Thursday, January 31, 2013

La Liga Opta Facts - February 1-3


Real Valladolid v Athletic Bilbao
Real Valladolid have won four of their last six league meetings with Athletic Bilbao on home soil (1D 1L), scoring exactly twice in each victory.
Indeed, only one of Bilbao's last six league victories over Valladolid has come at the Jose Zorilla (2-1 in October 2007).
During his time at Bilbao, against no team has Aduriz scored more league goals than he has against Valladolid (three).
Valladolid have won their last two league games; they have not won three or more in a row since a run of four in December 2008.
Athletic have the opportunity to stay unbeaten in consecutive away games for the first time this season.
No defender has scored more league goals than Mikel San Jose (five) in La Liga this term.
Djukic's side have not won any of the six games played without Patrick Ebert this season (D2 L4).
Bilbao have conceded a league-high seven penalties already this season.
Real Valladolid have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games than any other team in La Liga this season (nine).

Osasuna v Celta Vigo
Osasuna have only won three of their last 16 league meetings with Celta (D3 L10), though two of those victories have come in Pamplona.
Celta have won five of their last seven trips to Osasuna in La Liga (2L), keeping a clean sheet in each victory.
Celta have drawn their last two league games, with both finishing in exactly the same scoreline as all five of their league draws this term (1-1).
Between them, Kike Sola (four) and Nino (two) have scored six of Osasuna's last eight league goals.
Iago Aspas, top Celta scorer with eight goals this season, netted his first goal in the Primera against Osasuna in the reverse fixture.
The Reds have conceded nine goals in the final 15 minutes of games already this season; only Deportivo and Getafe (10 each) have conceded more.
Iago Aspas has had more shots on target than any other Spanish player in La Liga this season (29).
Osasuna have lost a joint-high eight points from winning positions on home soil this season (level with Real Betis).

Getafe v Deportivo
Getafe are unbeaten in four league meetings with Deportivo (2W 2D), their best ever run without defeat against them in La Liga.
The Galicians have only lost two of their previous seven trips to the Coliseum, however, (2D 3W), though their last defeat there was their heaviest ever against Getafe in the top-flight (4-1).
Adrian Colunga scored his first and so far only league brace for Getafe in the last meeting between these two sides in Madrid.
Riki has netted four times against his ex-club in La Liga, his best record against any team during his spell with Depor.
Getafe are without a win in seven league games, their longest run without the three points under Luis Garcia.
The Galician side have conceded more goals on the road than any other La Liga team this season (29) and are yet to keep a clean sheet in an away game this term.
The Blues have not won a game without Abdel Barrada this season (D2 L3). The Moroccan is currently on international duty at the AFCON.
Between them, Riki (four) and Pizzi (two) have scored six of Deportivo's last seven league goals; the Portuguese has made two assists in this period as well.
No player has made more assists from set pieces than Pedro Leon this term (four).

Espanyol v Levante
Espanyol have lost their last four league games against Levante in La Liga; their worst ever run against las Granotas in the top-flight.
Levante have only ever won once out of 15 top-flight trips to Catalonia, though this came last season at Espanyol (1-2).
Los Pericos have won their last three home league games, their best run of home wins since 2010/11 (eight).
JIM's side have lost their last three away league games without scoring a single goal (seven conceded).
Of all players to have scored a direct free kick this season, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have attempted more shots from dead balls than Barkero (one goal from 12).
Levante have scored fewer away goals than any other team in La Liga this term (six).
Espanyol have netted a league-high seven goals from corner situations this season.
Levante have won more points following goals in the final five minutes than any other team this season (nine) while Espanyol have lost the most (five).

Granada v Real Madrid
Granada have lost their last six league games against Real Madrid, conceding 17 goals in total and netting just four.
The last three victories earned by the Whites in Granada have all come by the same scoreline; 2-1.
Only Barcelona (10) have won in Granada as an away side more often than Real (eight) in Spanish top-flight history.
Real Madrid have won more points than any other La Liga side in 2013 so far (10).
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the same number of hat-tricks as Lionel Messi in his La Liga career (16), but has done it in just four seasons.
Madrid won in Granada last season thanks to the only own goal scored by Granada on home soil since their promotion (David Cortes).
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored on all three of his league appearances against Granada (four goals in total).
Granada have netted fewer home league goals than any other team this term (nine).
Since the start of last season, Only Leo Messi (61.4) and Cristiano Ronaldo (75.6) have better minutes/goal ratios than Higuain (86.9) in La Liga.
Real Madrid have lost three of the four away league games in which they have conceded the first goal this season (1W).

Malaga v Real Zaragoza
Malaga have only lost one of their last five clashes with Zaragoza in the league (3W 1D), though this defeat did come at La Rosaleda (1-2 in 2010/11).
Real Zaragoza's last two victories in Malaga in the top-flight have both come via the odd goal (1-0 in 2006 and 2-1 in 2011).
The South Coast side have failed to win either of their last two home games; they last went three without victory on home soil back in January of last year.
If Zaragoza fail to win this game, they will equal their worst run of games without a victory under Manolo Jimenez (five).
Jimenez is yet to win a league game against Malaga despite facing them five times before (2D 3L).
Zaragoza striker Helder Postiga has committed more fouls than any other player in the top-flight this season.
Malaga are yet to concede a goal in the final 15 minutes of the first-half this season; this is the only 15 minute period than any team is yet to concede in in this La Liga campaign.
Since the start of last season, no Malaga player has directly contributed to more goals than Isco (10 goals, five assists).

Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano
Sevilla have only lost one of their 12 previous top-flight meetings with Rayo on home soil (W9 D2), scoring in all games at an average of 2.5 goals per game.
With a win in this game, Sevilla will record three successive home wins for the first time this season.
The side from Madrid have won five of their last six league games, but the one defeat in this run did come in Andalusia (2-0 in Granada).
Rayo have not drawn any of their last 22 away league games, while their only draw in this entire season came against Sevilla in the reverse fixture.
The return leg between these sides is the only game so far this season to see two penalties not scored, with Negredo and Rakitic both missing for Sevilla.
Baba Diawara scored his first and so far only league brace against Rayo last season, while all three of his league goals have come against sides from Madrid.
Sevilla are one of three teams whose subs have not scored a home La Liga goal this term.
Rayo have not won any of their five games without Piti since their promotion (1D 4L).
37% of goals scored by Rayo this season have come in the final 15 minutes, a league-high proportion.

Valencia v Barcelona
Valencia are winless in 11 league games against Barcelona (D3 L8), their longest ever run without a victory against the Catalans.
Barcelona have only won two of their last seven league games at the Mestalla (D3 L2), though their last defeat there came back in February 2007 (1-2).
Lionel Messi has participated in 11 of Barcelona's last 14 league goals against Valencia (eight goals, three assists).
Valencia have won five and lost three of their last eight league games, but all three defeats in this run have come on home soil.
Barcelona have not lost successive away league games since their last league defeat at the Bernabeu (May 2008).
Only Roma and Manchester United (13) have scored more headed goals than Valencia (10) in Europe's top five leagues this season.
Barcelona are the only team in La Liga who are yet to concede a headed goal this season.
Valencia have conceded a higher percentage of first-half goals than any other team in the top-flight this season (59%).
After his goals against Osasuna, Lionel Messi has set a new record for netting in 11 successive La Liga games.
Roberto Soldado has only scored one goal in 10 appearances against Barca in the league, and that was a penalty during his spell at Getafe.

Atletico Madrid v Real Betis
Atletico have only lost two of their last 10 league games against Real Betis (5W 3D), though both of those defeats came at the Calderon.
The Rojiblancos have won one of their last six home meetings with Betis in La Liga, however, drawing two and losing three.
Since 2005, at no away ground have Real Betis picked up more victories than at the home of Atletico Madrid (three), where they were also crowned Copa Del Rey champions in 2004/05.
Despite only netting two goals this season, Diego Costa has made more assists than any other Atleti player this season (five).
Alex Pozuelo participated in three of the four goals scored by Betis against Atleti last season (two goals, one assist).
Atletico have won their last 12 home league games; they have never before won 13 in a row in La Liga.
Only PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu (nine) has kept more clean sheets on home soil across Europe's top five leagues this season than Thibaut Courtois (seven).
Only Real Madrid (31) have attempted more shots following fast breaks than Real Betis (26) in La Liga this season.

Real Sociedad v Mallorca
The last six league meetings between Real Sociedad and Mallorca have all ended in home wins.
The side from North Spain have won their last five against Mallorca at the Anoeta, they have never won six in a row on home soil against the Islanders.
Victor Casadesus has participated in three of his team's last four goals against his former side (two goals and one assist).
Real Sociedad have only lost one of their last 11 league games (5W 5D) and that came in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid (3-4).
Three of Mallorca's four previous top-flight wins in San Sebastian have ended 1-0.
Mallorca have only won one of their last 16 league games (D3 L12), though that was away from the island at Real Betis (1-2).
Only Barcelona (206) have committed fewer fouls than Real Sociedad (247) in La Liga this season.
Mallorca have conceded a league-high 23 second-half goals in this La Liga campaign.

League 1 Opta Facts – February 1st - 2nd


Sheffield United v Coventry
Sheffield United are without a win in their last four league matches (D2 L2).
Only SFC Bournemouth (316) have fired in more shots this season than Coventry City (313).
Coventry have allowed 25 points to slip away from leading positions so far this season; more than any other team.
The Blades have won six and lost none of the 10 home games they have lead in so far this season.

