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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Serie A Opta Facts - December 2-4
Bologna v Siena
The record in Serie A between these two sides is perfectly even: two wins each and four draws.
Siena have won two of the last three meetings, while Bologna won the other.
Bologna's two wins against Siena have both arrived at home, a win for the guests and a draw complete the record at the Dall'Ara.
Both sides have always scored in their four previous meetings at the Dall'Ara.
Bologna have picked up just a point from their last three league games (1-1 vs Cagliari).
On that occasion Marco Di Vaio scored his first goal from open play following a run of 18 league games without a goal in this way.
Siena have also taken only one point from their last three games, as result of a home draw vs Atalanta.
Bologna have won just one of their last 12 home games in the league, while Siena are yet to win their first game on the road.
Emanuele Calaiò has scored a goal in each of his last two games against Bologna at the Dall'Ara.
Catania v Cagliari
Catania lead by seven wins to five against Cagliari in Serie A, with four draws completing the record.
The record in Catania sees the Sicilian side leading by six wins (including the last four meetings) to one.
Last season in this fixture in Cagliari, Nenê scored his first and so far only hat-trick in Serie A.
After losing vs AC Milan and Chievo, Catania got back to winning ways in Lecce last Saturday.
Losing to Chievo, Catania ended their run of seven consecutive home games without a defeat in the league.
Cagliari are currently winless in seven games (four draws and three defeats).
Against Bologna (1-1) Cagliari got their first point after three consecutive defeats in Serie A.
Current Cagliari manage, Davide Ballardini has managed just one point from his previous six meetings against Catania; amongst his five defeats against the Sicilians are two derbies he lost when in charge of Palermo, including a 0-4 defeat at the Barbera in 2008/09.
Chievo v Atalanta
Chievo and Atalanta have met 12 times in Serie A: Chievo lead by six wins to three, with three draws.
Over the last four meetings, the score has alternated between a Chievo win in Bergamo and a draw in Verona.
At home Chievo are still unbeaten against Atalanta: three wins in their first three meetings, followed by three draws.
Chievo have scored at least once in all six home games against Atalanta in Serie A.
Sergio Pellissier has scored exactly one goal in each of the last three meetings between these two sides in Serie A; overall he has netted four goals against Atalanta in the top-flight.
Chievo have not shared the points in their last six Serie A fixtures (four defeats and two wins).
Chievo have failed to score in five of their last eight Serie A games.
However, at home Chievo have lost just one game so far in this campaign, winning three times.
Atalanta have suffered just one defeat over the last seven match-days of this Serie A season, winning two and sharing the points four times.
Away from home, Atalanta have found the net in every league game this season.
Inter v Udinese
Only once in their last seven league games have Inter managed to score more than a single goal (2-1 vs Cagliari).
Inter have suffered just one defeat over the last five match-days, 2-1 vs Juventus.
Inter have won just two of their five home games this season in the league.
Udinese have collected just two points from their last seven visits to the Nerazzurri in Serie A.
Udinese's last win at Inter's ground was back in February 2004 (2-1).
However, Udinese have failed to score at the San Siro against Inter just once in the last 11 games.
Udinese boast the best defence of this competition (only six goals conceded).
Antonio Di Natale has always been on the scoresheet when Udinese have scored a goal this season: overall he has already bagged nine goals in this campaign.
The last time Inter failed to score at home against Udinese was back in 1957 (0-1).
Udinese have kept 10 clean sheets in their last 14 Serie A games.
However, the Friulani have scored just once in their last five games on the road (at the San Siro against AC Milan).
Fiorentina v Roma
Delio Rossi, who is looking for his first win in charge of Fiorentina, has lost half of his 18 previous meetings against Roma in the league.
However, he won three derbies against the Giallorossi while he was in charge at Lazio.
Roma have made at least three changes ahead of every match-day this season.
Daniele De Rossi is the only Roma player to have started each of the first 12 match-days this campaign.
Fiorentina have managed just one win in their last 16 Serie A meetings against Roma.
Five of the last eight meetings between these two sides at the Franchi have ended as draws, with the hosts winning once and the guests twice.
This season, only Udinese (eight) have taken more clean sheets than the Viola (six, four of which at home).
Fiorentina have failed to score in three consecutive games; only Lecce and Cesena have scored fewer goals than the Viola so far this term.
Neither side have been awarded a penalty so far in this campaign.
The 0-0 in March 2007 was the only occasion that Roma have failed to score over their last 10 visits at Fiorentina's ground.
Roma have failed to score just twice in their last 20 league games on the road between this and last season.
Roma have conceded two goals in five of their last eight away games in Serie A.
Genoa v AC Milan
AC Milan have already scored seven goals from corners and 11 overall from set pieces - a Serie A-high.
Genoa are unbeaten at home in their last nine Serie A games (seven wins and two draws): their last defeat was back in April against Cagliari.
However, Genoa have won just two of their last eight league fixtures.
Genoa have beaten AC Milan just twice in their last 20 Serie A meetings, both at the Marassi.
Despite this, the Rossoneri have won just one in their last 11 visits to Genoa, in August 2007.
AC Milan have kept three consecutive clean sheets in their last three league games.
In their last seven games, the Rossoneri have scored a total of 22 goals: they have scored three or more goals in all but the goalless draw in Florence.
Alberto Malesani's sides have never shared a draw against AC Milan (six wins for his sides and nine defeats).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored six goals in his last five Serie A appearances
Juventus v Cesena
Cesena remain the only Serie A side yet to score a header this season.
After coming back from two goals down against Napoli to draw 3-3 at the San Paolo, Juventus remain the only unbeaten side of this competition (seven wins and five draws).
