31.01. (Tue) 22:00 Mirandes - Athletic Bilbao

Javi Martinez, Iker Muniain y Fernando Llorente - Athletic Bilbao

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MIRANDES NauzetGarmendia, Caneda, Raul Garcia, Corral Mikel, Martins, Nacho GarroMujika, Arroyo, Pablo

ATHLETIC BILBAO Iraizoz Iraola, San Jose, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe Ander Herrera, Iturraspe, Susaeta David Lopez, Llorente, Muniain

Cesar Caneda's last minute winner against Espanyol in the previous round ensured Mirandes progressed to the semi-final on away goals. Their fans will hope that the defender will come up with the goods again as they dream of a trip to Mestalla for the final.

They will face an extremely tough task in Athletic Bilbao though, who could welcome Javi Martinez back to the starting line-up if he is passed fit by the club's medical staff. Elsewhere in the team, it is likely that youngster Jon Aurtenetxe could start in defence for the visitors.

Fernando Llorente is in fine form and comes into the semi-final clash off of the back of a fantastic hat-trick to guide his team past Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Mirandes have eliminated three Primera teams in the last three rounds. Villarreal, Racing Santander and Espanyol have all failed to pass the Segunda outfit.

• This is the furthest that Mirandes have ever progressed in the competition. Their previous record was reaching the round of 16 in the 2004/05 season.

• Mirandes' Pablo Infante is the tournament's current leading goalscorer. The winger has notched seven so far.

• Athletic Bilbao have won the Copa del Rey an astonishing 23 times. That is two less than fellow semi-finalists Barcelona and five more than reigning champions Real Madrid.

• Despite their prolific history in the tournament, the Basque side have not lifted the trophy since 1984 when they beat Barcelona by a solitary goal.

• Bilbao have ended the tournament as runners-up on 12 different occasions. The latest being a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the 2008/09 edition.

Prediction

The hosts have done well to get this far but Athletic Bilbao should prove a tie too far for the Segunda club. Bilbao's superior firepower up front and stong defence should be more than enough to assume an early lead in the first leg as they look forward to another potential Copa del Rey final.

Editor's Prediction

Mirandés 0-2 Bilbao

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 21:00 Everton - Manchester City FC

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

EVERTON Howard Neville, Heitinga, Duffy, Baines Rodwell, Fellaini Drenthe, Cahill, Donovan Saha

MANCHESTER CITY Hart Richards, Kompany, Lescott, ClichyMilner, BarrySilva, Aguero, Nasri Dzeko

David Moyes will again be unable to call upon first choice centre-back pairing Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka due to injury. Shane Duffy, 20, looks set to deputise alongside Johnny Heitinga. Jack Rodwell could make a return to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in the defeat to Bolton, although if not, expect Darron Gibson to retain his place in central midfield.
City welcome back captain Vincent Kompany following his four game suspension for a two-footed challenge on Nani in the Manchester derby.
They will, however, be without the suspended Mario Balotelli and Kolo and Yaya Toure, who are still away at the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last time these two sides met it was Roberto Mancini’s men who came out on top courtesy of a Mario Balotelli strike and a late James Milner effort.

• Everton did, however, take all three points in the last meeting at Goodison Park, with Leon Osman grabbing the headlines after Sylvain Distin had cancelled out Yaya Toure’s opener.

• Since Christmas Roberto Mancini’s side have won just three games in all competitions, being dumped out of both domestic Cup competitions in the process.

• The Toffees have won just three of their 11 home games in the league this season, less than the four victories they have managed on the road.

• Only city rivals United have taken more points away from home than Manchester City this season.

• Since Sheikh Mansour arrived in Manchester in 2008, Everton have won five of their seven meetings with the Merseyside outfit.

• David Moyes’ men have taken just two points from their last four league games.

• Tim Cahill’s goal in Everton’s last Premier League outing against Blackburn was the Australian’s first for over a year.

• Manchester City’s David Silva (right) has by far and away the most assists to his name in the Premier League this season, with 12.

• Manchester City’s three goals against Tottenham took their league total to 60 goals, the same amount they managed in the whole of last season after just 22 games

Prediction

Neither side goes into the game in great form, with the home team looking anxiously over their shoulder as they sit precariously about the drop zone. David Moyes’ men tend to come out on top when the two sides meet, but a much transformed City side should have enough to take all three points from Goodison Park.

Editor's Prediction

Everton 0-1 Manchester City

Read More

Championship Opta Facts - Jan 31st - Feb 1st

Barnsley v Derby County

Five of the last six meetings between Derby and Barnsley have ended as draws, including the last four in a row.
Derby have won none of their last seven games against the Tykes, drawing five and losing two.
Only one of the last eight matches between the two sides has ended as a home win.
Derby have won none of the last three visits to Oakwell, scoring just one goal in those matches.
Barnsley have lost four of their last five home games in all competitions, conceding 16 goals in that run.
There have been just seven goals scored in the last six Championship games involving Derby.