Bury v Doncaster
Doncaster have won 23 points from their last 10 league games (W7 D2 L1); more than any other team in League One.
Bury have won none and lost four of their last nine in the league.
Doncaster have dropped just two points from winning positions so far this season; fewer than any other club in League One.
Bury have won none and lost four of their six matches against the teams in the top five so far this season.

Crewe v Scunthorpe
Crewe Alexandra have conceded 18 goals in the opening 30 minutes of their matches this season; more than any other team in League One.
No-one has conceded more penalties this season than Scunthrope United (eight). However, The Iron have seen only four of those spot-kicks converted by their opponents (50%).
Crewe's players have been shown fewer cards (21Y, 1R) than any other side in League One.
Only Notts County (six) have seen more players sent off this season than Scunthorpe United (five).

Hartlepool v Notts County
Hartlepool have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 25 league matches.
County have won just two of their last eight league matches (W2 D3 L3); although both wins have came in their last three fixtures.
Hartlepool have won just one of their 13 home games so far this season (W1 D3 L9) and have won the fewest points at home of any team in League One (just six).
No-one has conceded fewer goals in the opening 30 minutes of games than Notts County this season (six; level with Sheffield United).

MK Dons v Bournemouth
MK Dons have won three and lost just one of their last six in all competitions.
AFC Bournemouth have won 12, drawn five and lost just one of their last 18 in League One.
Dean Bowditch has scored three times in his last four appearances at stadium:mk.
AFC Bournemouth have had 316 shots in total this season; the most in League One. Their average of 10.9 is unsurprisingly also the highest.

Portsmouth v Colchester
Portsmouth have lost each of their last six league matches.
Colchester have managed to win just eight points on the road this season (W2 D2 L10); the worst away record in League One.
Portsmouth have scored 21 of their 30 league goals this season in the second half (70%; a league high proportion).
Colchester have scored just twice in the opening 15 minutes of their matches this season. No team has scored fewer in this period.

Preston v Shrewsbury
Preston have lost four and won none of their last 10 home matches in League One.
Shrewsbury are without a win in four league matches (D3 L1); having gone unbeaten in the previous six (W2 D4).
Preston's last 11 goals in the league have been scored by 10 different players. Nicky Wroe is the only player to have scored more than once for Graham Westley's side since November 10th.
52% of Shrewsbury Town's goals this season have been scored in the last half an hour of their matches (16 of 31).

Stevenage v Leyton Orient
No team has battled back to win more points from losing positions than Stevenage this season (14).
Orient have won just one of their last six in the league (W1 D3 L2).
Stevenage have attempted just 185 shots so far this season. Their average of 7.1 per game is the lowest in League One.
Leyton Orient have won five and lost none of the six away games they have lead in this season.
Only Coventry (16) have dropped more points from winning positions at home this season than Stevenage (11).

Tranmere v Carlisle
Only AFC Bournemouth (30) have won more points at home this season than Tranmere Rovers (28).
Carlisle have lost four of their last five on the road (W1), including the last three in a row.
Rovers have scored just five times in the opening half an hour of matches this season; fewer than any other side.
10 of Carlisle's goals this season (35 total) have been scored by defenders; more than for any other side in League One.

Walsall v Oldham
Walsall have won four of their last five in the league; although they did lose their last match (2-0 v Colchester).
Only Portsmouth and Colchester (both three) have picked up fewer points from their last 10 league games than Oldham (four).
Oldham's 61 yellow cards and five red cards so far this season mean they have the worst disciplinary record in League One.
At home, Walsall have won each of their last four matches and are unbeaten in six in total (W4 D2).

Yeovil v Brentford
At home this season, Yeovil are yet to drop a single point from leading positions. They have lead in only seven of their 14 home matches.
Brentford have won five and lost none of their last seven league matches on the road.
Yeovil Town have scored 14 goals in the final 15 minutes of their matches this season; more than any other team in the league.
Despite averaging 10.7 shots per game (second only to AFC Bournemouth (10.9), Brentford have the worst shooting accuracy in League One this season (38.21%).

Crawley v Swindon
Crawley's last six league matches have alternated between victory and defeat. For the run to continue, Crawley will have to beat Swindon Town.
Swindon have scored more goals in the opening 30 minutes of their games than any other team in League One (17).
Just 28% of Crawley's goals this season have been netted by their strikers (10 of 36); the lowest proportion in League One.
Swindon are the only team in League One yet to concede a goal by way of a penalty this season.

Week 23 – Serie A 2012/13 OPTA Facts


Chievo v Juventus
Four of the last five league meetings between Chievo and Juventus have ended as draws, but the Old Lady had the better in the reverse fixture (2-0) earlier this season.
Chievo have won only one of their last 19 meetings against the Bianconeri in Serie A (1-0 in January 2010).
Chievo have never scored more than a single goal at home against Juve.
Chievo haven't conceded goals in four of their last seven league fixtures, but they've shipped seven in the remaining three games overall.
Chievo are unbeaten at home in their last eight league games (four wins and four draws).
Juventus have won only one of their last four league games, however have scored in each of the last eight match-days.
The Bianconeri have suffered only one defeat over their last 29 games on the road in the league (vs AC Milan back in November).
Juventus last conceded more than a single goal away from home in Serie A in November 2011, when they drew 3-3 at the San Paolo against Napoli.
Juventus boast the best defence of this campaign (only 15 goals conceded, five of which were conceded before half-time).
Juventus are the only side yet to concede a goal from a corner situation, while Chievo have already shipped eight following corners (a negative record).
Alberto Paloschi has netted a goal every 82 minutes on average in the Serie A this season, the best ratio amongst players to have scored.

Fiorentina v Parma
Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Parma in Serie A: two wins for the Viola and four draws, including those in their last two meetings.
The Tuscans have scored in each of their last nine games against Parma in the league.
These two sides haven't shared the points in any of their last 11 meetings at the Franchi (the hosts lead by seven wins to four).
Fiorentina have had the better in six of their last seven meetings against the Ducali at the Franchi, scoring on average 2.4 goals per game.
Fiorentina have picked up only one point from their last four league games, conceding an average two goals per game.
Vincenzo Montella's side have won only one of their last four home fixtures, losing one and drawing two.
Parma are winless in their last three league games, but have scored in all of their last 10 match in Serie A.
Parma have won only two of their 11 away games in Serie A this season.
Fiorentina have scored the most goals from outside the box from open play in this Serie A (7).
Nine of Parma's last 10 goals in the league have been scored after half-time.
Luca Toni has already scored eight goals in Serie A against Parma, his favourite opponent in the competition, including one of only two hat-tricks he's netted in Serie A.

Genoa v Lazio
Genoa have scored 119 goals in 85 meetings against Lazio - more than against any other Serie A opponent.
Genoa have won their last three Serie A games against Lazio; the Grifoni had previously collected only two points from seven meetings against the Biancocelesti in the league.
Before winning in the last meeting at the Ferraris back in February, Genoa had failed to beat Lazio at home for seven consecutive games, with five wins for the guests in that period.
Genoa have won only one of their last eight league fixtures (W1 D3 L4).
At home, the Grifoni have taken only nine points from their 11 games so far - a league-low.
In losing to Chievo last Saturday, Lazio ended a run of 10 league games without a defeat (W7 D3).
Lazio are unbeaten in their last four games on the road, but have drawn three of these.
Lazio have conceded only two headed goals, no team have shipped fewer so far in this Serie A.
Marco Borriello has already scored five goals in Serie A against Lazio, and found the net in each of his last three appearances against the Biancocelesti.
Sergio Floccari has scored four goals and assisted two in his nine league appearances against Genoa.

AC Milan v Udinese
AC Milan have won only two of their last eight league games against Udinese, three draws and three wins for the Friulani in the process.
However, the Rossoneri are unbeaten at home in their last five meetings against Udinese (W3 D2).
Over their last nine meetings at the San Siro, both sides have always scored.
AC Milan haven't drawn any of their last 14 games at home in Serie A (W10 L4) - the Rossoneri are the only side yet to play out a draw at their ground this season.
Udinese have suffered only one defeat in the last eight match-days, while these were also the only games in which they have failed to score.
AC Milan have conceded the most headed goals in Serie A this season (11), and the most in open play from outside the box (7).
AC Milan have won 30 points from their last 14 matches and would be top of the league if results only counted from this point.
Antonio Di Natale has already scored 11 goals against AC Milan, eight of which have come in his last eight appearances against the Rossoneri - only against Roma he has netted more so far (13).
Udinese's last 10 goals have been scored by either Di Natale (six) or Muriel (four).
Stephan El Shaarawy has scored in all his three previous appearances against Udinese in Serie A.
Udinese are the only side of this Serie A yet to score a goal through a substitute this season.

Napoli v Catania
Napoli have won only one of their last five Serie A meetings against Catania, and two of the last eight.
The record in Napoli sees the hosts leading by nine wins to one, but the last meeting ended as a 2-2 draw.
Priori to that 2-2 draw back in March, Napoli had not conceded a goal in seven home meetings against Catania.
Napoli have taken 13 of the last 15 points available in Serie A, as result of four wins and a draw.
The Partenopei have lost only one of their last 14 home games between this and last campaign, winning 11.
Catania are on a run of three consecutive wins in Serie A for the first time since 2011 - they've never won four in a row in the top-flight.
Catania have taken 16 points from their last seven league games - no side have won more over this period.
However, the Sicilians have won just two of their last 17 league games away from home.
Catania have scored the fewest goals from strikers in the Serie A this season (only seven).
Catania are the only side currently in Serie A against whom Marek Hamsik has never scored a goal.
Catania have recouped the most points from trailing situations in this campaign (16).
Lucas Castro has netted four goals so far in this Serie A season - all of them coming in the second half.

