Saturday, April 21, 2012

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22.04. (Sun) 20:45 Juventus - Roma

Juventus celebrating
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


JUVENTUS


Buffon
Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini
Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio
Pepe, Quagliarella, Vucinic
ROMA


Stekelenburg
Rosi, Kjaer, De Rossi, Angel
Pjanic, Gago, Marquinho
Totti
Osvaldo, Lamela

Once again, Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have a full squad at his disposal with no suspensions or injuries to worry him.

His main concern will be deciding between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 formation, with the latter looking more likely in order to more closely match up against the Giallorossi. The recent good form of centre-back Leonardo Bonucci could result in Giorgio Chiellini being pushed out to the left of the defence.

Meanwhile, Fabio Quagliarella seems set to lead the line upfront, but Alessandro Matri and Marco Borriello are also in contention to start. Bianconeri talisman Alessandro Del Piero, set to leave the club at the end of the season, could face fellow Serie A icon Francesco Totti for the final time in his career.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Roma boss Luis Enrique has been toying with the idea of using Daniele De Rossi in defence during recent training sessions, a tactic he utilised earlier in the season as injury-prone Nicolas Burdisso and Juan remain on the sidelines - meaning ex-Real Madrid man Fernando Gago would anchor the midfield.

In-form Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is certain to start in attack as Erik Lamela and Fabio Borini, who could return from a leg muscle injury, vie for the remaining spot ahead of playmaker and captain Totti.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A and have the best defence, conceding just 18 goals and only allowing one in their last six matches.
  • Conte's men are the team that has drawn the most times in the top flight this season, sharing the spoils a total of 14 times thus far.
  • Del Piero has bagged a total of 10 Serie A goals against the capital side in his career, his second-favourite target after Siena.
  • Roma have only been able to secure one victory in their last 13 Serie A encounters against Juventus.
  • Summer signing Osvaldo has four goals in his last five matches and a total of 11 in 23 appearances during the 2011-12 league campaign.
  • The Giallorossi have won just one of their last seven matches on the road in Serie A, a 1-0 victory against Palermo on March 10.

Prediction
Roma's away record (W5 D2 L9) leaves plenty to be desired and while they typically are fired up for clashes with Juventus and they arguably have the quality to challenge the hosts, they lack the organisation and discipline. Expect the Bianconeri to continue their good form as they attempt to win the Scudetto.
Editor's Prediction
Juventus 2-1 Roma

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22.04. (Sun) 18:00 Atletico Madrid - Espanyol

Joao Miranda, Radamel Falcao - Atletico Madrid
Joao Miranda, Radamel Falcao - Atletico Madrid

PROBABLE LINEUPS
ATLETICO MADRID


Courtois
Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe
Gabi, Suarez
Adrian, Diego, Turan
Falcao
ESPANYOL



Alvarez
Lopez, Rodriguez, Moreno, Didac
Baena, Romaric
Garcia, Verdu, Coutinho
Uche

Atletico Madrid seized control of their Europa League semi-final against Valencia on Thursday night, but with the capital club pursuing a top four finish, Diego Simeone is unlikely to rotate his squad ahead of the return leg.

Influential defender Diego Godin returns to the fold after missing the Europa League tie through suspension and is likely to replace Alvaro Dominguez who picked up a knock this week. Silvio and Antonio Lopez, meanwhile, continue their rehabilitation as they approach match fitness, following an extensive period out of action through injury.

Espanyol ended a baron run of five consecutive matches without a win with a thumping 4-0 victory over a lacklustre Valencia to reignite their own challenge for the European spots, moving to within six points of fourth placed Malaga.

Mauricio Pochettino can welcome back Philippe Coutinho and Juan Forlin from suspension for the visit to the Vincente Calderon, whilst the robust Romaric could be preferred in central midfield to add an extra physical presence. Vladimir Weiss may have to be content with a spot on the bench with Sergio Garica, Joan Verdu and Kalu Uche all playing a vital part against Valencia.


DID YOU KNOW?