Cesena have taken six points from their last two Serie A games, after having collected only three in the previous 10.
Three of Cesena's six goals in this campaign have been scored by Adrian Mutu.
Cesena have won just two of their last 22 meetings against Juventus in the top-flight.
In Turin, Cesena have had the better only once against the Old Lady, back in 1987/88: they were awarded a 2-0 win after the game was abandoned.
Against Napoli, Simone Pepe managed to score for the third consecutive Serie A games for the first time in his career.
Alessandro Matri has been directly involved in nine of Juve's 22 goals, scoring six and making three assists.
Lazio v Novara
Lazio have hit the woodwork the most times in this Serie A campaign (seven).
Novara are the only Serie A side yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Novara also have the worst defence of this competition (21 goals conceded in 12 games).
Lazio have not conceded more than a single goal over their last 10 Serie A games, and shipped just one in the last four.
However, the Biancocelesti have also scored just once in the last three league games.
Lazio have won just two of their last six home games.
Novara have won at Lazio's ground just once in Serie A, back in February 1953; eight defeats and three draws complete the record.
Novara have taken just two points from their six away games this season.
Lazio's six home league games this season have seen a total of just 10 goals netted.
Marco Rigoni has been involved in eight of Novara's 14 total goals so far, scoring five and making three assists.
Napoli v Lecce
Napoli have won just two of their last eight Serie A meetings against Lecce.
However, the Partenopei have always scored at home against Lecce in Serie A.
Napoli are on a run of three consecutive draws, and are winless in their last four Serie A fixtures.
At home, Napoli have lost just one of their last eight league games, 1-2 vs Parma; three wins and four draws complete the record.
Lecce have scored just nine goals so far this term, only Cesena (six) have scored fewer in Serie A.
Lecce also have the worst goal difference (-10).
Seven of Lecce's eight points have been taken away from home this campaign.
Marek Hamsik has missed three of his last four penalties in Serie A, including two this season.
Walter Mazzarri's has lost just one of the eight meetings his sides have played against Lecce in Serie A.
Parma - Palermo
Parma are the only side yet to share a draw in this Serie A campaign.
Palermo are the only side to have won all of the games in which they have taken the lead this season (six games).
Sebastian Giovinco has been involved in nine of Parma's 15 total goals, scoring seven and making two assists.
Since the start of 2011 Parma have scored more than two goals just three times in the league; one of these games was against Palermo, back in May (a 3-1 win).
Parma have never lost at home against Palermo in Serie A (three draws followed by three wins).
Palermo are the only Serie A side yet to score a goal away from home this season.
The Sicilians have conceded 31 goals in their last 16 games on the road, keeping only one clean sheet in the process (at the Olimpico vs Lazio back in September).
Parma have conceded the most goals after the break in this competition (17).
They have also conceded the most goals from open play (19 out of their total 20).
Parma have already taken four penalties - a league-high.
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0SPL Opta Facts - December 2-4
Motherwell v Hibernian
Motherwell have won their last two games against Hibs in the SPL, keeping a clean sheet each time.
The Steelmen have scored in their last 14 league games at home to Hibernian.
Motherwell have won only one of their last six at home in the league, losing three and drawing two.
However, home and away Motherwell have won five of their last eight.
Hibs have won only two of their last 14 SPL games
Hibernian have netted just 19% of their goals from set pieces this season, a league-low.
Hearts v St Johnstone
The Jambos have won only two of their 10 league games at home in the SPL to St Johnstone.
Hearts have scored exactly once in their last four home league games against the Saints.
Seven of Hearts' eight home league games this season have either seen them keep a clean sheet and win (four) or fail to score and lose (three) - they won the other 2-1.
The Saints have failed to score in three of their last four league games, but have only conceded two in their last five.
St Johnstone have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 league away games.
The Jambos have scored more goals from corners than any other team in the SPL this season (four).
Kilmarnock v Aberdeen
Killie have won their last two games at home to Aberdeen by the same scoreline (2-0).
The Dons have lost three of their last four league games by the same scoreline (1-2), drawing the other 3-3.
Killie have won only two of their last 10 in the league.
The last five league games at Rugby Park have seen 24 goals in total (4.8 per game).
Aberdeen have scored a higher percentage of set piece goals than any other SPL team (53%).
Kilmarnock have lost a league-high 11 points from winning positions this campaign.
Rangers v Dunfermline
No newly-promoted side has ever won at Ibrox in the SPL (16 defeats, five draws).
The Pars have failed to score in their last three league meetings with Rangers.
Since beating Rangers 2-0 at home in December 2003, Dunfermline have taken just two points from 12 league clashes.
The Pars have lost their last 12 league matches at Ibrox, scoring just four goals.
Dunfermline have scored exactly once in five of their last six league games.
All three of Dunfermline's league wins this season have come on the road.
Rangers have lost one of their last 26 league games, but that was in their last game (0-1 v Kilmarnock).
The Pars have taken fewer points from their last 10 games than any other SPL team (six).
Rangers have scored more headed goals than any other SPL club this term (seven).
Conversely, the Gers have conceded a higher proportion of goals to headers (43%) than any other team in the Scottish top flight this campaign.
St Mirren v Inverness CT
Inverness have won five and lost just one of their last seven SPL meetings with St Mirren.
Inverness are yet to keep a clean sheet this season; every other SPL team has mustered at least three.
Caley Thistle have lost five of their last six away league games, but won the other 6-3 at Kilmarnock.
The Buddies have only conceded one headed goal this season: a joint-SPL low.
Inverness have gained more points from behind than any other club in the SPL this season (seven).
