Friday, April 27, 2012

| by

0

28.04. (Sat) 20:45 Olympique Lyonnais - Quevilly

Quevilly vs Rennes
Quevilly vs Rennes

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

LYON



Lloris
Reveillere, Lovren, Cris, Cissokho
Gonalons
Briand, Gourcuff, Kallstrom
Lisandro, Gomis
US QUEVILLY

Quevilly Us

Coulibaly
Vardin, Vanoukia, Weis, Beaugrard
Diarra, Jouan, Laup
Cappelle, Valero, Colinet

Lyon boss Remi Garde has been dealt a blow ahead of Saturday's Coupe de France Final against giant-killers US Quevilly. Brazilian international Michel Bastos and compatriot Ederson have bene left out of the squad entirely due to back and thigh problems respectively.

John Mensah is a long-term absence with Kim Kallstrom expected to move into the void left by Bastos' absence in a 4-1-3-2 formation. Yoann Gourcuff, who made his return from injury in last weekend's come-from-behind 3-2 victory against FC Lorient, is also in line for a long-awaited starting berth, although faces stiff competition from Clement Grenier.

US Quevilly enter their first Coupe de France final since 1927 with a virtually injury-free squad. Goalkeeper Issa Coulibaly is again expected to replace Yassine El-Kharroubi, with a virtually unchanged XI from the side which sensationally dumped out Marseille and Rennes in the quarter and semi-finals.

Julien Valero and Pierrick Cappelle, who are Quevilly's top scorers in the competition, are expected to lead the attack ahead of Karim Herouart and Jean-Christophe Ayina who should make the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Olympique Lyonnais have won the Coupe de France four times, the most recent victory coming in 2008.
  • Remi Garde's men beat GFCO Ajaccio 4-0 in the semi-finals, having overcome two other amateur sides as well as Bordeaux and PSG.
  • Les Gones lost their only other encounter against Quevilly in 1968, going down 1-0 to the Normandy club.
  • Victory on Saturday evening would ensure Lyon's first trophy in almost four years.
  • US Quevilly have only appeared in the showpiece final once before, back in 1927, losing 3-0 to Marseille in front of a crowd of 23,000.
  • Nevertheless, Regis Brouard's side are no strangers to the competition, having lost in the semi-finals in 2010 to eventual winners PSG.
  • Quevilly's annual budget is roughly 80 times smaller than that of Lyon's. 
  • Quevilly's eight Coupe de France ties (they started four rounds before Lyon) have seen five go to extra-time, with two of those going all the way to penalties.
  • The Normandy side can become the lowest-ranked side to win the trophy on Saturday. They are the third amateur side to reach the final, with second-divison sides Le Havre (1959) and Guignamp (2009) tasting victory.

Prediction
It would be amazing, one of the biggest upsets in European football history if unfancied Quevilly beat Lyon on Saturday evening, but sadly that dream is a little too far-fetched. Lyon are already wounded by losing at this stadium in the Coupe de la Ligue Final, and will want to banish those demons with an efficient performance. Big win for Remi Garde's men.
Editor's Prediction
Lyon 4-1 Quevilly Us

| by

0

28.04. (Sat) 18:30 Norwich City - Liverpool

EPL,Luis Suarez,Liverpool v Norwich City
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


NORWICH CITY

Ruddy
Drury, R Bennett, Ward, Martin
Surman, Howson, Hoolahan, E Bennett Holt, Wilbraham
LIVERPOOL

ReinaJohnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique
Bellamy, Spearing, Gerrard, Downing
Carroll, Suarez

Neither side competing on Saturday evening have too much to worry about in the injury department. Liverpool remain without Lucas (knee) who will not return until pre-season, while Charlie Adam (knee) will also miss the final stretch of the club’s 2011-12 campaign. Paul Lambert’s side have a few absent players: Marc Tierney (groin) misses the final three games having undergone surgery.
Former Red, Daniel Ayala (hamstring) has been out of action since February while another Anfield academy graduate Zak Whitbread may return to the team after recovering from a calf problem.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Liverpool have only won once in their last 11 league matches - a 3-2 triumph at Blackburn Rovers earlier in April.
  • Norwich City have not had things their own way themselves lately either. The East Anglia club have only come away with three points twice in their last 10 games.
  • Grant Holt (pictured right), has been a storming success this season, scoring 15 goals. The former Rochdale man has netted five in his last 10 outings.
  • The Reds have scored seven goals less than their newly promoted counterparts in this Premier League campaign.
  • However, the Reds' defence has been a plus point for Kenny Dalglish. The Merseyside team have conceded just 37 times in 34 matches heading into their tie with Norwich, who have conceded 60 in 35 clashes.
  • The Carrow Road club will go level on points with Liverpool should they win on Saturday (albeit they will have played a game more).
  • If Andy Carroll starts this weekend it will be the first time he has been in the starting line-up in four consecutive competitive matches this season.
  • With the Canaries and Swansea City seemingly safe for another year in the top flight, but QPR battling the drop, it could be the fourth successive year that just one promoted side has gone back down to the Championship at the first attempt.
Prediction
Editor's Prediction

Norwich City Norwich City 1-1 Liverpool   

28.-30. 04.2012. Derbi Mančesterskih velikana, Sitija i Junajteda, odlučiće prvaka u Engleskoj

Englezi će šampiona da dobiju u - ponedeljak. Stadion „Itihad” biće poprište velikog derbija mančesterskih velikana, Sitija i Junajteda, koji će u direktnom okršaju da odluče o novom prvaku Premijer lige, jer je teško verovati da će u preostala dva kola jedan od velikana dozvoliti sebi luksuz da ispusti prednost stečenu u derbiju.
Gostujući Junajted u meč sezone ulazi sa tri boda prednosti, ali i slabijom gol-razlikom, što znači da izabranicima Aleksa Fergusona odgovara svaki rezultat osim poraza.
- Ovo mi je najvažniji derbi u karijeri - nije se libio da kaže Ferguson, iza kojeg je nebrojeno trofeja, važnih i odlučujućih mečeva.
Lukavi i uvek nepredvidivi Ferguson sigurno sprema neko iznenađenje i za ovu utakmicu. Hoće li ulogu „džokera” poveriti Gigsu, Parku ili raspoloženom Naniju, videćemo kada ekipe budu istrčale pred krcate tribine luksuznog stadiona.


