Friday, March 23, 2012

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24.03. (Sat) 22:00 Getafe - Valencia

Sofiane Feghouli - Valencia
Sofiane Feghouli - Valencia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GETAFE

Moya
Valera, Diaz, Alexis, Mane
Michel, Lacen
Rios, Castro, Barrada
Miku
VALENCIA


Guaita
Bruno, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu
Costa, Topal
Feghouli, Jonas, Alba
Soldado

Getafe's goalless draw against Osasuna on Tuesday night saw them increase their unbeaten run to three games but they will come up against a wounded animal in the shape of Valencia.

Defender Rafa is expected to be out for about a month with a quadriceps injury so once again Luis Garcia has only two fit centre-backs in Alexis and Cata Diaz. Meanwhile, Alberto Lopo, Pedro Leon and Masilela are all further injury worries for the Getafe coach.

Unai Emery's Valencia side lost against Zaragoza despite Los Che having a man advantage for 70 minutes, and the home support showed their disapproval come full time. 

Emery will be without a host of players for the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez including Ever Banega and long-term absentee Sergio Canales. Miguel and and Ricardo Costa both miss out through injury also, whilst Antonio Barragan is suspended.

Bruno is expected to replace the absent defender, whilst Victor Ruiz could be reinstated into Valencia's defence at the expense of Dealbert. Furthermore, Tino Costa is available following his suspension.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Getafe the scored the lowest number of goals at home (12) this season in La Liga, when you do exclude the teams in the relegation zone.
  • Luis Garcia's side have beaten Valencia just once in their last six meetings with Los Che victorious on the other five occasions.
  • Unbeaten in three currently, Getafe have to go two more matches without tasting defeat to equal their best run of the campaign.
  • Valencia won this fixture at the Mestalla earlier in the season by three goals to one in match that saw Sofiane Feghouli score a brace.
  • Roberto Soldado (pictured right) has netted more than double the number of La Liga goals than Getafe's top scorer, Miku.
  • Los Che have won more games away from home than their opponents have mustered at home so far this season.
Prediction
Following their defeat against Zaragoza it is difficult to see anything but a Valencia win as they look to recover from that embarrassing defeat. Getafe, however, will ask questions of Unai Emery's side and should they score first it could be an interesting contest.
Editor's Prediction
Getafe 1-2 Valencia

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24.03. (Sat) 20:00 Real - Real Sociedad

Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos; Villarreal, Real Madrid
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL MADRID

Casillas
Arbeloa, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo
Khedira, Alonso
Callejon, Kaka, Ronaldo
Benzema
REAL SOCIEDAD

Bravo
Cadamuro, Gonzalez, I. Martinez, De la Bella
Illarramendi, Aranburu
Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann
Vela

Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil are suspended for Real Madrid's Primera Division encounter with Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The duo were dismissed in the ill-tempered 1-1 draw at Villarreal along with boss Jose Mourinho, who serves a touchline ban.

With Ricardo Carvalho struggling to recover from a thigh problem, Raphael Varane looks set to start in central defence in place of Ramos.

Fabio Coentrao is likely to be involved after being omitted for "technical reasons" against Villarreal, while Angel Di Maria (thigh) is still sidelined.

Carlos Martinez and Markel Bergara are out injured for Real Sociedad, who look to recover from Wednesday's 3-1 home defeat to Levante.

Gorka Elustondo misses out after his red card against Levante, as does Dani Estrada, who received his fifth yellow card of the season in the same match.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at Villarreal was the first time they had dropped points away from home since a goalless stalemate at Racing Santander in September.
  • The Castilian side have won their last six encounters against Real Sociedad.
  • Karim Benzema (pictured right) has scored 60 goals in all competitions since joining Madrid, nine more than the club's next highest French-born goalscorer, Zinedine Zidane.
  • Real Sociedad have lost six of their last ten matches in La Liga.
  • The Basque outfit are on a four-game losing streak away from home.
  • Sociedad's last victory at the Santiago Bernabeu came in May 2004.
Prediction
Back-to-back 1-1 draws for Madrid has blown the Liga title race wide open and Barcelona will be smelling blood after seeing the way Mourinho's side lost their composure at Villarreal. Los Blancos have looked a little heavy-legged in recent weeks, but they should put Sociedad to the sword to preserve what is still a sizable lead over their arch-rivals.
Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad

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24.03. (Sat) 19:00 Montpellier Herault - Saint Etienne

Ligue 1 : Olivier Giroud (Montpellier) vs Paulao (Saint-Etienne)
Panoramic


PROBABLE LINEUPS



MONTPELLIER
Jourdren
Bocaly, Yangambiwa, El-Kaoutari, Bedimo
Saihi, Estrada
Ait Fana, Belhanda, Utaka
Giroud

 