Paul McGowan has netted four goals in St Mirren's last four SPL games at St Mirren Park.
Dundee United v Celtic
Celtic have won their last three trips to Tannadice in the SPL and have lost just one of their last 19 at Dundee United.
The Bhoys have scored at least once in all 22 SPL away games at Dundee United, netting 51 goals in total.
In fact, only at Aberdeen (62) and Motherwell (57) have Celtic netted more goals on the road in the SPL than at Tannadice (51).
The Terrors have scored exactly one goal in each of their last five SPL games against Celtic, but haven't won any of them (four defeats, one draw).
Celtic have scored nine goals in their last two SPL games against United combined, but only Gary Hooper (two) has netted more than once.
Johnny Russell has scored in his last two games against Celtic.
The Terrors have kept two consecutive clean sheets, They haven't gone three in a row without conceding since March 2008.
Dundee United's last three SPL defeats have all been by the same scoreline (1-3).
Celtic have won their last four SPL games, netting 11 goals and conceding two.
Neil Lennon's side have scored 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, an SPL-high.
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0Championship Opta Facts - December 2-4
Crystal Palace v Derby
Palace have only lost one of their last seven meetings with Derby, although that defeat did come last season (5-0 away at Derby).
At Selhurst Park, the Rams have failed to secure a victory in their last six visits (losing four and drawing two).
Derby have taken fewer points from their last 10 games than any other Championship side (five).
The Rams have lost each of their last five league games.
The Eagles, buoyed by a Carling Cup victory over Manchester United, have drawn their last three home league games 0-0.
Palace have failed to score in 485 minutes of league football, but have also failed to concede in 370 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Leeds v Millwall
Leeds have enjoyed just one win in their last six clashes with Millwall, although that win did come the last time the two sides met at Elland Road, last season (3-1).
At Elland Road, the home side have lost just one of their last seven clashes with the Lions.
Robert Snodgrass has fired in three goals in his last three league games for the Whites.
Leeds have won their last three away league fixtures, but have lost their last two at Elland Road.
The Lions have failed to score in five of their last eight away league games.
Blackpool v Reading
Blackpool have won just one of their last eight meetings with Reading, although that victory did come in their last meeting, in February 2010, 2-0.
Four of the last five meetings between these two sides at Bloomfield Road have ended in a 2-0 scoreline (two wins for Blackpool, two for Reading), with the other game ending 2-2.
The Royals have netted a league-high 52% of their goals in the closing 15 minutes of games this season.
Reading have netted a league-low two first half goals, but a joint-league-high 21 second-half goals.
Blackpool have conceded exactly two goals in each of their last three league games.
Brighton v Nott'm Forest
Brighton have enjoyed just one win in the last five meetings with Forest.
The Seagulls have failed to score in four of their last seven home clashes with Forest.
After a run of four without a win at home, the Seagulls have won their last two home fixtures.
None of Forest's last 15 league games have ended in draws.
The Tricky Trees have lost four of their last five league games away from the City Ground.
Doncaster v Southampton
The last two meetings between these sides, the first since 1959, were both won by the away team.
Each of the five goals netted across those two games came in the second-half.
Rovers are winless in five at the Keepmoat Stadium, alternating between draws and defeats in this run.
No side has scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games than Southampton this season (seven).
The Saints are the only second tier side to have won every game they have gone ahead in this season (13).
Billy Sharp (four) and El-Hadji Diouf have netted all six goals in Rovers' last five league games.
Hull v Leicester
Leicester have only lost one of their last five trips to the home of Hull (in all competitions), winning three and drawing one.
Foxes manager Nigel Pearson spent just over a year in charge of Hull before taking charge of Leicester for the second time a few weeks ago.
The Tigers have conceded a league-high 80% of their goals in the second half this season.
Matty Fryatt has netted three goals in his last three appearances for the Tigers.
The Foxes have won three and lost just one of their last five league games.
Ipswich v Watford
The Hornets have won their last three against Ipswich and are unbeaten in 13.
At Portman Road, Watford have won four and drawn two of their six visits since defeat in March 2004.
Ipswich have lost their last six league games, the longest run of defeats in the Championship this term.
The Tractor Boys have shipped more goals in the closing 15 minutes than any other second tier side this campaign (10).
The Hornets have now gone six games on the road without a win, though they did stop a run of four consecutive away defeats with a 0-0 at Doncaster last time out.
Peterborough v Barnsley
All but one of the last eight meetings between the Posh and the Tykes have seen at least three goals scored in total.
Barnsley have won their last four trips to London Road, despite conceding on each occasion.
Peterborough have found the net in each of their last 11 league games.
The Posh have gained more points from behind (15) than any other Championship side this season.
Barnsley, on the other hand, have gained fewer points from behind than any other Championship side (one).
Craig Davies has scored five goals in his last five games for Barnsley.
Portsmouth v Coventry
Two different Coventry players (King and Eastwood) netted braces against Portsmouth last season.
Pompey have only won one of their last six games against Coventry at Fratton Park (in all competitions), drawing three and losing two.
The Sky Blues are one of two teams (with opponents Portsmouth) yet to win away from home in the Championship this campaign.
Coventry have lost more points from winning positions (15) than any other Championship side.
Pompey have found the net in each of their last eight home games at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth have conceded a league-high 62% of their goals in the first-half this term.
West Ham v Burnley
The Hammers have netted exactly five goals in each of their last two home meetings with Burnley, with Carlton Cole scoring three goals across the two meetings.
West Ham have also lost on just one of their last five trips to Turf Moor in all competitions.
The Hammers have won their last four league games, the longest current winning run in the second tier.