KO S KIM DO KRAJA

Njukasl - MANČESTER S.
MANČESTER S. - KPR

MANČESTER J. - Svonsi
Sanderlend - MANČESTER J.

| by

0

28.04. (Sat) 15:30 Bayern Munchen - Stuttgart

UEFA Champions League:  Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich ,Manuel Neuer
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUP
BAYERN MUNICH



Neuer
Rafinha, Boateng, Tymoshchuk, Contento
Kroos, Pranjic
 Robben, Muller, Usami
Olic
STUTTGART


Ulreich
Sakai, Niedermeier, Maza, Molinaro
Kvist, Gentner
Harnik, Hajnal, Schieber
Ibisevic

With a second place finish in the bag, two cup finals to come, and having exerted themselves for 120 minutes in midweek against Real Madrid, Bayern are expected to rest a host of players for the visit of Stuttgart.

Rafinha, Diego Contento, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Takashi Usami, Danijel Pranjic and Ivica Olic can all expect to get a rare start, while Thomas Muller should return to the starting line-up, having spent the majority of the Bernabeu clash on the bench.

Injuries to Breno and Daniel Van Buyten means the defensive duo is unavailable for Saturday's clash, but the Belgian is on his way to full fitness, and could be fit in time for the DFB Pokal showpiece and the Champions League final.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, are set to name their strongest possible line-up as they look to secure a rare victory over their fierce rivals, and strengthen their grip on fifth place.

However, Bruno Labbadia will be forced into one change from the team that drew 1-1 with Koln last week. Serdar Tasci has suffered a medial ligament tear, and will miss the rest of the season.

Maza replaced him during the clash at RheinEnergieStadion, and is set to fill in at the heart of the defence once more. Elsewhere, Johan Audel and Khalid Boulahrouz remain sidelined.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Bayern Munich have already beaten Stuttgart twice this season, winning 2-1 at the Mercedes Benz Arena in the Bundesliga, and in the DFB Pokal by 2-0 at the same venue.
  • Additionally, Jupp Heynckes' men have won their last five matches against Stuttgart in all competitions.
  • Mario Gomez has failed to score in his last three games, equalling his longest barren run this season.
  • Stuttgart approach this game in remarkable form - the visitors are unbeaten in their last 10 games.
  • Bruno Labbadia's side have scored 16 goals in the last five games of that run.
  • The Swabians have won just once at the Allianz Arena since the start of the millennium - a 2-1 victory two seasons ago.

Prediction
Bayern Munich's interest in their remaining Bundesliga games will have vanished by now, with a second place finish assured and finals in the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League to come. Stuttgart meanwhile, have been on fantastic form, and having lost twice to the Bavarians, will be anxious to get one over on their local rivals. Accordingly, I'd expect the visitors' greater desire to get them a narrow victory at the Allianz Arena.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern 1-2 VfB Stuttgart

| by

0

28.04. (Sat) 15:30 Kaiserslautern - Borussia D.

Germany: Borussia Dortmund, Kevin Grosskreutz
Bongarts

PROBABLE LINEUP
KAISERSLAUTERN



Sippel
Dick, Abel, Rodnei, Bugera
Borysiuk
Fortounis, Tiffert, De Wit, Sahan
Wooten
BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer
Gundogan, Kehl
Gotze, Kagawa, Perisic
Lewandowski

Kaiserslautern coach Krassimir Balakov will have to do without the services of a few key players ahead of the clash with the reigning Bundesliga champions. Defender Jan Simunek is recovering from an injury and will be joined on the sidelines by attacker Dorge Kouemaha.

Mario Gotze is expected to finally make his return from injury for BVB after being out of action since January 2012. He will replace Jakub Blaszczykowski in the starting XI as the Polish attacker has picked up an infection and will miss Saturday's game.

The last absentee for Borussia Dortmund is Julian Koch, who is unlikely to feature for Jurgen Klopp's men in the current campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Borussia Dortmund have defeated Kaiserslautern just once in the 19 games between the two clubs at the Fritz Walter Stadion.
  • Jurgen Klopp's men successfully defended their Bundesliga crown last week after a 2-0 win over Monchengladbach at the Signal Iduna Park.
  • Dortmund can equal the league record for most away points in a season (37) with a victory on Saturday.
  • Kaiserslautern have been relegated to the second tier of German football, the third time in their history they have been demoted from the Bundesliga.
  • The Red Devils recorded their first league victory since late October 2011 last Saturday when they beat Hertha Berlin 2-1. It also ended a run of six straight league defeats.
  • Despite Kaiserslautern's good home record against Dortmund, they have won just twice in their own backyard this season in the Bundesliga, against Mainz and Freiburg.

Prediction
Despite having little to play for expect Dortmund to bag the three points on Saturday. Kaiserslautern will put up a fierce fight, but Jurgen Klopp's men have the quality to claim victory even if they are not giving their all.
Editor's Prediction
Kaiserslautern 0-2 Dortmund

| by

0

28.04. (Sat) 15:30 Schalke 04 - Hertha


PROBABLE LINEUP
SCHALKE
 
Unnerstall
Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Fuchs
Jones, Holtby
Farfan, Raul, Draxler
Huntelaar
HERTHA BERLIN

Kraft
Lell, Hubnik, Janker, Bastians
Perdedaj, Ottl
Ebert, Raffael, Ramos
Lasogga

The hosts will be without first-team regular Kyriakos Papadopoulos as they look to record their first win in four matches, as the centre-half is ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Joining the Greek on the sidelines will be fellow defender Christoph Metzelder, who has an issue with his foot, while Timo Hildebrand and Ralf Fahrmann still remain long-term absentees. Additionally, Hans Sarpei will not be fit for the clash.