SAINT-ETIENNE
AS Saint-Etienne

Ruffier 
Ebondo, Zouma, Mignot, Ghoulam
Guilavogui, Clement
Aubemayang, Nicolita, Sako
Sinama-Pongolle
Montpellier boss Rene Girard has no major concerns on the injury front, but will have to do without two defenders through suspension. Hilton and Benjamin Stambouli were both sent-off in last week's 1-0 defeat to Nancy, which has left la Paillade further adrift of leaders PSG.
On a positive note however, Jamel Saihi and Joris Marveaux both signed long-term deals at the Stade de la Mosson this weekend, with both set to feature at some point on Saturday.
Saint-Etienne's push for an unlikely Champions League place takes them to Montpellier on Saturday. Should they beat Rene Girard's men, les Verts would only be a point behind Lille in third.
Christophe Galtier has no major injury concerns in his squad at present, with kick-off scheduled at 19.00 CET on Saturday.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Montpellier remain second in the table, despite losing 1-0 to Nancy last weekend. 
  • La Paillade have won their previous five home games, without conceding a goal.
  • There has not been a first half goal in the last four games Montpellier have contested.
  • Saint-Etienne sit sixth with 46 points, four behind Lille in the third and the final Champions League qualification place.
  • Les Verts' Pierre Aubameyang has contributed to more than half of his side's goals on the road this season.
  • Saint-Etienne drew the reverse fixture earlier this season, with the points shared after a 1-1 draw.
Prediction
A very difficult match to predict, but I think that Rene Girard's men have the ability to beat a tricky opponent in Saint-Etienne. With their fantastic home form, a narrow victory for the hosts looks on the cards.
Editor's Prediction
Montpellier Herault SC 2-1 AS Saint-Etienne

Ligue 1 Opta Facts - 24th-25th March


Ajaccio - Lorient
Lorient are unbeaten in their two previous trips to Ajaccio in all competitions (one win and a draw).
Only five goals have been scored in the five previous competitive encounters between Ajaccio and Lorient.
Ajaccio are unbeaten in their last six home games in Ligue 1, registering four wins and two draws.
Lorient have not won any of their last 13 away matches in Ligue 1, only Auxerre are currently on a worse run (14).
Lorient are on a run of 19 consecutive league games without a first-half goal.
Lorient lost both of their two games away to promoted teams in this season's L1 (ETG and Dijon).
Lorient have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches.

Brest - Nancy
Nancy have not won any of their last five competitive matches away to Brest registering four defeats and a draw.
With Nolan Roux, Brest scored over one goal per league game this season, compared to 0.3 without him on the pitch.
Nancy have only won one of their last 10 trips to Brittany in Ligue 1.
Brest have only scored four goals in their nine league matches in 2012.
Brest have scored 65% of their goals in the first half of their matches, a league-high this season.
Only Brest (23) have scored fewer goals than Nancy (26) in Ligue 1 this season.
Daniel Niculae has scored Nancy last three goals away from home in Ligue 1.]

Evian - Lille
The last time a promoted side beat a title holder was back in August 2010 when Caen overcame Marseille 2-1.
ETG are unbeaten at home against the current top three sides in this season's Ligue 1, drawing 2-2 with PSG and beating Montpellier 4-2.
Lille's defenders have scored a league-high 13 goals this season.
ETG are the only team to have yet to score a goal in the last 15 minutes of a home league match this season.
ETG's Kevin Bérigaud boasts the best minutes-per-goal ratio this season in Ligue 1.
Eden Hazard is one of only five players to post double figures in both goals and assists this season in the top five European leagues (Adebayor, Messi, Miccoli and Ribéry).

Lyon - Sochaux
Sochaux have won just once in their last 14 trips away to Lyon in Ligue 1.
Sochaux top the league since Eric Hély was appointed as manager earlier this month (six points).
Having won the reverse fixture in November, Sochaux have the opportunity to record their first league double over Lyon since the 1991/92 season.
Michel Bastos has scored more Ligue 1 goals against Sochaux than vs any other team (five).
Lyon are the only Ligue 1 team to have scored in every single one of their home league matches this season.
Bafetimbi Gomis has never scored in 11 previous league appearances against Sochaux.
Alexandre Lacazette has scored in both of his two appearances against Sochaux in Ligue 1.
Lisandro has scored in five of his last six league appearances at Lyon's Gerland Stadium.
Lyon have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven home league games, currently the worst such run in Ligue 1.
Edouard Butin has scored three goals in only two league games during Eric Hély's reign as Sochaux manager, which is as many as in 22 matches under Mecha Bazdarevic.

Montpellier - St Etienne
Only Lyon (four) have beaten Montpellier on more occasions than St Etienne (three) since MHSC's return to the top flight.
Montpellier are enjoying their best ever league campaign at this stage of a Ligue 1 season.
Montpellier have won their last five home games in Ligue 1 without conceding a single goal, currently the best sequence in the league.
St Etienne have managed six away wins for the first time since 1999/00
Olivier Giroud is the first player to attempt over 100 shots in this season's Ligue 1.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 53% of St Etienne's league goals away from home this term.
Having collected 37 points, Montpellier are the best team at home this season in Ligue 1.
Montpellier's last four league matches have not witnessed a single first-half goal.

Nice v Marseille
Having lost all of their last seven competitive matches, Marseille are currently enduring their worst ever run.
Nice have suffered more Ligue 1 defeats against Marseille than versus any other opponents (47).
None of the last 14 Ligue 1 encounters between these sides have ended as a draw, with Marseille winning 11 and Nice three.
If the season had started in 2012, Marseille would be in the relegation zone.
Five of Marseille's last six league goals against Nice have been scored by the Ayew brothers.
Said Ennjimi, who will officiate in this encounter, has awarded a league-high eight penalties this season.
Marseille have failed to score a single goal in their last three away games in Ligue 1.