Jay Rodriguez has scored in three of his last four league goals.
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last three league appearances for the Hammers.
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have netted a penalty on both of their last two trips to Ashton Gate.
The Teesiders have only lost one of their last seven games at the home of the Robins (in all competitions); a 1-2 reverse in August 2009.
Middlesbrough have drawn more games than any other Championship side this term (eight).
The Robins are unbeaten in six league games, their best run of the campaign.
'Boro have only lost one of their last five league games, winning two and drawing two.
Cardiff v Birmingham
In the last 12 clashes between Cardiff and Birmingham combined, no side has scored more than two goals, but only five have failed to score.
Only two of the last 13 clashes between the Blues and the Bluebirds have ended in draws.
No side is on a longer current unbeaten run in the Championship than the Bluebirds (seven games).
Peter Whittingham has scored four goals in Cardiff's last five league games combined.
Birmingham have only won two of their previous six games following a European fixture this season, drawing one and losing three.
02.12. (Fri) 20:45 Genoa - Milan
Getty Images
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
GENOA  Frey Dainelli, Kaladze, Moretti Mesto, Merkel, Veloso, Constant, Rossi Caracciolo, Jankovic | AC MILAN  Amelia Abate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta Aquilani, Ambrosini, Nocerino, Boateng Robinho, Ibrahimovic |
Genoa boss Alberto Malesani will be without the team's leading scorer Rodrigo Palacio who is suspended for Friday's encounter. Cesare Bovo, Luca Antonelli and Ze Eduardo will also miss out due to injury.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will be without the services of Alessandro Nesta who is out for three weeks after sustaining a hip injury in the Champions League loss to Barcelona last week. Daniel Bonera will likely partner Thiago Silva in the Italian's absence.
Marco Amelia may get the nod to start between the posts on Friday after Christian Abbiati trained apart from the rest of his team-mates on Wednesday.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Genoa are unbeaten at home so far this season (W3 D2), outscoring their opponents 8-3 in the process.
- The Rossoblu have been held scoreless in two of their last three league encounters.
- Genoa played out a 1-1 draw with Massimiliano Allegri's side last season at Marassi.
- Milan have scored the most goals in Serie A so far this term (27).
- The Serie A champions are currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak (W6 D1).
- The Rossoneri have not conceded a goal in their last three domestic matches.
Prediction
The Serie A champions are firing on all cylinders in Italy at the moment and will take care of business in the port city.
Editor's Prediction
Genoa 0-2 Milan 
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0FA Cup Opta facts - December 2-4
Fleetwood Town v Yeovil
Fleetwood Town have reached the second round of the FA Cup for only the second time in their history. On the previous occasion in 2008/09, they lost to Hartlepool, who were also League One opposition.
Fleetwood have won only one of their previous six FA cup games against Football League clubs - this was their first round victory over Wycombe Wanderers.
This is the 13th time in the last 15 FA Cup matches that Yeovil have played an FA Cup game away from home.
The Glovers have lost just one of their last seven games (in all competitions).
Fleetwood have lost just one of their last 11 games in all competitions, and that was on penalties.
Barnet v MK Dons
Barnet have lost four of their last six FA Cup second round ties.
The Bees have conceded only four goals in their last seven FA cup matches at Underhill and never more than once in a game during this run.
MK Dons have won all three of their previous FA Cup second round ties against clubs from a lower or the same tier of English football.
Barnet have won each of their last four games in all competitions, scoring exactly two goals in each of those games.
The MK Dons have netted a total of 17 goals in their last four games in all competitions.
Bradford v AFC Wimbledon
Bradford City have won only one of their last seven FA Cup second round ties.
AFC Wimbledon lost their only previous FA Cup second round tie; 0-2 at home to Stevenage last season.
The Bantams have only scored three goals in total in their last five FA Cup games at Valley Parade combined.
AFC Wimbledon have played three away matches in the FA Cup proper, losing one and winning two, with those two victories coming in replays.
Bradford have enjoyed just one victory in their last seven games, in all competitions (excluding penalty shootout wins).
AFC Wimbledon have won just one of their last seven fixtures (in all competitions), drawing five and losing one.
Brentford v Wrexham
Brentford have conceded only three goals in total in their last five FA Cup matches.
Brentford have suffered three FA Cup exits at the hands of non-league clubs since 2000.
Wrexham have lost four of their last five FA Cup matches against sides from the third tier of English football.
Wrexham have progressed in eight of their last 10 FA Cup second round ties.
The Bees have suffered just one defeat in their last six games in all competitions.
The Dragons have gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Charlton Athletic v Carlisle
Charlton's 4-0 first round victory over Halifax was their biggest win in the FA Cup since January 1972 (5-0 v Tonbridge).
The Addicks have progressed in six of their last seven FA Cup second round ties.
Carlisle have won only four of their last 23 FA Cup matches away from home (excl. qualifiers).
Charlton have won each of their last seven games in all competitions.
Carlisle have kept three clean sheets in their last four games (in all competitions), shipping just one goal in the other fixture.
Chelmsford v Macclesfield
Chelmsford have lost nine of their last 10 FA Cup matches in the second round of the competition, including each of their last four.
Macclesfield have only won two of their previous 10 FA Cup games at the home of a non-league side.
Despite this, the Silkmen have only lost one of their previous 11 FA Cup games against teams from lower divisions; a 1-3 defeat at Rushden and Diamonds in November 2007.
The Clarets have lost their last 10 FA Cup games (excluding qualifiers) against teams from higher divisions, and have only won one of their last 25.
Colchester v Swindon
Colchester have won their last five FA Cup games against teams from lower divisions, alternating between scoring four goals (three times) and one goal (twice) in the process.
