11.04. (Wed) 22:00 Atletico Madrid - Real

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ATLETICO MADRID CourtoisJuanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Gabi, SuarezAdrian, Diego, Arda Falcao

REAL MADRID CasillasArbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Khedira, Xabi Alonso Higuain, Ozil, RonaldoBenzema

Diego Simeone conducted a training session on Monday afternoon in which all but two players managed to take part in. Antonio Lopez and Silvio Pereira are still missing and are working away from the group as part of their rehabilitation from injury.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao was rested for the match against Levante at the weekend so it is likely he will be reinstated to the starting line-up for the derby.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will welcome back the services of Spain international defender Sergio Ramos, who returns from suspension for the match at Vicente Calderon and will likely return to the starting XI in place of Raul Albiol. Ricardo Carvalho is still injured and will miss the match.

The Portuguese tactician has warmed to the idea of starting Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema recently so it is likely all the will begin the game, with Kaka once again settling for a place on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last encounter between Atletico and Real Madrid took place in November when Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick to help his side to a 4-1 victory.

• Radamel Falcao is the third top goalscorer in the league this season. The Colombian has scored 20 goals in La Liga with only Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ahead of him in the standings.

• It has been over a decade since Atletico Madrid recorded a victory over their city rivals.

• Sunday's draw against Valencia was only the third time this season that Real Madrid have dropped points at home in La Liga.

• Real Madrid have scored exactly 100 goals this season in the league so far.

• Cristiano Ronaldo is just one goal away from taking his tally for the season to 50 goals.

Prediction

Real Madrid are not firing on all cylinders at the moment so one of the last things they would be wanting is a tough trip across the city for the derby. However, Atletico are reeling from a damaging defeat to Levante at the weekend so their confidence will not be great. Expect the attacking prowess of the Real Madrid frontline to power them to a narrow victory.

Editor's Prediction

Atl. Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Wolves - Arsenal

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WOLVES HennesseyZubar, Stearman, Bassong, Ward Kightly, Henry, Edwards, Jarvis Doyle, Fletcher

ARSENAL SzczesnySagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Gibbs Arteta, Song, RosickyWalcott, Van Persie, Benayoun

Jamie O'Hara, Stephen Hunt and Jody Craddock remain out with injury for Terry Connor's Wolves as he seeks to overcome a poor run of form.

Sylvain Ebanks-Blake was preferred up front against Stoke City but Kevin Doyle could be in line for a return on Wednesday.

Richard Stearman could continue at centre-back, after moving inside to accommodate Ronald Zubar whilst Roger Johnson is set to stay out of the picture after Connor opted to replace the controversial centre-back with Karl Henry as the club's captain.

Arsenal have no new injury concerns, though they are still without Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker (both ankle), Emmanuel Frimpong (knee), Francis Coquelin and Abou Diaby (both hamstring).

They will, however, be missing centre-back Laurent Koscielny as the Frenchman incurred a suspension for picking up his 10th yellow card of the campaign against Manchester City on Sunday.

Yossi Benayoun came in for the Gunners as they beat City 1-0 and Arsene Wenger is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that won that game.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Wolves have lost their last six games and are the Premier League's bottom side with 22 points from 32 games.

• The hosts have conceded a league-highest 70 goals so far this season.

• Behind 11-goal Steven Fletcher, Wolves' second-highest league goalscorer is winger Matt Jarvis (pictured right), who has just five.

• The Molineux outfit kept clean sheets in two of their first three Premier League games, on August 21 and 27, but have failed to keep any side out since then.

• Wolves have yet to score a league goal in the first 10 minutes of a match.

• Arsenal have won seven of their last eight matches.

• The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium by Wolves on December 27, Fletcher's equaliser cancelling out an early Gervinho strike.

• Arsenal have conceded five own goals in the league this term whilst Terry Connor's side have leaked just two.

• The Gunners have not lost to Wolves in any competition since September 29 1979, when they were beaten 3-2 in the old Division One. There have been 18 meetings between the two clubs since.

Prediction

Wolves have run out of time for caution and will need to go for it, unconcerned by the quality of the opposition, but you feel that the Gunners should have little trouble picking them off. Arsenal are on a high, having recovered from their shock defeat by QPR in the best possible way - an overturning of Manchester City - and their attack, particularly the imperious Robin van Persie, can be expected to put daylight between the two sides.

Editor's Prediction

Wolves 1-3 Arsenal

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Wigan - Manchester United

 

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WIGAN ATHLETIC Al-HabsiAlcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour Moses, Maloney Di Santo

MANCHESTER UNITED De GeaRafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Young Rooney, Chicharito

Neither team have any suspensions to worry about but there are injuries afflicting both squads.