Valenciennes - Rennes
Rennes have on average scored only one goal per game when facing Valenciennes in Ligue 1 (43 goals in 43 matches).
Theses sides face each other at the Hainaut stadium for the second time this week, after Rennes 3-1 win on Wednesday.
Rennes have only registered two victories in their 21 Ligue 1 trips to Valenciennes
Rennes are the only team this season in Ligue 1 with victories away from home (seven) than at their own stadium (five).
83% of the goals Valenciennes have scored at home this season come in the second half of their matches.
Valenciennes are on a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions, conceding nine goals in the process.
Youssouf Hadji has found the net in both of his last two competitive starts for Rennes.

Dijon - Caen
Dijon have lost all of their five Sunday fixtures this season in Ligue 1.
Caen are unbeaten against Dijon in all competitions, registering five wins and two draws.
Dijon have scored at least one goal in each of their last 11 league matches, currently the longest scoring run in Ligue 1.
Caen have only won one of their last 10 away matches in L1, their solitary victory coming away to Lyon in February.
Gael Kakuta's record in front of goal in Ligue 1 is four goals from five shots on target.
No goalkeeper has saved a shot on target from Thomas Heurtaux in this season's Ligue 1 (four goals).
Caen have conceded the most goals in the second half injury time this season in Ligue 1 (six).
Caen are unbeaten in their last six matches against promoted teams in this season's L1 (four wins and two draws) and have scored 16 goals in the process.

Toulouse - Auxerre
Auxerre won on both of their last two visits to Toulouse's in Ligue 1.
None of the last 20 Ligue 1 encounters between TFC and AJA have ended as goalless draws.
Auxerre have not won any of their last 11 Ligue 1 matches, currently the longest run in the league.
Jean-Guy Wallemme has managed to win just four of his 34 previous away games as a Ligue 1 manager.
Toulouse have only conceded three goals in their last eleven home league games.
Auxerre have registered the fewest wins in this season's Ligue 1 (four).
Auxerre are winless in their last 14 away league matches, currently the longest run.
Toulouse's last two goals in Ligue 1 have both been scored by opposition players (own goals by Mareque and Danze).

PSG - Bordeaux
Bordeaux have won five of their last seven encounters with PSG (all competitions).
Bordeaux have scored at least one goal in each of their last seven competitive encounters with PSG.
PSG are unbeaten in their last 13 Ligue 1 matches (eight wins and five draws) currently the best sequence in the top flight.
Paris SG have conceded nine goals by opposition defenders this season, a divisional high.
PSG have not kept a single clean sheet in their last five Ligue 1 matches.
Jérémy Menez has scored four goals against Bordeaux in L1, more than against any other team.
Kevin Gameiro has netted six goals against Bordeaux in Ligue 1, more than against any other side.

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24.03. (Sat) 18:30 Schalke 04 - Bayer Leverkusen

Germany, Bundesliga, 1. FC Kaiserslautern vs. FC Schalke 04, Lewis Holtby
Bongarts


PROBABLE LINEUPS

SCHALKE


Hildebrand
Uchida, Matip, Papadopoulos, Fuchs
Jones, Holtby
Farfan, Raul, Draxler
Huntelaar
LEVERKUSEN


Leno
Da Costa, Schwaab, Toprak, Kadlec
Reinartz, Rolfes
Castro, Renato Augusto, Schurrle
Kiessling
Having found some consistency in recent weeks, Huub Stevens is expected to name an unchanged team once more.
However, there is still a string of players missing for the Gelsenkirchen outfit. Both Ralf Fahrmann and Lars Unnerstall remain sidelined with a knee ligament and shoulder injury respectively, leaving Timo Hildebrand to continue in goal.
With Benedikt Howedes and Christoph Metzelder both suffering from hamstring injuries, Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Joel Matip will retain their berths at the heart of defence.
Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen are expected to name an unchanged side from the one that lost 2-1 to Borussia Monchengladbach last week.
Rene Adler is fit again, having missed the entire season, but will be firmly behind Bernd Leno in the pecking order, following the 20-year-old's impressive form since joining the club from Stuttgart.
Another player approaching a return is Sidney Sam, but the 24-year-old will not be fit to start the encounter with the Europa League quarter-finalists. Vedran Corluka is back in training, while Lars Bender and Michael Ballack both have muscle complains.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • A little under a decade ago, Schalke overcame Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 in the DFB-Pokal final.
  • Having triumphed 1-0 at the BayArena in October, Huub Stevens' men can complete their first ever Bundesliga double over Leverkusen on Saturday.
  • Schalke have scored 11 goals in their last three games, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar bagging five of those strikes.
  • The Veltins Arena has been a productive stadium for Bayer Leverkusen - the visitors have lost just once in their last Bundesliga 12 visits to Gelsenkirchen.
  • Stefan Kiessling (right) has scored four goals in his last five league games.
  • Robin Dutt's side have lost their last two matches, but are yet to lose three games on the trot this season.
Prediction
Despite wavering fortunes over the last month, Schalke are well and truly back to top form, recording a string of convincing victories. For Leverkusen, meanwhile, things are looking gloomy, with their chances of maintining their Champions League status diminishing by the week. Accordingly, I'd expect the hosts to pull through, and hammer another nail in the coffin of Robin Dutt's European dream.
Editor's Prediction
Schalke 3-1 Leverkusen

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24.03. (Sat) 18:30 Stoke City - Manchester City

EPL - Manchester City v Chelsea, Samir Nasri
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS
STOKE CITY

Begovic
Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson
Shotton, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington
Crouch, Walters