None of the U's last 12 home FA Cup games have ended in draws, with Colchester winning nine and losing three.
Swindon have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 FA Cup games against teams from higher divisions, and none in their last nine.
Four of the last five meetings between these sides in all competitions have been won by the home side, with the home team winning 2-1 on both occasions last season.
Crawley Town v Redbridge
The Red Devils have only failed to score in one of their last 11 FA Cup games (excluding qualifiers).
At home, Crawley have only ever failed to net once in the FA Cup proper, drawing a blank in a 0-0 draw with Exeter City in November 1971.
Redbridge are the lowest ranked team left in the 2012 FA Cup.
The Motormen's 2-1 replay win over Oxford City in the first round was their first ever win in the FA Cup proper in their first ever tie.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Walsall
Dagenham and Redbridge have netted in all but one of their last 13 FA Cup ties, but have also conceded in each of their last seven.
At home, the Daggers are unbeaten in six in the FA Cup.
Walsall have scored exactly one goal in seven of their last 10 away FA Cup games, but have never netted more than once in this run.
The Saddlers have only won three of their last 19 FA Cup games away from the Bescot Stadium.
Gateshead v Tamworth
Gateshead have been eliminated without the need of a replay in each of the last five seasons they've progressed to the second round of the FA Cup, last progressing to the third round in 1954/55.
The Heed have conceded 18 goals in their last five games at this stage of the competition combined.
The last two clashes between Gateshead and Tamworth, including an earlier meeting in the North East this season, have both finished 1-1.
Tamworth have made it to the second round for the second successive season, and have already made it to the third round twice since 2006.
The Lambs have lost two of their last three ties against fellow non-league opposition in the FA Cup proper.
Leyton Orient v Gillingham
Leyton Orient became the first team to score six goals in extra-time at this stage of the competition last season, beating Droylsden 8-2 in a replay.
The O's have only kept two clean sheets in their last 34 FA Cup ties at Brisbane Road.
Gillingham have progressed through their last three ties against teams from higher divisions (excluding Premier League sides) but have need a replay on each occasion.
The Gills have only won two of their last 11 away games in the FA Cup proper.
These sides have been drawn together three times before in the FA Cup with Orient progressing just once. The Gills won in 1947 and, courtesy of a replay, in 1968. The O's won in 1961.
The O's are unbeaten in six home games in all competitions, winning three and drawing three.
Luton v Cheltenham
The Hatters have only lost one of their last nine FA Cup games (excluding qualifiers) at Kenilworth Road.
Cheltenham have either conceded no goals (three times) or three goals (three times) in their last six FA Cup games.
None of the Robins' last 21 FA Cup away games have ended in draws.
Cheltenham have scored exactly one goal on each of their previous three trips to Luton, but have never won at the home of the Hatters.
Salisbury v Grimsby
Salisbury have only ever won three games in the FA Cup proper, all three of which were against fellow non-league sides, and they have never made it to the third round.
The Whites are unbeaten in five games against non-league sides in the FA Cup proper (excluding penalty shootouts).
Grimsby have lost their last two FA Cup games (excluding qualifiers) against non-league sides without finding the net.
The Mariners are without a win in 12 away games in the FA cup proper and have only won one of their last 19 away from Blundell Park.
Sheffield United v Torquay
The Blades have only failed to score in one of their last 15 FA Cup ties against teams from lower divisions, netting 34 in total in this run.
Three of Sheffield United's last four second round ties have been settled on a replay, with the Blades winning each of the last three (two via a replay).
The Gulls have progressed through the FA Cup second round on each of the last three seasons, winning each game without conceding.
Torquay have won their last four away games in the FA Cup, and haven't been eliminated away from Plainmoor since January 2006.
Sheffield Wednesday v Aldershot
The last meeting between Sheffield Wednesday and Aldershot ended in an 8-0 win for the Owls in the League Cup in 1989.
The Owls have won their last four FA Cup games against lower ranked opposition and are unbeaten in seven (excluding penalty shootouts).
The Shots have only made it to Round Three once since 1991; they knocked out non-league side Basingstoke at this stage in 2006/07 before losing to Blackpool in the third round.
Aldershot's victory over Brentford in the first round last season was their first FA Cup victory over a higher ranked side in 17 games since they defeated Oxford in January 1987.
Shrewsbury v Rotherham
The Shrews' win at non-league Newport in Round One ended a run of five consecutive FA Cup defeats.
Shrewsbury haven't progressed past the second round since 2002, and haven't beaten a fellow league side at this stage of the competition since 1995 (2-1 v Scunthorpe on a replay).
The Millers haven't kept a clean sheet in nine away games in the FA Cup.
Shrewsbury have won five and lost none of their last eight meetings with Rotherham in all competitions, drawing 1-1 at the Don Valley Stadium in the league earlier this season.
Southend v Oldham
Southend have kept two consecutive clean sheets in the FA Cup, they haven't managed three in a row (excluding qualifiers) since January 1983.
The Shrimpers have only netted eight goals in total in their last 16 FA Cup games against teams from higher divisions.
The one previous FA Cup clash between Southend and Oldham ended in a 5-0 home win for the Shrimpers in this round back in 1951/52.
Oldham have only lost two of their last 20 FA Cup games against teams from lower divisions, winning 12.
Stourbridge v Stevenage
Stourbridge's 2-0 win over Plymouth in this season's first round replay was their first ever victory in the FA Cup proper.
Stevenage have netted exactly twice in each of their previous three FA Cup second round wins.
The Boro have only lost one of 11 FA Cup games against non-league sides (excluding qualifiers).