Roberto Martinez is without Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega for the visit of Manchester United but it is the away side who have more players on the treatment table.

Midfielder Anderson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but could return next week. However in better news, Nani and Michael Owen are both expected to be fit for selection for the trip to the DW Stadium.

The Latics have no long-term injury concerns, but Sir Alex Ferguson will have to wait until the summer for the return of Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher. Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard also remains a long-term doubt.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Wigan have a terrible recent record against their visitors, recording an enormous 21-0 deficit in the last five encounters.

• Manchester United have won five of their last games without conceding a goal.

• The hosts have never so much as taken a point off United in any meeting between the sides.

• Wigan have scored just four times in the 14 matches.

• Victor Moses (right), Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez are the home side's top goalscorers this year with a paltry four goals each.

• In contrast, Wayne Rooney has 30 goals to his name in one of his most impressive campaigns.

• Roberto Martinez's side have lost just once in their last five games though, and were unfortunate to leave Stamford Bridge empty-handed following two officiating blunders.

• They have also found their shooting boots, scoring in the last five fixtures.

Prediction

I don't think it will be a walkover for United, no matter the past history of this fixture. I expect Wigan to have a decent go and if they stay defensively solid they may have a chance of nicking a point - especially if complacency slips into United's game. That said, if I were betting on this, it would be foolish to back anything other than an away win.

Editor's Prediction

Wigan Athletic 0-2 Man Utd.

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Manchester City - West Brom

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MANCHESTER CITY HartRichards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy Barry, De Jong   Nasri, Silva, JohnsonAguero

WEST BROM FosterJones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgwell Dorrans, Mulumbu, Scharner,Andrews, Brunt Odemwingie

Roberto Mancini will be without controversial striker Mario Balotelli after he received a red card in City’s loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Yaya Toure may also be unavailable as he was substituted in the first half against the Gunners with a knee injury. However, David Silva could be set to return to the fold following his absence due to a knee injury.

Roy Hodgson is likely to stick with the same team which beat Blackburn at the weekend but could opt to go with five in midfield against City, recalling Paul Scharner in place of Saturday’s goal scorer Marc Antoine-Fortune. Jerome Thomas could be fit to return although, due to the performance of Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans at the weekend, Hodgson may opt to leave him on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In 64 meetings between the sides in Manchester, City have won 38 times whilst West Brom have recorded victory 16 times and there have been 10 draws. 

• The Baggies last win when playing away at City came in 2003 when they ran out 2-1 victors.

• Roberto Mancini’s side are unbeaten in their last four games against the Midlands outfit.

• City have dropped just two points at home all season, as they drew 3-3 with Sunderland last time out at the Etihad.

• West Brom have the best away record outside of the top six, taking 22 points from their 16 away games so far this campaign.

• City have won just one of their last five Premier League matches.

• Peter Odemwingie has gone six games without scoring, his second-leanest spell of the season.

• Sergio Aguero (pictured right) has only scored two goals from open play in 2012. He has scored four goals in total, though two were penalties.

Prediction

City have been out of sorts recently and all but surrendered the title to Manchester United last weekend as the gap at the top stretched to eight points. However, their home form has been outstanding this season so expect them to extend that against the Baggies.

Editor's Prediction

Manchester City 3-0 West Brom

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Juventus - Lazio

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JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, ChielliniL'steiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie Matri, Quagliarella

LAZIO Marchetti Konko, Diakite, Biava, Radu Brocchi, Ledesma Gonzalez, Mauri, Candreva Rocchi

Juventus coach Antonio Conte once again has a full squad available with no injuries or suspensions, so his only worry will come in the form of which players to select in his starting line-up.

Having looked secure in defence recently, Juve are likely to stick with three at the back as full-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Paolo De Ceglie join the trio of Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio in midfield.

Meanwhile, Fabio Quagliarella, having scored in their last two matches, should get a start upfront, while Alessandro Matri impressed as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Palermo by setting up their second goal and could replace Mirko Vucinic.

Lazio took a big step towards Champions League qualification by defeating rivals Napoli 3-1 on Saturday but will once again be missing first-choice players in prolific striker Miroslav Klose, midfielder Senad Lulic and centre-back Andre Dias due to injury.

After recent poor performances, Brazilian midfielder Hernanes, who has eight goals in Serie A this season, could drop to the bench in favour of Alvaro Gonzalez with veteran Stefano Mauri moving into a more central attacking role behind lone forward Tommaso Rocchi.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus won the first match between these two sides this season by a score of 1-0 back in November with a strike from Simone Pepe.