MANCHESTER CITY


HartRichards, Kompany, K Toure, Clichy Y Toure, BarrySilva, Aguero, Nasri
Balotelli


Stoke boss Tony Pulis will be without Salif Diao after the midfielder picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Wednesday. Glenn Whelan, who came on for the former Senegal international at White Hart Lane, should replace him. Ricardo Fuller is the only other enforced absentee as he serves the final game of his three-match ban for violent conduct following his red card in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea earlier in the month.
Roberto Mancini almost has a full squad heading to the Britannia Stadium, with club captain Vincent Kompany likely to play having recovered from a calf injury obtained earlier in March. He will probably partner Kolo Toure in the centre of defence, with Stefan Savic dropping to the bench. Joleon Lescott (groin) is unlikely to feature on Saturday and is now Roberto Mancini's only injury worry.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Manchester City have scored just one less goal away from home in the top flight this season (27) than Stoke City have scored both at the Britannia Stadium and on their travels (28).
  • Carlos Tevez (pictured right) played for City for the first time since September in the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, and assisted Samir Nasri’s winning goal. He could feature again on Saturday.
  • Pulis' men have failed to score only once in their last seven domestic matches, in the 1-0 defeat away to Chelsea.
  • Mancini's side can go top of the Premier League table by two points with a win over Stoke this weekend, with Manchester United in action on Monday at home to Fulham.
  • Although both sides are fighting markedly different battles this season, the league is both teams’ only remaining competition, having been eliminated from all other cups.
  • Both teams have shared familiar foes in the domestic trophies this season. Manchester City were knocked out of the League Cup by Liverpool at the semi-final stage, while the Potters were defeated in the FA Cup and the League Cup by Kenny Dalglish’s side.
  • Sergio Aguero scored either side of Adam Johnson’s 25-yard strike in a 3-0 win over the Potters back in December.
  • A reverse of that scoreline is unlikely but not inconceivable. Mancini's side have only won two of their last seven away top-flight matches, with losses to Swansea City and Sunderland among those dropped points.
  • Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri have as many assists between them (27) as the entire Stoke team in the league this campaign.
Prediction
Had Manchester City stumbled against Chelsea on Wednesday I might have foreseen a challenge from the Spurs-conquerors, but as it stands Roberto Mancini’s men should have enough momentum to eventually win this clash comfortably. Stoke City at home are not opponents to be underestimated however, and the Blues cannot afford to take the foot off the pedal should they hope to beat Manchester United to the finishing line.
Editor's Prediction
Stoke City 0-2 Manchester City

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24.03. (Sat) 18:00 Mallorca - Barcelona

Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Granada
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MALLORCA

Aouate
Chico, Nunes, Ramis, Caceres
Marti, Tissone
Pereira, Alvaro, Castro
Casadesus
BARCELONA

Valdes
Busquets, Pique, Puyol
Fabregas, Xavi, Keita, Iniesta
Sanchez, Messi, Pedro

Mallorca welcome back key trio Ivan Ramis, Michael Pereira and Chori Castro from suspension for Saturday's visit of Barcelona.

Sergio Tejera (hamstring) and Marvin Ogunjimi (ankle) are both out, while Pedro Bigas is suspended.

Barcelona utility man Adriano is sidelined through a muscle injury sustained in Tuesday's 5-3 win over Granada.

The Brazilian's absence leaves coach Pep Guardiola with a selection headache in defence, with both Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano also unavailable through suspension.

Sergio Busquets could be pushed into defensive duty alongside Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique in a 3-4-3 formation, with Seydou Keita continuing in the holding midfield role.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Mallorca are on a four-game unbeaten run in La Liga (W2, D2).
  • The islanders have failed to score in just one of their last eight matches in La Liga.
  • Chico (pictured right) had a brief stint with the Barcelona B team in 2008, making 13 appearances and scoring two goals.
  • Barcelona are on a six-match winning streak in La Liga.
  • The Catalans have dropped 18 points this season, two at Camp Nou and 16 away from home.
  • Lionel Messi has netted an incredible 17 goals in his last seven games for Barca.
Prediction
Mallorca took a significant step towards securing their top-flight status with a hard-fought win at Sporting Gijon in midweek, but will be up against it against the free-scoring Catalans. The visitors can round out a perfect week for them by winning their seventh straight Liga match and really turning up the heat on leaders Real Madrid, who host Real Sociedad a couple of hours later.
Editor's Prediction
Mallorca 0-2 Barcelona

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24.03. (Sat) 18:00 Milan - Roma

Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Juan - Roma-Milan (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


AC MILAN


Abbiati
Bonera, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Mesbah
Aquilani, Van Bommel, Nocerino
Emanuelson
Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy
ROMA


Stekelenburg
Taddei, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel
Gago, De Rossi, Pjanic
Totti
Borini, Osvaldo

AC Milan have a seemingly endless list of names on the sidelines, as Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi, Rodney Strasser, Ignazio Abate, Robinho and Flavio Roma, Mathieu Flamini and Antonio Cassano are all out of contention.

With that to contend with, plus the suspension of Luca Antonini, three changes are set to be made from the 2-2 draw with Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg on Tuesday, as Daniele Bonera, Mark van Bommel and Antonio Nocerino are waiting in the wings.

Meanwhile for Roma, they are also likely to make minimal alterations from the side that picked up a 1-0 win against Genoa earlier in the week. Miralem Pjanic and Francesco Totti should come into the XI at the expense of Leandro Greco and Erik Lamela.