For the visitors, Levan Kobiashvili and Peter Niemeyer miss out through suspension, while Sebastian Neumann is short on match fitness and will also be absent. Furthermore, Marco Djuricin, Andre Mijatovic, Maik Franz, and Fabian Lustenberger are unavailable through injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Klass-Jan Huntelaar is still the joint-top scorer for the Bundesliga with 25 so far this term, on par with Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez.
  • Schalke's Raul also features in the top 10 at number eight, with 14 for the season so far.
  • Pierre-Michel Lasogga is the visitors' top scorer, although the 20-year-old only weighs in at joint-21st with eight goals.
  • On stats alone, Schalke hardman Jermaine Jones is currently the most undisciplined player in the German top flight at the moment with an incredible 13 yellow cards.
  • Interestingly, Hertha's Raffael will be the player on the pitch with the greatest amount of Bundesliga assists between the two teams with nine, one more than Schalke's Jefferson Farfan.
Prediction
Schalke badly need a win to tighten their grip on third place, and, before their 1-0 loss to champions Borussia Dortmund, they hadn't lost at home in 10 matches in the Bundesliga. The hosts should pick up the win here, although they have been leaking goals in their last few matches, so a clean sheet may not be on the cards.
Editor's Prediction
Schalke 3-1 Hertha BSC

28.04.2012. Ranko Popović, trener Tokija, analizira šampionat Japana

TOKIO - ŠIMICU - Prethodne nedelje smo imali četvoricu igrača na pripremama reprezentacije Japana, pa nismo bili kompletni na treninzima.
NAGOJA - URAVA - Piksijeva ekipa je u prošlom kolu nesrećno primila gol u 94. minutu i ostala bez celog plena. Obe ekipe su u vrhu, ali smatram da je Nagoja najbolja ekipa u Japanu i da je bliža trijumfu.
KAŠIVA - TOSU - Kašiva plaća ceh igranja u azijskoj Ligi šampiona. Nije još ušla u formu, ali verujem da će da krene sa pobedama. Tosu je čvrsta, disciplinovana ekipa, koja je dosad primila najmanje golova u ligi, samo tri.
KAVASAKI - HIROŠIMA - Domaćin je dobio novog trenera, a posle nekoliko poraza, u prošlom kolu je konačno slavio. Tradicija je na strani Kavasakija.
Thursday, April 26, 2012

| by

0

27.04. (Fri) 19:00 Toulouse - Montpellier Herault

Ligue 1 : Souleymane Camara & Olivier Giroud & Younes Belhanda (Montpellier)
Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS

TOULOUSE 
Toulouse FC
Ahamada
Ninkov, Congre, Abdennour, M'Bengue
Capoue, Sissoko
Regattin, Sirieix, Machado
Riviere
MONTPELLIER
Jourdren
Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo
Saihi, Estrada
Camara, Belhanda, Utaka
Giroud


Toulouse boss Alain Casanova has few major injury concerns ahead of the visit of the league leaders, though with a third defeat in the last four games, the trainer is expected to make a few changes. Etienne Didot has been ruled out for the rest of the season and Serge Aurier is also doubtful.

Montpellier meanwhile are disadvantaged with the news that key midfielders Marco Estrada and Joris Marveaux could miss a potentially crucial title-run.

The Chilean international is struggling with a knee injury, whilst Marveaux is hindered with a thigh complaint as the side look to build on their two point lead and secure a first ever league title.

Should either midfielder not feature, Benjamin Stambouli is set to be moved into a defensive midfield role alongside Jamel Saihi.



DID YOU KNOW?
  • Toulouse are seventh in Ligue 1 with 53 points after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Evian.
  • Le Tefece have only lost two home games all season in the league, and recently thrashed Lyon 3-0 at Stadium Municipal.
  • Alain Casanova's men are just three points off a prospective European place.
  • Montpellier are first in the table, two points ahead of PSG with only five games to go.
  • The title challengers have lost two of their last three away games.
  • Olivier Giroud (20), Younes Belhanda (10) and Souleymane Camara (eight) have more league goals than the entire Toulouse squad combined (36).

Prediction
Despite le Tefece's decent home record, a tough season appears to be taking its toll on them. Montpellier will be buoyed by nearest challengers PSG's huge 6-1 win over Sochaux last weekend, and will want to keep the momentum. An away win for me.
Editor's Prediction
Toulouse FC 1-2 Montpellier Herault SC

27.-29. 04.2012. Branko Lazarević (Kaen, Francuska 1)

Za Okser je susret protiv Bresta poslednja šansa da se uključi u borbu za opstanak. Iako će da bude pod pritiskom, verujem da će da slavi na svom stadionu. Kao fikseve u ovom kolu, izdvojio bih Ren i Sent Etjen, koji se bore za Ligu Evrope.
Moj Kaen očekuje grčevita borba za opstanak. Malo nas je poljuljao poraz u poslednjem kolu, ali verujem da nećemo da izgubimo u Nansiju. Marsej igra katastrofalno, ali imam osećaj da je vreme da nekog pobedi. Iako je Lorien popravio formu, verujem da će teško da savlada tim sa „Velodroma”.

MOJ TIP

OKSER - BREST 1
REN - AJAČIO 1
SENT ETJEN - DIŽON 1
Valansjen - Nica 1

FINALE KUPA

LION - KEVILI 1 - Smatram da Lion neće da propusti priliku da, posle izgubljenog Liga kupa, ne osvoji Kup Francuske.