Stevenage have won three and drawn one of their last four away games in all competitions, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
AFC Totton v Bristol Rovers
AFC Totton have played one game in the FA Cup proper, winning it 8-1 (v Bradford Park Avenue in this season's first round).
Rovers have lost two of their last three FA Cup games at the home of a non-league opponent, losing 1-2 at Darlington in the first round last season.
Rovers haven't lost at this stage of the competition since 2005, reaching at least the fourth round in all seasons they've made it past Round One since then.
The Pirates have only won two of their last seven games in all competitions.
Sutton Utd v Notts County
County have only won two of their last 10 away games in all competitions.
The Magpies have only lost two of their last 12 FA Cup games, and both of those were against Premier League sides.
This will be the third FA Cup clash between Sutton and Notts County, with the third tier side winning both previous games (3-2 in 1994 and 1-0 in 2008).
Sutton have failed to score in three of their last four games in the FA Cup proper, netting just one in the other.
The Magpies have won eight and lost just two of their last 11 FA Cup games against lower ranked sides.
Bundesliga Opta Facts - December 3rd - 4th
Leverkusen v Wolfsburg
Leverkusen have lost none and won five of their previous six BL meetings with Hoffenheim.
Bayer have netted an average of 2.8 goals per game against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Hoffenheim have gone four games without a win - no team in the German top flight has currently gone longer without enjoying a victory.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in four league games (two wins, two draws) and have scored at least twice in each of their last three BL outings.
1899 have lost their last four BL games on the road, conceding nine goals in the process.
Bayer have only taken five out of a possible 15 points from their last five league games at BayArena.
Bayern v Bremen
Bayern have lost 26 of their 90 BL meetings with Werder - against no other team have the Munich-based side suffered as many defeats in the German top flight.
FCB are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions against Werder, however (four wins, three draws).
Werder have drawn four and won one of their last five BL games at the Allianz Arena. Thomas Schaaf's men could therefore become the first side in BL history to go six BL games at Bayern without defeat.
Bayern have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in this campaign and have been overtaken at the top of table by reigning champions Dortmund.
FCB have still scored more (34) and conceded fewer goals (eight) than any other side in the league.
Mario Gomez currently leads the BL goal-charts with 13 goals to his name, but has failed to find the back of the net in his last two BL starts.
Freiburg v Hannover
Freiburg have only enjoyed one win in their eight BL meetings with Hannover (two draws, five defeats) and have lost the last four against the Reds.
Freiburg are the only current BL side against whom Hannover have a positive away record (two wins, one draw, one defeat).
SCF have only taken five out of the available 18 points from their last six league games.
Hannover are without a victory in four league games - no team in the German top flight has currently gone longer without a win.
Freiburg have lost two and drawn one of their last three BL matches on home soil.
The Reds have netted only six goals after the half-time break - no BL team has scored fewer second-half goals in this campaign.
Kaiserslautern v Hertha
Hertha have won four and lost none of the last five league meetings with Lautern, conceding only one goal in the process.
FCK have gone four BL games without a win (two draws, two defeats).
In the Red Devil's last four home games, wins and defeats have alternated. If this pattern was to continue against Hertha, Marco Kurz' men would bag three much-needed points.
Hertha have shipped at least two goals in each of their last four league games.
The Berlin-based side have also netted nine goals during this period, however.
Only Freiburg (16) have dropped more points from winning positions this term than Hertha (12).
Wolfsburg v Mainz
Wolfsburg have won six and lost only three of their previous 10 BL meetings with Mainz.
Mainz have only enjoyed one win over VfL in their last six league games against the Wolves.
In their last home game against Mainz, the Wolves ended up losing 4-3 to FSV despite taking a three-goal lead 30 minutes into the match.
The Wolves' five BL home matches against Mainz have seen an average of 5.6 goals per game.
Wolfsburg have won four of their last five league games at the Volkswagen Arena (one defeat).
After a run of nine straight league games without a win, Mainz have enjoyed back-to-back victories for the first time since August.
Gladbach v Dortmund
When these two teams last met, Gladbach were bottom of the league while Dortmund topped the table - nonetheless the Foals beat BVB 1-0 on that occasion (23rd April).
The head-to-head record between these two sides in the Bundesliga is completely balanced with both teams winning 26 of the previous 78 BL meetings (26 draws).
Only Bayern (eight) have conceded fewer goals this term than Gladbach and Dortmund (nine each).
Dortmund have won five and lost only one of their last seven BL games against the Foals.
Gladbach have won six of their last nine home games in all competitions against the reigning champions (one draw, two defeats).
BVB top-scorer Robert Lewandowski has already netted nine league goals, but has yet to score a goal away from Signal Iduna Park this term.
Stuttgart v Köln
Köln have enjoyed more wins over Stuttgart than against any other team in the German top flight (33).
Stuttgart have lost their last four league home games against Köln.
Since their last home win over the Billygoats in September 1996 (4-0), the Swabians have lost five and drawn three of their eight BL matches on home soil against Köln.
In fact, none of the last 13 BL meetings between these two teams has seen the home side win (five draws and eight away wins).
Köln have shipped a total of 11 goals in their last four league games, but have kept three clean sheets in their last seven BL outings.
Stuttgart have won two and lost none of their last three BL games on home soil, conceding only one goal in the process.
Köln have lost three BL away games on the bounce, conceding at least three goals in each of these matches.
Hamburg v Nürnberg
Nürnberg have only enjoyed two victories in their last 20 league games against HSV (five draws, 13 defeats), but did win their last meeting with the Redshorts, 2-0 in January.