Palermo v Atalanta
These two sides haven't drawn any of their last five Serie A meetings (three wins for Palermo, two for Atalanta).
The Sicilians have won on the last three occasions that they've hosted Atalanta in the league.
At the Barbera, Palermo and Atalanta have shared only one draw in their last 12 meetings.
Palermo are winless in their last eight Serie A fixtures (D3 L5), and have picked up only one point from their last three games at home.
Overall, Palermo have won only three games at home this term, only Genoa have won fewer (two).
Atalanta are currently on their longest run without a win in Serie A since October 2009 (six games).
Away from home, Atalanta have lost their last five league games, failing to score in the last three.
Palermo and Atalanta are the two teams that scored the joint-fewest goals in the last 15 minutes of play (four apiece).
Palermo have also conceded the most goals in the last 15 minutes of play this season (14).
The Sicilians have won only one of the last eight Serie A games played without Fabrizio Miccoli, losing on five occasions.
Igor Budan has scored three goals in his last two games against his former team Palermo, both coming when he was at Parma.

Pescara v Bologna
These two sides have met seven times in Serie A: Pescara lead by two wins to one, with four draws (including the 1-1 in the reverse fixture).
Bologna have never scored more than a single goal in a game against Pescara in Serie A.
In Pescara, the hosts are unbeaten against Bologna in light of two wins and a draw.
Pescara have lost the most games so far in this Serie A campaign (14).
The Dolphins also have the worst attack (17 goals scored) and the worst defence (45 conceded) in this competition.
Pescara have lost their last three league games, failing to score and shipping 10 goals in total.
Pescara have drawn the fewest games so far this term (only two).
Away from home, Pescara have won both games this season when they've scored more than a single goal.
Bologna have won only one game over the last five match-days of Serie A (W1 D1 L3).
Bologna have conceded two or more goals in five of their last six league games.
The Felsinei have lost eight of their last nine games on the road in Serie A.
Pescara remain the only side with a 100% record from leading situations (six wins out of six games).
Pescara are the only side that shipped six goals in a single Serie A game this season - it happened twice (vs Juventus and last Sunday vs Sampdoria).

Roma v Cagliari
The recent head to head between Roma and Cagliari in the league is three wins each (incl. the 3-0 awarded to Roma in the reverse fixture).
Prior to Cagliari's win in September 2011, Roma had won seven games in a row at the Olimpico against the Sardinians.
Roma have scored in each of their last 13 league meetings against Cagliari in the top-flight (excl. the reverse fixture).
Roma have won only one of their last six league games, losing three.
However, at home Totti & co are unbeaten in their last five games (W4 D1).
Cagliari have won only one of their last 12 league games, losing seven.
The Sardinians have picked up only two points from their last six away games in the league.
Roma have scored the most headed goals in this campaign (13, two of which in their last game against Bologna).
Roma have netted the most goals in the first half (23), while Cagliari have conceded the most after the break (26).
Roma are Daniele Conti's favourite opponent; he has already netted five goals against the Giallorossi in Serie A.
Francesco Totti has scored 13 goals against Cagliari so far, only against Parma (16) and Sampdoria (14) he had bagged more in Serie A.

Siena v Inter
The 2-0 win in the reverse fixture was Siena's first ever win against Inter in Serie A - previously, 12 wins for the Nerazzurri and four draws.
Siena have kept only two clean sheets in 17 meetings against Inter in Serie A.
Siena have collected only two points in eight home meetings against Inter so far in Serie A.
Siena have lost seven of their last eight league games, in between a 1-0 win over Sampdoria.
The Tuscans have a record of three wins and three losses in their last six home fixtures.
Siena have never scored more than a single goal in their last nine home games in the league.
Inter have won only one of their last six Serie A fixtures (2-0 vs Pescara), losing two.
The Nerazzurri have picked up only one point from their last five games on the road in Serie A.
Andrea Stramaccioni's side have scored only one goal over their last four away games in the league.
Siena have scored only two goals in the opening 30 minutes of play - a joint-low shared with Parma.
Tommaso Rocchi is still on target for his 100th goal in Serie A - he has already scored six goals against Siena, only versus Lecce and Palermo has he scored more in the top-flight.

Torino v Sampdoria
This will be the 108th meeting in Serie A between Torino and Sampdoria: the Granata lead by 43 wins to 31.
However, Torino have had the better in only two of their last 13 meetings against Sampdoria, with six wins for the Blucerchiati in the process.
Torino are unbeaten in their last six league games (W3 D3) - this is currently the longest unbeaten run in Serie A.
The Granata would be second in the Serie A table with 11 points if only the last five matchdays were taken in to account.
Last Sunday, Sampdoria became the second side to score six goals in a match this campaign, after Juventus.
In their last game against Pescara, the Blucerchiati scored as many goals as they had overall in their previous eight league games (six).
After beating AC Milan 1-0 back in August, Sampdoria have conceded goals in each of their ensuing 10 away games in Serie A.
Sampdoria's Mauro Icardi has already scored six goals in Serie A in 2013 - only Messi and Ronaldo have netted more in this calendar year (seven apiece).
Rolando Bianchi has found the net in his last two league appearances against Sampdoria.
Prior to last Sunday's brace against Inter, Riccardo Meggiorini hadn't scored in Serie A for 28 games in a row.

League 2 Opta Facts - 1st - 2nd February


Bristol Rovers v Barnet
Barnet are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Bristol Rovers (W2 D2).
No side has kept fewer clean sheets than Bristol Rovers (2) in League Two this season.
Barnet have averaged 6.7 shots a game in League Two this season; the lowest in the division.
Bristol Rovers have won three of their last four league games (W3 L1) - they had only won four of their previous 23 this season.

AFC Wimbledon v Burton Albion
Each of the three previous meetings between these two sides have seen four or more goals scored, including Burton's 6-2 win back in August 2012.
Wimbledon have won a league-low 10 points at home this season (of a possible 42 points).
Paul McCallum has scored four goals in his last four League Two appearances for Wimbledon.
Eight different players scored the eight goals in the 6-2 win for Burton over Wimbledon earlier this season.

Cheltenham v Torquay
These two sides have met on six occasions since the start of the 2011-12 season, but Torquay have won just one of those meetings (D2 L3).
Only Fleetwood (13) have kept more clean sheets than Cheltenham (12) in League Two this season.
There have been just three goals scored in the last four league games involving Cheltenham Town.
Rene Howe has scored three goals in his last four league appearances for Torquay United.

Exeter v Aldershot
Aldershot have won just two points from losing positions in the league this season; fewer than any other side in League Two.
Exeter City have won six and drawn two of the eight league games that John O'Flynn has scored in so far this season.
Dani Lopez has failed to score in his last four appearances away from home for Aldershot, but has netted in four of his last five at home.
Exeter have lost only one of their last eight League Two games (W4 D3 L1).

Fleetwood v Bradford
Fleetwood have kept a league-high tally of 13 clean sheets so far this season.
Fleetwood have scored a league-high tally of 14 goals in the final 15 minutes of League Two games this season.
Bradford have won just one point in their last four league games (D1 L3).
Only three players have scored more goals than Bradford's Nakhi Wells in League Two this season (13), but he's only netted three goals in his last nine appearances in the competition.

Plymouth v Dag & Red
Dagenham & Redbridge have failed to score in three of their last four meetings with Plymouth Argyle.
Plymouth have picked up more cards than any other League Two side this season (53Y 3R).
Both Plymouth and Dagenham & Redbridge have lost 17 points from leading positions this season in League Two - no side has lost more.
The Daggers have not drawn any of their last 15 league games (W7 L8).

Port Vale v Accrington
The last six meetings between these two sides have seen the home side end victorious on five occasions, with the other meeting ending in a draw.
No side has won fewer points from their last 10 League Two games than Accrington (5).
Port Vale have averaged more than two goals a game in League Two this season (2.1); the only side to manage this feat.
Tom Pope has scored 25 goals this season in League Two for Port Vale and is the league's top scorer. All 25 of those goals have come from open play.

Rochdale v Chesterfield
Both sides have found the net in each of the last four meetings between Rochdale & Chesterfield.
Rochdale have hit the woodwork more often than any other side in League Two this season (14).
Ashley Grimes has scored six goals in his last eight league appearances for Rochdale, but he's not netted in his last 292 minutes of football.
Chesterfield have lost three of their last four league games (W1 L3), this after losing only two of their previous 10.

Rotherham v Northampton
Northampton are unbeaten in five meetings with Rotherham, although four of these matches have ended in a score draw.
Rotherham have drawn a league-low four games in League Two this season.
Northampton have committed more fouls than any other side in League Two this term (360).
Rotherham have failed to score in just one of their last 11 games in League Two.

Southend v Oxford Utd
Oxford's Tom Craddock has scored three goals in his two competitive appearances against Southend this season.
Southend have scored a league-high proportion of their goals in the second half of matches (71%).
The Shrimpers have lost just two points from leading positions in League Two this season; the best-such record.
Oxford have lost just one of their last 10 league games (W5 D4 L1).

York v Morecambe
York have drawn more games than any other side in League Two this season (13).
No side has a better disciplinary record this season than York City (29Y 0R).
Morecambe have conceded the highest proportion of goals in the second half of League Two games this season (70%).
York have drawn three successive games in League Two & if they draw this match, they'll equal the record in the competition this season, set by Chesterfield (4) in September.