Opta Facts La Liga 2011-12 Match Day 36



Real Betis - Atlético de Madrid
Atlético have kept a clean sheet in their last four top-flight wins over Real Betis.
Only Barcelona have scored in as many consecutive home games in LigaBBVA as Real Betis currently (12).
Just one of Atlético's last nine goals against Real Betis in Primera has been scored by a Spanish player (Raúl García in December 2007).
Atlético had 31 shots against Real Betis earlier this season, their most in a league match this season.
Atlético hold the record for second-most shots in a LigaBBVA match without scoring this season (31 vs Betis), after Real Madrid vs Valencia.
The four sides from Madrid are the only teams not to have picked up any points thanks to goals scored in the last five minutes of La Liga matches this season.
Gabi has committed the most fouls in the Spanish top-flight this season (80) and the third-most in Europe's top-five leagues.
Rubén Castro has been on the scoresheet in five of the last six league matches in which Real Betis have found the net.

Levante - Granada
The only previous top-flight meeting between Granada and Levante was the Andalucians' 2-1 home win earlier this season.
Levante are without a win in their last three league games, conceding three, two and one goals successively.
The Andalucians have only won one of their last seven league games on the road (vs Racing), and all four away wins this season have been by a single goal.
Granada are, along with Nice, the only side in Europe's top-five leagues whose defenders (11) have scored more goals than their strikers (10) this season.
Levante have had more goals scored by African players (17) than any other side this season in LigaBBVA.
Gustavo Munúa is the only keeper to have saved more than one penalty in La Liga this season (2).
Udine's side are, along with Real Betis, the only side to have won every away game (3) in which they have scored the first goal this season.
Levante are, along with Sporting, the only side in La Liga this season for whom every red card has been for two yellows (4).

Real Zaragoza - Athletic Bilbao
Real Zaragoza have only won one of their last five league meetings with Athletic (D1 L3).
At home, the maños have four of their last five league meetings with Athletic (L1), all of them by a single goal.
Manolo Jiménez's men have only lost one of their last five league matches at home in La Liga (W2 D2), scoring exactly once in the last four.
Bielsa's men are unbeaten in four consecutive league games for the first time in 2012 (W3 D1).
Against Racing, Athletic ended a run of six league games without a win on the road (D2 L4), their longest such run this season.
Against Racing, the leones kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight league games away from home.
Zaragoza have won eight of their last nine top-flight matches at home to Basque sides, only losing to Athletic in December 2009.
Real Zaragoza have scored a higher proportion of their goals in the last 15 minutes of games than any other side in La Liga this season (41%).
The maños' last six league goals at home have all been scored by different players Dujmovic, Aranda, Apoño, Postiga, Abraham and Luis García.
Fernando Llorente has scored twice as many headed goals (10) as any other player in La Liga this season, and more than any player in the competition since 1998/99.

Villarreal - Osasuna
Villarreal have only won one of their last nine top-flight encounters with the rojillos (D4 L4).
At El Madrigal, the Yellow Submarine have only won one of their last five at home to Osasuna in La Liga (D2 L2).
Just one of the 23 top-flight meetings between these sides has ended goalless (March 2008).
Osasuna have lost two consecutive league games on the road for the first time this season.
Osasuna have scored a higher % of their goals in the first half than any other side in La Liga this season (58%).
Lotina's men have dropped the most points owing to goals conceded in the last 15 minutes of league games this season (13).
Villarreal have drawn the most home games in LigaBBVA this season (9).
Villarreal have won none of the six league games in which Marcos Senna has not featured this season (L4 D2).
Osasuna's last eight league goals on the road have been scored by different players: Nino, Raúl García, Roversio, Cejudo, Lekic, Ibra, Nekouman and Lamah.

Real Sociedad - Racing Santander
Real Sociedad have lost only two of their last 12 matches at home to Racing at Anoeta in Primera (W8 D2).
Racing have failed to score on their last three La Liga visits to Real Sociedad: they have never failed to score there four times in a row.
Racing are on a run of 16 league games without a win (D6 L10), their worst streak ever in the Spanish top-flight.
Always assuming three points for a win, Racing have five fewer points after 34 games this season than they have ever had at this stage before in the top-flight (26).
Real Sociedad have drawn their last four league games, the only side to have done this in LigaBBVA this season.
Philippe Montanier's side have scored in their last seven league games, their best run of the campaign.
Only Athletic (39%) have scored a higher proportion of their goals from headers than Racing (38%) in La Liga this season. Real Sociedad have conceded the fewest headed goals this season though (4).
Álvaro Cervera is yet to win in nine league games in charge of Racing.
The txuri-urdin are yet to win after conceding the first goal at home in La Liga this season (D2 L3).
Real Sociedad have conceded the most goals in the first 15 minutes of LigaBBVA matches this season (10), and the joint-most in the first 15 minutes of the second half (12).
Stuani has an identical league record with Racing this season as he did with Levante last season: 30 games played, 8 goals scored (4 at home, 4 away).