  • Atletico Madrid and Espanyol are level on points in La Liga, with the Barcelona-based outfit ahead because of a superior head-to-head record, achieved on the back of a 4-2 win in the reverse fixture.
  • Atleti have only lost to Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon in 2012.
  • Diego Simeone's side have been heavily reliant on Radamel Falcao (pictured) this season. The Columbian striker has netted 22 goals in La Liga since his €40million move from Porto, 50% of their total tally.
  • Espanyol have failed to win any of their last seven league games away from home.
  • The Catalans have amassed the fewest away goals of any side in the top half of the table, alongside Osasuna.
  • Fourth-placed Malaga are just six points clear of Sevilla who occupy 11th in La Liga, Espanyol and Atleti are also locked on 45 points.

Prediction
With the competition for a Champions League reaching boiling point Atleti will be aware of their head-to-head record with clubs around them, which could make this a more expansive tie considering the compactness of the table. Espanyol's poor away form, paired with Atleti's supreme home record, should lead to a victory for Diego Simeone's side, but by how many could be key come the end of the season.
Editor's Prediction
Atl. Madrid 3-1 Espanyol

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22.04. (Sun) 17:00 Paris Saint Germain - Sochaux-Montbeliard

Ligue 1 : Carlo Ancelotti & Kevin Gameiro (Paris SG)
Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS



PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Sirigu
Jallet, Bisevac, Alex, Tiene
Bodmer, Matuidi
Menez, Pastore, Nene
Gameiro




FC SOCHAUX MONTBELIARD

FC Sochaux
Richert
Corchia, Poujol, Yaya, Sauget
Lopy, Nogueira
Boudebouz, Martin, CamaraMaiga

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti has the luxury of a near-fit squad with the only absentee being midfielder Clement Chantome who is still sidelined with a hip injury.

However, Ancelotti is still yet to decide on his best eleven, with team changes and uncertainty witnessed nearly every game, to the point of which club captain Mamadou Sakho being dropped, and even Jeremy Menez filling in the unusual position of centre-forward.

Nevertheless, Kevin Gameiro's display in the 1-1 draw with Auxerre last weekend should see him back in contention, by Momo Sissoko is still banned. Additionally, Ceara and Maxwell are injured.

On the other hand, Sochaux's Eric Hely has a number of injury concerns. Jeremy Brechet (Achilles), Edouard Butin (knee), Steven Mouyokolo (knee), Damien Perquis (elbow) and Yacine Mikari (knee) are all out.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Paris Saint-Germain sit 2nd in Ligue 1 after their 1-1 draw with Auxerre last weekend.
  • Les Parisiens have only won once in their last six encounters in all competitions.
  • PSG are unbeaten in their last 15 home games against Sochaux in Ligue 1, winning nine.
  • Jeremy Menez started his career at Sochaux, making 55 appearances and scoring seven goals
  • Sochaux sit 18th in the table, with three wins in their last five games.
  • Les Lionceaux have only won three of their last 32 games at the Parc des Princes.
  • Sochaux have been in the relegation zone for more than three months.
  • The club have scored ten goals in their last six games under Eric Hely, more than in their last 16 games under Mecha Bazdarevic.

Prediction
A match PSG cannot afford to lose, or even draw with the end of the season moving into the horizon. Ancelotti's men are a formidable outfit at home, and should record victory.
Editor's Prediction
PSG 3-1 Sochaux

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22.04. (Sun) 17:00 Wolves - Manchester City

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WOLVES

De Vries
Zubar, Johnson, Bassong, Ward Kightly, Edwards, Henry, Jarvis Doyle, Fletcher
MANCHESTER CITY

HartRichards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy
Silva, De Jong, Barry, Nasri
Tevez, Aguero

Wolves goalkeeper Dorus de Vries is set to make his Premier League debut for the club after signing in January, in place of long-term absentee Wayne Hennessey.

The Welsh international underwent surgery on Wednesday for a torn cruciate knee ligament picked up in last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Sunderland.

Loanee defender Sebastien Bassong is available after serving a one-match suspension and Roger Johnson may make a return to the club following on-pitch altercations with Hennessey during the 3-2 home defeat by Bolton Wanderers.

Winger Matt Jarvis is in line for a return to the starting lineup.

Roberto Mancini is still without striker Mario Balotelli, who completes a three-match ban.

However, former exile Carlos Tevez is poised to make another start after bagging four goals in his last two outings.