• The Bianconeri, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, have kept five clean sheets in a row in Serie A.

• Conte's men remain unbeaten in league play and also boast the best defence, having conceded just 17 times.

• Lazio have not won in their last 14 attempts against Juventus in Serie A and have lost their last three league matches against the Bianconeri.

• Lazio have not won away from the Stadio Olimpico since defeating Chievo on January 29.

• Midfielder Cristian Ledesma is the player who has featured most for Lazio this season, making 31 appearances.

Prediction

Juventus will have the benefit of already knowing AC Milan’s result from Tuesday night against Chievo and thus be aware of what they must do to stay atop the league standings – Lazio will be no pushovers as they continue to chase third, but the advantage remains with the in-form Bianconeri, who are aiming for a fifth straight victory.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2-1 Lazio

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Roma - Udinese

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ROMA Stekelenburg Rosi, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel Gago, De Rossi, Pjanic Totti Bojan, Osvaldo

UDINESE Handanovic Coda, Danilo, Domizzi Pereyra, Pinzi, Pazienza, Asamoah, Armero Abdi Di Natale

Roma coach Luis Enrique will be without the services of Juan who is nursing a knee injury, while Fabio Borini has flu-like symptoms and will likely miss Wednesday's encounter.

Miralem Pjanic should receive the nod ahead of Marquinho in midfield, while Francesco Totti returned to training this week after shaking off a calf injury and will play behind Bojan Krkic and Pablo Osvaldo upfront.

Meanwhile, Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin will not be able to call on Antonio Floro Flores, Dusan Basta, Diego Fabbrini and Cristian Battocchio, who are all out injured.

Mehdi Benatia sustained a groin injury on Saturday against Parma and will not be available for selection and will likely be replaced by Andrea Coda.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Roma have recorded the fewest amount of draws in Serie A this season (five).

• The Giallorossi have failed to score in only four league games this term.

• The capital city club have won four out of their last five home matches, outscoring their opponents 12-4 during that span.

• Udinese have the best home record in Serie A but have lost seven games away from the Stadio Friuli.

• The Zebrette have picked up only one win in their last six encounters (W1 D3 L2).

• Guidolin's men have been held goalless twice in their past three road contests.

Prediction

Udinese have won only three games away from home this season and Roma are keen to bounce back from the disappointing loss to Lecce last Saturday. Look for the Giallorossi to squeak out a win thanks to Osvaldo’s heroics.

Editor's Prediction

Roma 2-1 Udinese

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11.04. (Wed) 20:45 Inter - Siena

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Inter Julio Cesar Zanetti, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu Stankovic, Obi, Cambiasso Alvarez, Milito, Zarate

Siena Pegolo Vitiello, Terzi, Rossettini, Del Grosso Giorgi, Vergassola, Gazzi, Brienza Destro, Larrondo

In just his third game in charge, Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni will be without the influential duo of Maicon and Wesley Sneijder, who miss out with knee and groin injuries respectively.
In better news, goalkeeper Julio Cesar returns after his suspension, as does centre-back Lucio for the same reason. Nigerian midfielder Obi looks likely to replace Freddy Guarin in a central three, while up front Ricky Alvarez is back from his recent injury lay-off, and should replace Diego Forlan.
Siena boss Giuseppe Sannino looks set to make three changes from the team that beat Atalanta 2-1 on Saturday. Both full-backs are set to swap, with Andrea Rossi and Matteo Contini being replaced with Roberto Vitiello and Cristiano Del Grosso. In midfield, Franco Brienza is back, and could start instead of Paolo Grossi on the left side of midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Inter are unbeaten against Siena in Serie A.

• In the previous 15 meetings between the two sides, only once have the Nerazzurri failed to score.

• Should Stramaccioni's side lose, though, they will equal the club's record for home defeats in a single season with six.

• Siena have won five of their last seven Serie A fixtures.

• This has been the Robur's best Serie A campaign having never picked up 39 points at this stage of the season before.

• The Tuscans' have only conceded 32 goals so far this term, their lowest ever at this stage of the campaign.

• The return fixture back in November ended with Inter winning 1-0.

Prediction

Under their new coach Inter have been adventurous in attack, and expect that to continue on Wednesday. The team's South American triumvarite up front has produced goals recently, and Siena, despite their current good run of form, look unlikely to cope.