Hull City v Doncaster Rovers

None of the last 11 meetings between Hull and Doncaster has ended as an away win.
Doncaster have won none of their last 12 trips to Hull in all competitions, losing nine times, their last victory coming in September 1950.
The Tigers have won the last eight home games in a row against Rovers.
Hull's last five Championship games have ended with a 1-0 scoreline, two victories and three defeats.
Doncaster have lost their last six league games in a row away from home.
Rovers have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.

Ipswich Town v West Ham United

West Ham have won four of their last five visits to Portman Road.
The Hammers have lost just one of their last nine away games versus Ipswich in Suffolk.
Ipswich have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Championship this season (21).
Ipswich have won none of their last seven matches in all competitions, losing five.
The Hammers have lost just one of their last six Championship matches, winning the last three in a row.
West Ham have won only one and lost three of their last five away games in a all competitions.
The Hammers' last three goals have all been scored from the penalty spot by Mark Noble.

Leeds United v Birmingham City

Birmingham have won five and lost one of the last six matches against Leeds in all competitions.
The last meeting between Leeds and Birmingham at Elland Road saw a penalty, two own goals and a red card.
Leeds have won seven of the last eight home games against the Blues.
Leeds have had an opponent sent off in each of their last three Championship games.
Leeds have conceded the first goal of the game in each of their last seven Championship games, but they have recovered eight points in those games from losing positions, including seven in their last three matches.
Birmingham are unbeaten in their last six matches in the Championship.

Millwall v Watford

Watford have won the last three meetings with Millwall.
The last meeting between the two sides at the New Den saw Watford waltz to a 6-1 victory over the Lions.
The Hornets are unbeaten in their last four visits to the New Den, winning three of those.
Millwall have failed to score in six of their last eight Championship matches.
MIllwall striker Darius Henderson has scored seven goals in his last three games for Millwall, but he was sent off in his last appearance against his former side.
After going eight league games without defeat, Watford have lost their last three games in a row.
The Hornets have failed to score in their last three away games in the Championship.

Nottingham Forest v Burnley

Burnley have won four of the last five games against Forest.
Nottingham Forest have won 11 and lost just one of the last 15 home games against the Clarets.
If Forest beat Burnley, it will match up the respective records of the two sides in this fixture, as the Clarets have won 35 league meetings to Forest's 34.
Nottingham Forest have won just one and lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Forest have failed to score in their last six matches at the City Ground,, losing five and drawing one of those games.
Burnley have won three of their last four Championship away games.
Jay Rodriguez has scored in his last three away games with Burnley, an own goal at Leeds and strikes at the right end versus Norwich and Middlesbrough.

Southampton v Cardiff City

If Southampton win this game it will level up the league record between the two sides with Cardiff having won 14 to the Saints' 13 previous encounters.
Eight of the last nine meetings between Cardiff and Southampton have been home wins by a single-goal margin with the other match ending as a draw.
Cardiff have won the last five meetings with Southampton at home.
Southampton have followed up their 23-match unbeaten run on home soil with back to back home defeats at St Mary's.
There have been three red cards in the last three Championship games involving the Saints.
Cardiff have won just one of their last seven away games in all competitions, but four of the remaining six have been draws.
Kenny Miller has scored in three of his last four Championship appearances.

Blackpool v Coventry City

Three of the last five league meetings between Blackpool and Coventry have ended as draws.
Blackpool have won seven and lost none of the last eight meetings with Coventry in all competitions on home soil.
Coventry have lost their last six away games.
The Sky Blues have lost the last five matches on the road by a single-goal margin and the last three in a row by a 0-1 scoreline.
Blackpool have recovered four points from losing positions in the last two matches.
The Tangerines have won four and lost none of their last six Championship matches at Bloomfield Road.

Crystal Palace v Brighton

The last three meetings between Palace and Brighton have ended as away wins.
The Eagles have come from behind to win the last two meetings with Brighton, netting a 90th minute goal on both occasions.
There has been a red card in three of the last five meetings between the south coast side and Palace.
Brighton's last win at Selhurst Park ended a run of four straight defeats in their previous four visits.
Palace have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions and that ultimately proved fruitless as it was the first leg of the carling Cup semi-final.
The Londoners have scored just five goals in their last eight matches in all competitions at Selhurst Park and not more than once in a game in that run.
Brighton have won their last three Championship games.

Leicester City v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have failed to score in four of the last five games against Leicester.
Five of the last seven meetings between the Foxes and Boro have ended as draws.
Boro have failed to score in all three visits to the King Power Stadium.
None of the last five Championship games involving Leicester have ended as home wins and the last three have been away victories.
The Foxes have scored one goal in each of their last four Championship games at home, drawing three 1-1 and losing one 1-2.
Middlesbrough have won none of their last four Championship matches and lost the last three in a row.

Read More

Serie A Opta Facts - January 31 - February 02

Atalanta - Genoa

Atalanta have won 15 of their 55 Serie A meetings against Genoa, 11 of which were in Bergamo.

The Grifoni have already won seven games at Atalanta's ground, a record for them in Serie A with the exception of the Genoa derby.

Genoa are unbeaten in their last five league meetings against Atalanta (two wins and three draws).