The Italian manager has reported no further injury concerns.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Wolves have an impressive record against Manchester City, leading the overall head-to-head by 46 wins to 44, with 24 draws.
  • Wolves won their last home game against Manchester City, with David Edwards scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory.
  • Wolves have lost their last eight matches at Molineux, a club record.
  • Terry Connor has only taken two points from nine games since his appointment as interim manager.
  • Manchester City have the best goal-scoring and defensive records in the Premier League this season.
  • City have only accumulated 12 points from their last 11 away games, winning three, drawing three and losing five.
  • Together, Tevez and Aguero have scored and assisted eight goals in their last two games.
  • Sergio Aguero is the Premier League's third highest scorer with 21 goals.
Prediction
The malignant inevitability surrounding Wolves' relegation nightmare will prove too much for Terry Connor and his men, as they take on a free-scoring Manchester City side hell-bent on finishing the season as top dogs. Wolves' players have looked deflated, demoralised and dejected in recent weeks and it is expected that Manchester City will do nothing to aid their suffering, by pounding another impressive collection of goals past the hosts.
Editor's Prediction
Wolves 1-5 Manchester City

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22.04. (Sun) 17:00 Liverpool - West Brom

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LIVERPOOL

Reina,
Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique
Henderson, Spearing, Gerrard, Downing
Suarez, Carroll
WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Foster,
Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell

Brunt, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas
Odemwingie, Long

Liverpool are set to welcome back Pepe Reina after a three-match suspension to replace stand-in keeper Brad Jones.

Alexander Doni also returns from a ban but Reina is expected to take his place between the sticks and Australian Jones will hope to retain a place in the squad at least.

Jose Enrique will hope for a recall after being dropped to the bench for the Reds' semi-final win over Everton and could come in for veteran Jamie Carragher, who was badly at fault for the Toffees' goal.

Andy Carroll will hope for another start after his winner at Wembley last weekend.

West Brom duo Marc Antoine-Fortune and Jonas Olsson face late fitness tests before the trip to Anfield.

Fortune suffered a hamstring injury during last week's 1-0 win over QPR and was forced off on the hour mark whilst Olsson pulled out during the warm-up with a tight groin.

Shane Long and Craig Dawson, respectively, are waiting in the wings if they fail to win their fitness battles.

Zoltan Gera, James Morrison and Steven Reid all remain on the sidelines.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Liverpool have only taken seven points from their last nine games. They could go three matches unbeaten for the first time in 2012.
  • Only the two Manchester clubs and Everton have conceded fewer goals than the Reds (34) this season.
  • Liverpool have not lost any of the last 10 matches that Andy Carroll has started - winning eight of them - and have not won the past eight without him in the side (D3, L5).
  • West Brom have taken just a single point from their last four away matches.
  • Nevertheless, the Baggies have earned more points from away matches (22) than at The Hawthorns (20) this season.
  • Albion are two points better off than at the equivalent stage last season.
  • Liverpool have won all five previous Premier League meetings with West Brom at Anfield without conceding a goal.
  • Albion's last victory at Anfield was exactly 45 years before the day of this fixture. They have since gone 24 league and cup visits without success (D6, L18).
  • Reds captain Steven Gerrard is one shy of 150 club career goals.
  • If Peter Odemwingie scores he will be the first West Brom player to reach 25 Premier League goals for the club.
Prediction
Liverpool come into this game boosted by the win over Everton but their home form of late has been shaky and the visiting Baggies will hope to take advantage.
Roy Hodgson's men have a notoriously poor record against his former side, though, and I expect the Reds to sneak past a spirited Albion outfit.
Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 West Brom

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22.04. (Sun) 16:30 Ajax - Groningen

Theo Janssen en Christian Eriksen (Ajax - De Graafschap)
PROSHOTS

PROBABLE LINEUPS


AJAX

Vermeer
Van der Wiel, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Blind
Eriksen, Anita, JanssenAisatti, De Jong, Boerrigter
FC GRONINGEN

Luciano
Hiariej, Ivens, Sparv, Burnet
Andersson, Keurntjes
Suk, Bacuna, Tadic
Texeira
Frank de Boer remains without Nicolas Boilessen and Miralem Sulejmani as both have been ruled out with injuries. Daley Blind and Ismail Aissati look set to continue deputising, respectively.

The Ajax boss could opt to start Kolbein Sigthorsson in the centre forward slot which would likely see Siem de Jong pushed back to his preferred midfield role. Vurnon Anita is also in with a chance to take the place of Blind at left back.