However, defensive pair Nicolas Burdisso and Juan are not expected to return to fitness until the latter stages of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • AC Milan have won just two of their last five home games in Serie A despite leading the table.
  • However, they have won five of their last six in the league, including three straight victories without conceding a goal.
  • The Rossoneri have a clear advantage in the head-to-head, winning 70 of the 152 league matches the two have contested, drawing 45 and losing 37.
  • Roma come into the match on the back of two successive victories, having ended a run of consecutive defeats.
  • Their away form is one of the worst in the division, having lost four of their last five games on the road prior to the recent win against Palermo.
  • The Giallorossi won the last time these two teams met at San Siro, as Marco Borriello scored the only goal in a 1-0 win here last season.

Prediction
Milan's dominant recent form at San Siro coupled with Roma's below-par showings away from home should result in a fairly comfortable win for the hosts on paper. However, as we have seen elsewhere in Europe, the times are a changin', and there is every chance Luis Enrique's men may spring up a surprise.
Editor's Prediction
Milan 1-1 Roma

Opta Facts La Liga 2011-12 Match Day 30


Mallorca v Barcelona

Mallorca are without a win in five league meetings with Barcelona (W4 D1 F3 A14).

The islanders are one of only six sides to have won at home to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the league (2-1 in 08/09).

Barcelona have won 14 of their last 17 league meetings with Mallorca (D1 L2).

The azulgrana have won eight times at Mallorca in the last 10 seasons (D1 L1), more than at any other side.

Four of Pep Guardiola's 10 league defeats as a manager have ended in the same result: 1-2.

Mallorca have taken 10 of the last 12 points available at home, their best run at home in a single season since 09/10 when they won 10 in a row.

The Baleares have scored in their last eight league games at the Iberostar Estadi.

Barcelona are on a run of three straight away league wins for the first time since January.

Mallorca have won back-to-back league games for the first time this season: they have not won three on the spin since May 2009.

Against Granada, Messi scored his sixth hat-trick in the league this season, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo in this tally.


Real Madrid v Real Sociedad

Real Madrid are on a run of five straight league wins against Real Sociedad, their best run since they managed 13 in a row between 58/59 and 69/70.

The merengues' last four matches at home to Basque sides in the league have ended in big wins: two 4-1s and two 5-1s.

Real Sociedad have drawn more league matches against Real Madrid than any other side (36 in 129 games), and also the most at the Bernabéu (16 in 64).

The txuri-urdin have only won one of their last 14 matches in Madrid in the top-flight: 4-0 at Getafe in 10/11 (D2 L11).

Real Madrid have only conceded one own goal in the league under José Mourinho: Álvaro Arbeloa against Real Sociedad last season (4-1 win).

The blancos have scored in 24 consecutive league matches, something they haven't managed in a single season since 2001/02 (27 games).

Real Madrid are without a win in back-to-back league games for the first time since September (D2).

Real Sociedad are the only side in LigaBBVA yet to score a penalty this season.

Real Madrid have scored the most penalties in the competition this season (10).

The Basque side have failed to score in their last two league games on the road for the first time since returning to the top-flight in 2010.


Getafe v Valencia

Getafe have lost their last four league meetings with Valencia.

The Madrid side are without a clean sheet in their last seven LigaBBVA clashes with Los Che, conceding an average 2.7 goals per game.

Valencia have won their last four league meetings with El Geta, a win in this match would equal their best run of successive victories against a side from the capital (five vs Atlético between 1998 and 2000).

Valencia's last three league draws in Madrid have all been by the same scoreline: 0-0.

Luis García's men have only won one of their last five league matches at the Coliseum (D2 L2).

A win for Valencia would equal their best run of away wins in the league this season (three).

Valencia (36%) and Getafe (34%) have conceded the highest proportion of their goals in the last 15 minutes of LigaBBVA matches this season.

Unai Emery's men have dropped the joint-most points after opening the scoring in LigaBBVA matches this season (20).

Roberto Soldado has scored four goals against Getafe in Primera: his joint-most against any opponent for Valencia (with Athletic).


Real Zaragoza v Atlético de Madrid

Real Zaragoza are on a run of three straight league defeats against Atlético and have conceded in each of their last seven meetings with the rojiblancos.

The maños have only won one of their last eight matches at home to Madrid sides in Primera (D2 L5).

Atlético have beaten Real Zaragoza in five of their last seven top-flight meetings (D1 L1).

The rojiblancos have drawn on 20 visits to Real Zaragoza in Primera, only Espanyol have drawn as many matches there (20).

Simeone's men are on a run of four league away games without a win (D3 L1).

The maños are unbeaten in their last two at home in the league (W1 D1), their best run since September/October (three games).

Atlético have scored in their last six league games, their joint-best run this season.

Falcao has scored a higher proportion of his side's goals than any other player in LigaBBVA this season (49%, 19/39).

Zaragoza have scored the highest proportion of their goals in the last 15 minutes of La Liga games this season (42%).


Levante v Osasuna

Osasuna have won just one of their four matches at Levante in the top-flight (L3).

Levante have scored in all but one of their matches against Osasuna in Primera (the 0-2 defeat in October).

The side from Navarre have lost just one of their last seven league matches on the road (W2 D4).

Osasuna are unbeaten in their last six LigaBBVA meetings with sides from the Comunidad Valenciana (W5 D1).