By beating Cesena last Sunday, Atalanta ended a run of three consecutive defeats in Serie A.

Atalanta's players are yet to score their first goal in 2012: their win against Cesena was brought about by an own goal.

Atalanta have lost their last two home games against AC Milan and Juventus, and won just one of their last five home fixtures.

Genoa have not shared a draw in any of their last 13 Serie A games (six wins and seven losses).

Away from home, the Grifoni have lost their last three games in this competition, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Without their six-point penalty, Atalanta would be 7th in the Serie A table on 29 points, level with Napoli.

In the reverse fixture, Maxi Moralez scored a brace on his Serie A debut.

With his brace on Sunday against Napoli, Rodrigo Palacio took his goal tally to 11 goals, making this season his most prolific ever in a domestic league.

Bologna - Fiorentina

These two sides have met 121 times so far in the top-flight: Fiorentina lead by 45 wins to 36, with 40 draws.

Bologna have shared 24 draws at home against Fiorentina, more than against any other side visiting the the Dall'Ara.

In fact, seven of the last 11 meetings in Bologna between these two sides have ended as draws.

Bologna have won just one of their last 10 meetings against the Viola, drawing five times.

Bologna have drawn their last three Serie A games against Napoli (1-1), Parma (0-0) and Roma (1-1).

Bologna have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat over their last five home fixtures.

Fiorentina won the Tuscan derby against Siena last Sunday: the Viola are yet to win back-to-back games in this Serie A campaign.

Fiorentina have not conceded any goal in their last three games on the road against Siena, Novara and Cagliari.

Marco Di Vaio has already scored eight goals against Fiorentina, only against Udinese (nine) has he bagged more in the top-flight.

Cagliari - Roma

Cagliari are unbeaten on the last 10 occasions that they have hosted Roma in Serie A (six wins and four draws).

In the last five meetings between these two sides at the Sant'Elia, Cagliari have scored 13 goals - enough for two wins and three draws.

However, Roma have always scored in each of their last 12 meetings with Cagliari (on average two goals per game).

Cagliari have already scored 76 goals against Roma, more than against any other Serie A opponent so far.

In the first half of this Serie A campaign, Cagliari were one of the two only sides able to score more than a single goal at the Olimpico against Roma, the other was AC Milan.

Last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Bologna ended a run of four consecutive wins for Luis Enrique's side in Serie A.

Cagliari have won just one of their last seven league games, failing to score in five of these.

At home their record is even worse: just one win in their last nine fixtures, failing to score in seven.

Simone Perrotta has already scored six goals against Cagliari, his favourite opponent in Serie A.

Roma are Daniele Conti's favourite opponent: he has scored five goals against the Giallorossi, more than against any other opponent in the top-flight.

Inter - Palermo

Inter are unbeaten on the 24 occasions that they have hosted Palermo in Serie A (17 wins and seven draws).

The Nerazzurri have scored in their last nine meetings against the Sicilians at the San Siro, netting two or more in each of the last six.

In the last three meetings between these two sides, three Inter players have scored braces (Eto'o, Pazzini and Milito); Palermo's captain Miccoli also bagged a brace in the reverse fixture.

Miccoli leads the assists charts of this Serie A campaign on eight.

In the reverse fixture Diego Forlan scored his first and so far only goal in Serie A.

Last Sunday's defeat against Lecce ended a run of seven consecutive wins for the Nerazzurri in Serie A, despite attempting 16 more shots than their opponents.

Juventus were the last team to score more than one goal against Inter in the league, back in October.

Last Sunday Palermo managed to win back-to-back games for the first time in this campaign; the last time the Sicilians won three games in a row was in November 2010.

Palermo's last away win in Serie A was back in April - a run of 10 games.

In these last 10 away games, Palermo have only managed to score at Novara's ground.

Diego Milito has already scored five goals against Palermo, his favourite target along with AC Milan in Serie A.

Palermo have already scored three goals from direct free-kicks - a league-high.

Lazio - AC Milan

AC Milan are unbeaten in their last 27 meetings with Lazio in Serie A.

However, the last four meetings between these two sides ended as draws.

At the Olimpico, a 1-1 draw in September 2010 ended a run of three consecutive wins for the Rossoneri.

On that occasion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his first Serie A goal for AC Milan.

The Swede is the current Serie A top-scorer on 15 goals, and has also made four assists in this campaign.

Ibra has already scored six goals against Lazio in the league; against the Biancocelesti he has also picked up one of his four red cards in Serie A.

Lazio have alternated a win and a loss over their last four fixtures.

At home, Lazio have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four games, taking eight points in the process.

AC Milan have won their last three away games without conceding; the Rossoneri have kept a shut-out in five of their last six games on the road.

Last Sunday's brace against Chievo took Klose's goal tally in this campaign to 11 goals; the German had netted just 14 in his last three seasons at Bayern Munich in 71 Bundesliga games.

In the reverse fixture AC Milan conceded two goals in the opening 21 minutes of the game; Massimiliano Allegri's side have conceded just once before half-time in their last 11 Serie A games.