For the visitors, Leandro Bacuna is set to return from suspension, while David Texeira could also be in line start. Central defender Virgil van Dijk is currently sidelined with an appendix problem. Kees Kwakman and Emil Johansson join him in the treatment room, nursing rib and groin injuries, respectively.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Ajax need just four more points to claim their first successive title since 1996.
  • The reigning champions recorded a 3-1 victory over De Graafschap last time out, with a double from Derk Boerrigter (pictured) and a solitary strike from Cristian Eriksen sealing the points.
  • The Godenzonen have conceded just once in their last six ties, a run which puts them third in the defensive record standings.
  • Groningen currently sit 13th in the standings, having won only one of their last eight games. Their last fixture ended in a 1-0 win for visitors Roda.
  • The northern side have won just twice on their travels this season, drawing three and losing ten.
  • David Texeira is the club’s current top scorer, the Uruguayan having netted eight times up to this point.

Prediction
Ajax’s performance against De Graafschap last week was fairly timid, and the reigning champions may well crank up the heat with the title essentially just two victories away due to their strong goalscoring record. Groningen’s recent form is nothing short of woeful, and the northern side are unlikely to snatch any points off the prolific hosts.
Editor's Prediction
Ajax 3-0 FC Groningen

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22.04. (Sun) 15:30 Augsburg - Schalke 04

FC Augsburg, Matthias Ostrzolek & Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracken
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


AUGSBURG
Jentzsch
Verhaegh, Sankoh, Langkamp, Ostrzolek
Baier, Hosogai
Ndjeng, Koo, Bellinghausen
Oehrl

SCHALKE

Unnerstall
Howedes, Matip, Metzelder, Escudero

Jones, Hoger
Farfan, Raul, Draxler
Huntelaar

Jos Luhukay will be without several players for the visit of the Gelsenkirchen side. Dawda Bah is recovering from knee surgery, Akaki Gogia has a ligament problem, Stephan Hain has a thigh complaint, while Marcel de Jong remains sidelined.

After scoring in last weekend's 2-1 victory against Wolfsburg, Torsten Oehrl is likely to keep his place up front ahead of Nando Rafael.

Huub Stevens will be forced into two changes from the side that lost last week's Ruhr derby to Borussia Dortmund. Kyriakos Papadopoulos has a hamstring knock, and will replace Joel Matip alongside Christoph Metzelder at the heart of defence.

Meanwhile, Christian Fuchs is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards across the course of the season, leaving Sergio Escudero to take his place at left-back. Ralf Fahrmann and Timo Hildebrand remain sidelined with knee and elbow injuries respectively.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The last four Bundesliga games featuring Augsburg have featured at least three goals.
  • Prior to Jos Luhukay's men 3-1 home defeat to Stuttgart on April 10, the Bavarians had beat unbeaten in eight Bundesliga home games, keeping five clean sheets in five of those encounters.
  • This is the first time that the SGL Arena side have entertained Schalke in the Bundesliga.
  • However, Schalke did play in Augsburg last season, when they won 1-0 en route to winning the DFB-Pokal.
  • Raul (pictured, right) announced that he will be leaving the Veltins Arena at the end of the season. The Spaniard has scored 39 goals in 94 so far in his career in Germany.
  • Since the Bundesliga's inception in 1963, Schalke have spent just five campaigns outside the top flight. This is Augsburg's first season among Germany's elite.

Prediction
Although the gulf in quality between these two sides is plain for all to see, Augsburg have been in good form of late, while Schalke have stumbled. What's more, the Royal Blues' Champions League qualification is a foregone conclusion, while the hosts are fighting for dear life at the wrong end of the Bundesliga. Accordingly, I'd expect these two side to play out a hard-fought draw.
Editor's Prediction
FC Augsburg 1-1 Schalke

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22.04. (Sun) 15:00 Milan - Bologna

Milan celebrating
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

AC MILAN

Abbiati
Abate, Nesta, Yepes, Antonini
Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari
Seedorf
Ibrahimovic, Robinho
BOLOGNA


Agliardi
Raggi, Portanova, Cherubin
Garics, Perez, Mudingayi, Rubin
Ramirez, Diamanti
Di Vaio

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri will be without a handful of influential players for the clash at San Siro. Thiago Silva, Alexandre Pato and Kevin-Prince Boateng are all still nursing muscle injuries while Massimo Ambrosini will also miss out due to a knock.