Hamburg's last home defeat against FCN came nearly 20 years ago in August 1992. Since then the Redshorts have won eight and drawn two of their 10 league home games against Nürnberg.
Nürnberg have lost their last four BL games on the road, conceding 11 goals in the process.
Hamburg have lost none of their five BL games since Thorsten Fink took over charge of the club in mid-October (one win, four draws).
Last week's 1-0 win over Kaiserslautern ended a run of eight straight winless games for Nürnberg.
HSV have only kept one clean sheet so far this season - a joint-league-low.
Schalke v Augsburg
These two sides have only contested one competitive match against each other. Last season Schalke beat Augsburg 1-0 in the Last 16 of the German Cup, courtesy of a Jefferson Farfan goal.
S04 have won three and lost only one of their last five league games.
Augsburg have only won one of their last five BL matches (one draw, three defeats).
Only Kaiserslautern (ten) have netted fewer goals than FCA this term (12).
Only Bayern (34) and Dortmund (29) have scored more goals than Schalke (28).
Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has scored four of the Royal Blues' last eight league goals and, with 12 goals to his name, is currently second in the BL scorer charts behind only Bayern's Mario Gomez (13 goals).
02.12. (Fri) 20:30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1899 Hoffenheim
Bongarts
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
BAYER LEVERKUSEN  Leno Castro, Freidrich, Reinartz, Kadlec Bender, Rolfes Sam, Ballack, Schurrle Derdiyok | HOFFENHEIM  Starke Beck, Vorsah, Compper, Braafheid Williams, Rudy, Salihovic Mlapa, Ibisevic, Babel |
Tranquillo Barnetta and Rene Adler are still out following knee surgery and are not expected back until January. Omer Toprak is also out, having fell awkwardly on his pelvis in Saturday's game against Hertha and could be out for up to two weeks. Stefan Reinartz should take his place at centre-back.
On a more positive note, striker Eren Derdiyok's stunning form of late should see him keep his place in the starting XI for the hosts.
Chinedu Obasi and Roberto Firmino have been dropped from the squad after showing up late for training. Club general manager Ernst Tanner and coach Holger Stanislawski have agreed to suspend the pair, as this is said to be the latest offence in a long list from the duo.
Two talented players down, and still looking for his preferred formation, Stanislawski's only good news is that skipper Andreas Beck will return to action after serving his cumulative yellow card suspension.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Suspended Roberto Firmino is Hoffenheim's top scorer with five goals, on par with Bayer's in-form striker Eren Derdiyok.
- Despite being purchased as a defensive player, USA international Fabian Johnson's attacking eye has seen him rack up an impressive five assists for his new club.
- Both Hanno Balitch and Michael Ballack have four yellow cards going into Friday's clash. One more for either player will see them suspended for their following match.
- Hoffenheim's last win was over a month ago, a 2-1 home win in the DFB Pokal against Koln. More worryingly, Stanislawski's men have lost their last four away games in the Bundesliga.
- Bayer Leverkusen have never lost to Hoffenheim since the Sinsheim club's arrival in the Bundesliga three years ago.
Prediction
Bayer need a solid win to get some momentum going and keep their heads above the rest of the Bundesliga pack that are chasing a place in Europe - what better place to it than at the BayArena, and what better team to do it against than an ailing Hoffenheim side?
Editor's Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Hoffenheim 
Ligue 1 Opta Facts - December 2-4
Caen v Marseille
Caen have only won two of their 11 home games against Marseille in L1 (18.2%), which represents their second worst win ratio against teams currently in the top flight (no wins out of three against Lorient being their worst).
Marseille are unbeaten in their last four trips to Caen in L1, registering three wins and one draw; their last defeat at the Stade Michel d'Ornano was on the 22nd of March 1997 (1-0).
The last 16 Ligue 1 encounters between these teams have only produced one draw; however it was their last meeting (2-2) on the 29th of May 2011.
Marseille have not won any of their last seven league matches played in December, registering two defeats and five draws whilst only scoring two goals in those encounters.
Marseille have scored 10 headed goals in Ligue 1 this season (five by Rémy, three by A. Ayew and one each by J. Ayew and Alou Diarra) which is a record in Europe's top five leagues.
Marseille have only lost three of the last 43 Ligue 1 matches in which Stéphane Mbia has played.
Ajaccio v Lille
Ajaccio have won only one of their last 10 league encounters with Lille, their last victory was back in May 2005 (2-0).
Lille are unbeaten in their last five trips to Ajaccio in L1, having registered two victories and three draws.
Ajaccio have not won any of their last 10 league matches (three draws and seven defeats) which is currently the longest winless streak in L1.
Lille are unbeaten in 13 league matches (seven wins and six draws) which is currently the longest unbeaten run in the top flight.
Lille are the only unbeaten team away from home this season in Ligue 1.
Lille are unbeaten in their last 10 Ligue 1 encounters with promoted teams, registering 9 wins and a draw.
Ajaccio are the only team that have yet to keep a clean sheet in L1 this season, in the top five European Leagues only Blackburn, Norwich and Novara are in the same situation.
Lille's 10 away goals in the league have all come in the second half of matches.
Brest v St Etienne
Both matches between these teams last season ended as 2-0 victories for the home team.
St Etienne have lost five of their last seven matches away to Brest in Ligue 1.
All of St Etienne's six victories in L1 this season have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.
Brest have won their last two top flight matches at their Francis-Le Blé stadium (3-1 against Lorient and 2-0 against Sochaux).
The top flight clubs from Brittany are all unbeaten at home this season in Ligue 1 (Brest, Lorient and Rennes).