Real Madrid - Sevilla
Sevilla have only taken points on three of their last 23 visits to the Bernabéu (W2 D1 L20).
The last two league meetings between the sides ended with the same result: a 6-2 win for Real Madrid.
Sevilla are without a win in their last nine visits to play sides from Madrid in the league (D2 L7), despite taking the league in five of them. Their last win in the capital was at Real Madrid (4-3 in 2008-09).
Since 2003 there have been only three occasions of a side scoring with every shot in a match: two of them were by Sevilla and one of them in the Bernabéu (March 2010).
José Mourinho's side are unbeaten in 19 league games (W16 D3), the club record is 31 between 87/88 and 88/89.
Sevilla have won only one of their last four league matches (D1 L2). Their last away match saw them suffer their joint-heaviest defeat this season (1-5 at Getafe) along with the 2-6 defeat vs Real Madrid.
A win for Real Madrid in this match and defeat for Barcelona would see them crowned winners of La Liga.
Should Real Madrid win their last four games of the season, they would set a new record for most points in a single La Liga campaign (100, beating Barça's 99 from 09/10).
Álvaro Negredo has scored six goals in Sevilla's last six league matches.
Khedira and Ronaldo's goals against Barcelona set a new record for most goals scored by a single team in a La Liga season (109).
Only Real Madrid and Barcelona have had more shots than Sevilla in the league this season, while only two sides have a lower goals-to-shots ratio.
Mesut Özil has made the most assists in La Liga this season (16), while Jesús Navas has made the most for any player outside of Real Madrid and Barcelona (9).
There have been 88 goals scored in league games between these sides over the last 10 seasons, more than between any other two sides in La Liga (Atlético-Barcelona 77).

Málaga - Valencia
Málaga have only beaten Valencia once in the league (May 2001) since they reformed (D6 L14).
The boquoneros have scored just one goal in their last five league games at home to Valencia combined.
Málaga have lost their last five against Los Che in the league and are without a win in 17 (D4).
Failure to win today would put Málaga on their second-longest run of games without a win in the league this season (four games, they went six between December and January).
Valencia's last three league games have seen the winning side bag four goals.
Just one of Valencia's last 15 league goals against Málaga has been scored by a foreigner (Banega).
Santi Cazorla has scored the most goals from outside the box in La Liga this season (8).
Valencia have benefitted from the joint-most opposition own goals in LigaBBVA this season (4).
Málaga have received the most fouls in the league this season.
Roberto Soldado's last match at La Rosaleda saw him bag a hat-trick in Spain's friendly win over Venezuela.
Manuel Pellegrini has only lost one of his six league matches as a manager at home to Valencia in the league (W5).

Rayo Vallecano - Barcelona
Rayo have won three of their 12 league matches at home to Barcelona (D6 L3), with all wins being by a single goal.
The franjirrojos have drawn more matches at home to Barcelona in Primera than they have against any other side (6).
Barcelona have only won three of their last nine league clashes with Rayo (D3 L3).
The azulgranas are without a win in their last four league visits to Rayo and have lost their last two (1-2 in 01/02 and 0-1 in 02/03).
Rayo have lost six of their last seven league games (10 goals scored, 17 conceded), though their win was also their biggest-ever in the top-flight (6-0 vs Osasuna).
Barcelona have not lost two consecutive league matches since May 2009 (vs Mallorca and Osasuna).
32 league goals away from home is so far Barcelona's lowest tally for a full season under Guardiola (49 in 10/11, 41 in 09/10 and 44 in 08/09).
Messi has scored in his last six league away games (nine goals in total), a goal in his next match would see him equal Eto'o's run in 07/08.
Roberto Soldado is the only Spanish player to have scored more league goals at home this season than Michu (10).
Barcelona only have a lower win % away at Real Madrid (20.7%) than they do at Rayo Vallecano (25%, min. five games played).

Getafe - Mallorca
Getafe have won three of their last four league meetings with Mallorca (L1).
The azulones have won their last three at home to Mallorca in the league, but have never won four in a row at home to the same side in the top-flight.
Mallorca have won seven league games against Getafe in the last eight seasons. They have only one more over the same period against Zaragoza (eight).
Getafe's last two league games at home to Mallorca have ended 3-0, the previous one was 4-1.
Luis García's side have won four consecutive league games at home (11 goals scored only two conceded). Getafe have never won five in a row on home turf in Primera.
Caparrós' side have won two of their last four away games in the league.
Diego Castro's goals (seven) have won his side more points (eight) than any other player who is not his side's top scorer (Higuaín and Agirretxe also eight).
Only Susaeta, Cejudo and Toquero have set up as many headed goals (five) as Diego Castro in LigaBBVA this season.

Espanyol - Sporting de Gijón
Espanyol have won just four of their last 17 top-flight meetings with Sporting (D6 L7).
The blanquiazules have only won one of their last eight league matches at home to Sporting (D4 L3).
The Asturians' last four league wins over Espanyol have been by the same scoreline: 1-0.
Sporting have beaten Espanyol 26 times in Primera, they only have more wins against Sevilla (27).
Pochettino's men have won just one of their last seven in the league (D3 L3), only Rayo (3) and Racing (2) have picked up fewer points in this period.
The sporinguistas are on a run of 10 league games without a win away from El Molinón in La Liga (D2 L8), the last time they as long in a single season was in 1998 (21 games).
Only Villarreal (13) have dropped more points due to goals conceded in the last 15 minutes of league games this season than Sporting (8).
Espanyol have won eight of the nine league matches in which they have opened the scoring at home in the league this season.

27.28. 04.2012. Ovog vikenda startuje druga liga Finske

Samo deset klubova bori se za ulazak u finsku elitu. Nikada manja Druga liga ove skandinavske države startuje ovog vikenda, a sa RoPS-om, Ouluom i ostalim klubovima družićemo se sve do zime.
Prema svemu poznatom, borbu za jedno mesto koje garantuje elitu vodiće PK-35 i doskorašnji prvoligaš RoPS. Oba tima imaju po nekoliko stranaca, ulgavnom anonimnih Nigerijaca, a uz Oulu, imaju najskuplje fudbalere. Prednost PK-35 je u većem izboru igrača, kao i činjenici da RoPS ima veoma mladu ekipu. Kada je iskustvo u pitanju, najveće šanse ima Oulu. RoPS se najviše uzda u temperaturu, jer je gostovanje ovom klubu sa severa Finske ubedljivo najudaljenije ostalim klubovima.