Mark van Bommel returns from a back injury and should be handed a start in midfield while Ignazio Abate has recovered from a muscle strain and should slot into a right-back role. Daniele Bonera is available for selection again after serving a ban.

Meanwhile, Federico Agliardi will deputise for the injured Jean-Francois Gillet between the posts for Bologna at the weekend. Gyorgy Garics will likely receive the starting nod ahead of Nico Pulzetti on the right side.

Bologna boss Stefano Pioli will also be unable to call upon Jose Angel Crespo and Federico Casarini who are injured.


DID YOU KNOW?
  • AC Milan have the most wins (20) and have scored the most goals (62) in Serie A so far this season.
  • The Rossoneri have only picked up two victories in their last five matches at San Siro (W2 D2 L1).
  • Allegri's men have kept the most clean sheets (16) in the league this term.
  • Bologna have lost 10 games by a two-goal margin this season.
  • The Rossoblu have secured only one win in their last five encounters (W1, D2, L2).
  • Pioli's side have failed to score in their last two matches away from the Renato Dall'Ara.

Prediction
Milan desperately need the full three points on Sunday as they battle neck-and-neck with Juventus for the Scudetto. Ibrahimovic has carried the team since his arrival at San Siro and he should provide the goods once again for the Rossoneri.
Editor's Prediction
Milan 2-0 Bologna

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22.04. (Sun) 13:30 Manchester United - Everton

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED

De Gea
Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Young Rooney, Welbeck

EVERTON


HowardHibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Coleman
Neville, Gibson
Fellaini
, Osman, Pienaar
Jelavic

Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield remains without Darren Fletcher (illness), Anderson (hamstring) and Paul Pogba (ankle). Skipper Nemanja Vidic (knee) is ruled out for the season, as is Italian striker Federico Macheda. Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard (ankle) is believed to still be out with an injury, but Michael Owen (thigh) could be in line for a first-team return while Ashley Young has apparently shaken off a knock picked up in Manchester United's win over Aston Villa.
Everton will be without left-back Leighton Baines (hamstring) for a couple of weeks, while fellow England international Jack Rodwell (hamstring) will be absent. Royston Drenthe will not play either, as the winger on loan from Real Madrid has been disciplined for an undisclosed matter. Steven Pienaar is certain to return to the line-up after missing the Toffees' FA Cup semi-final because he was cup-tied.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Wayne Rooney (pictured right) will go fourth in Manchester United's all-time goalscoring list if he scores two against his former club on Sunday. He will surpass the current joint-fourth-placed Old Trafford legends Dennis Viollet and George Best.
  • Everton have not beaten the Red Devils on away soil in 18 top-flight matches. United have won 15 of those, drawing with the Toffees three times.
  • 82 points - the current points tally of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side - is the highest they have ever had after 34 matches.
  • David Moyes’ men have not lost in four consecutive league matches, taking 10 points from an available 12. However, their momentum was dented last weekend when Liverpool scored late to beat their Merseyside rivals 2-1 in their FA Cup semi-final.
  • Although they lost both European matches at Old Trafford, United have won all seven of their games at the stadium since the turn of the year.
  • As of Saturday morning, Rooney (24) is three goals behind Arsenal’s Robin van Persie (27) in the Premier League top goalscorer chart. The former Everton forward is on 31 in all competitions, eight ahead of Everton’s top goalscorer, Nikica Jelavic (23), who arrived at Goodison Park from Rangers in January.
  • The Goodison Park club have conceded 34 times in the top-flight this season - only Manchester United and Manchester City have a better defensive record.
  • That man again: Rooney has not scored in his last six Premier League games against the club he played for until 2004.
Prediction
Everton are always value for money when it comes to rooting for the underdog. They gave Manchester City a stern test at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season and regularly test Manchester United in their feisty encounters. But their poor record at Old Trafford speaks volumes, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will be able to smell the scent of the title in these final four games. With Wayne Rooney finding form late in the season and a defence and midfield that looked impervious before their defeat at Wigan Athletic earlier in April, it would be unwise to bet against the reigning Premier League champions on Sunday.
Editor's Prediction
Man Utd. 2-0 Everton