Bruno Grougi has scored four goals in his last three league appearances at the Francis-Le Blé stadium.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle has scored in two consecutive league appearances for the first time since September 2008.
Five players have been sent off against St Etienne, which is a record in L1 this season.
Dijon v Sochaux
Dijon and Sochaux have met once before, in a last sixteen League Cup tie in October 2006 which Sochaux won 5-0 at home.
Dijon have recorded two successive victories in L1, which is currently the best run in the top flight.
Sochaux are unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 matches against promoted teams, having registered five wins and two daws.
Dijon's substitutes have scored five goals in L1 this season, only Lille's are as prolific.
Sochaux have conceded the most goals in L1 in 2011 (50).
Sochaux have not won any of their last five away matches in L1 (three defeats and two draws).
Dijon have lost every league match in which they have been trailing at half time this season.
Evian TG v Valenciennes
Evian TG and Valenciennes have already played twice in the past, in the third tier in 2004/05. ETG then called Croix de Savoie, drew 1-1 at home but lost 1-0 at Valenciennes.
ETG have scored at least once in every one of their last eight league matches, which is currently the longest run in L1.
ETG have only kept one clean sheet at home in the league this season, on the second matchday of the season, against Nice (1-0).
Valenciennes are the only team that have yet to score in the first 15 minutes of an L1 match this season.
ETG have won their last two matches at home in the top flight (against Auxerre and Lorient).
Valenciennes have only won two of their last 33 away matches in the top flight (1-0 against Arles-Avignon on the 17th of April and 2-0 against Monaco on the 23rd of October 2010).
Yannick Sagbo has netted five goals in his last five league appearances at Annecy's Parc des Sports.
Daniel Wass is the first Evian Thonon Gaillard player to score in two consecutive top-flight appearances.
Montpellier v Lorient
Montpellier have been in the top three of the table for 14 of this season's 15 L1 match days, no team has been as consistent this season.
Montpellier are unbeaten in their last seven top flight matches (five wins and two draws).
Montpellier have scored 32 goals in L1 this season; as many as they did over the whole of last season.
Montpellier have won six of their seven home league matches this season, losing only once (3-0 to PSG).
Montpellier and Lorient have already played at La Mosson this season, a last 16 League Cup tie which Lorient won 2-1 thanks to goals from Innocent Emeghara and Joel Campbell.
Lorient have lost their last three away matches in the top flight and have only registered only one away win in L1 this season (away to PSG on the opening day of the season).
Olivier Giroud is the first player to score 11 goals after 15 L1 matchdays since Karim Benzema in 07/08.
Nice v Rennes
Rennes are unbeaten in their last 10 Ligue 1 matches against Nice, winning five and drawing five.
Rennes are unbeaten in their last five trips to the Stade du Ray in L1, having won twice and drawn three.
Rennes have scored in their last 13 league matches against Nice.
Nice have suffered three consecutive defeats in L1 without scoring a single goal, both are currently the longest such streaks in Ligue 1.
Rennes are the only team in L1 without a draw away from home this season (five wins and three defeats).
Rennes, who are currently on a run of two successive league wins, have yet to win three in a row in L1 this season.
Victor Montaño has netted three goals in his last four league appearances against Nice.
91% of Nice's points in L1 this season have been collected at home (10 out of 11) which is the highest ratio in L1 this season.
Bordeaux v Nancy
Nancy have lost 19 of their last 26 matches away to Bordeaux in L1, winning three and drawing four of those encounters.
Nancy have only kept three clean sheets in their 26 trips away to Bordeaux in Ligue 1
Only Lyon (27) have inflicted more defeats on Nancy than Bordeaux (26) in Ligue 1.
Of the teams currently in Ligue 1, Bordeaux have scored the most goals against Nancy (80).
Bordeaux are unbeaten in their last seven home matches in L1, only Lorient are on a better run (unbeaten in eight).
Nancy have never scored more than once in their seven away matches in the league this season.
Nancy's solitary away victory in L1 this season was against PSG on the 14th match day.
Yoann Gouffran has scored five goals in the last five L1 match days, the most of all players over that period.
PSG v Auxerre
PSG have gone three league matches without a victory, only the two bottom teams are currently on worse runs; Ajaccio are winless in 10 whilst Nice have not won in five.
PSG have not scored in their last two league matches, only Nice are on a worse streak (no goals in three).
Auxerre have only won two of their last 21 away matches in L1 (against Toulouse and Lorient last season).
Auxerre have lost six of their last seven competitive matches.
PSG lost both of their league matches against Auxerre last season (2-3 at the Parc des Princes and 0-1 at the Stade Abbé Deschamps).
Auxerre have won three of their last five league matches at the Parc des Princes.
None of the last nine L1 matches between these teams at the Parc des Princes have finished as a draw (three wins for Auxerre and six PSG victories).
Auxerre have conceded 48 goals at the Parc des Princes, more than at any other away ground in L1.
Lyon v Toulouse
Since their foundation in 1970, Toulouse have never won away to Lyon in the league, losing 13 and drawing four of their 17 encounters.
Since 2010, Lyon have only lost two of their 35 matches at home in L1 (against St Etienne last season and Rennes this season) managing 23 wins and 10 draws.
Lyon have scored at least one goal in their last seven home matches in the league against Toulouse.
None of Lyon's last 12 league matches have ended as a draw (seven wins and five defeats) which is currently the longest run without drawing in the top flight.
Lisandro has scored 13 goals in his last 16 Ligue 1 starts.
Toulouse have not scored a single goal in their last three away matches in L1.
This season Lyon have not lost a single L1 match in which Lisandro has started (three wins and two draws).
Toulouse have kept the most clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season (nine).
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