KVOTE ZA PRVAKA

PK-35 3.25
RoPS 3.50
OPS 5.00
Oulu 5.00

Premier League Opta Facts 28th - 30th April


Everton v Fulham
Everton have won all 10 Premier League home games against Fulham and the last 18 in a row in the English league.
The Toffees have won six and lost just one of the last eight games in all competitions against Fulham.
Everton have already beaten Fulham at Goodison Park this season, 2-1 in the FA Cup 4th Round.
Everton's last three home wins over Fulham in all competitions have been by a 2-1 scoreline.
Nikica Jelavic has scored six goals in his six Premier League starts for Everton.
Everton have scored more goals in their last five Premier League games (14) than they had managed in the previous 17 matches (13).
71% of the goals Everton have scored have been netted in the second half of games, a league high.
Pavel Pogrebnyak has scored six goals from six shots on target in the Premier League.
Clint Dempsey has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances.
Everton have won five of their last six Premier League home games, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just one goal in that run.

Norwich City v Liverpool
These two sides mustered 16 shots on target between them in the reverse fixture which ended as a 1-1 draw.
Only Wolves (6) have picked up fewer points than Liverpool (12) in 2012.
Liverpool have only won three of their last 15 Premier League matches, losing nine in that run.
Norwich have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games and have gone 11 without a shutout.
Liverpool have won their last two visits to Carrow Road by a 2-1 scoreline.
The Reds have converted just nine per cent of shots into goals, a lower proportion than any other side in the top flight.
Liverpool have no hit the woodwork on 30 occasions this season, more than any other team, while only Bolton (6) have the struck the uprights fewer times than Norwich (7).
Norwich have scored the joint-most headed goals in the Premier League (15).
The Canaries have conceded just 18% of their goals from set pieces, the lowest proportion in the Premier League.
Liverpool have allowed their opponents just 120 shots on target, fewer than any other team this season.


Stoke City v Arsenal
Arsenal have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the top flight this season (19).
The Potters have scored the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the Premier League (63%), while the Gunners have netted the lowest proportion (13%).
Four of the last five meetings between Stoke and Arsenal in all competitions have ended with a 3-1 scoreline.
Stoke have won three of their last four home matches in all competitions against Arsenal .
Peter Crouch has scored six Premier League goals against Arsenal; he's only netted more against Blackburn (8) in the competition.
After receiving a red card in his first league appearance against Stoke, Robin van Persie has scored five goals in the three subsequent Premier League outings against the Potters.
There were four goals from just five shots on target in the reverse meeting at the Emirates Stadium.
38% of the goals Stoke have scored have been netted from headers, the highest proportion in the Premier League.
Arsenal have conceded just five headed goals, the joint-fewest in the top flight.
Robin van Persie has fired in 63 shots on target from inside the penalty area, two more than the entire Stoke team.

Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland have won five successive Premier League meetings with Bolton Wanderers.
On the two previous occasions that Owen Coyle has managed Bolton at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League, his side have failed to score.
Sunderland are on a run of five games without a win in the Premier League, having drawn four and lost one.
Bolton Wanderers have kept just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League games.
Just one of Bolton's last 30 Premier League away games has ended in a draw and none of their last 22.
In their last seven Premier League away games, Bolton have failed to score in five (losing all five) and scored in two (winning both of them).
Sunderland have failed to score in their last 405 minutes of Premier League football.
Bolton have drawn just three games in the Premier League this season. The Premier League record for fewest draws in a single season is currently held by Chelsea (3) in 1997/98.
No player has picked up more cards than Lee Cattermole in the Premier League this season (10; 9 yellows, 1 red).
Bolton have the lowest passing accuracy in the middle third of the pitch in the Premier League this season (78%).

Swansea City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions of any team in the Premier League (20).
Swansea have committed just 297 fouls this season, fewer than any other Premier League side.
Wolves have allowed their opponents 247 shots on target against them, at least 51 more than any other team.
Wolves have won six and lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions against Swansea.
Swansea have won just one of their last six Premier League matches.
Wolves have won none of their last 11 Premier League games, losing nine in that run.
Terry Connor's side have failed to score in their last three league outings.
Only Arsenal (19) have recouped more points from losing positions than Wolves (14) and the Midlanders came back from 2-0 down to get a point in the reverse fixture against Swansea.
Ashley Williams has blocked more shots than any other player in the top flight (36).
Wolves are the only team in the Premier League without a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a Premier League game.

West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
Aston Villa have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions of any team in the Premier League this season (20).
Villa have won just two Premier League games in 2012, only Wolves (1) have won fewer.
The Baggies have won just two of their 11 Premier League meetings with Aston Villa, but these two victories have come in their two most recent games against them.
Roy Hodgson has won seven and lost just two of his 10 Premier League matches against Aston Villa.
Villa have won only one of their last 13 Premier League games, and are winless in their last seven in a row.
West Brom have won, and kept a clean sheet, in three of their last four Premier League games.
46% of the goals that Aston Villa have conceded this season in the PL have come via set-piece situations; a league-high.
Villa completed just 56% of their passes in their midweek Premier League defeat to Bolton; their worst success rate in a PL game since December 2008.
Aston Villa still need to pick up six points from their remaining three games to avoid collecting their lowest tally of points in a PL season.
A win in this game would see West Brom reach the 48-point mark in a Premier League season for the first time.

Wigan Athletic v Newcastle United
Nine of the 11 Premier League meetings between these two sides have produced a winner, with only two games ending in a draw.
Wigan have won four of their five Premier League home games against Newcastle, but their last home league meeting with the Magpies ended in a 0-1 defeat.
The Latics have won four of their last six Premier League matches.
Only Newcastle United (18) and Manchester United (13) have picked up more points than Wigan (12) in their last six Premier League games.
No side have won fewer home games than Wigan (3) in the Premier League this season.
Papiss Demba Cisse has has equalled Mick Quinn's record of most goals in his opening 10 PL appearances (11).
Yohan Cabaye has either scored or assisted six of Newcastle's last seven goals (two goals, four assists).
With six wins in a row, Newcastle are just one short of their Premier League record of seven consecutive victories.
Should Newcastle keep one more clean sheet between now and the end of the season, they'll equal their best tally in a single PL season (15).

