng, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Lahm Luiz Gustavo, Kroos Robben, Muller, Ribery Gomez

Mainz captain Nikolce Noveski is sidelined with a thigh injury, with Niko Bungert and Bo Svensson expected to start in central defence. Marcel Risse is also out, as well as long-term casualty Adam Szalai. Eugen Polanski, meanwhile, is suspended.

The big question mark over Bayern's team is how Thomas Muller will be restored to the starting line-up. In all likelihood, he will slot in as the attacking midfielder behind centre forward Mario Gomez, meaning that Toni Kroos will drop back to defensive midfield. His partner in the second No. 6 position will be either David Alaba or Luiz Gustavo, as Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is suspended and Bastian Schweinsteiger remains sidelined with injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Mainz took three points from Stuttgart in their last match, ending a nine-game winless streak.

• FSV have conceded in all but two matches this season.

• At this point last season, Thomas Tuchel's men were second in the league table, seven points ahead of Bayern. They are now in 15th place, 16 points behind the Bavarians with a game in hand.

• Bayern Munich have lost two of their last five games in the Bundesliga.

• The league leaders have conceded just five times, and are on pace to shatter their previous record of 21 goals conceded in a season.

• The Bavarians have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches in all competitions.

Prediction

Mainz have struggled all season, and in spite of their slip-up last weekend, Bayern are a force to be reckoned with: their rebound win over Villarreal in the Champions League proved as much. A win for the visitors is expected: the real question is the margin of victory.

Editor's Prediction

Mainz 0-3 Bayern Munich

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 17:00 Liverpool - Man City

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LIVERPOOL   Reina Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique Lucas, Adam Maxi, Kuyt, Downing Suarez

MANCHESTER CITY HartRichards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov Milner, Barry, Yaya Toure Silva, Dzeko, Aguero

The hosts are still without captain Steven Gerrard, but should otherwise be at full strength, and after their game at Chelsea, don't bank on Kenny Dalglish making too many changes for another game against strong opponents.

Manchester City have the task of facing a Liverpool side that is not only in good form, but probably refreshed following a week of rest after last week's win at Chelsea.

There aren't any new injury worries for City, though, so it will likely be a case of shuffling the pack for manager Roberto Mancini after their midweek defeat to Napoli. Owen Hargreaves is the only player absent through injury, and Carlos Tevez continues his dispute with the club so will be unavailable.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero (pictured right) are tied for second place in the Premier League scoring charts this season on 10 each, three behind leader Robin van Persie.

• Manchester City have not won in their previous eight trips to Anfield, losing six and drawing two.

• Nine of Liverpool's 11 league goals this season have come in the second half.

• City have scored 42 goals in their first 12 games this season, more than any side for 48 years at this stage of the season.

• The Reds are unbeaten in seven league games, while City have not lost at all this season in Premier League action.

• Kenny Dalglish's side are currently in sixth place on 22 points, the same as Chelsea and Arsenal - some 12 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Prediction

This looks set to be a really tight encounter. Liverpool don't give too much away at Anfield and, with the crowd behind them, it can be a very intimidating place to play.
After the Champions League defeat to Napoli, Roberto Mancini is likely to adopt a slightly more defensive formation than usual, something akin to last year's overall style of play, and settle for a point.

Editor's Prediction

Liverpool 1-1 Man City

Read More

27.11. (Sun) 15:00 Siena - Inter

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SIENA BrkicVitiello, Rossettini, Terzi, Del Grosso Mannini, Gazzi, D'Agostino, BrienzaLarrondo, Destro

INTER Julio Cesar Zanetti, Ranocchia, Samuel, Chivu Cambiasso Alvarez, Stankovic, Motta, ZaratePazzini

Giuseppe Sannino's side will face Inter without top scorer Emanuele Calaio, who is missing with a calf problem but could return for next week's clash with Bologna.

The home side will also be without midfielders Simone Vergassola and Paolo Grossi, both of whom are not expected to return to action until mid-December. The pair are suffering from muscle tears.

The visitors, meanwhile, are set to be without Wesley Sneijder, who is still suffering from the thigh problem that forced him to pull out of the win over Cagliari.

Coach Claudio Ranieri will also be without key South American trio Lucio, Maicon and Diego Forlan. Lucio has an adductor muscle strain, while the latter pair are suffering from hamstring and thigh injuries, respectively. Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari will also miss out with a knee problem.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Siena have conceded fewer goals this season than traditional giants AC Milan, Roma and Inter.

• Giuseppe Sannino's men have only lost once at home this season.

• Draws are the most frequent outcome of the Bianconeri's fixtures this season, as they have shared the spoils in five of their 11 matches.

• Inter have won only three of the 10 games they have played in Serie A this season.

• Only four teams in the division have conceded more goals than Claudio Ranieri's side so far.

• On average, the Nerazzuri are conceding 1.7 goals a game in Serie A in the current campaign.

Prediction

After the morale-boosting victory over Cagliari last weekend, the visitors will go into this game with more confidence. With an opportunity to secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season, Inter should emerge triumphant.

Editor's Prediction

Siena 1-2 FC Internazionale Milano

Read More