Gillingham v Wycombe
Gillingham have won just one of their last five home games against Wycombe in all competitions (W1 D3 L1).
No side has scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of League Two games this season than the Gills (11).
Wycombe are the only side in League Two yet to score a goal in the final 15 minutes of a match.
The Gills' Danny Kedwell has scored a league-high tally of five penalty kicks this season.

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01.02. (Fri) 20:30 Toulouse - Paris Saint Germain

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

TOULOUSE FC
Ahamada
Ninkov, Aurier, Yago, M'Bengue
Capoue
Braaten, Didot, Sirieix, Tabanou
Ben Yedder

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Jallet, Armand, Sakho, Maxwell
Lucas Moura, Matuidi, Verratti, Menez
Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi

Toulouse coach Alain Casanova possesses a defensive dilemma ahead of the visit of Paris Saint-Germain to Stadium Municipal on Friday evening.

With Aymen Abdennour at the Africa Cup of Nations with Tunisia, and Jonathan Zebina still on the sidelines with injury, it leaves 20-year-old Steeve Yago as the only first-team centre-back remaining in the squad. Both Etienne Capoue and Serge Aurier have filled in that role in recent weeks, and it will be up to Casanova to again draft in players in unfamiliar positions.

With Moussa Sissoko now departed to Newcastle United, Etienne Didot will become a mainstay in midfield, with the threatening Franck Tabanou and Wissam Ben Yedder aiming to continue their fruitful relationship.

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt a blow with the news that Thiago Motta is out "for at least 10 days" following his injury in the 1-0 win over Lille on Sunday.

Marco Verratti should continue his alongside Blaise Matuidi, with Thiago Silva's absence meaning Sylvain Armand - who captained the side last week - will start at centre-back.

DID YOU KNOW?

Toulouse sit tenth in the Ligue 1 table, but are unbeaten in their last four league encounters.

Le Tefece have not beaten PSG in a competitive fixture since October 2009, with les Parisiens winning all seven encounters since.

Toulouse were dumped out of the Coupe de France by Ancelotti's side last week thanks to goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi, Kevin Gameiro and Javier Pastore.

PSG sit top of Ligue 1 - albeit only on goal difference - from Olympique Lyonnais.

Les Parisiens have not lost a competitive fixture since their December 1 defeat to Nice.

That game was the last time Salvatore Sirigu conceded a goal in Ligue 1 - with the goalkeeper yet to be breached in 775 minutes - a new club record.

PSG will face fierce rivals Olympique de Marseille twice in February after being drawn against Elie Baup's side in the Coupe de France.

Prediction
Carlo Ancelotti's side might be winning, but they have not exactly started 2013 in the devastating form that was expected with the addition of Lucas Moura. They possess a very good record against Toulouse though and will be expected to pick up all three points again.
Editor's Prediction
Toulouse FC 0-2 PSG

Bundesliga Opta Facts: Matchday 20


Werder Bremen v Hannover 96
This match will be the 50th duel between the two teams in the Bundesliga. Only against Bayern Munich have Hannover lost more often (30 losses) than against Werder Bremen (25 losses). Hannover have, however, won three of their five last meetings with Bremen (L1, D1).
Hannover haven't managed to win at Bremen for almost ten years now (L6, D3). Their last victory there came back in March 2003 (2-1). Away to no other BL team have Hannover currently gone without victory in nine straight games.
Bremen have lost three of their last four BL matches (D1). They have also been the worst performing team in the second half of this season so far (L2 with a goal difference of 2-8).
Hannover have lost their last four away games and have also lost 13 of their last 15 away games (W2).
Only Hoffenheim have conceded more goals (43) than Bremen and Hannover (37 each) this season.
Bremen lost both of their Friday night games so far this season. They haven't won on a Friday for almost three years (D2, L5). Their last victory on a Friday came on February 5th 2010 (2-1 against Hertha BSC Berlin).
Scoring two goals and one assist, Hannover midfielder Szabolcs Huszti was the man of the match during the last encounter between these two teams on matchday three. However, the Hungarian was sent off after scoring the winning goal in the second minutes of injury time. He was shown two yellows at the same time for excessive celebration (he both took off his jersey and climbed on the fence; the referee's decision was considered as harsh although it was perfectly compliant to rules).
Hannover striker Mohammed Abdellaoue will face his favourite opponent, having scored four goals (four appearances) against Bremen. The Norwegian has scored once every 55.5 minutes so far versus Werder Bremen.
Bremen captain Clemens Fritz and his teammate Marko Arnautovic will miss the game as they both were sent off last week against Hamburg (two yellows each).
Hannover defender Sebastien Pocognoli will miss the game as he was sent off in his BL debut last week (straight red). His teammate Andre Hoffmann will also miss the match due previously picking up his fifth yellow.

FC Schalke 04 v SpVgg Greuther Furth
Schalke won 2-0 at Furth in the first half of the season. It was the first BL duel between the clubs with the goals scored by Julian Draxler and Lewis Holtby (now a Tottenham player).
Schalke have been performed much worse than they did in their first 19 games of last season (2011/12: 40 points, goal difference +21; currently only 29 points; goal difference +3).
Only five teams in BL history had gained 9 points or fewer from their first 19 games of a season (like Furth currently). None of them managed to avoid relegation.
Schalke have won only one of their last nine competitive matches (5-4 over Hannover on MD 18, D4 L4).
Furth haven't won any of their last 17 BL matches (D6 L 11). The run is the longest winless streak in the German top flight this season. The last team to go on a longer run was Kaiserslautern in 2011/12 (21 games without win).
In Bundesliga history only Tasmania Berlin (0.44) have a worse goal per game average than Furth (currently 0.58).
Lewis Holtby signed for Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. The 22-year-old midfielder had appeared in 99 BL matches for Schalke, and had been involved in 11 goals this season (scoring four and assisting seven).
Schalke keeper Timo Hildebrand has saved just 43.5% of the shots on target he has faced. This is the worst average of all starting goalkeepers since Opta began to collect this kind of data in 2006/07.
Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar hasn't scored a Bundesliga goal in 343 minutes. No other player has missed as many as 13 big chances this season. Huntelaar has netted only five times during this campaign. Last season, he had managed 16 goals after 19 BL matches.
Two legendary Schalke players will face their former club. Furth coach Mike Büskens played 257 BL games for Schalke, scoring 13 goals and offensive player Gerald Asamoah played 279 league games, netting 44 times.

VfL Wolfsburg v FC Augsburg
Against no other Bundesliga team have Wolfsburg average so few points per game than against Augsburg (0.33).
Since the beginning of German Bundesliga in 1963, Wolfsburg are the only current BL club who have never won a competitive match against Augsburg (D1 L2).
Wolfsburg have only scored one goal in their three Bundesliga meetings with Augsburg. Against no other team have Augsburg conceded fewer goals in the Bundesliga.
Augsburg haven't lost any of their last three matches (W1 D2). The last time that the club enjoyed a longer streak of this kind was in 2011/12 (four games from MD 31-34).
Augsburg are currently eight points away from safety. Last season, the club had gained 3 more points than they have accumulated at this stage of the season (19 games).
Only in 2005/06 (21 points) and 2006/07 (20) have Wolfsburg gained fewer points from their first 19 games than this season (22).
Wolfsburg have dropped 18 points at home so far this season (D3 L4). Last season, they only dropped one more point at home (19) in the entire campaign (D2 L5).
Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking hasn't lost any of his five competitive matches as a coach against Augsburg (W3 D2) and is yet to see his team concede a goal against Augsburg in any of those games.
Four Augsburg players have a history with Wolfsburg. Ja-Cheol Koo and Giovanni Sio are actually both Wolfsburg players on loan at Augsburg. Daniel Baier made 16 BL appearances for the club and Simon Jentzsch played 142 times.
However, Giovanni Sio will miss the game due to suspension (red card on MD 17). The same goes for Wolfsburg midfielder Josue (red card).
Wolfsburg player Diego Benaglio is set to play his 150th BL match (currently 149). His teammate Simon Kjaer (49 matches) and Augsburg players Ja-Cheol Koo and Sascha Mölders (49 each) are all likely to play their 50th BL game.

1899 Hoffenheim v SC Freiburg
Freiburg haven't lost any of their last six BL meetings with Hoffenheim (W3 D3). Only against Nurnberg are they currently enjoying had a longer unbeaten streak (seven) in the German top flight.
Freiburg haven't lost any of their three games at Hoffenheim (W1 D2). The only home victory for Hoffenheim in a competitive match versus Freiburg came on February 22th 2008 in the second division (2-0).
Hoffenheim have gained only two points in their last nine BL matches. Only in 2008/09 have they went on a longer winless streak in the Bundesliga (12 games).
Hoffenheim are eight points away from 15th position in the league. The club have not been in the automatic relegation positions since matchday three.
Freiburg haven't lost any of their last six away matches (W3 D3); like in 2000/01. They can set a new club record of seven unbeaten away matches within one season by avoiding defeat.
Freiburg have lost only one of their last 12 competitive matches (0-2 loss versus Bayern Munich in November, W6 D6).
However, Freiburgs' last two BL matches have both resulted in scoreless draws. In the Bundesliga there have never been more than three scoreless draws in a row. The last club to do this was Dusseldorf earlier in the season (MD2-MD4).
Never before have Hoffenheim conceded as many goals in their first 19 matches (43; currently the worst defensive performance in the German top flight).
Freiburg, on the other hand, have so far produced their best defensive performance in the Bundesliga, conceding only 18 goals (currently second-best defensive performance in top flight behind Bayern Munich (seven)).
Hoffenheim defender Daniel Williams will face his former club (14 BL matches for Freiburg, no goals). He won the German Youth Championship (17-19 year-olds) with Freiburg under coach Christian Streich.
Pavel Krmas hasn't lost any of his eight Bundesliga matches this season (W3 D5); conceding only three goals in these games (five clean sheets).