Chelsea v Queen Park Rangers
Chelsea have lost only two of their nine Premier League games against QPR, but one of those came earlier this season (0-1).
The Blues have won and kept a clean sheet in three of their four Premier League home matches against QPR, drawing the other.
Chelsea have currently won 399 games in the history of the Premier League.
Chelsea have won none of their seven London derbies in the Premier League this season, drawing five and losing two.
In contrast, QPR have won three of their seven London derbies in the PL this term (losing four) but all three of these wins have come at home.
QPR have won just 11 points on the road in the Premier League this season; a league-low.
Chelsea have lost only one game under Roberto Di Matteo this season (W10, D4) in all competitions.
QPR have alternated between away defeats and home wins in their last eight Premier League games; should this run continue, the Hoops would lose this match.
47% of the goals that Chelsea have conceded in the Premier League this season have come following the 75th minute; a league-high proportion.
QPR have been given eight red cards in the Premier League this season; one away from the Premier League record set by Sunderland in 2009/10 (9).

Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn Rovers
Spurs have won five successive Premier League matches against Blackburn Rovers.
Tottenham have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches.
Harry Redknapp's side have picked up just four points in their last four home games in the Premier League; this after dropping only four in their previous 12.
Blackburn have lost three successive away games in the Premier League.
Rovers have conceded an average of 2.4 goals a game away from home this season in the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers have conceded a league-high 16 headed goals this season.
Paul Robinson has saved just 56% of the shots that he has faced this season in the PL; a league-low.
Since the start of February, Gareth Bale has made 10 appearances and played 877 minutes in the Premier League, but has managed only one assist and has scored no goals.
Yakubu has equalled his best-ever Premier League goal tally in a single season (16), but has netted in only two of his last 10 PL apps.
No side have failed to score more penalties in the Premier League this season than Blackburn (4).

Manchester City v Manchester United
Manchester City scored six goals from just seven shots on target against United in their 6-1 victory at Old Trafford earlier this season.
There have been six red cards in Premier League Manchester derbies, five of them going to United.
Manchester United have lost only one of their last five Premier League trips to the Etihad Stadium & they also defeated Man City there earlier this season in the FA Cup (3-2).
No team in Premier League history has won a return leg after having lost by five goals or more at home in the reverse fixture.
Carlos Tévez has scored or assisted a Man City goal every 55 minutes this season in the PL, only Thierry Henry can boast a better ratio.
Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez have been on the pitch together for 304 minutes this season in the Premier League. In that time, Aguero has scored seven goals and Tevez has netted four.
In Man City's last three Premier League games, Sergio Aguero has scored five goals and Carlos Tevez has scored four goals.
Wayne Rooney has scored 13 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
Manchester City have won 77 of a possible 81 points in their last 27 Premier League home games.

SPL Opta Facts - 28-29 April


Dundee United v Hearts
United have won their last five league meetings with Hearts.
The Jambos have failed to score in eight of their last 11 SPL clashes with Dundee United, and have bagged just one goal in the last five.
Hearts have managed just one win in their last 11 league matches with United (W1 D3 L7).
The Terrors have won their last five at home to Hearts in the league, conceding only one goal in the process.
Dundee United are on a run of four straight league wins at home in the SPL.
Visiting sides have scored just one goal in total in the last five matches at Tannadice.
Only one of Hearts' last 13 league games has ended in a draw (W6 D1 L6).
Only Celtic (76) have faced fewer shots on target in the SPL this season than Hearts (95, level with Rangers).
Dundee United have committed the fewest fouls in the SPL this season (333).

Dunfermline v Aberdeen
Dunfermline have failed to score in five of their last six league meetings with the Dons.
The Pars scored three in their home clash with Aberdeen earlier this season, but drew 3-3.
Aberdeen have won back-to-back league games. They have not won three in a row in a single season since December 2008.
Dunfermline are without a win in 12 in the SPL.
The Pars are yet to win at home in the SPL this season, and could become the first side ever to go a full SPL campaign without a win on home turf.
This is a meeting of the two sides with the fewest shots on target in the SPL this season (Dunfermline 80, Aberdeen 100).

Kilmarnock v Inverness CT
Kilmarnock are without a win in their last four SPL meetings with Caley Thistle.
Inverness have lost on only one of their last five league visits to Rugby Park (W3 D1).
In the last 21 SPL meetings between Kilmarnock and Inverness, there have been just two clean sheets (one for each side).
Killie have won only one of their last six in front of their own fans in the league (D2 L3).
Inverness have picked up just one win from their last 11 league games (D4 L6).
Caley Thistle have failed to score more than once in any of their last eight league away games.

Motherwell v St Johnstone
Motherwell have won five of their last seven SPL meetings with the Saints (L2).
The last four meetings between the Steelmen and St Johnstone at Fir Park have seen the winning side score at least three goals (two wins each).
St Johnstone are seven points off their previous highest total for an SPL season (57 in 98/99).
St Johnstone have only lost two of their last 12 league away games (W6 D4).
The Saints have lost only three away games on the road in the SPL this season, a record only Celtic can match.
Only Celtic (22) have kept more clean sheets as St Johnstone in the SPL this season (15).

