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