Napoli - Cesena

Napoli are unbeaten in their 23 meetings with Cesena in Serie A (17 wins and six draws).

At the San Paolo the Partenopei have won 10 games out of 11 against the Romagnoli.

In fact, Cesena have lost more games against Napoli than against any other Serie A opponent.

Edison Cavani has scored four goals in his last four appearances against Cesena in all competitions.

Cesena have failed to score in their last six visits to the San Paoli in the league.

Overall, in their 11 away games to Napoli, Cesena have found the net on just two occasions (a 3-1 defeat in 1976 and a 2-2 draw in 1982).

Napoli have managed just three wins over the last 12 Serie A match-days, losing three and sharing six draws.

The last 10 Serie A games involving Napoli have seen both teams score.

Cesena have not shared a draw in any of their last 12 Serie A games, losing five of their last six; in between, a 3-1 win over Novara.

Cesena have scored just five goals after half-time so far - a league-low.

Napoli remain the only Serie A team yet to concede a goal from penalty this season.

Cesena have already suffered 13 defeats this season, more than any other Serie A side.

Novara - Chievo

The 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture is the only previous meeting between these two sides in Serie A.

Novara have already shipped 10 headed goals this season, including Igor Budan's brace for Palermo last Sunday - a league-most.

That defeat against Palermo was the fourth in a row for Novara, who are winless since 26 November.

Novara have in fact picked up just two points from their last eight league games.

Novara remain the only team yet to keep a clean sheet in this Serie A campaign.

Chievo have won just one of their last five games, losing two (including last Sunday's 0-3 vs Lazio).

Over the last eight match-days, Chievo have either kept a clean sheet (four times) or conceded at least two goals (four times).

Novara are bottom of the Serie A table: they have won the fewest games (only two) and conceded the most goals (40).

Novara are the only side yet to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of play, however they have netted the most in the last 15 minutes (11).

Novara have scored just three goals before half-time - a league-low.

Parma - Juventus

This will be the 40th meeting between these two sides in Serie A: Parma are on target for their 10th win, the Old Lady have won 17 so far.

Parma have drawn 13 games against Juve, more than against any other Serie A opponent so far.

Parma have won three of their last four meetings with Juve, but just one of the last seven at the Tardini.

Parma are unbeaten in their last six home games (three wins and as many draws); in their last three home games the Ducali have always scored three goals.

Juventus remain the only side still unbeaten amongst the top-5 European leagues (12 wins and eight draws).

Juventus boast the best defence of this competition (just 13 goals conceded).

Sebastian Giovinco has already scored four goals in his last three meetings against his former team, Juventus: against no other opponent has he bagged more goals in Serie A.

Parma are the team against which Andrea Pirlo has scored the most goals (six), including one of his two braces so far.

In the reverse fixture the Old Lady won 4-1, and Pirlo assisted two goals.

Since his arrival to Juve, Alessandro Matri has averaged more than a goal every two games (18 in 35 league appearances, including a brace against Udinese on Saturday).

Parma have conceded the most goals in the second half (25) and in the closing 15 minutes (12) in this Serie A campaign.

Siena - Catania

This will be the 10th meeting between these two sides in Serie A: seven of the previous nine have ended as draws, Siena won the other two.

At the Artemio Franchi, both sides have always scored against each other, with the hosts winning one and three draws.

Siena have won just one of their last 11 Serie A games, 4-0 against Lazio after the Christmas break.

At home, the Tuscans are unbeaten in their last three games (draws against Fiorentina and Napoli and win over Lazio).

Catania have won just one of their last seven games (the Sicilian derby vs Palermo), losing three.

Away from home, the Sicilians have lost their last two games against Bologna and Udinese, making just seven shots in total.

12 of Catania's total 22 goals in this campaign have been scored by Argentine players, the remaining 10 by Italians.

Last Sunday Calaiò scored his ninth goal in this campaign (out of Siena's total 21): this is a personal record in a single Serie A campaign.

Udinese - Lecce

These two sides have not shared the points on the last 12 occasions they have faced off at the Friuli: the hosts won 10 times, the guests two.

Udinese have scored in each of their last five home games against Lecce, recording an average of two goals per games.

However, Lecce have already won nine games against Udinese, more than against any other Serie A opponent.

Lecce have also scored 27 goals against the Friulani - a joint-most in Serie A alongside Lazio.

In the game against Lecce at the Friuli, Antonio Di Natale scored one of his six Serie A hat-tricks.

Lecce are the only side in this competition who were able to win a game despite making 16 fewer shots than their opponent: this has happened twice, including last Sunday against Inter.

Udinese have alternated a home win with an away defeat over the last four match-days of this competition.

Parma were the last side able to win at the Friuli in Serie A, back in April; since then, Udinese have recorded 10 wins and two draws at home soil.