JIM's side have scored the same number of goals as they have conceded at home in the league in 2012 (nine).

Osasuna have only had more points (40) after 28 games once before in Primera (2005/06).

Both Juan Ignacio Martínez (46.4%) and Medílibar (39.5%) have managed a higher win % than their predecessors at their clubs in La Liga.

Levante are, along with Rayo Vallecano, the only side yet to drop a single point in the last 15 minutes of La Liga games this season.

Against Levante Miguel Flaño will play his 200th game with Osasuna: of current players only Patxi Puñal has made more appearances for the Rojillos.


Espanyol v Málaga

Since Málaga CF's foundation, they have drawn just one of their 21 top-flight meetings with Espanyol (12 wins for the Andalucians, eight for the Catalonians).

The pericos have won their last five league matches at home to Málaga in the league, conceding just two goals in the process.

Málaga have won their last two league meetings with Espanyol (both at home).

Santi Cazorla has scored more goals from direct free kicks than any player in Europe's top-five leagues this season (four).

Espanyol have won nine of their last 11 league games at home to Andalucian sides in LigaBBVA (D1 L1).

A win against Pellegrini's men would mean Espanyol have won three straight league games at home for the first time since December 2010.

Málaga have conceded in their last eight league matches on the road.

Málaga's last three league wins over Espanyol have been by the same scoreline: 2-1.


Athletic v Sporting de Gijón

Athletic have lost just one of their last 20 league games against the Asturians, 1-2 in October 2009 (W12 D7).

Marcelo Bielsa's men have lost just one of their last 10 league games at home to Sporting (W7 D2).

The Lions' last two league wins at home to Sporting in the league have been by the same scoreline (3-0).

On the road, Sporting are without a win in seven league games (D1 L6).

The Basque side have lost just one of their last seven league matches at San Mamés: last time out against Valencia (W4 D2).

Sporting have won just one of their last 27 league meetings with Basque sides (D10 L16).

Athletic have scored the most headed goals of any side in Europe's top-five leagues (16).


Real Betis v Racing de Santander

Racing have won just one of their last 15 matches at Benito Villamarín in the top-flight, 2-0 in May 1998 (D8 L6).

The last four league draws between the sides have ended with the same result (1-1).

Racing have won just two of their last 18 top-flight meetings with the side from Seville (D8 L8).

Racing are without a win in their last six visits to Andalucian sides in the league (D5 L1).

Real Betis have scored in eight consecutive top-flight games at home for the first time since 2004/05 when they scored in every home game (22).

Racing have won just one of their last 14 league matches on the road: 2-0 at Osasuna in January (D5 L7).

Pepe Mel's side are without a win in five in La Liga (scored five, conceded 11).

Racing are on a run of four straight league defeats: they have not gone five in a row since 2002/03.

Only Soldado's (15) and Messi's (16) goals in La Liga this season have earned their sides more points than Rubén Castro's (12).


Granada v Sevilla

Granada are unbeaten in their last five matches at home to Sevilla in LigaBBVA, managing just one win though (D4).

Sevilla have only scored on one of their last five trips to Granada in the top-flight.

The granadinos have won just two of their last 16 meetings with Sevilla in Primera (D6 L8).

Sevilla have lost just one of their last 13 matches at other Andalucian sides in the top-flight: 1-2 at Málaga in their last one (W9 D3).

Granada have only failed to score in one of their last eight league games at home.

Sevilla have won just two of their last eight league games on the road (D1 L5).

Siqueira is the top-scoring defender in La Liga this season (5).

Three of Granada's last four league wins at home have been by the same scoreline: 2-1.

Granada have lost four of their last five league games, but have won three of their last four at home.


Rayo v Villarreal

Rayo have only beaten Villarreal once in the Spanish top-flight (D2 L4).

The amarillos have scored in all seven of their meetings with Rayo in Primera.

Villarreal have managed just one win in their last 19 away games in LigaBBVA (D5 L13).

Rayo's biggest-ever away win in Primera came at Villarreal in their first meeting in the competition (5-1 in 00/01).

Rayo have won their last two league matches at home; they have not won three in a row at home in LigaBBVA since April-May 2002.

A win for Rayo over Villarreal, this season would be their best-ever top flight campaign after 29 games (40 points).

Villarreal are on a run of six league games without a win (D2 L4), conceding 12 goals and scoring five.

Only Messi (1.26) and Cristiano Ronaldo (1.18) have scored more goals per game this season than Diego Costa (0.86) in La Liga.

Rayo have had the second-most goals scored by substitutes at home in La Liga this season, while Villarreal are yet to score through a player from the bench on the road.

Serie A OPTA Facts - Week 29


Atalanta v Bologna
Bologna lead by 34 wins to 24 in the head-to-head against Atalanta in the top-flight, 25 draws complete the record.
Over the last four meetings between Atalanta and Bologna, the home side have never won.
Atalanta lead by 20 wins to seven in Bergamo, but the Orobici have only beaten Bologna once in their last seven clashes at home.
Atalanta are unbeaten in their last seven league games, but have been held to a draw in the last three against Udinese, Parma and Inter.
Bologna have lost just one game since the start of 2012 - they would be 4th in the Serie A table on 21 points in this time-frame.
Away from home, Bologna are unbeaten in their last five games, a run which has included wins against Inter and Lazio.
Away from home, Bologna have won four and lost four league games this season, drawing the other five.
Atalanta have conceded just 29 goals this campaign - only AC Milan, Juventus and Udinese have a better defensive record.
Bologna have scored the joint-most goals following an indirect free-kick (six, as many as Napoli).