Celtic v Rangers
Celtic have only won one of their last four SPL meetings with their Old Firm rivals.
The Bhoys have kept four clean sheets in their last six league meetings with Rangers.
Rangers have lost on three of their last four league visits to Celtic, and have won only one of the last six.
There have been four red cards in the three league Old Firm derbies so far this season (three for Celtic, one for Rangers).
The Bhoys need just one more clean sheet to equal the record for most in a single season in the SPL (23).
None of Rangers' last 28 league away games has ended in a draw (W22 L6).
Rangers have won their last four in the league, their best run since the start of October.
The 3-2 loss at Ibrox is Celtic's only defeat in their last 25 league games.
Neil Lennon's side have kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 league matches.
Celtic are on a run of 10 straight league wins on their own turf.
Rangers have been awarded 10 penalties in the league this season, more than any other side and six more than Celtic.
Rangers have had the most shots in the SPL this season (433), while Celtic have allowed their opponents the fewest shots on target against them (76).

St Mirren v Hibernian
St Mirren have picked up just two wins from their last 14 SPL meetings with Hibs (D5 L7).
The Buddies have won only one of their last six at home to Hibernian in the league (D3 L2), and lost the last two.
St Mirren are unbeaten in their last two at home in the league. The last time they went three in a row without defeat was in April 2010.
The Buddies have hit four goals in each of their last two league matches on home turf.
St Mirren have only taken maximum points in one of their last 14 league matches.
Five of Hibernian's six league wins this season have come away from home.
Hibernian's last seven league away games have produced a total of 31 goals.
Only Celtic (432) have been fouled more often in the SPL this season than St Mirren (430).
Hibs have given away nine penalties this season, four more than any other SPL side.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

| by

0

26.04. (Thu) 21:05 Valencia - Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid vs Valencia - Radamel Falcao celebra
Getty

PROBABLE LINEUP
VALENCIA


Diego Alves
Costa, Rami, Ruiz, Alba
Tino Costa, Topal
Feghouli, Jonas, Mathieu
Soldado
ATLETICO MADRID

Courtois

Perea, Miranda, Dominguez, Filipe Luis
Gabi, Suarez
Adrian, Diego, Arda Turan
Falcao

On-loan Real Madrid playmaker Sergio Canales made a welcome recovery from a serious ligament injury in the weekend victory over Betis, and may stand an outside chance of starting the match at Mestalla.

Roberto Soldado likely to retain his spot in attack, with Jonas supporting him in the final third. Ever Banega remains Valencia's most notable absentee, while Diego Alves is likely to continue in goa, as he has done for the majority of the European matches this season.

Diego Simeone has selected the same squad of 18 players that successfully negotiated the weekend match against Espanyol. Fran Merida cannot play because he is ineligible, having featured for Braga earlier in the competition.

Defensive duo Antonio Lopez and Silvio also remain absent from the list as a result of injury, while Paulo Assuncao and Pizzi did not travel as part of the match squad. One surprise inclusion is young striker Pedro Martin, who has yet to feature in the competition this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Valencia were defeated 4-2 in the first leg last week at the Vicente Calderon, but Ricardo Costa's late away goal gives them hope of progression.
  • Los Che have won the Uefa Cup on one occasion in 2004 after beating Marseille in the final.
  • Los Colchoneros knocked Valencia out of the competition in 2010 at the quarter-final stage.
  • Atletico Madrid have never won a European match away from home on Spanish soil, while Los Che have never been beaten at Mestalla against a La Liga team in Europe.
  • The capital club won the competition for the first time in 2010, defeating Fulham in the final.
  • Diego Simeone's outfit have won three consecutive games entering the contest, most recently a 3-1 triumph over Espanyol on Sunday.

Prediction
Valencia's home record in Europe is far better than their domestic displays, while Simeone's side do not travel well. Los Che should win, but whether they can keep a clean sheet will be vital to deciding the outcome of this contest.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 2-1 Atl. Madrid

| by

0

26.04. (Thu) 21:05 Athletic Bilbao - Sporting Lisboa

Europa League,Matias Fernandez,Manchester City FC v Sporting Lisbon
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS
ATHLETIC BILBAO


Iraizoz
Iraola, Javi Martinez, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe
Iturraspe
Toquero, Herrera
Susaeta, Llorente, Muniain
SPORTING LISBON


Patricio
Pereira, Xandao, Polga, Insua
Carrico
Schaars, Matias
Carrillo, Van Wolfswinkel, Capel

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has been boosted by the news that Javi Martinez is available after he missed the match at the Estadio de Alvalade through suspension. Iker Muniain is expected to feature in the starting XI despite sitting out the weekend contest against Racing Santander because of an eye inflammation.

Oscar de Marcos, on the other hand, will not take part in the match because of suspension, with Gaizka Toquero tipped to deputise for him in midfield.

Sporting coach Ricardo Sa Pinto will not be able to count on Elias, who is ineligible in the Europa League, and on Fito Rinaudo and Alberto Rodriguez, both of whom are injured. Matias Fernandez missed the club's last two games, but the Chilean is ready to feature from the start. Marat Izmailov will have to serve a one-match suspension after reaching his yellow card limit.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Athletic Bilbao have won all of their home matches played against Portuguese opposition.
  • Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, are yet to record a victory in European competitions on Spanish soil.
  • The Liga club are the second most prolific side still in contention in the Europa League, with 25 goals, six more than Sporting.
  • Prior to the first leg, the last time these two clubs faced each other dated back to 1985-86, when Sporting came out on top 4-2 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup third round.
  • Sporting have won just one of their last 10 European games on the road, drawing four and losing five of the remaining nine.
  • The Spanish club are the only side in the semi-finals who have never won an European competition.
  • If Marcelo Bielsa's side progress, they will meet either Atletico Madrid or Valencia in an all-Spanish final.

Prediction
Sporting were very disappointing at the weekend and their defensive frailties may become even more exposed against a well-organised Athletic side who will not want to waste this chance to make history and try to win their first-ever European title.
Editor's Prediction
Bilbao 3-1 Sporting