Read More

Premier League Opta Facts - Jan 31st - Feb 1st

Swansea City v Chelsea

Fernando Torres scored and was then sent off against Swansea back in September, He hasn't scored a Premier League goal since.
Swansea scored from their only shot on target when they lost 1-4 at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Danny Graham has scored in four of his last six Premier League starts at the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea have committed fewer fouls than any other team in the Premier League (187).
Swansea have conceded the joint-fewest goals in home games this season, (6).
Fernando Torres has now failed to score in 11 consecutive PL apps, beating his previous worst record of 10 apps (Jan-Apr 2011).
Chelsea have lost just one of their last 10 Premier League games (W5 D4 L1).
Swansea have kept just one clean sheet in their last six Premier League matches.
Swansea have lost just one of their last 19 home games in league competition (W11 D7 L1).
The Blues are unbeaten in their last six league matches away from Stamford Bridge (W3 D3).

Everton v Manchester City

Everton have won seven of the last nine Premier League matches against Man City.
The Toffees have lost just one of the last 13 Premier League home games against Man City (W8 D4 L1).
City have never beaten Everton in the Premier League after conceding the opening goal, losing 13 and drawing two of those 15 games.
David Silva has now provided 12 assists this season, four more than any other player in the league.
Everton have allowed their opponents fewer shots on target against them than any other Premier League side this season (78).
Everton have scored the highest percentage of goals in the second half of games in the Premier League this term (73%).
Man City have conceded the highest percentage of goals in the second half, (78%).
Only Aston Villa (6) have been on the wrong end of more Tim Cahill goals in the Premier League than Man City (five).
Man City have won just one of their last five away games in the Premier League and that came against bottom club Wigan.
Everton (32%) and Man City (20%) have benefited from the two highest proportions of goals by substitutes in the Premier League.

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion

None of the 11 Premier League meetings between West Brom and Fulham have ended as an away win.
Fulham are the only team in the Premier League who have not conceded a penalty this season.
Only Wigan (8) have conceded more penalties than West Brom (7).
West Brom have scored the highest percentage of goals in the first half of games this season (59%).
West Brom have won three and lost just one of their last five Premier League away games.
Roy Hodgson will manage his West Brom side against former club Fulham. He has won 34% of games with the Baggies compared with 34% at Fulham and 35% at Liverpool and Blackburn.
West Brom have kept just one clean sheet in their last 30 Premier League away games.
The Whites have lost just one of their last five Premier League matches (W2 D2 L1).
Martin Jol's side have won four of their last five matches at Craven Cottage (W4 D0 L1).
Bobby Zamora has scored two penalties in the Premier League, one with his right foot and one with his left.

Manchester United v Stoke City

Manchester United have opened the scoring in the 27th minute in each of their last three Premier League meetings with Stoke City.
Anders Lindegaard has the best saves to shots ratio in the Premier League, keeping out 82% of on target efforts faced.
Stoke have posted the worst shooting accuracy figures in the top division, hitting the target with just 34% of their attempts.
Ryan Giggs has the best minutes per assist rate in the Premier League this season (108).
Stoke City have won five penalties this season, the same number as in the previous two Premier League campaigns put together.
Stoke have conceded the highest percentage of first half goals in the top flight this season (55%).
The Potters have conceded a higher percentage of goals from outside the box than any other top flight club (27%).
47% of Stoke's attempts and 57% of their goals overall come from set pieces, both league-high proportions.
Only David Silva (12) has more goal assists than Antonio Valencia (eight) this season.
Manchester United have scored with 19.6% of their shots at goals, second only to Manchester City who have netted with 19.9%.

Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan Athletic

Tottenham are one of only two teams in Premier League history to score nine goals in a match, when they beat Wigan 9-1 at home in November 2009.
Defoe is one of only four players to score five goals in a single match, which he managed against Wigan in that 9-1 win.
Tottenham have drawn 99 Premier League home games.
Wigan have committed the highest number of fouls in the Premier League this season (292).
The Latics have conceded the most penalties in the Premier League (8) but Ali Al Habsi has saved four of them.
Wigan have also won the most penalties in the top flight this season.
Gary Caldwell has given away more than twice as many penalties as any other Premier League player since Jan 2010 (7).
Wigan have scored a higher percentage of goals from outside the penalty area than any other Premier League side.
Only David Silva (12) and Antonio Valencia (8) have more assists than Gareth Bale (7) this season.
Wigan have won none of their last seven Premier League games (W0 D3 L4) and have kept just one clean sheet in their last 19 matches.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

Wolves have scored just three goals in the seven Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
Liverpool have averaged 12 shots for every goal scored the worst ratio in the Premier League.
Liverpool have won just one of their last six Premier League matches and won only four points & scored only four goals in the four PL games without Luis Suárez since his suspension began.
Wolves have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other team in the top flight (153).
Wolves are the only team not to score any goals from outside the box this season.
Mick McCarthy's side are the only team in the top flight not to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a match this season.
However, Wolves have conceded more goals than any other team in the opening 15 minutes of games (8).
Wolves have gone 19 games without a clean sheet.
Liverpool have been caught offside 78 times, more than any other Premier League side.
Wolves have taken just one point from the last four Premier League matches at Molineux.

Aston Villa v Queens Park Rangers

There has never been an away win the nine Premier League meetings between Villa and QPR with seven wins for the home side and two draws.
Aston Villa are the only team in the Premier League without a goal from a corner this season.
Aston Villa have conceded more goals from corners than any other team in the top flight this season (10).
Aston Villa have recovered the joint-most points from winning positions in the Premier League (along with Wolves).
Villa have lost just one of their last five Premier League matches (W2 D2 L1), but have won none of the last five at home (W0 D1 L4).
QPR have taken just one point from the last 15 available away from home in the Premier League.
The Londoners have only conceded six goals in their last five away matches, but they have scored just two in that run.
Joey Barton has been booked in three of his last four Premier League appearances and sent off in the other.
Victory over Wigan last time out ended a run of nine Premier League games without a win for QPR.
Darren Bent has scored three goals in his last four Premier League appearances and has netted 99 Premier League goals in total.

Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United

There were four goals from just five shots on target in the reverse fixture back in September.
Blackburn have won six and lost one of the last eight Premier League matches against Newcastle.
Jason Roberts has scored three goals in his last four Premier League matches against Newcastle and has also scored four in his last four starts against the Magpies.
Blackburn are on a run of 25 Premier League games without a clean sheet.
Blackburn Rovers are the first Premier League side to fail to keep a clean sheet in their opening 22 games of a season.
Rovers have lost just one of their last five Premier League games (W2 D2 L1).
Blackburn are one of two Premier League sides (the other being Manchester City) who have not drawn a home game in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle have won just one of their last six Premier League away games (W1 D1 L4).
Rovers have conceded more headed goals than any other Premier League side (11).
In their last 10 Premier League games respectively, Newcastle and Blackburn have both earned 11 points.

Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

All three goals that Bolton scored against Arsenal last season were headers.
Arsenal have won nine of the last 10 Premier League games against Bolton (W9 L1).
There has been at least one goal scored in the last 15 minutes of each of the last nine Premier League meetings between Bolton and Arsenal (10 goals in total).
Robin van Persie has scored 20 goals in his last 20 Premier League away appearances.
Arsenal have lost three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since April 2007.
Bolton have conceded the most goals in the Premier League on home soil (25).
Arsenal have conceded the most goals away from home in the Premier League (25).
Arsenal have picked up fewer points after 22 matches (36) than in any Premier League season since 1995-96.
Only Manchester City (26) have scored more goals away from home in the Premier League than the Gunners (22).
Owen Coyle's side have gone 11 games without a clean sheet in the Premier League.

Sunderland v Norwich City

Five of the last six league meetings between Norwich and Sunderland have ended as 1-0 home wins.
11 of the last 14 league meetings between Norwich and Sunderland have been won by a one-goal margin, with the other three ending as draws.
The last five times Norwich have visited Sunderland the game has finished 1-0, twice in the Canaries' favour and three times for the Black Cats.
Norwich have scored a higher percentage of headed goals in the Premier League than any other team (41%).
Sunderland have conceded a higher percentage of headed goals than any other Premier League side (33%).
Since Martin O'Neill was appointed, Sunderland have picked up 16 points; only Manchester United (18) have picked up more in that time.
Sunderland have conceded the highest percentage of goals of any team in the opening 15 minutes of games this season (21%).
Sunderland have blocked more opposition shots than any other team in the Premier League (101).
Norwich have lost just one of their last eight Premier League games (W3 D4 L1).
Sunderland have lost just one of their last nine matches at the Stadium of Light (W4 D4 L1).

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 20:45 Tottenham - Wigan Athletic

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Tottenham FriedelWalker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto Lennon, Parker, Modric, Bale Van der Vaart Adebayor

Wigan Al-HabsiBoyce, Gohouri, Caldwell, Figueroa Watson, McArthur, McCarthy Moses, Gomez Sammon

Gareth Bale is expected to return from a minor thigh strain for Tottenham, who may also welcome Sandro and William Gallas back to the match-day squad following calf injuries.

As ever, you may as well toss a coin to predict the involvement of Ledley King. He was rested for the Watford FA Cup game but it may be more likely to see him emerge at Anfield on the weekend rather than at home to Wigan.

Long-term injuries rule out Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley whilst Tom Huddlestone's recovery from an ankle layoff remains a gradual process. Vedran Corluka is also ruled out.

Wigan will be without Antolin Alcaraz again after failing to recover in time from a groin strain. David Jones and Shaun Maloney however, should make themselves available for the trip to White Hart Lane, while Roberto Martinez may look to include new signing Jean Beausejour

DID YOU KNOW?

• Wigan have lost five of their last six games in all competitions.

• The clubs have only faced each other 14 times in their history.

• Tottenham have scored 18 goals to Wigan's five in their league meetings at White Hart Lane.

• Emmanuel Adebayor (pictured right) has scored all of his nine goals in the Premier League.

• Tottenham do not have an inspiring record in games refereed by Lee Probert. They have won just two of the seven games he has officiated, including the opening day 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

• Wigan's 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane in November 2009 was the heaviest in their history.

• Though not relevant for Tuesday, Wigan have not won a home game for five months in all competitions.

• Tottenham are nine points and two positions better off than at this stage last season.

• Conversely, Wigan are seven points and three positions worse off after 22 games than last year.

Prediction

Wigan won 1-0 here last season in the early stages of the campaign, a complete contrast to the 9-1 pasting they received two years ago and so will arrive with belief. Nonetheless this is a Tottenham team superior to last year's outfit, and though they could not find a winning goal against Wolves in their last home match, I don't fancy Wigan's defence to be as stout - particularly with Antolin Alcaraz missing. This is a Tottenham win for me.

Editor's Prediction

Tottenham 3-0 Wigan Athletic

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 20:45 Wolves vs Liverpool

Getty

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WOLVES Hennessey Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward Kightly, Milijas, Edwards, Jarvis Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher

LIVERPOOL Reina Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, EnriqueKuyt, Gerrard, Henderson, Adam, BellamyCarroll

Wolves are short in the centre of midfield with Karl Henry suspended following his red card against Aston Villa, while Emmanuel Frimpong and Jamie O’Hara are out injured so Nenad Milijas is likely to be handed a start. With Kevin Doyle currently out of favour, starting just once in the last six Premier League games, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake is likely to partner top scorer Steven Fletcher upfront.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has a near full squad to choose from, and is likely to name a similar side to the one that defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday, although Craig Bellamy may take the place of Stewart Downing.
Lucas Leiva and Jay Spearing are the only absentees though the visitors have plenty of cover in the centre of midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In the last meeting between the two sides at Molineux Liverpool were 3-0 winners with Fernando Torres scoring twice – the last goals he scored for the club before his £50million switch to Chelsea

• Wolves have only defeated Liverpool once in seven Premier League attempts.

• In past league meetings this game averages 1.57 goals a game.

• Wolves have not won in the Premier League at home since beating Sunderland 2-1 on the December 4.

• Liverpool have registered just one Premier League away victory in their last 5 attempts.

• Mick McCarthy’s (right) men are on a current run of nine Premier League games without a win.

• Kenny Dalglish’s side are also on a dip in the league at the moment – winning just once in their last six.

• Despite Liverpool’s league position of 7th and Wolves respective position of 19th, the two sides have scored the same amount of Premier League goals this season – 25.

Prediction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is coming under increasing pressure as they fall deeper into a relegation battle and a defeat here could see the end of his tenure. Despite recent victories over Manchester United and Manchester City in Cup games Liverpool have been very inconsistent in the league, which will give the home fans hopes of an upset. McCarthy is sure to have his players pumped up for this one and I feel they could get a result though with both sides struggling for goals.

Editor's Prediction

Wolves 1-1 Liverpool

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 20:45 Swansea - Chelsea FC

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SWANSEA CITY Vorm Williams, Caulker, Taylor, Rangel Allen, Britton, Sigurdsson Dyer, Graham, Sinclair

CHELSEA Cech Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, ColeRomeu, Essien, MeirelesSturridge, Torres, Mata

Ferrie Bodde (knee) is the only expected absentee for Brendan Rodgers, with the 39-year-old set to ring the changes following Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Bolton.

Expect Nathan Dyer, Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair to return to the starting XI, while Joe Allen and Leon Britton should return to the side in place of Josh McEachran and Kemy Agustien.

Andre Villas-Boas will be without Ramires, who injured his right knee in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup victory over QPR. Frank Lampard is a doubt for the match due to a calf strain, while Jon Obi Mikel is out with a hamstring and Didier Drogba also misses the tie due to African Cup of Nations duty.

Fernando Torres will likely continue in attack alongside Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge for the visitors, and Michael Essien may be in line for a start as he looks to fully complete his injury comeback.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Chelsea have only lost once in the 10 ten Premier League matches, but only won twice in the last seven.

• Fernando Torres (right) hasn't found the back of the net for 16 matches in all competitions.

• The London club has scored 16 goals on their travels this season, less than any other top five side.

• The Blues defeated Swansea 4-1 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season with Torres, Lampard, Terry and Drogba all on target.

• Swansea have lost just once at the Liberty Stadium this term, collecting more points at home than any side outside the top six.

• Rodgers' men have conceded just six times on friendly turf this season, equalling Manchester City for best in the league.

• Swansea loaned midfielder Josh McEachran from the Blues in mid-January.
• Chelsea's John Terry will answer allegations of racism against QPR's Anton Ferdinand the day after the Swansea match.

Prediction

The Swans home form is among the best in the league, and with both Dyer and Scott Sinclair up top and wide their efficacy is not solely based on their organised defence. Chelsea have scored only one goal in five of their last six matches as Torres continues his ignominious goal drought. Swansea's confidence in Wales compounded by the visitor's lack of scoring form suggests Andre Villas-Boas’ men may leave the Liberty Stadium with just a point.