Cesena v Parma
These two sides have met just five times so far in Serie A: Parma are unbeaten in light of three wins and two draws.
Parma have scored in each of their five previous meetings against Cesena in Serie A, but have never netted more than two in a game.
On each of the two occasions that Cesena have scored against Parma, they have avoided defeat.
Cesena are winless in their last 10 league games, picking up just two points in the process (0-0 vs Napoli and Catania).
Cesena have failed to score in their last five league fixtures.
In fact their attack is the worst in Serie A (16 goals scored, only nine at home).
Cesena have also conceded the joint-most goals from corners (nine, alongside Lecce).
Parma are winless in the last seven match-days (four losses and three draws).
Parma have conceded the most goals in the second half in this campaign (32).
Only 24% of Parma's goals have been scored by strikers (eight out of 33).
Sergio Floccari is the only Parma striker who has managed to score away from home this campaign (2-2 in Genoa back in February).
Adrian Mutu is Cesena's leading scorer on seven goals in 22 appearances.

Chievo v Siena
This will be the 14th meeting between these two sides: Siena lead by six wins to five.
Chievo have won just one of their last seven meetings against Siena (2-0 in April 2009).
Chievo have won just one of their six games against Siena in Verona (4-1 in March 2006).
Away from home, the Tuscans ended a run of 18 winless games in the top-flight by beating Cesena at the Manuzzi in their last game on the road.
Last weekend though, Siena ended their three-game winning run in the league by losing to Novara.
Chievo have lost three of their last four home fixtures in Serie A.
Emanuele Calaiò is Siena's leading goalscorer this term on 11 goals - previously, he had never scored more than eight in a Serie A season.
Chievo have conceded seven goals in total in their last four home games, as many as they had shipped overall in their previous 15 league fixtures at the Bentegodi.

Genoa v Fiorentina
Fiorentina lead by 39 wins to 16 against Genoa in Serie A, 26 draws complete the record.
Over the last 20 years, Genoa have won just once in 13 league meetings against Fiorentina, 2-1 at home in 2009/10.
Genoa have picked up 25 of their 33 points this season on home soil.
Fiorentina have won just one game on the road so far, only Palermo (still winless) have a worse record away from home this term.
Only six of the Violas's goals have been netted away from home in this campaign.
Genoa have the worst defence of this Serie A (49 goals conceded).
Rodrigo Palacio is Genoa's leading scorer on 14 goals, nine of which have been netted in the second half.
The Tuscans have taken just four of the last 21 points available, losing five games out of seven.
Alberto Gilardino has scored three goals in this Serie A, two for the Viola and one for Genoa.
Since 2003/04, Gilardino has only once failed to record 10 league goals in a single Serie A season; when he was at AC Milan in 2007/08.
Amauri is still looking for his first goal with Fiorentina, his last goal in Serie A came in April 2011 against Udinese for Parma.

Juventus v Inter
This will be the 158th "derby of Italy": Juventus lead by 74 wins to 44, with 39 draws completing the record.
Inter suffered their worst defeat in Serie A against Juve (9-1 in 1960/61).
Juventus are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Inter (three wins and two draws).
Juve are the only side still unbeaten across the top-5 European leagues (14 wins and as many draws).
Only Genoa and Napoli have managed to score more than a single goal in a game against Juventus in this campaign.
Siena are the only side so far able to keep a clean sheet at the Juventus Stadium in Serie A this season (0-0 back in February).
Away from home, Inter have recorded only six wins this season, six losses and a draw complete their record.
Inter have already conceded 17 goals on the road, in 2009/10 when they won the treble under José Mourinho the Nerazzurri shipped 19 in total away from the San Siro.
Inter's defenders have scored seven goals this season, the most of all Serie A sides.

Lazio v Cagliari
Lazio have won 23 of their 53 previous meetings against Cagliari in Serie A, the Sardinians have had the better on 16 occasions, 14 draws complete the record.
These two sides have not shared the points in their last 10 league meetings, since a 0-0 in 2006/07.
Losing 3-1 against Bologna, Lazio have ended a run of seven consecutive games without a defeat at home in Serie A.
Lazio have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six home games in this competition.
Last Sunday's win over Cesena ended a run of three consecutive defeats for the Sardinians in Serie A.
Lazio have conceded the most goals in the opening 15 minutes of play (nine), and the fewest in the last 15 (only two).
50% of Miroslav Klose's 12 goals have been scored in the last 10 minutes of play, four in the last five minutes.
Only Andrea Pirlo has made more touches (2786) than Ledesma (2336) since the start of this campaign.
Lazio's Senad Lulic has already scored four goals - with Catania's Nicola Legrottaglie he is the most prolific defender of this competition.