1. FSV Mainz 05 v FC Bayern Munich
Mainz have won two of their last three home games against Bayern Munich (L1). Only Dortmund and Hannover have also won two of their last three home games against Bayern.
Only one of the 13 BL duels between Bayern and Mainz has resulted in a scoreless draw. The team scoring the opening goal have gone on to win 11 of the 13 matches (Bayern W8, Mainz W3).
Bayern have gained 48 points in their 19 matches. The gap between 18th position (Furth) and 1st position (Bayern) at this stage is bigger than it ever has been (39 points).
The only team who have managed to win at Mainz over the last five months are Borussia Dortmund. Mainz have won seven of their last nine competitive home games (D1 L1).
The last time that Bayern failed to score in a game was on matchday 31 of last season. It was a scoreless draw against Mainz. Bayern have scored in each of their last 36 competitive games.
Bayern haven't lost any of their last 15 competitive matches. After losing against Leverkusen (1-2), they have won eleven of their 15 competitive matches (D4).
Bayern have conceded only seven goals in their first 19 BL games this season, which is a new BL low. They have gained 25 points on the road (only one goal conceded in these nine away games); which is also a new BL record.
Mainz have only conceded 21 goals in their 19 matches, equalling their club best (2010/11).
Mainz ‘keeper Christian Wetklo (76.0% shots saved) and Bayern ‘keeper Manuel Neuer (85.7%) lead Bundesliga goalkeepers for saved shot percentage.
Mainz defender Jan Kirchhoff will face his future club. The under-21 German national will move to Bayern in summer.
Mainz's top striker Adam Szalai (11 goals and two assists this season) will miss the game due to suspension (fifth yellow).
Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic has had a hand in all four goals which Bayern have scored in the second half of this season so far (three goals, one assist). His teammate Mario Gomez has played just six minutes in 2013.

Fortuna Dusseldorf v VfB Stuttgart
The last home victory for Dusseldorf against Stuttgart came in September 1989 (4-2). Stuttgart have won the last four matches at Dusseldorf with a goal record of 13-1.
Stuttgart won the last duel at Dusseldorf in 1997 (4-0). Famous Stuttgart players Giovane Elber, Krassimir Balakov and Fredi Bobic (current Director of Sports at Stuttgart) were among the goal scorers.
Stuttgart have won six of their last ten duels against Dusseldorf (D2 L2). They have kept a clean sheet in five of those matches. The duel between the two on matchday three resulted in a scoreless draw.
Stuttgart have currently lost three BL matches in a row. Their two games in 2013 have both resulted in 2-0 defeats.
Dusseldorf have won three of their last four BL home games (L1 vs Augsburg on MD 18).
Like Stuttgart, Dusseldorf have lost their two BL games in 2013. Only Furth and Bremen have also lost all their BL games in 2013.
Stuttgart have collected 14 of their 25 points on the road. Only three BL teams have a better record on the road in 2012/13 than Stuttgart.
Dusseldorf have attempted only 167 goal shots; fewer than any other team in the Bundesliga. However, they have a shot conversion rate of 17.8% (only three teams better).
No other BL keeper made as many saves as Stuttgart keeper Sven Ulreich (80) and Dusseldorf keeper Fabian Giefer (79). The two have also kept out the most big chances (Giefer 14, Ulreich 13).
Dusseldorf striker Stefan Reisinger has scored five goals in his last seven BL games; from only ten shots.
Stuttgart player Martin Harnik has a history with Dusseldorf. He scored 13 goals (two assists) in 30 games in 2009/10 (in the second division). However, Harnik will miss the match against his former club due to suspension (red card).

Hamburger SV v Eintracht Frankfurt
This will be the 89th BL meeting between Hamburg and Frankfurt. Only against Stuttgart (41) have Hamburg won as many games as against Frankfurt (41).
Frankfurt haven't won a game at Hamburg since November 1998 (7L, 2D). They have failed to score in their last three away matches at Hamburg.
Frankfurt won 3-2 at home against Hamburg on MD3. Only in 1965/66 did they win two BL matches against Hamburg in the same season (2-0 A, 1-0 H).
Hamburg have won their last four BL home games. The last home loss came against Bayern Munich (0-3).
Frankfurt have won only one of their last seven away games (D1 L5 and a 2-0 victory at Wolfsburg in December).
Frankfurt have already gained 33 points. They gained 34 points in their entire 2010/11 campaign which ended in relegation.
Frankfurt signed Wolfsburg player Srdjan Lakic on loan. The striker hasn't scored in his last 25 BL matches (for Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim). He has been waiting for a BL goal for 1062 minutes.
Hamburg striker Artjoms Rudnevs has scored five goals in his last six BL matches. He has scored eight goals in 2012/13. No single Hamburg player reached eight goals throughout 2011/12.
Frankfurt striker Alexander Meier is a former Hamburg youth player. He also appeared in four BL matches for Hamburg in 2003/04. Meier has already scored five BL goals against Hamburg, which makes them his favourite opponents in the German top flight.
Hamburg defender Heiko Westermann has scored five of his 21 BL goals against Frankfurt. Against no other team has he managed more than two.

FC Nurnberg v Borussia Monchengladbach
Against no other club have Nurnberg won as many BL matches as against Monchengladbach (22).
Nurnberg haven't won any of their last three BL matches (D2 L1).
Nurnbergs' coaching duo Michael Wiesinger and Armin Reutershahn are still been waiting for their first victory.
Monchengladbach haven't lost any of their last nine competitive matches (W5 D4). The last defeat came on November 17th (MD 12) at home against Stuttgart (1-2)
Nurnberg haven't lost any of their last six BL home games (W3 D3). The last time they went on longer BL home streak came in 2007/08 (ten unbeaten home games).
Monchengladbach haven't lost any of their last seven BL matches on a Sunday (W5 D2).
Monchengladbach have failed to win back-to-back matches in the BL this season.
Monchengladbach keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had a save percentage of only 61% during the first 13 matches of this season. During the last six games, that has improved to 90%.
Nurnberg player Alexander Esswein is set to play his 50th BL appearance (currently 49). Midfielder Thorben Marx will make his 100th appearance in a competitive game for Monchengladbach if he plays.
Monchengladbach defensive player Havard Nordtveit has a history with Nurnberg. He appeared in 19 BL matches for the club in 2009/10.
Monchengladbach defender Martin Stranzl and Nurnberg coach Michael Wiesinger played together with 1860 München between 2001 and 2004. They were on the pitch together for 14 BL matches.

Bayer Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund
Only in 2008/09 did a team manage to catch up an 11 point deficit to eventually win the Championship when Wolfsburg caught up and overtook Hoffenheim.
Leverkusen have won only one of their last eleven duels against Dortmund (D4 L6). Their only victory came on August 22nd 2010 at Dortmund (2-0).
Leverkusen haven't scored against Dortmund in their last three duels (280 minutes). They have never before gone on such a barren run against Borussia Dortmund.
Leverkusen haven't won any of their last five home games against Dortmund (D3 L2). Against no other current BL club have they been waiting for a home victory as long. Their last home victory against Dortmund came in May 2007 (2-1).
No other team have gained as many points in their last eight BL matches as Leverkusen (19). Dortmund however have themselves gained an impressive 17 points during this time.
Leverkusen have failed to score in only two BL games this season; last week at home against Freiburg (0-0) and on MD 3 at Dortmund (0-3 A).
In each of their last three competitive matches, Dortmund have managed to gain at least a two-goal advantage.
Leverkusen haven't lost any of their 15 competitive home games under the coaching duo Lewandowski/Hyypiä (W11 D4).
Leverkusen have conceded only one goal in their last six competitive home games.
Dortmund have lost only one of their last 24 away matches (W16 D7; with the loss at Hamburg).
Dortmund have scored in each of their last 14 BL away matches.
Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling has scored six goals with his current team against Dortmund in 13 games. Only Ulf Kirsten scored more goals for Leverkusen against Dortmund (eight in 22 matches).
Kiessling failed to attempt a shot last week against Freiburg. It was the first time that the striker went without a shot since 2011/12 (MD 27 against Schalke).
Kiessling has scored 13 goals this season; more than any other BL player. Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has scored 12.

Dejan Lekić (Genčlerbirligi, Turska 1) tipuje 20. kolo

AKHISAR - KAJZERI X2 - Domaćin je slab, dok je Robert Prosinečki digao kvalitet Kajzerija. Neće biti iznenađenje, ako gost osvoji sva tri boda.
BEŠIKTAŠ - KARABUK 3+ - Obe ekipe su poražene u prošlom kolu i na obe je došlo 3+. Bliži pobedi je domaćin, ali pošto kvota neće biti primamljiva, možda je bolje i realnije ponovo probati igru sa golovima. Hrabrijima savetujem 4+.
KASIMPAŠA - ELAZIG 1 - Gazde Kasimpaše žele u Evropu, s obzirom na to kako igraju, lako će ostvariti cilj. Dovoljan je podatak da su dobili Galatu - 2:1, a Karabuk u gostima - 3:0. Kec je sigurica.
ANTALIJA - BUJUKŠEHIR 1 - Fudbalere Antalije uhvatila je rezultatska kriza. Izgubili su obe utakmice u 2013. godini, pa sad moraju da se vade.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Championship Opta Facts – January 31


Leicester v Wolves
Wolves are unbeaten in four league games against Leicester City, winning two (including this season's reverse fixture) and drawing two.
Only Cardiff (37) have taken more home points than the Foxes in the Championship this term (32).
The Foxes have won their last four league games in a row, scoring 12 in total and conceding just once.
Leicester have already achieved five successive league wins this season, doing so between September and October in a run that started following defeat to Wolves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are winless in six league games (D2 L4) and have netted just three goals in total during this run.
Since a 4-1 victory over Bristol City on December 1st 2012, four of the six goals scored by Wolves in the Championship have been netted by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (one own goal, one by Roger Johnson).
Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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30.01. (Wed) 21:00 Real - Barcelona

PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL MADRID
Adan
Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, Marcelo
Khedira, Alonso
Ozil, Modric, Ronaldo
Benzema

BARCELONA
Pinto
Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba
Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas
Pedro, Messi, Iniesta


Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has a number of selection problems heading into Wednesday's Clasico showdown against Barcelona.

Iker Casillas (broken hand) and Pepe (ankle) are out, meaning Antonio Adan and new signing Diego Lopez battle it out in goal, while Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria all serve suspensions.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite hurting his ankle in Sunday's 4-0 win over Getafe.

Gerard Pique returns from suspension for Barcelona, who have a fully-fit squad at their disposal.

Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas are all likely to be recalled to the starting XI after they were rested for the weekend victory over Osasuna.

DID YOU KNOW?

Real Madrid are on a 31-match unbeaten run at the Santiago Bernabeu in all competitions (W26, D5).

The Castilian side have won just one of their last eight home encounters against Barcelona (W1, D2, L5).

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal at the Bernabeu in the win over Getafe to take his overall tally for Real to 179 in 176 matches.

Barcelona have won eight of their last nine away matches across all competitions.

The Blaugrana ran out 4-3 aggregate winners in last season's Copa del Rey semi-final against Blancos.

Pedro is in line to make his 200th appearance for Barca.

Prediction
This is arguably Madrid's biggest game of the season so far. They have struggled to find any sort of consistency in La Liga and if they can beat Barcelona, it will provide a massive lift for the rest of their season. However, the visitors are in devastating form in front of goal and may prove too much for Blancos' second-string back line.
Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona

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30.01. (Wed) 21:00 Reading - Chelsea

PROBABLE LINEUPS

READING
Federici
Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Shorey
Leigertwood, Guthrie, McAnuff
Kebe, Pogrebnyak, McCleary

CHELSEA
Turnbull
Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole
Ramires, Lampard
Oscar, Mata, Bertrand
Torres

Reading boss Brian McDermott has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with just two notable absences. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) is out, so Adam Federici will continue to deputise.

At the other end of the pitch, Jason Roberts (hip) remains sidelined, so Pavel Pogrebnyak is expected to start up front – the Russian striker was rested for the Royals' 4-0 FA Cup win over Sheffield United.

Chelsea are without Eden Hazard, who is serving a suspension for kicking a ballboy in the Capital One Cup; in the Belgian’s absence, Ryan Bertrand could be handed a starting berth on the left wing ahead of Marko Marin.

Nigerian duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are both on Africa Cup of Nations duty, so remain unavailable for selection, while Oriol Romeu (knee) is the only long-term absentee.

John Terry started in the FA Cup against Brentford but is likely to return to the bench against Reading. David Luiz will not play, while Fernando Torres should keep his place up front after netting against the Bees.

Ross Turnbull is set to continue in goal following his appearance against Brentford, with Petr Cech (calf) still unavailable.

DID YOU KNOW?
Reading have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions, and won their last four (scoring 12 goals along the way).

Only Leighton Baines (3.3) and David Silva (3) have played more key passes per game than Reading left-back Nicky Shorey (2.9). The 31-year-old has also averaged more accurate crosses than any other player.
The Royals, who sit in 18th place in the league, are one of just five teams yet to have a player sent off this season.

No team has conceded more shots per game (18.2) than Brian McDermott's side.

Only QPR (zero out of two) have won fewer matches when leading at half-time than Reading (one out of six); Chelsea have won nine of the 12 matches in which they've led at the break.

Chelsea have not lost a league game against Reading since March 1930, and have won six of their last seven matches against the Royals in all competitions.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been in good form on the road under Rafa Benitez, recording four away wins on the bounce in the Premier League.

No side has been awarded as many penalties (eight) as Chelsea; only Phil Dowd (eight) has pointed to the spot more times than Wednesday's referee Mark Halsey (six).

The Blues had to come from behind against Reading at Stamford Bridge, overhauling a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2.

Only Arsenal's Lukas Podolski (nine) has more Premier League assists than Chelsea's Juan Mata (eight); the Spaniard is also the Blues' joint-highest scorer in the league.

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30.01. (Wed) 21:00 Manchester United - Southampton

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
Valencia, Jones, Carrick, Kagawa
Van Persie, Rooney

SOUTHAMPTON
Boruc
Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw
Schneiderlin, Cork
Puncheon, Ramirez, Guly do Prado
Lambert

Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Shinji Kagawa, Antonio Valencia and Robin van Persie are all likely to return to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, having been rested or deployed from the bench in their FA Cup tie against Fulham, at the expense of Chris Smalling, Anderson, Nani, Ryan Giggs and Chicharito.

Jones could be moved into a central midfield berth alongside Carrick, having started the last three games since his return from injury and impressed in a similar role against Tottenham, despite his side proving unable to see out the game.

Jonny Evans (hamstring) and Ashley Young (knee) are also both likely to be back in contention, though they are unlikely to start given their lack of match fitness.

Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, is likely to persist with the same team that earned him a goalless draw against Everton in his first game in charge of the side.

Norway international Vegard Forren is available to play after his move from Molde and the centre-back could make his debut against Manchester United, though Pochettino will no doubt be inclined to retain the same defence that earned a clean sheet against the Toffees.

The away side have received a boost with Adam Lallana returning from a knee injury, though he will likely be confined to the substitute's bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United have never, in Premier League history, had more points at this stage of the season (after 24 games) than they do now (59 points).

The Premier League leaders have a seemingly unstoppable strike-force of late; Wayne Rooney has scored seven in his last eight games, Chicharito has got five in five while Robin van Persie has netted 10 in his last 10 Premier League appearances.

To add to those impressive goalscoring statistics, Van Persie is the first player in Premier League history to score 10+ away goals in three successive seasons; three of those away goals came in a match-winning hat-trick against Southampton earlier in the season.

At the other end of the pitch, David de Gea, despite receiving renewed criticism of late, has the joint second best saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League this season - 76% (second only to Swansea's Gerhard Tremmel with 81%).

Southampton, meanwhile, have the lowest overall saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League this season: 61%.

Morgan Schneiderlin has made two headed attempts at goal this season; he has scored both of them (one of the two was, in fact, against Manchester United earlier in the season).

The Saints have lost their five Premier League encounters at Old Trafford. Their last point earned at the 'Theatre of Dreams' stretches back to a draw in September 1999, a 3-3 thriller infamous for Massimo Taibi's Matt Le Tissier-induced clanger.

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30.01. (Wed) 20:45 Arsenal - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL
Szczesny
Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs
Diaby, Wilshere
Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski
Giroud

LIVERPOOL
Reina
Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson
Allen, Lucas
Suarez, Gerrard, Sterling
Sturridge

Thomas Vermaelen should be back in the Arsenal defence after missing out against Brighton with an ankle injury.

Mikel Arteta (calf) is scheduled to return for the game, but either Abou Diaby or Aaron Ramsey may play instead with the Spaniard lacking full match fitness.

Francis Coquelin (hamstring) may well miss out for the hosts, as will reserve goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (ankle). Gervinho is absent as he is on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Some of Liverpool's younger players may be dropped by Brendan Rodgers after the manager said he felt "let down" by them during Liverpool's shock 3-2 FA Cup defeat away to Oldham on Sunday.

Jose Reina, however, is expected to return after a hip injury, so Brad Jones will most likely lose his place after making a bad mistake to gift Oldham their second goal.

Andre Wisdom will probably continue at right-back despite the probable return of Jose Enrique, with Glen Johnson filling in at left-back - although Johnson himself is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Martin Kelly (knee) is a long-term absentee, and is only expected back at the end of March.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 earlier in the premier League season at Anfield, with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla.

The Gunners only have one win (West Ham) from their last four league games, drawing with Southampton and losing to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger's side have also lost two of their past five league home games, but won the other three.
Theo Walcott  leads the club's goalscoring charts with 17 in all competitions, and has just signed a new deal with the club.

Liverpool's away league form has been poor this season, with three wins, four draws and four defeats.
Brendan Rodgers' side have lost three of their last five away games, but have won the other two.

Luis Suarez is integral to liverpool's goal output - he has 21 in all competitions, and his nearest team-mate is Steven Gerrard with just six.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than league leaders Manchester United, but are 19 and 22 points behind them respectively.

Liverpool won 2-0 at the Emirates in the league last season courtesy of an Aaron Ramsey own goal and a Luis Suarez strike.

Prediction
Both teams are desperate to qualify for the Champions league next season, and are struggling in their own ways. With the sides near to full-strength, it should be an evenly contested game. Arsenal have defended well this season but Luis Suarez has been in sensational form, and the hosts would do well to keep a clean sheet for 90 minutes. However, with Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud netting a few of late, there should be goals at both ends.
Editor's Prediction
 Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

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30.01. (Wed) 18:00 Togo - Tunisia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

TOGO
Agassa
Djene, Mamah, Nibombe, Akakpo
Gakpe, Amewou, Salifu, Adebayor
Ayite, Romao

TUNISIA
Chrifia
Bousaidi, Ifa, Abdennour, Chemmam
Traoui, Mouelhi, Msakni, Jemaa
Khelifa, Hammami

The meeting between Togo and Tunisia will take centre stage on Wednesday since the other Group D game involving Ivory Coast and Algeria can be described as a mere formality.

The Elephants became the first team to qualify to the quarter-finals after winning their first two matches while the Algerians were also the first to be kicked out after losing their second match 2-0 to the Sparrow Hawks.

Even though both Togo and Tunisia have three points apiece, the west Africans are rather advantaged with superior goals.

This means they need a draw to qualify while the Carthage Eagles must pick up all three points at stake to be able to join the Ivorians in the next stage of the tournament.

Didier Six’s men are chasing a quarter-final berth for the first time in the history of the competition after unsuccessful attempts in their last six outings.

The 2006 World Cup campaigners have been one of the surprised packages at the 2013 Afcon after emerging as tough customers for tournament favourites, Ivory Coast. It took a last minute goal from Gervinho to give the Ivorians a 2-1 victory.

They also found the back of the net twice to finish off Algeria and that led to the exit of the north Africans.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor will again be Togo’s weapon as he continues to be a predator in the backyard of opponents. He showed good signs of that when he got the first goal for his side against Algeria.

The good performance of goalkeeper Kossi Agassa means the 2004 champions must work off their socks to go past him.

The Tunisians will be hoping the possible availability of their top scorer; Issam Jemma will add some weight to their attacking line while Qatar-based, Msakni will need to be checked well by the Togolese defence.

DID YOU KNOW?

Togo are making their seventh appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Hawks have never qualified to the quarter-finals since their debut appearance in 1992.

Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor is the top scorer of the Togo national team.

Togo are currently ranked 77 on the Fifa table after losing six points.

Togo Coach Didier Six played for the French national team for nine years – from 1976 to 1984, earning 52 caps for his country and scoring 13 goals as a winger.

Emmanuel Adebayor remains Togo's all-time top scorer with 27 goals.

Tunisia are making their 16th appearance at the tournament and won it in 2004.
The Carthage Eagles have been at the Fifa World Cup on four different occasions.

Issam Jemma is Tunisia’s top scorer with 34 goals.

Prediction
Togo’s performance against Ivory Coast and the 2-0 victory over Algeria have boosted their confidence. Didier Six’s men know they need a draw to make history by qualifying to the quarter-final for the first time.
Editor's Prediction
Togo 1-1 Tunisia
Monday, January 28, 2013

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29.01. (Tue) 20:45 Lazio - Juventus

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LAZIO
Marchetti
Cavanda, Biava, Ciani, Radu
Candreva, Ledesma, Cana, Hernanes, Mauri
Floccari

JUVENTUS
Storari
Caceres, Barzagli, Bonucci
Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini
Marchisio
Giovinco, Quagliarella

Stefano Mauri's late equaliser at the Juventus Stadium gave Lazio a vital away goal ahead of the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Aware that they must score, Juventus will most likely start with two strikers. Fabio Quagliarella could retain his starting berth up front after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Genoa at the weekend, while Sebastian Giovinco is pushing for a start having been left on the bench in the previous match and he could replace Mirko Vucinic.

Andrea Pirlo should return to training later this week but the 33-year-old is ruled out of Tuesday's contest against the Biancocelesti. With Kwadwo Asamoah on international duty with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio are expected to continue in central midfield. Emanuele Giaccherini could replace Paolo De Ceglie on the left wing.

Lazio's top goalscorer Miroslav Klose is still sidelined through a muscular injury, meaning that Sergio Floccari should continue up front, although Czech Republic forward Libor Kozak could start.

Lazio are likely to employ a four-man defence, with Luis Pedro Cavanda and Stefan Radu poised to start in the wing-back positions. Michael Ciani and Andre Dias are vying for the chance to partner Giuseppe Biava in central defence whilst Antonio Candreva is expected to return to the XI, having missed the first leg.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lazio have failed to beat Juventus in their last nine meetings, losing six. Their last triumph over the Bianconeri came back in April 2009 when goals from Mauro Zarate and Aleksandar Kolarov gave the Biancocelesti a 2-1 Coppa Italia victory.

Juventus are searching for a record tenth Coppa Italia title. Only Roma have lifted the trophy as many times as the Old Lady.

Lazio have lifted the Coppa Italia on five occasions, most recently in 2009 under the stewardship of Delio Rossi.

Antonio Conte has appeared in a Coppa Italia final on three occasions as a player, winning the trophy as part of the 1995 Juventus side.

Lazio's 1-0 loss to Chievo on Saturday was their first defeat in 17 matches.

Lazio faced Juventus in the 2004 Coppa Italia final where they secured a 4-2 aggregate win over two legs.

Prediction
Vladimir Petkovic's side succeeded in restricting Juventus to very few shots on target in the first leg and if they can replicate their defensive resilience, Lazio's away goal could prove the decisive factor between the two sides.
Editor's Prediction
Lazio 0-0 Juventus

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30.01. (Wed) 20:45 QPR - Manchester City

PROBABLE LINEUPS

QPR
Cesar
Onuoha, Hill, Nelsen, Fabio
Mackie, Mbia, Derry, Wright-Phillips
Taarabt
Bothroyd

MANCHESTER CITY
Hart
Zabaleta, Rekik, Lescott, Kolarov
Milner, Barry, Garcia, Silva
Dzeko, Aguero

Harry Redknapp may well find himself unable to call upon recent arrival Loic Remy (hamstring), with the Frenchman likely to be subject to a late fitness test prior to Tuesday's clash.

Fellow attackers Junior Hoilett (hamstring), Bobby Zamora (hip) and Andrew Johnson (knee) are also unavailable for the hosts, while Jose Bosingwa (back) is too absent through injury.

Samba Diakite, meanwhile, is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali.

The visitors go into the meeting with significant problems in central defence. Captain Vincent Kompany (calf) has been ruled out after picking up a problem in the FA Cup against Stoke, while Matija Nastasic (knock) is also a major doubt.

Roberto Mancini's problems at the back are exacerbated with the absences of Maicon and Micah Richards (both knee).

Kolo Toure, along with brother Yaya, remains on international duty with the Ivory Coast, so youngster Karim Rekik may be called into the backline unless the Italian opts for a three-man defence.

DID YOU KNOW?

At this point last season, in which QPR avoided relegation by a single point, the west Londoners were six points better off than they are currently.

The Rs currently boast the sixth highest net transfer spend total since the start of the summer 2012 transfer window, with only Chelsea, Liverpool, Southampton and the two Manchester clubs boasting greater outlays.

The last time Harry Redknapp managed a club that was relegated was Southampton in 2004-05. At the equivalent stage of that season, the Saints had an identical results record to QPR's current run: two wins, nine draws and 12 defeats.

QPR are 7/1 to draw 1-1 with bet365.

Manchester City are yet to concede a goal in 2013.

So far, the Premier League champions have only managed 75% of the number of goals they had scored at this point last term.

Roberto Mancini's men have netted three times in each of their last three meetings with QPR, winning every time - including their memorable last-minute win to claim the Premier League title last season.

City have won their last four games in the Premier League, and last six in all competitions, while Redknapp's side are unbeaten in three, but crashed out against MK Dons in the FA Cup at Loftus Road last time out.

Premier League Opta Facts – January 29-30th


Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Aston Villa have enjoyed just one win in their last five Premier League meetings with Newcastle (D2 L2), netting a total of four goals in this period while shipping 10.
At Villa Park, the Villans are unbeaten in their last five top tier clashes with the Magpies, winning four, drawing one and keeping three clean sheets in the process.
The one and only time that a Paul Lambert side hosted Alan Pardew's team in the Premier League came last season, when Norwich won 4-2 at Carrow Road.
Villa Park has witnessed fewer goals than any other Premier League stadium this season (24).
On average, Mike Dean has handed out a card for every 5.9 fouls in the Premier League this season; the most frequent of any referee.
Newcastle have won just three of their 18 Premier League matches since Alan Pardew signed a new 8-year contract (W3 D4 L11).
Villa have scored just five goals in their last seven meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League, with each of these arriving in the first half.
Aston Villa have won fewer points after 23 Premier League games in a season than ever before (20). They have also scored fewer goals (19) and conceded more often (44) than in any previous PL campaign at this stage.
This is also Newcastle's worst ever points tally after 23 games of a Premier League season (21).
Only two players (Gomis (25) and Aubameyang (24)) have scored more goals in Ligue 1 since the start of last season than Yoan Gouffran (22).

Queens Park Rangers v Manchester City
QPR have lost each of their last four Premier League clashes with Man City, shipping three goals in each of the last three defeats and two in the loss before that.
In the two sides' five Premier League meetings at Loftus Road, the Hoops have only managed one win, 1-0 in August 1995, losing two and drawing two.
No side has scored more goals than Man City in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season (11) and these goals have contributed towards a league-high 12 points.
Phil Dowd has awarded a league-high eight penalties in the Premier League this season.
Only Chelsea (8) have won more penalties in the Premier League this term than Man City (6).
QPR have scored the highest proportion of goals from outside the area in the Premier League this season (39%; 7 of 18).
Man City have conceded the highest proportion of goals from outside the area in the Premier League this season (26%; 5 of 19).
Adel Taarabt has either scored (2) or assisted (2) four of QPR's last five Premier League goals.
Eden Dzeko has scored one goal in each of his three Premier League matches against QPR.
QPR are the 13th side in Premier League history to have won 15 points or fewer after 23 games of a season. Of those 13, only three have avoided relegation (West Brom in 2004-05, Fulham in 2007-08 and Wigan in 2011/12).
Should QPR suffer defeat in this match, it'll be their 100th loss in the Premier League.

Stoke City v Wigan Athletic
Stoke have now gone seven Premier League games against Wigan without winning (5D 2L), with that run coinciding with Roberto Martinez taking charge at the DW Stadium.
The Latics are unbeaten on their last three league visits to the Britannia Stadium (W1 D2), only losing (with Steve Bruce in charge) back in May 2009, 2-0.
The last three clahses between these two sides have produced four penalty goals, with Irish striker Jonathan Walters bagging two of those spot-kicks.
No side has conceded the first goal of the game on more occasions than Wigan Athletic this season in the Premier League (15).
No referee has a higher cards per game average in the Premier League this season than Mark Jones (4.1 a game).
No side has committed more fouls in the Premier League this season than Stoke City (301).
Ali Al-Habsi has made more errors leading to opposition goals than any other Premier League player this season (5).
Stoke have lost three successive games in the Premier League. The last time that they lost four in a row was in February 2012.
Wigan have won fewer points from their last 10 Premier League games than any other side (5).
Stoke have conceded 13 goals in their last four Premier League games. They had conceded the exact same amount in their previous 18 games.

Sunderland v Swansea City
Sunderland remain unbeaten in their three Premier League meetings with Swansea, winning one (2-0) and drawing two (0-0 and 2-2).
On their 12 visits to Sunderland in all competitions, the Swans have only ever enjoyed one victory, 1-0 in February 1982 in the old Division One.
Ki Sung-Yueng (22) has attempted the most shots (excl. blocked) without scoring a goal in the Premier League this season.
If matches ended at half-time this season, Sunderland would be 4th in the Premier League table, while if only the second half of PL games counted, Swansea would be 5th.
Steven Fletcher has scored the first goal of the game more often than any other Premier League player this season (6).
Only seven of Steven Fletcher's 22 Premier League goals since the start of last season have been scored in home matches (32%).
Fletcher has scored three goals in his previous two Premier League appearances against Swansea, but both of these games have been away. He netted two of these in his Sunderland debut back in September.
Sunderland have won five of their last eight Premier League games (W5 L3), this after winning just four of their previous 29 (W4 D13 L12).
The Swans have suffered only two defeats in their last 14 Premier League matches (W5 D7 L2).
Michu has scored just one goal in his last eight hours and 31 minutes of Premier League football (511 mins). Before this run, he had averaged a goal every 115 mins.

Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Liverpool, but six of these games have also ended in a draw (W4 D6 L1).
The Reds have won just eight points in their last 12 Premier League away games at Arsenal (W1 D5 L6).
No side has won more Premier League away games at Arsenal than Liverpool (6, alongside Manchester United).
Liverpool have averaged the highest possession in the Premier League so far this season (59.4%).
Of players to have attempted at least 30 shots (excl. blocked) in the Premier League this season, Theo Walcott (31.3%) has the best shot conversion rate.
Lukas Podolski tops the Premier League assist charts with nine this season following three in his last appearance against West Ham; the first player to assist three in a single PL game since Steven Pienaar in April 2012.
The Emirates has witnessed more goals than any other Premier League stadium this season (46).
Luis Suárez has created more goalscoring chances from open play than any other player in the top five European leagues this season (61).
Santi Cazorla has made 15 through balls in the Premier League this season, no other player has made more than eight.
There have been seven goals scored in the 90th minute or later in the last eight Premier League meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Everton v West Bromwich Albion
Just one of their previous 13 Premier League meetings between these two sides have ended as a draw, with Everton winning seven and West Brom securing five wins.
Victor Anichebe has scored in two of his last three Premier League games against West Brom, despite playing a combined 69 minutes over those three matches.
Everton have lost only 9% of games that they have conceded the first goal of the game in this season (one of 11); the best such record in the Premier League.
West Brom have attempted 61% of their shots in the second half of Premier League games this season; a higher proportion than any other side.
Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals and assisted one in his nine Premier League starts for West Brom.
Despite picking up just one point from their last four Premier League games, this is still West Brom's highest points tally after 23 games in a PL season (34).
Everton have drawn a joint-league high 11 games in the Premier League this season. Only three sides (Everton in 2010-11, Birmingham in 2010-11 and Ipswich in 1992-93 - all 12) have drawn more of their first 23 games in a PL season.
Only Manchester City (2) have lost fewer games than Everton (3) this season.
West Brom have lost four of their last five (W1) away games in the Premier League.
Everton have used fewer players than any other Premier League side this season (22).

Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur
Norwich have won four points (W1 D1) in their last two Premier League games against Tottenham, this after winning just five in their nine previous PL meetings with them (W1 D2 L6).
However, at Carrow Road, Norwich have lost four and drawn one of their five Premier League games against Tottenham Hotspur, netting just one goal in the process.
Only once in PL history have Tottenham had more points than their 41 after 23 games this season (49 points last season).
Tottenham Hotspur have used a league-high 27 players already this season in the Premier League.
Norwich have collected just one point from their last six Premier League games (L5 D1), fewer than any other side over this period.
Spurs have won seven and lost just one of their last 11 Premier League matches (W7 D3 L1).
Gareth Bale has already netted nine Premier League goals this season, equalling his highest tally in a single season (9 in 2011-12). Seven of these nine have come in away games.
No English player has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Jermain Defoe (10), although the striker has scored just one goal in his last 11 hours and 49 minutes of PL football.
Only Norwich (14) have used more English players in the Premier League this season than Spurs (13).
Andre Villas-Boas has won 52.2% of his Premier League games for Tottenham (12 of 23); a higher win percentage than any other Spurs manager in the Premier League.

Fulham v West Ham United
Fulham have won just two of their previous 17 Premier League matches against West Ham (W2 D5 L10), with one of those victories being in their first ever PL meeting.
Only Arsenal (7) have won more often away at Fulham in the Premier League than West Ham United (6).
The Whites have failed to find the net in four of their previous eight Premier League home games against West Ham, netting only six goals in total.
Fulham have a lower win percentage than any other club in Premier League London derbies (19.4%) and have won just two points from a possible 15 in PL London derbies this season.
Only Arsenal (50.8%) and Chelsea (49.2%) have a better win percentage in Premier League London derbies than West Ham United (31.6%).
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham, netting six goals in total, however, he also scored an own goal in this run. These six goals mean that he's scored more often against Fulham than any other side in the Premier League.
West Ham have conceded fewer headed goals than any other Premier League side this season (1).
The Hammers have played a higher proportion of their passes in the attacking third of the pitch than any other side in the Premier League this season (39.2%).
No goalkeeper has been forced into making more saves than Jussi Jääskeläinen (91).
Dimitar Berbatov netted five goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Fulham (goal every 117 mins), but has scored only two in his subsequent 12 PL games (goal every 540 mins).
Mark Noble has created more goalscoring chances without having assisted a goal (32) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United v Southampton
The Red Devils have dropped just two points in 13 Premier League home games against Southampton (W12 D1).
Manchester United have scored in 25 of their 27 previous Premier League games against Southampton and have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine PL games versus them.
Robin van Persie has scored four goals in three Premier League appearances against Southampton, including a hat-trick in Manchester United's 3-2 win at St Marys earlier this season.
Morgan Schneiderlin has made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season (90) and only Sandro (80) has made more interceptions than the Frenchman (72).
Paul Scholes has been given six cautions in the Premier League this season, despite playing only 682 minutes; meaning he has been given a yellow card every 114 mins on average.
Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances and has three goals in his last three PL games against Southampton.
Manchester United have currently won 299 home games in the Premier League; more than any other side.
Manchester United have seen 16 different players score a Premier League goal for them this season; more than any other side.
The Red Devils have won 29 of a possible 33 points from their last 11 Premier League games (W9 D2).
Southampton have lost none of their last six Premier League matches, but five of these have ended in a draw (W1 D5).

Reading v Chelsea
Reading have won just one point in their previous five Premier League meetings with Chelsea (D1 L4).
Reading have lost a league-high 20 points from leading positions this season, with three of these points coming in the reverse fixture, as Reading led 2-1 until the 69th minute and eventually lost 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have scored the first goal of the game on more occasions than any other Premier League side this season (15).
Reading have won only one of their eight Premier League games (13%) that they have scored the first goal of the game in this season.
Despite refereeing only 11 matches in the Premier League this season, Mark Halsey has awarded six penalties. Only Phil Dowd (8) has given more.
Chelsea have won a league-high eight penalty kicks this season in the Premier League.
Five different players have taken these eight penalties for Chelsea, Frank Lampard (4), Eden Hazard, Oscar and Fernando Torres score theirs, while Lucas Piazon was the only one to miss.
Adam Le Fondre has scored with four of his last five shots (excl. blocked) in the Premier League.
This will be Rafael Benitez's 12th Premier League game in charge of Chelsea and he's won 21 points so far. Roberto Di Matteo won 24 points in his 12 PL games in charge of the Blues this term.
Reading have won nine points from their last four Premier League games (W3 L1). They had collected just 10 in their previous 19 PL matches this term.