Editor's Prediction

Swansea City 1-1 Chelsea

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 19:00 Gabon - Tunisia

CAN 2012 : Gabon - Morocco

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GABON Ovono Mouele, Apanga, Ebanega, Moussono Poco, Moubamba Aubameyang, Madinda, N'Guema Cousin

TUNISIA Mathlouthi Boussaidi, Ifa, Abdennour, Chammem Ragued, Saihi Msakni, Ben Yahia, Jemaa Khelifa

After ousting Morocco at the death in what was arguably the match of the tournament thus far, Gabon have their sights set on another north African foe in Tunisia. The mission for the Gabonese is to avoid a loss at all costs so that they don’t have to travel to Equatorial Guinea should they reach the semi-final stage. Considering how impressive and intimidating their home support has been, the team’s desire to stay in familiar surroundings is completely logical.
Gernot Rohr has also maintained that finishing top of Group C will give the Panthers their best chance of avoiding trophy favourites Ghana. Nothing is certain though as the Black Stars have not sealed first place in their pool and their final standing will not be known until the day after Gabon take on Tunisia. The Frenchman is expected to make some lineup changes: Moise Brou Apanga and Daniel Cousin look set to be included in the starting 11.
Although Sami Trabelsi hasn’t indicated his desire to avoid Ghana, Tunisia’s players have explicitly stated that they want to win their last match in order to remain in Gabon for the rest of their 2012 Afcon journey. The Carthage Eagles are coming off a match that their coach called their worst since he took over and will be eager to put in a more solid showing to send a message that they won’t be pushovers in the quarter-finals.
Tunisia are expected to make many changes to the team as a number of their players are threatened by suspension. Khalil Chammam and Anis Boussaidi are expected to take over on the left and right side of defence.
Bilel Ifa should be eligible to partner with Aymen Abdennour in central defence after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) recognised having wrongly put him down as having received a yellow in the first match against Morocco. Meanwhile, a midfield trio of Jamel Saihi, Wissem Ben Yahia and Jamel Saihi will be tested for the first time.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Tunisia and Gabon played each other was at the 2010 edition of the Afcon in Angola, with the match finishing in a goalless draw.

• Tunisia have scored four goals against Gabon on two occasions, once in a 4-0 win in 1993, and another in a 4-2 win in 2000.

• Gabon have never beaten the Carthage Eagles in the five games they’ve played against them. Their best results have been draws that they’ve achieved on two occasions.

• Panthers star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has assured Gabonese supporters that his side no longer fear any team after their impressive wins against Niger and Morocco.

Prediction

Just as it has been in the other games, Gabon's enthusiasm, physical power, and home advantage should be determining factors against the north Africans.

Editor's Prediction

Gabon 2-1 Tunisia

Read More

31.01. (Tue) 19:00 Niger - Morocco

Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS

NIGER DaoudaMazadou, Amadou, Chicoto, Soumaila Djibo, Laouali, Lancina, Garba Moussa, Alhassane

MOROCCO LamyaghriBasser, Boukhriss, Kantari, Kaddouri Belhanda, Kharja Amrabat, Boussoufa, Taarabt Hadji

Although they put in a much-improved performance against Tunisia compared to their dismal showing against co-hosts Gabon, Niger still could not avoid a second loss that equated to an early elimination from their first Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) experience. Nevertheless, the Mena are determined to build on their impressive outing against the Carthage Eagles and attempt to collect at least a point against the other north Africans of Group C, Morocco.
Niger’s players all expressed relief at having shown that they deserved to qualify for the 2012 Afcon ahead of defending champions Egypt, but they are still searching for their first points at the competition and claim that they are hungry for more. Though Roland Courbis’ apparent take-over of the team has confused many onlookers considering Harouna Gabde is still technically the head coach, the 11 men on the pitch will be keen to perform their best no matter who is running things on the sideline.
While Niger’s elimination was expected, Morocco’s was not and the Atlas Lions are still trying to figure out how things went so terribly wrong. Houssine Kharja and his team-mates were not able to hold back an energised Gabon that showed superior physical fitness and mental resolve, particularly in the latter stages of the encounter. Mehdi Benatia received his second yellow during that match and will miss out on this final game due to suspension.
Coach Eric Gerets has expressed a desire to see out his contract but a pointless display thus far has brought additional scrutiny and more criticism than he’s faced during his entire tenure, particularly due to his high wages compared to other Africa-based colleagues. This game may seem meaningless to his players but his slip-up against Niger, widely considered the weakest team in the group, would raise the pressure considerably on the Belgian manager.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Morocco beat Niger by the score of 6-1 in Rabat 10 years ago. It is the heaviest victory they’ve inflicted on the Mena in all their confrontations.

• Niger have only beaten the Atlas Lions on one occasion, a 1-0 home victory in 1991.

• Tuesday’s game will be the sixth time the two sides have faced each other. Four out of the five previous ones were Moroccan wins, the most recent of which was a 3-0 triumph in 2011 in Marrakech.

• Niger's star striker, Moussa Maazou has already secured a loan deal from CSKA Moscow to Le Mans on the strength of his performances at the 2012 Afcon.

• Tunisia midfielder Khaled Korbi praised Niger while speaking to Goal.com's Kingsley Kobo and said that the Mena have a fantastic future ahead of them.

Prediction

Niger will continue to battle hard but Morocco's technicians will probably find the holes in their defence and make them pay for it.

Editor's Prediction

Niger 1-3 Morocco

Read More