Editor's Prediction

Inter 3-1 Siena

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11.04. (Wed) 20:00 Borussia D. - Bayern Munchen

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BORUSSIA DORTMUND Weidenfeller Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer  Gundogan, Bender  Kuba, Kagawa, Grosskreutz Lewandowski

BAYERN MUNICH Neuer Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Alaba  Luiz Gustavo, SchweinsteigerRobben, Muller, Ribery Gomez

The big absentee for BVB is Germany international Mario Gotze, who has recovered from the serious injury he picked up earlier this year, but is still working his way back to full fitness. However, he could enter the fray at some point of the game, if the scales are tipped in Bayern Munich's favour.

Defender Julian Koch will not feature in the match against the Bavarians as he is still recuperating from an injury and is unlikely to appear for Jurgen Klopp's side during the current campaign.
For Bayern Munich, Daniel Van Buyten has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will join long-term absentee Breno in the stands. It is yet unclear who will partner Bastian Schweinsteiger in centre of the field, with both Anatoliy Tymoshchuk and Luiz Gustavo in with a chance to feature in the starting XI.
Toni Kroos, who played a limited role in the win against Augsburg in order to avoid suspension, could displace Thomas Muller in the role behind striker Mario Gomez. He might also appear next to Schweinsteiger in central midfield, if Jupp Heynckes opts for a more offensive scheme.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Borussia Dortmund have triumphed in their last three games against Bayern Munich.

• BVB are on a 23-game unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga. 

• Dortmund managed to turn an eight-point deficit into a seven-point lead over Bayern Munich from Round 6 to Round 24.

• Bayern Munich are on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions (including the penalty shootout victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the DFB Pokal).

• The Bavarians can overtake Dortmund at the top of the table on goal difference if they win on Wednesday.

• Werder Bremen are the last team to beat Bayern Munich four times in a row. This happened between 1991 and 1993.

Prediction

For the first time in the last two years Dortmund enter the game as favourites against Bayern Munich. The mental burden is likely to affect them, and in truth the game can swing in any direction, but it is likely that BVB will still be on top of the table in the Bundesliga come Round 31.

Editor's Prediction

Dortmund 1-1 Bayern

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11.04. (Wed) 20:00 Nurnberg - Schalke 04

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NURNBERG Schafer Chandler, Wollscheid, Maroh, Pinola Balitsch, Simons Hegeler, Didavi, Mak Pekhart

SCHALKE Unnerstall Howedes, Papadopoulos, Matip, Fuchs Jones, Holtby Farfan, Raul, Draxler Huntelaar

Dieter Hecking is set to make a number of changes from the side that threw away a two-goal lead against Freiburg on Saturday.

Markus Feulner picked up his 10th booking of the season at Mage Solar Stadion, and will be unavailable due to the resulting suspension, and Timothy Chandler should drop back to slot in at right-back, with Jens Hegeler, who is fit again, replacing the American on the right wing.

Philipp Wollscheid is back from a suspension of his own, and will replace Per Nilsson at centre-back, who failed to shroud himself in glory against Freiburg. Adam Hlousek and Christian Eigler remain sidelined.

Having missed Sunday's 3-0 win over Hannover through suspension, Jermaine Jones and Joel Matip should return to the starting line-up for the trip to Nurnberg, replacing Marco Hoger and Christoph Metzelder respectively.

Meanwhile, club captain Benedikt Howedes made his return from a hamstring injury during the final five minutes of the weekend's clash, and could start ahead at right-back ahead of Atsuto Uchida.

Lewis Holtby should replace Christoph Moritz, but goalkeeping duo Timo Hildebrand and Ralf Fahrmann remain sidelined. Christian Fuchs should return having missed the weekend's action after suffering from flu.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In 2007-08, Nurnberg's relegation to the 2. Bundesliga was sealed when they lost 2-0 at home to Schalke.

• The Bavarians' 2-2 draw with Freiburg on Sunday halted a four-match losing streak - their longest such run this season.

• Only Kaiserslautern have mustered fewer Bundesliga goals than Nurnberg's 27 this season.

• Schalke have scored at least three goals in four of their last six Bundesliga games.

• Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (pictured, right) became the first Dutchman to score 24 goals in a Bundesliga season when he scored against Hannover on Sunday.

• Raul's last three Bundesliga goals have been assisted by Jefferson Farfan.

Prediction

Despite stumbling against Athletic Bilbao and Hoffenheim, Schalke have been in rampant form of late, dispatching the majority of teams that have stood in their way. Accordingly, I'd expect them to ease past a Nurnberg team who have been struggling for momentum in recent weeks, will have been deflated by surrendering a two-goal lead to Freiburg over the weekend, and are missing key players.

Editor's Prediction

FC Nürnberg 1-3 Schalke

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