AC Milan v Roma
AC Milan lead by 70 wins to 38 against Roma in Serie A, with 45 draws.
The Rossoneri have won just two of their last 11 games against Roma in the league, both by a one goal margin (including the reverse fixture at the Olimpico 3-2).
Roma have won four of their last five games at AC Milan's ground, the hosts had the better just once in 2009/10 (2-1).
Roma have scored in each of their last seven visits to AC Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri's side have lost just one of their last 23 home games in the league, the derby against Inter back in January.
Lazio are the only side so far who have been able to score more than one goal at the San Siro against AC Milan this season, doing so back in September (2-2).
AC Milan have not conceded a goal in any of their last three games.
Antonio Nocerino is AC Milan's second top scorer on nine goals, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic has bagged more.
The Swede is the current Serie A top-scorer on 20 goals, this is just the second time he has managed to reach this tally in a single campaign.
AC Milan boast the best attack of Serie A (57 goals).
Roma have scored the most goals in the opening 15 minutes of play so far (11).

Napoli v Catania
Napoli lead by nine wins to seven against Catania in Serie A, five draws complete the record.
Napoli have scored exactly one goal in each of their last four league meetings against Catania.
The Partenopei are unbeaten in their last eight games (five wins, three draws, including the 2-2 against Udinese last Sunday).
Napoli have scored 16 goals in total over their last six fixtures, on average 2.7 per game.
When Catania have conceded goals away from home this season, they have never won.
Should they keep a clean sheet at the San Paolo, the Sicilians would equal their record of consecutive games without conceding goals in Serie A (four in 1963/64).
Napoli have scored the most goals in the last 15 minutes of play (15) this term.
Catania are unbeaten in their last six games (four wins, two draws).
Napoli are still unbeaten at the San Paolo since the start of 2012 - this season they have lost just twice at home in Serie A.
Catania have converted the most penalties in this Serie A campaign (eight).
Edinson Cavani has found the net with 18 of his 79 attempts (23% conversion rate).

Novara v Lecce
The 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture is the only previous meeting between these two sides in the top-flight.
Novara have won just three games at home in this campaign, including the last one against Udinese (1-0).
Novara have kept three successive clean sheets at home having previously gone 11 home games without recording a shutout.
Only Genoa (49) have conceded more goals than Novara (46) so far in this Serie A season.
Only once this season have Lecce scored more than a single goal away from home, in their 3-3 draw at Parma's ground.
Novara have won back-to-back games for the first time in this competition.
Lecce have conceded goals in each of their last five league games.
Novara have scored just four goals before half time this season - a league-low
Lecce, however, have conceded 24 goals in the first half - a league-high.

Palermo v Udinese
Udinese lead by 12 wins to 11 against Palermo in Serie A, with six draws.
Udinese have won their last four games against Palermo, scoring 16 goals in total.
The last meeting at the Barbera saw the guests winning 7-0: that was Udinese's biggest away win in Serie A, as well as Palermo's worst home defeat.
Only one of the last 30 Serie A games played at the Barbera has ended as a draw (Palermo-Cesena 2-2 in April 2011).
Palermo have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their last eight fixtures (conceding 18 in total).
Udinese have won just one of their last seven league games, and two of the last 12 away from home.
Only Udinese (34) have picked up more points than Palermo (30) on home soil this term.
Antonio Di Natale has fired in the most shots in this Serie A season (98), only Ibrahimovic has converted more into goals (20 for the Swede, 19 for Di Natale).
Di Natale is also the Serie A player to have been caught off-side the most: 73 times in 26 appearances.

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24.03. (Sat) 16:00 Arsenal - Aston Villa

 FA Cup ,Richard Dunne,Arsenal v Aston Villa
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL

Szczesny
Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs
Gervinho, Arteta, Song, Oxlade-Chamberlain
Ramsey
Van Persie
ASTON VILLA

GivenHutton, Collins, Cuellar, Warnock
Albrighton, Petrov, Bannan, N'Zogbia
IrelandAgbonlahor

Arsenal have no new injury worries to contend with for the clash against Aston Villa, so expect Arsene Wenger to rotate slightly after facing a tough Everton side just three days previously. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho may come in with Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky relegated to the bench.
Jack Wilshere (ankle), Abou Diaby (hamstring), Sebastian Squillaci (groin) and Francis Coquelin (hamstring) are nearing a return to fitness, but are not expected to make a comeback before the end of March.
For Alex McLeish, along with Darren Bent being sidelined for the remainder of the season, defenders Richard Dunne (collar) and Ciaran Clarke (knee) will occupy the treatment table until early April.
Unfortunately, McLeish does not have the same squad depth that Wenger enjoys, so the more-or-less the same side who beat Fulham 1-0 last time out could feature. Barry Bannan replacing the inexperienced Chris Herd in the centre of midfield could be the only change.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • The two sides met in the FA Cup in January (pictured right) when Arsenal came from two goals down to win 3-2.
  • Mikel Arteta has the most attempted passes in the Premier League with 1892.
  • Arsenal’s last defeat at the Emirates was the 2-1 loss against Manchester United in January.
  • Aston Villa’s last away victory was in the same weekend, against strugglers Wolves.
  • In their last 6 meetings, Aston Villa have won just once against the Gunners.
  • Aston Villa have managed just one win from their last seven outings in all competitions, but are unbeaten in their last three.
  • The two sides have faced each other 183 times, with Arsenal victorious 74 times, compared to Aston Villa's 65, and 44 meetings ending all square.
  • Robin van Persie is the league's leading scorer, notching 26 goals so far this season.
Prediction
Despite having a rely on a poor refereeing decision to beat Everton on Wednesday, you cannot argue with Arsenal's recent form.
McLeish's men are desperate for points after the relegation-threatened Blackburn and QPR recently picked up points, but they won't be gaining any of their own at the Emirates this weekend.
Editor's Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa