2016

à 0
 CAEN

Caen tried to impose the rhythm last round away at Rennes, they even held more possession and had more attempts on target, but the inefficiency in the finishing phase was the biggest problem.

Forward Santini scored twice in the first round but is invisible ever since, and creative midfielder Feret is now their most dangerous player. Unfortunately Feret is not exactly an attacking midfielder, and his only attempts on target are from long range.

Caen can be very solid in the defensive phase, but central midfielders aren’t always providing enough support, seeing that they are wasting energy in the attacking phase.

There are no reports of new injuries, so most probably Caen will use the same lineup as last round.

PSG
This is not such a good moment for PSG, as they picked up only 1 point in the last two Ligue1 rounds. Although they always clearly dominate in term of possession, the biggest problem for PSG is creating really dangerous scoring chances and converting them.

The poor offensive display is simply inexplicable, seeing they have extremely talented attacking players. It is understandable that newly arrived forwards Jese and Ben Arfa need some time to adapt, and that even Pastore needs time to get accustomed to his new role, seeing that he was mostly a bench warmer last season, but Cavani, Di Maria and Lucas played together last season as well, and playing relations should already exist.

Fullback Kurzawa missed the Champions League game against Arsenal (1-1 after a balanced game) and most probably will sit out again. Forward Ben Arfa was left outside the squad for the midweek Champions League game, and at the moment it is not clear if there is some-kind of conflict or simply Ben Arfa is out of form.

PSG shouldn’t be trusted until they solve their attacking issues and pick up some form. If someone is holding a gun to your head, forcing you to place a bet on this game, then go with Caen +1, otherwise stay away.

Caen: Rémy Vercoutre, Matthieu Dreyer – Romain Genevois, Alaeddine Yahia, Damien Da Silva, Syam Ben Youssef, Emmanuel Imorou – Jordan Adéoti, Nicolas Seube, Ismaël Diomandé, Vincent Bessat, Steed Malbranque, Julien Féret – Yann Karamoh, Ivan Santini, Ronny Rodelin, Hervé Bazile, Pape Sané.

PSG: Areola, Trapp – Thiago Silva, Meunier, Maxwell, Marquinhos, Kimpembe – Di Maria, Krychowiak, Matuidi, Lucas, Pastore, Rabiot, Verratti, Thiago Motta – Jesé, Cavani, Augustin



Continue reading

à 0

It was a stunning start to life at a new and improved Anfield last Saturday, as the Reds dispatched of the champions with consummate ease.

Goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana saw Liverpool easy to victory, and not even Lucas Leiva‘s calamitous error to gift Jamie Vardy a goal could dampen the spirits of Reds supporters.

Seven points from their opening four Premier League matches is a solid return from Klopp’s men, especially when you consider the difficult start they have had.

The tough games keep on coming and attention now turns to Friday’s crucial match-up with Chelsea in west London – where Liverpool enjoyed their first win under Klopp’s reign last season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 31, 2015: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp celebrates with Alberto Moreno and Jordon Ibe after the 3-1 victory over Chelsea during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Antonio Conte has come in and made an immediate impact for the Blues, with three wins and draw representing a very strong start to the campaign.

Chelsea have sealed victories against West Ham, Watford and Burnley, and their 2-2 draw away to Swansea City on Sunday should really have been another three points.

Watching the differing but similarly passionate styles of Klopp and Conte should make for fascinating viewing on Friday, both in terms of their respective team’s performance and their touchline antics.

A win for either side would be a real statement of intent, particularly Liverpool, who will be on cloud nine if they can get another positive result away to a rival.

The bragging rights are on offer, in a rivalry that only really ignited during the days of Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho in the mid 2000s.



Continue reading
no image

à 0

TEAM NEWS

Greuther Furth coach Stefan Ruthenbeck has injury concerns in midfield ahead of welcoming Wurzburger Kickers: Jurgen Gjasula, Mathis Bolly and Sercan Sararer remain out after missing Matchday 4's 1-1 draw at Dusseldorf.
George Davies has joined his fellow midfielders on the treatment table due to a skin problem, while attacking midfielder Robert Zulj has been retroactively suspended for three games for an off-the-ball incident on Matchday 4. Benedikt Kirsch is expected to replace him in the side.
There is only one injury concern for Wurzburger Kickers coach Bernd Hollerbach ahead of the trip to Furth: centre-back Franko Uzelac remains absent with a foot injury.
Hollerbach is likely to field a similar line-up this weekend to the one that beat Bochum 2-0 last time out, though. Going forward, Rico Benatelli scored his second goal in as many games, while Elia Soriano netted his second of the season in the win. The in-form duo are set to start again this weekend.
 
Greuther Furth
 
Suspended: Zulj (three matches)
Doubtful: Gjasula (inflammation), Davies (skin problem)
Injured/unavailable: Bolly (patella tendon), Sararer (stomach)
 
Wurzburger Kickers
 
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/Unavailable: Uzelac (foot)









Continue reading
no image

à 0
KRC Genk will travel to Ernst-Happel-Stadion full of confidence for their UEFA Europa League cup match with Rapid Wien on 2016/9/16. This is a crucial part of the season for both clubs and both would fancy their chances of winning this competition. The kick off time of 1:00 may affect the size of the crowd, but those who prefer to be there and not watch on TV should create plenty of atmosphere.

Rapid Wien may have the upper hand, especially with their good run in this season’s UEFA Europa League, so they may start the match as marginal favourites with the pundits. However KRC Genk have been also been on good form in the cup, so are sure to be brimming with confidence on 2016/9/16 too. With a difficult schedule ahead however, neither team will want a draw and a costly replay, so both should be going all out for the win.




Continue reading
no image

à 0
Villarreal will be hosting Zurich at Camp El Madrigal, as Villarreal look to continue their new winning form.

Villarreal finished 4th in the last La Liga season, which qualified them for the Champions League qualifiers. Unfortunately, Villarreal lost to Monaco in the playoffs of the Champions League, which demoted them to Europa League group stage. They are seeded into group L against Steaua Bucuresti, Osmanlispor FK and Zurich. The yellow Submarines are favourites to come out top of the group.

Mean while, Zurich were relegated from Swiss Super League last season, they are currently playing in the Swiss challenge Cup. They won the Swiss Cup last season, which qualified them for the Europa League this season. Zurich have been good in the Challenge Cup, they currently on top of the table with 19 points from 7 games. The swiss side are currently on a winning streak and hope to keep the good form.

Continue reading
no image

à 0


The most recent meeting between Ajax and Panathinaikos was in a club friendly on August 2015. The Greek side won the fixture at Amsterdam by a 2-0 margin.

One of the most memorable meeting between these two sides was Ajax’s 1971 European Cup Final victory over Panathinaikos at Wembley.

Panathinaikos are unbeaten in the four qualifying games this season with 3 wins and a draw. Their domestic season have only started this week and they earned a 3-0 win away from home at Levadiakos. There will be no shortage in confidence when they host familiar foes Ajax.

While Ajax have struggled at the start of the new season. But have steadied the ship somewhat with back-to-back wins in their domestic league. They have some quality players who can turn the match on their own. And this is expected to be a tough battle as both teams want to make amends for the past failures.

Considering the attacking prowess of both sides involves, it will be beneficial to bet on both teams to score in this fixture.




Continue reading
no image

à 0
Bringing on Edin Dzeko and later Francesco Totti transformed the shape and pace of Roma’s attack, as they stormed back from a 2-1 deficit to win the match 3-2. The question, then, as it seemingly is every week now, is simply which formation will Spalletti use from the get go: the strikerless Stephan El Shaarawy-Diego Perotti-Mohamed Salah trio or a more traditional Dzeko-led attack?

Speaking to his selection choices, Spalletti focused mainly on the defense:

    We are working hard on the defence and realise how important it is to remain solid at the back. Tomorrow we’ll be able to use new players like Fazio, who is a good player and won’t be as fatigued as the others.
Vermaelen is available, but playing him right away could create problems for the next game. My intention, if possible, is to not use him tomorrow.

 Juan Jesus had a slight ankle problem and my intention is to use Jesus, Fazio and (Kostas) Manolas

Yikes. So Vermaelen will most likely be riding the pine and Rrruan is hurt. Viktoria Plzen or not, this is as suboptimal as it gets for Roma’s backline.

Spalletti then shifted the discussion to his vaunted attack, specifically last week’s hero Francesco Totti.

I cannot promise anything, the game will dictate my actions. I have many strong players and can’t play them all. Francesco is a genius of football. It is always a pleasure to see him, but he is of a certain age. This disappoints everyone, but we must learn to use him in the right way

Listen, I love Spalletti and was overjoyed when he came back, but cut the shit, Luciano. He’s of a certain age? You must learn to use him in the right way? You’ve had seven months to figure this out now, and during that time, one thing has proved axiomatic. Certain age or not, Totti is perhaps the best game changer in the league. There is no mystery here: you get roughly 100-120 minutes of effective Totti a month...so fucking use it!

That’s about all we’ve got for now, but don’t get it twisted, the opponent may not be well known, but Roma can, has, and will always happen.




Continue reading
no image

à 0

It's the first match of the UEFA Europa League group stage, and both teams will be desperate to get off to a strong start.

Saints and Sparta each have serious ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds, but will need to finish in the top two of a tough group if they are to get there.

The onus is perhaps more on Southampton in this game, given they are the home team, and they are sure to have strong backing from the St Mary's crowd.

Claude Puel's side will not just want a victory to boost their European prospects, but also to kick-start their season, as they seek a first win of the campaign.

Team news

Southampton will be without Jérémy Pied, who is out with a long-term knee injury, while new signing Sofiane Boufal is still not ready to feature.

Sparta Praha have a concern over midfielder Borek Dočkal, who has been absent for the last few weeks with a knee injury, while Martin Frydek is also a doubt.

Southampton’s last five:

• Arsenal (A) L 1-2
• Sunderland (H) D 1-1
• Manchester United (A) L 0-2
• Watford (H) D 0-0
• Athletic Club (H) W 1-0*

Sparta Praha’s last five:

• Mladá Boleslav (H) D 2-2
• Dukla Praha (A) W 2-0
• SønderjyskE (H) W 3-2
• Jablonec (H) W 3-0
• SønderjyskE (A) D 0-0


Top scorers: Nathan Redmond (1), Jay Rodriguez (1)

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomàš Rosicky rejoined Sparta Praha last month, making his debut as a late substitute in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Mladá Boleslav. He might be 35 now, but he still has plenty of ability and could be a threat if he plays.

Top scorer: David Lafata (4)



Continue reading
no image

à 0
PAOK Thessaloniki defeated Dinamo Tbilisi in the play-off with a 5-0 aggregate score to book their place in this season’s Europa League. They were in the qualifiers for Champions League, but were shown the exit door by Ajax Amsterdam due a 2-1 home loss in the second leg.

The Greek side had a disappointing campaign in Europa League last season, where they failed to get past the group phase. They managed a win, drawn 4 and finished with 7 points behind FC Krasnodar and Borussia Dortmund in Group C.

Fiorentina are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the Europa League and got past the group phase on all three occasions. They were eliminated in the round of 32 by Premier League side Tottenham last season. But their best run in recent run came in the 2014/15 season, when they reached the semi-finals.
PAOK vs Fiorentina: Head-to-Head Stats

The previous meeting between PAOK and Fiorentina was during the Group stages of 2014/2015 Europa League. The Greek outfit suffered a 1-0 loss in the home fixture, but managed a 1-1 draw in the away leg in Florence.

PAOK haven’t fared well against Italian teams as they managed just 1 win from the 12 matches, losing 7 and drawing 4.





Continue reading
no image

à 0

On Thursday, September 15, 20:00 Anderlecht eponymous club at the stadium “Constant Vanden Stock” will Gabala in the first round of the group round of the Europa League.


Anderlecht lost only one game this season, and it cost the team a place in the Champions League, where the Belgians knocked Rostov 2: 2, 0: 2. The matches for the right to play in the main round of the Europa League Anderlecht have played a powerful double-defeating Slavia Prague 3: 0.3: 0. For the upcoming match home match with a series of seven matches without defeat, winning 4 times in those games. Today’s game is very important in terms of the future prospects of both teams in the Europa League.


Gabala beginning of the path to the group more June 30 and held 4 rounds of qualification, beating alternately, Samtredia, ITC, Lille and Maribor. Team Roman Grigorchuk was noted in the first place a great defense in 8 games conceding 7 goals with 15 goals. Out in the group have a great result for the Azerbaijani team, and no problems to Gabala to go in the spring stage of the tournament is not intended. What can relax the players and they are not thinking about the result, play for fun and could again surprise their rivals.





Continue reading
no image

à 0
Mainz 05 and Saint-Etienne will face each other at Opel Arena on Thursday night, as the two teams aim to get back to winning ways.

Mainz had an automatic qualification into this stage of the competition, as they finished 6th in the Bundesliga last season. They are drawn into group C which consists of strong opponents in the likes of Saint-Etienne, Anderlecht and Gabala. Mainz kicked of there Bundesliga season poorly, they lost 2-1 to Dortmund on the road in the opening day. They also failed to win their weekend game at home, as they drew 4-4 against Hoffenheim.

Saint-Etienne the competition in the 3rd qualifying round, defeating AEK Athens with a 1-0 aggregate. Furthermore, they defeated Beitar Jerusalem 2-1 on aggregate in the playoffs. Their form in the French Ligue 1 have been a fluctuating one, as they have drawn twice, won once and lost once. They will come into this game from a draw against PSG which ended 1-1. A last minute equaliser from R Beric salvaged a point for Saint-Etienne.




Continue reading
no image

à 1


Both Young Boys and Olympiakos Pireaus have earned the spot in Europa League qualifiers after being eliminated in UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The Swiss side and their fans are very happy about that fact, because no one gave them a lot of chances to eliminate Shakhtar Donetsk earlier. It turned out that Borussia M’Gladbach have been way too big bite for the runners up from Super League, so their Europa League campaign starts tomorrow in front of the home stand.

Olympiakos fans were quite furious after seeing their team getting eliminated by the underdog squad Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The team from Pireaus have won the Greek national league last year in a very convincing fashion, dropping only 6 out of possible 90 points, which was one of the main reasons why everyone expected them to qualify for UEFA Champions League group stages. However, they were lucky enough to eliminate Arouca in the playoffs after the extra time. Dominguez and Ideye were the ones to score vital goals in that duel.

Taking a look at the odds offered for this clash leads us to a conclusion that we are about to witness one very unpredictable game. Young Boys are currently regarded as slight underdogs with 15/8 rate, while chances for Olympiakos to start the group stages in a victorious fashion are a bit better 7/5. Both head managers have been using quite offensive formations lately, so Both teams to score is one of the best decisions you could make. The odds offered for this type of bet are 7/10.



Continue reading
no image

à 0


How can I follow the game? The match at De Kuip kicks off at 18:00 BST on Thursday and will be broadcast live in the UK on BT Sport. MUTV's live matchday programme begins at 17:00 BST and subscribers can watch the game in full afterwards from midnight.

Set the scene for me… Thursday evening marks the start of the Reds' Europa League Group A campaign with an excursion to Rotterdam to take on Feyenoord. It also begins a run of three away matches in three different competitions, a spell that should offer a number of United players their first slice of competitive action this season. Jose Mourinho will be looking for a reaction from his squad following Saturday’s derby defeat to Manchester City and the fresh faces he brings into the team will be doing all they can to impress him.

Who will be in United's team on Thursday? Marcus Rashford is set for his first start of the season, and Ander Herrera could join him, after the pair both produced strong substitute performances on Saturday. Mourinho has previously indicated that players with limited involvement in United’s opening Premier League exchanges will be given a more significant part in the European matches. The boss has since strengthened that notion by saying the men who disappointed him in the derby will not be selected against Feyenoord.

Continue reading
no image

à 0

The Italian giants have made a perfect start to the new season and confidence is high heading into their opening Group H clash against Sevilla in Turin despite coach Massimiliano Allegri's insistence they can still improve.

Allegri pronounced himself far from satisfied despite a comfortable win over Sassuolo on Saturday, in which in-form Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain scored two goals inside the first 10 minutes.

Dybala told Sky Italia: "With Higuain so motivated to score goals, it is so much easier. We have great forwards who can hurt Sevilla.

Dybala added: "I think we have to forget that game and think about the first one we won 2-0. We made a great performance against a very difficult team and hopefully that will happen on Wednesday too."

Although not quite so spectacular, Sevilla have also made a winning start to the new season in LaLiga following two consecutive Super Cup reversals to Barcelona.

Much attention has focused on new Chilean coach Jorge Sampaoli, whose fast and furious brand of football has already raised eyebrows after his opening game in charge saw a 6-4 win over Espanyol last month.

The excitement continued on Saturday when Sampaoli's men scored two goals in the last minute to beat Las Palmas 2-1 and maintain their unbeaten record, and club president Jose Castro remains convinced by what he has seen so far.





Continue reading
no image

à 0
FC Porto got to this stage of the competition after defeating Roma on 4-0 aggregate in the previous round. Both teams played out a 1-1 draw at Estadio do Dragao, but Porto were strong at Italy as they won 0-3. Now they will be hosting Copenhagen in their first group stage game on Wednesday.

Porto returned to winning ways in their weekend Premeira game, they defeated Victoria Guimaraes 3-0 at home. Goals form I. Marcano in the 38th minute, O. Torres in the 46th minute and Joao Aurielo’s own goal in the 55th minute made it possible for Porto. They now hope for a repeat of this home performance on Wednesday against Copenhagen.

Meanwhile, Copenhagen passed through 3 previous stage to get to this stage of the competition. They defeated Crusaders on 9-0 aggregate and Astra on 4-1 aggregate in the qualifying rounds. Furthermore, they defeated Apoel on 2-1 aggregate in the playoffs. They have come a long way in this competition, and are ready to go all the way to the knockout stages.




Continue reading
no image

à 0
Spurs are coming off an emphatic 4-0 win over Stoke City at the weekend.  After dropping points in two of their first three matches, Spurs were back to their dominant best at the Bet365 Stadium powered by a brace from Heung-min Son.

Both teams should be going into this with mostly fit squads.  Tottenham’s only injury concern is Danny Rose as he recovers from an injury picked up on England duty, according to physioroom.com.

Monaco have a few more injury issues, but will still have quite a strong squad.  Both Daniel Subasic and Benjamin Mendy could miss out with thigh injuries.  Thomas Lemar has returned to training, but his status for the match is unknown, according to the Monaco team website.
Interesting Statistics

These two sides faced off against each other in the group stage of last years Europa League.  Tottenham won their home match 4-1 while the two sides drew 1-1 in the away leg.  The last time Monaco played an English team in the Champions League they beat Tottenham’s rivals Arsenal over two legs on away goals in 2014.  Neither of the two clubs have lost any of their opening matches.  In Monaco’s Champions League qualifier, they were able to beat Villareal in both of the two legs, showing they can win away from home in Europe.



Continue reading
no image

à 0
Aguero missed the derby win over Manchester United through suspension, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed the City forward can play against the Bundesliga side.

"Gundogan every day and every week is much, much better. Vincent is in the same situation - he's training hard. All of the players who didn't face United did hard training and he trained really good.
Pep Guardiola won 33 per cent of his Bundesliga games against Borussia Mönchengladbach with Bayern Munich
Pep Guardiola won 33 per cent of his Bundesliga games against Borussia Mönchengladbach with Bayern Munich

"They are almost there to help us play the next six games in the next 18 days."

City reached the Champions League semi-final for the first time last season, but were knocked out by eventual champions, Real Madrid.

Guardiola, who admitted his side have a tough opener to the new campaign, added: "Borussia are a brave team, a brave coach - one of the best teams in Europe. If we let them play, they have a lot of quality. The draw was difficult for us - of course because of Barcelona but also Monchengladbach.
Continue reading
no image

à 0
A fiercely fought battle is expected when Dimano Zagreb visits Olympique Lyon for the Group H opener seeking revenge for the 7-1 drubbing they suffered at home during the 2011/12 season.

Olympique Lyon were disappointing last season as they lost five games and finished bottom of their group with 3 points from a win at Valencia on final matchday. This also means that they lost all their three home games. They are in their 14th season at the Champions League group stages. And their best ever run was during the 2009/10 season, when they reached the semi-finals.

Dinamo Zagreb had a similar fate like that to Lyon last season as they also suffered defeats in 5 of their 6 group matches. They started well by defeating Arsenal 2-1 at home and five consecutive defeats in a group which includes Bayern Munich and Olympiakos saw them take an early exit after finishing bottom of the group.

The two other teams in Group H of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League are Juventus and Sevilla.

Continue reading
no image

à 0
Leicester City will make their UEFA Champions League debut on Wednesday evening, when they take on Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

The Foxes’ remarkable achievements last term saw them qualify for the Champions League in April with five Premier League fixtures still to play, before being drawn in Group G alongside Club Brugge, FC Porto and FC Copenhagen late last month.

Claudio Ranieri’s men will aim to bounce back from Saturday’s 4-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield with a positive result in Belgium.

Defender Danny Simpson will be assessed ahead of the game after picking up a knock against Liverpool, as will Nampalys Mendy and Jeffrey Schlupp.

Jupiler Pro League outfit Club Brugge booked their spot in the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League after storming to a 14th first division title last term.

The Belgian champions have had a difficult start to the new campaign, losing three of their opening five fixtures, including a 1-0 defeat to Waasland-Beveren last time out.

Club Brugge recorded their only victory of the season against Lokeren in mid-August, when Lior Refaelov netted the only goal of the game to help his side to a 1-0 win.

Wednesday’s opponents reached the final of the European Cup in 1978, when they were beaten by Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

WeSaid_MP

Reflecting on Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said: “Now we have to clear our minds and understand that in football we have to be strong, determined, aggressive and reactive.

“This evening, Liverpool were better than us. Now we must clear our mind and think about the next match in the Champions League.

“We expected this kind of football and this performance from Liverpool. It was their first game at home and they were determined. More than us. They deserved to win.

“We started well in the first 10 minutes before they scored. We were in good shape and closed very well the space. After the first goal we lost our shape and they got better and increased the momentum.”

Of Club Brugge’s four Jupiler Pro League goals this term, defender Bjorn Engels has scored one and set up another.

The 21-year-old centre back has notched over 50 appearances and scored 10 times for Club Brugge having made his debut in the UEFA Europa League in August 2013.

Engels’ talents have also been recognised by the Belgium national team. He made nine appearances at youth level, before being called up to the senior squad in March.

A source of goals from defence, the Foxes will need to keep an eye on Engels’ threat from set-plays on Wednesday evening.
Continue reading
no image

à 0
Team News

Real Madrid

    Zinedine Zidane is without injured trio Keylor Navas, Fabio Coentrao and Isco for the welcome of Sporting.
    Kiko Casilla should keep his spot in the side between the sticks, with Raphael Varane and Pepe are competing for a place alongside Sergio Ramos in defence.

Sporting CP

    Jefferson and Lukas Spalvis both miss the trip to Real Madrid through injury.
    Jorge Jesus is likely to persist wth a 4-4-2 formation, with Bas Dost and Alan Ruiz set to lead the attack.

Continue reading

à 0
Team News

Bayer Leverkusen

    Roger Schmidt must do without Vladlen Yurchenko, Kevin Vollan, Stefan Kießling and Karim Bellarabi when Bayer Leverkusen welcome CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.
    Admir Mehmedi should start on the right as Bellarabi's replacement.
    Benjamin Henrichs and Tintin Jedvaj are competing for a starting spot at right-back, though the former should get the nod.

CSKA Moscow

    Aleksandrs Cauna is Leonid Slutskiy's only injuy concern ahead of the trip to Germany.
    The CSKA Moscow boss is not expected to spring any surprises ahead of the meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.





Continue reading
no image

à 0

A top battle clash with take place on Tuesday as PSV take on Atletico Madrid at Phillips Stadion in the group stage game of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams have been in good form this season, they both have been unbeaten this season.

PSV have been on a good form since the beginning of this season, they are on a 6 game on unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last game was a 4-0 away win over NEC in the Eredivisie last Saturday. It only took PSV 24 minutes to tear NEC’s defence apart, they scored the 4 goals just 24 minutes into the game. Rameselaar netted the first goal in the 4th, later G. Perriero made it 2-0 in the 10th minute before J. Brenet and de Jong scored the 4th goal in the 20the and 24th minute respectively. They now prepare to keep going with the good form.

On the flip side, Atletico Madrid enter this game from a game unbeaten run in the La Liga, having drawn 2 and won 1. They started the season with back to back draws, but they picked up on Saturday as they beat Celta de Vigo 4-0. The first half of the game ended in a goalless draw, but Simeone’s boys entered the second half with a bang. Koke opened the score in the 53rd minute, later Griezmann’s brace in 73rd and 81st minute made it 3-0 before Correa sealed the victory in the 89th minute.



Continue reading

à 0

Manchester City v Borussia Monchengladbach preview: Sergio Aguero fit to feature

Sergio Aguero will return to the Manchester City squad following a league suspension

Sergio Aguero is fit to face Borussia Monchengladbach in Manchester City's Champions League group-stage opener at the Etihad on Tuesday.

The Argentina missed the derby win over Manchester United through suspension, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed the City forward can play against the Bundesliga side.

City will be hoping a home advantage will play into their hands against a team they beat twice last season.

Guardiola, who revealed Ilkay Gundogan and Vincent Kompany are closing in on a first-team return, said: "Aguero can play - he was banned, not injured.

"Gundogan every day and every week is much, much better. Vincent is in the same situation - he's training hard. All of the players who didn't face United did hard training and he trained really good.




Continue reading

à 0


Benfica bowed out of the 2015/16 Champions League with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the quarter-finals, after losing the away leg by a solitary goal. The Portuguese outfit are in the seventh consecutive season in the tournament and reached the quarter finals on two occasions. They also met a Turkish opposition in Galatasaray last season, winning the home leg 2-1 before losing the away leg by the same margin.

Besiktas are returning to UEFA Champions League after missing out on the previous 6 seasons. They finished bottom of their group in the latest appearance on 2009/10 with one win from their 6 matches. They did grab a memorable 1-0 win on the final match day during that time. They haven’t progressed beyond the group phase in their last five appearances.

The two other teams of Group B in the 2016/17 edition of UEFA Champions League are Dynamo Kiev and Napoli.





Continue reading

à 0
Team News

Bayern Munich
    Renato Sanches made his debut for Bayern in their 2-0 win over Schalke on Friday but may return to the bench with Arturo Vidal likely to start in midfield.
    Franck Ribery has made a fine start to the season but Carlo Ancelotti will be keen to manage his fitness, which could see Douglas Costa come in.
    Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng have returned to training but are not ready to be considered by Ancelotti.

FC Rostov

    FC Rostov can welcome back Aleksandru Gatcan after he missed their 2-1 win over Krylya Sovetov Samara through suspension. Cesar Navas is an injury doubt.




Continue reading

à 0
Team news

Marc Andre Ter Stegen missed Saturday’s game with hamstring trouble, meaning new signing Jasper Cillessen got to make his debut in the Barça goal. However, the German was able to train normally on Monday and has been included in the squad..

Messi has put his own hamstring bother behind him, so Tuesday could well bring the first chance this season to see the complete trident starting a game together.

The complete squad for the game is as follows: Ter Stegen and Jasper Cillessen are the two keepers, while the sixteen outfield players are Gerard Piqué, Iván Rakitic, Sergio, Arda Turan, Andrés Iniesta, Luis Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Rafinha, Mascherano, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, Digne, Sergi Roberto, André Gomes and Umtiti.

That means no places for Denis Suárez, Aleix Vidal, Jérémy Mathieu or Jordi Masip.

Celtic’s Scott Brown might have taken a knock at the weekend but he is in the travelling squad regardless. However, Leigh Griffiths (the top goalscorer in the Champions League qualifying campaign) is still out with a torn hamstring.
Coaches’ viewpoint

Speaking on Monday, Barça manager Luis Enrique said that “it’s useful to have faced Celtic in the preseason. They can be difficult to play against and did well to get through their qualifying rounds.”

“There were easier teams than them in the fourth seeding bracket, but we like playing against historic teams … and against such exemplary fans. In a sporting sense, it’s Dembélé, Forrest and Roberts who worry me the most.”

At his own conference later in the day, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insisted that there is no fear in the Hoops camp. “We respect that this is arguably the best team in the world with probably a front three that may be one of the best of all time" he said. "But as a manager you go into every game believing you can get a positive result.”

The name of Luis Suarez naturally came up, who Rodgers coached in his Liverpool days. “He is one of the most beautiful men you can come across” he told reporters. "He's humble and works tirelessly. He's super professional, a family man, and he gives everything for his life and football.”




Continue reading

à 0
Arsene Wenger has reiterated it is his love for Arsenal which has stopped him taking the managerial job at Paris St Germain despite continued interest from the French club's owners.

The 66-year-old takes his Arsenal side to face PSG in their opening Champions League Group A fixture of the season on Tuesday night as he closes in on 20 years in charge of the Gunners.

October will mark Wenger's managerial milestone but in recent years he has become a target for PSG and their wealthy backers, Qatari Sports Investments.

According to L'Equipe, they have tried three times to recruit Wenger but were knocked back in 2011, 2013 and 2014 as he opted to remain at the Emirates Stadium - despite enduring a decade-long run without silverware in recent times.

And Wenger insists it is his passion for Arsenal which has kept him in north London rather than take him back to his homeland.

Asked why he had not said yes to any of PSG's overtures, he replied: "Because I love where I am.

"I know well the owners (of PSG), but I feel always I remained loyal to Arsenal Football Club because I think it's a club that has the qualities I love. And, that's why.

"I like to come to Paris. It's a city I love, it's my country, a country I love. PSG are a good test for us. They're a team who are, in France, the team above everyone else.





Continue reading
no image

à 0

Match Preview: PAOK Thessaloniki vs Panetolikos

The match preview to the soccer match PAOK Thessaloniki vs Panetolikos compares both teams and includes the latest matches of the teams, the match facts, head to head (h2h), over/under statistics, table standings, match strengths and at least a computer calculated match prediction. These facts should all be considered to place a successful bet on this match. By clicking on the team names you can examine the teams on their actual form in particular. The match prediction analyses the match automatically on these facts and delivers than the match prognosis. Complete this match prognosis with your informations to injuries, suspensions, coach changes and weather forecasts and choose your bet to this match.


Continue reading
no image

à 0

Kick-off Sunday 4pm

Venue Liberty Stadium

Last season Swansea City 1 Chelsea 0

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee Andre Marriner

This season G2, Y5, R0, 2.50 cards per game

Odds H 5-1 A 4-6 D 3-1
Swansea City

Subs from Nordfeldt, Britton, Llorente, Rangel, Taylor, Mawson, Van der Hoorn, Ki, Dyer, Montero, Fulton, McBurnie

Doubtful Montero, Taylor (fitness)

Injured None

Suspended None

Form WLL

Discipline Y4 R0

Leading scorer Fer 2
Chelsea

Subs from Begovic, Eduardo, Marcos Alonso, Aina, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Mikel, Fàbregas, Moses, Pedro, Batshuayi

Doubtful None

Injured Zouma (knee, Oct)

Suspended None

Form WWW

Discipline Y10 R0

Leading scorers Costa, Hazard 2





Continue reading
no image

à 0
Its been a whilst since we have listened anything from a dear and similarly hated Paul a Octopus. But now it seems he is back from his retirement and is creation predictions once again, only this time its not about a World Cup.According to a post over at SportsUntapped.com Paul a Octopus has done a prediction for a Grand Slam of Golf where he picked a German golfer Martin Kaymer to win.

 It seems like this octopus has some adore for a German dwindle because this is a umpteenth time he picked a box with a dwindle of Germany on it.Considering his track record of picking winners Martin Kaymer must be over a moon about this news. Add this good fortune from Paul a Octopus to Kaymers new form and its starting to be hard for anyone to take this pretension from him.Below you can see a video of Paul creation his pick




Continue reading
no image

à 0
Team News

Feyenoord

    Kenneth Vermeer and Sven van Beek are still missing from Giovanni van Bronckhorst's squad and both are joined by Miquel Nelom and Eljero Elia in the physio room.

ADO Den Haag

    Zeljko Petrovic is again only missing Dion Malone when his side visits Rotterdam on Sunday.

    Feyenoord are the only club left with a 100% record in the Eredivisie.
    Their start has been nothing short of impressive: 12 goals and just the one conceded across four matches.
    This weekend's opponents ADO Den Haag are just two points behind and unbeaten in their last six matches on the road.


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Basel clinched their seventh successive Swiss title with five games to spare last season. Basel have had five different coaches since their seven-title run began and the title was the first for Urs Fischer, who replaced Paulo Sousa at the end of last season. Grasshoppers remain Switzerland's most successful club domestically with 27 league titles, followed by Basel on 19. Four days after being relegated to the second tier in Switzerland, Zurich bounced back by claiming their ninth Swiss Cup title. Here is the short summary for the 2015/16 season:

    Champions: Basel (Champions League group stage)
    Runners-up: Young Boys (Champions League QR3)
    Third place: Luzern (UEFA Europa League QR3)
    Fourth place: Grasshoppers (UEFA Europa League QR2)
    Cup winners: Zurich (UEFA Europa League group stage)
    Vaduz (UEFA Europa League QR1)
    Relegated: Zurich
    Promoted: Lausanne





Continue reading

à 0

There have been changes since Barça’s last Liga fixture. Striker Munir and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo have left for Valencia (on loan) and Manchester City, respectively. They have been replaced by Juan Alcácer (signed from Valencia) and Jasper Cillessen (Ajax Amsterdam), and both have been included in the squad of eighteen announced on Saturday morning.

But goalkeeper Marc André Ter Stegen picked up a hamstring injury in training on Friday - meaning that it will either be Cillessen himself or Jordi Masip who starts between the posts against the Basques.

Andrés Iniesta, Jeremy Mathieu and André Gomes have also been declared fit. The first two make the squad, but Gomes will sit it out along with Gerard Piqué and Sergi Roberto.

The complete squad is thus as follows: Cillessen, Masip, Rakitic, Sergio, Denis, Arda, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar Jr, Rafinha, Mascherano, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, Digne, Aleix Vidal, Umtiti and Mathieu.

For Alavés, the big story is the arrival of winger Aleksandar Katai from Red Star Belgrade, while his Serbian namesake and compatriot Alexsandar Pantic has recovered from injury.
Coaches’ viewpoint

Speaking on Friday, Luis Enrique said: “We’ve had to deal with this game like we always do after internationals, with the players coming back on different days. We respect Alavés. It’s a newly promoted team with a new coach and new players … Pellegrino was once a colleague of mine, so it’ll be nice to see him again.”





Continue reading
no image

à 0
Match preview

The Ligat HaAl match between Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa will be taking place on Saturday, September 10.

Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa last met on Tuesday, 9 of February 2016, which resulted in a 2:2 draw.

Gal Zroya, Pedro Joaquin Galvan scored for Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv while Eliran Atar, Glynor Plet scored for Maccabi Haifa in a losing effort.

Their previous match took place on 12.12.2015 resulting in a 0:0 draw.

Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv is coming fresh off a 1:0 loss to its Ligat HaAl rival Hapoel Haifa on August 27.

Maccabi Haifa last Ligat HaAl match was on August 27. It resulted in a 1:0 loss to Bnei Sakhnin.

Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv is currently ranked 10th in the Ligat HaAl table above Hapoel Tel Aviv and below Beitar Jerusalem with 1 points having won 0 games and lost 1.

Maccabi Haifa is ranked 8th with 3 points trailing Hapoel Haifa and leading Beitar Jerusalem having accumulated 1 wins and 1 losses.




Continue reading

à 0
It is a historic moment for RasenBallsport Leipzig as they are set to host their first every Bundesliga match on Saturday evening, with Borussia Dortmund being their first opponents.

RB Leipzig were the better side in the 2-2 draw at Hoffenheim in the opening day of the 2016/17 league season. At the same time, the nerves of the big occasion and inexperience at this level was pretty evident as they conceded lead twice in the match.

While Borussia Dortmund were given a hard time by Mainz in the opening day. But a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was enough to start their season campaign with a win, with Yoshinori Muto scoring the consolation goal for Mainz in the injury time.
RB Leipzig vs Borussia Dortmund: Head-to-Head Statistics

The Saturday’s Bundesliga clash at the Redbull Arena will be the first ever competitive meeting with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.




Continue reading
no image

à 0

Kick-off Saturday 5.30pm

Venue Anfield

Last season Liverpool 1 Leicester City 0

Live BT Sport 1

Referee Craig Pawson

This season G2, Y8, R1, 5.00 cards per game

Odds H 4-6 A 4-1 D 3-1
Liverpool

Subs from Karius, Manninger, Sturridge, Moreno, Lucas, Ings, Stewart, Randall, Grujic, Brannagan, Origi, Sakho

Doubtful Karius (hand)

Injured Can (ankle), Klavan (knee), Gomez (achilles), Ojo (back)

Suspended None

Form WLD

Discipline Y9 R0

Leading scorer Coutinho 2
Leicester City

Subs from Zieler, Chilwell, Hernández, Wasilewski, King, James, Kapustka, Gray, Ulloa, Okazaki, Musa

Doubtful Schmeichel (hernia)

Injured Schlupp (leg, unknown), Mendy (ankle, unknown)

Suspended None

Form LDW

Discipline Y5 R0

Leading scorers Mahrez, Morgan, Vardy 1


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Rapid Vienna have a massive 4-0 lead from the first leg when they welcome Slovakian outfit AS Trencin for the second leg clash of the Europa League play-off on Thursday.

The 21-year old midfielder Louis Schaub who put three goals past a sorry Trencin in front of their own fans in the first leg clash a week ago. Mike Buskens got his tactics spot on, despite Rapid seeing the ball far and few on the night. Their quick counter attacking movements and some fine finish in front of goal gave them an huge lead to defend in the home leg on Thursday.

Rapid Veinna are in some fine form at the moment and are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions with four wins and a draw. They have scored 16 goals during the period and conceded just two.

While AS Trencin are on a four match win-less run in Europe starting with their 2-3 home defeat to Olimpija Ljubljana in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers.


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Borussia Dortmund aim to ruin Bayern Munich's plans to farewell Pep Guardiola with a seventh title in three years when Germany's top teams meet in Saturday's crunch German Cup final.

Victory over their main rivals at Berlin's Olympic Stadium would give Bayern the league and cup double before Guardiola leaves for Manchester City next season.

After Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title last weekend, for a record fourth season in succession, Dortmund now want the cup to compensate.

"We will do everything to win," promised Guardiola, who admits it will be tough against "the best Borussia (team) in history".

Borussia finished 10 points behind Bayern in the league and want to avoid losing their third straight German Cup final.

Dortmund controversially lost the 2014 final 2-0 to Bayern, after extra time, and were beaten 3-1 by Wolfsburg in last year's final.

As midfielder Sven Bender put it, Dortmund has "no desire to lose for a third time in succession in Berlin".

Bayern's captain Philipp Lahm says Guardiola has not only improved the quality of Bayern's football, but helped develop each member of the star-studded squad.

Now Lahm says the squad must raise their game to win one last title before Carlo Ancelotti takes over as head coach next season.

"We have to improve, we weren't so impressive in our last few games," said Lahm.

"We are up for Berlin and we want the double to show that we have had a very good season."

There is plenty of spice in the Olympic Stadium showdown with a sell-out crowd of 74,322 expected.

"This is actually the best final that one can imagine in Germany," enthused World Cup-winning coach Joachim Loew.







Continue reading

à 0
Marcelo, Casemiro and James Rodriguez will all be rested for the match at the Bernabeu following their international exertions in South America, while first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas is set to miss out due to an Achilles injury.

Zidane insists that the La Liga title is the club's main priority.

"We want to win everything but the league is the most important competition, because there are 38 games and you have to win almost every game," he said.

"Last year we lost by one point despite winning 12 straight games at the end."
Toni Kroos is mobbed after scoring the winner against Celta Vigo


Osasuna head into the match on the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad but head coach Martin insists his side will battle throughout their encounter with the Champions League winners.

He told the club's official website: "We know who we are up against. Real Madrid are a team with fearsome quality. It is clear that we will face one of the best teams in the world.

"We want to win. The more we have the ball, they have less of it. When we do not have it, try to disrupt them as much as possible within the rules.

"We will compete from the beginning to the end."

Continue reading
no image

à 0
Ingolstadt vs Hertha Berlin
German Bundesliga


Ingolstadt and Hertha Berlin will face each other at Audi-Sportpak on Saturday afternoon as Ingolstadt hope aim for their first victory.

Ingolstadt were poor during the pre-season campaign, they were winless in their 5 games with 4 defeats and a draw. However, they kicked off the new campaign in different manner, they won the DFB Pokal first round fixture. Furthermore, they held Hamburg to a 1-1 draw in their opening game last Saturday. Hamburg took the lead in the 30th minute, but Hinterseer pulled Ingolstadt level in the 79th minute to salvage a point for them.

Hertha Berlin started the new Bundesliga season with a win, they defeated Freiburg 2-1 at home last weekend. HBSC waited till 62nd minute to break the deadlock via V. Darida, it stayed that way until the injury time when both teams scored 1 goal apiece to end the game in 2-1. Hertha now aim for a win to continue their good form this season.


Continue reading

à 0

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen
  • Tin Jedvaj, Benjamin Henrichs and Danny da Costa compete for the spot at right-back.
  • Kevin Kampl could switch back to a central position, with Charles Aranguiz possibly dropping to the bench.
  • Kevin Volland will miss the game with a broken hand, but Chicharito could return after injury and partner either Admir Mehmedi or Hakan Calhanoglu here.
Hamburger SV
  • Emir Spahic is fully fit again and will replace the injured Johan Djourou at centre-back, while new left-back Douglas Santos should remain on the bench for now.
  • Albin Ekdal and Lewis Holtby both just returned to team training, but the former could be asked to start in defensive midfield already, with Gideon Jung out injured.
  • Bobby Wood only arrives on Thursday from a very long trip with the US national team and it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to start or has to be replaced by Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

Continue reading
no image

à 0
Liga is renowned as a competitive league and the matches between Jahn Regensburg and Hallescher FC are part of the reason why. Over the years these two teams have given the pundits and the fans plenty to talk about. The cup may have the drama and derby matches the fireworks but the 3. Liga is the bread and butter, the day job, which makes the game on 8/11/2016 no less fascinating. On 8/11/2016 its Jahn Regensburg’s turn to host Hallescher FC for a 1:00 kick-off. Hallescher FC need to keep their momentum going and can’t afford a lacklustre performance, so justifiably or not they could be under the microscope more than the home side. Hallescher FC will also know that Jahnstadion it is one of the toughest places to visit, which always gives Jahn Regensburg a bit of an edge.










Continue reading
no image

à 0


Both teams are capable of scoring today. At the same time the guests are quite aggressive on the road. Both the home matches of Union and the away ones of Karlsruhe produce three goals on average. In three of last four away games Karlruhe produced the over themselves. Union scored at least a goal in all last five played games and scored in all home matches this season against Top 6 teams. The guests do need the full package as they are six points behind the leader and at the same time are hard pressed by three direct competitors for promotion. In four of last five direct encounters at this stadium there were at least two scored goals thus one more goal today is not too much of a stretch (2.4 on average in last five). Union won two of last three direct matches here and will not give up without a fight. Union produce twice less draws at home and at the same time Karlsruhe have twice less draws on the road than at home.



Continue reading
no image

à 0
Germany: 2. Bundesliga

Match Preview: St Pauli vs Arminia Bielefeld - Head to Head & Match Prediction

The match preview to the soccer match St Pauli vs Arminia Bielefeld compares both teams and includes the latest matches of the teams, the match facts, head to head (h2h), over/under statistics, table standings, match strengths and at least a computer calculated match prediction. These facts should all be considered to place a successful bet on this match. By clicking on the team names you can examine the teams on their actual form in particular. The match prediction analyses the match automatically on these facts and delivers than the match prognosis. Complete this match prognosis with your informations to injuries, suspensions, coach changes and weather forecasts and choose your bet to this match. 





5.php" name="iframe_a" scrolling="no" width="100%" allowFullScreen>Your Browser Do not Support Iframe
Continue reading

à 0
Last season’s star player, Dimitri Payet, and recent signing from Juventus, Simone Zaza, are set to be included from the start by Slaven Bilic against a Watford side who have had a tough start to the season. Another former Juve player, Robert Pereyra, should start for the visitors, having made his debut from the bench in the defeat at home to Arsenal. Alan Smith

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Olympic Stadium

Last season West Ham United 3 Watford 1

Referee Martin Atkinson

This season G2, Y2, R0, 1.00 cards per game

Odds H 5-6 A 10-3 D 5-2

West Ham United

Subs from Randolph, Ogbonna, Oxford, Nordtveit, Obiang, Feghouli, Tore, Fletcher, Calleri

Doubtful Nordtveit (foot), Feghouli (hamstring)

Injured Carroll (knee, 17 Sep), Sakho (back, 1 Oct), Cressell (knee, 26 Nov), Ayew (thigh, 26 Nov)

Suspended None

Form LWL

Discipline Y8 R0

Leading scorer Antonio 2

Watford

Subs from Pantilimon, Nyom, Zuñiga, Paredes, Hoban, Doucouré, Okaka, Vydra, Amrabat, Prodl, Guediora, Watson, Success, Kenedy, Mariappa

Doubtful Cathcart (groin)

Injured Dja Djédjé (foot, 17 Sep)

Suspended None

Form DLL

Discipline Y12 R1

Leading scorer Capoue 2


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Tottenham return to Premier League action this weekend with an away trip to Stoke City.

Spurs are one six sides unbeaten in the league season, while Mark Hughes’ Potters sit rock-bottom of the table after three matches played.

But Spurs have won just once so far; with draws away to Everton and at home to Liverpool sandwiching a narrow one-nil victory over Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.

Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible following the international break, while Stoke are desperate to get points on the board after two defeats and a draw in their opening three matches.


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Crystal Palace are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the season after rescuing a late point against Bournemouth last time out.

Scott Dann rose highest to nod in an injury-time equaliser against Eddie Howe's men as the Eagles narrowly avoided slumping to a third straight defeat.

But Pardew, whose side have won just two league games in 2016, will be keen to end the wait for a first top flight win of the campaign as the south London club travel to newcomers Middlesbrough hoping to end their opponents' unbeaten start.

Draws against Stoke and West Brom came either side of victory at Sunderland for Boro, while Palace's draw against Bournemouth followed defeats to West Brom and Tottenham.





Continue reading

à 0
Newly-promoted clubs Burnley FC (1-2-0, 3 points) Hull City FC (2-1-0, 6 points) are set to face one another in a 2016-2017 Premier League season encounter on Saturday, Sep. 10 at the former's home field of Turf Moor.

The two clubs are promoted to the English top flight this season together with Middlesbrough FC after topping the Championship competitions last term. Burnley finished as the champions of the English second division domestic league while Hull City advanced via a playoffs after placing fourth in the standings.

Burnley had an uneven start to their Premier League campaign so far after losing two and winning one in alternating fashion their first three games of the season.

After dropping a close 0-1 game to Swansea City in their opener, the Clarets then surprised contending team Liverpool, 2-0, at their home ground during their second game.

In their third and most recent fixture, the team was whitewashed by current league leaders Chelsea FC, 3-0, on the road at the Stamford Bridge on Aug. 27 to bring them back to their senses after the team's previous remarkable win, SkySports reported.

Head coach Sean Dyche's men were not able to respond against the Blues' attacks all game long, succumbing to the three-goal shutout with Eden Hazard, Willian, and Victor Moses scoring a goal each at the ninth, 41st, and 89th minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, Hull City had a much better start in their return to the Premier League, winning their first two matches against defending champions Leicester City and struggling team Swansea City before finally succumbing to powerhouse club Manchester United in their third game, 0-1, at the KC Stadium on Aug. 27, as per BBC Sport.

Teenage striker Marcus Rashford netted the winning goal in the contest to give head coach Mike Phelan's side their first loss this term.

Prediction and Predicted Lineup

The predicted result is a 1-0 victory for Hull City.

Burnley starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Boyd, Marney, Defour, Arfield; Gray, Vokes

Hull City starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Jakupovic; Elmohamady, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Huddlestone, Clucas, Meyler; Snodgrass, Hernandez, Diomande

Continue reading

à 0
Shkodran Mustafi could make his Arsenal debut and Lucas Pérez is also available for his first appearance. Arsène Wenger said he has the “most mature squad for a long time” but they will not find it easy against Southampton, who will be hoping Fraser Forster is fit after missing England’s trip to Slovakia with an arm injury. Ryan Bertrand is also available. Alan Smith

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 0 Southampton 0

Referee Robert Madley

This season G2, Y11, R0, 5.50 cards per game

Odds H 4-7 A 11-2 D 10-3
Arsenal

Subs from Ospina, Martínez, Debuchy, Holding, Gibbs, Coquelin, Elneny,

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi, Pérez, Akpom, Sanogo

Doubtful None

Injured Welbeck (knee, Jan), Mertesacker (knee, Jan), Gabriel

(ankle, 1 Oct), Jenkinson (knee, Nov), Ramsey (hamstring 17 Sep)

Suspended None

Form LDW

Discipline Y6 R0

Leading scorers Cazorla, Chambers, Ox-Chamberlain, Özil, Sánchez, Walcott 1
Southampton

Subs from McCarthy, Yoshida, Targett, Clasie, Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez, Austin

Doubtful Forster (arm)

Injured Pied (knee, Jun), Boufal (knee, Oct), Gardos (knee, Dec)

Suspended None

Form DLD

Discipline Y3 R0

Leading scorers Redmond, Rodriguez 1



Continue reading

à 0


Eddie Howe is expected to give Jack Wilshere his competitive debut, although the manager revealed he has had to manage the midfielder’s workload. “We have to get the balance right between getting him fitter and making sure he does not break down,” said Howe. Wilshere’s last league goal for Arsenal was in May 2015 against West Brom, whose manager, Tony Pulis, coached Howe as a teenager. Ben Fisher

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Vitality Stadium

Last season Bournemouth 1 West Bromwich Albion 1

Referee Kevin Friend

This season G2, Y15, R0, 7.50 cards per game

Odds H 10-11 A 7-2 D 12-5
Bournemouth

Subs from Allsop, Federici, Gosling, B Smith, Afobe, Gradel, Hyndman, L Cook, Grabban, Wiggins, Mousset, O’Kane, M Wilson, Pugh, Fraser, King

Doubtful King (hamstring)

Injured Mings (knee, 17 Sep)

Suspended None

Form LLD

Discipline Y3 R1

Leading scorers King, A Smith 1
West Bromwich Albion

Subs from Myhill, Olsson, Wilson, Field, McManaman, McClean, Morrison, Lambert, Berahino, Leko, Robson-Kanu

Doubtful Robson-Kanu (fitness)

Injured Brunt (knee, Oct)

Suspended None

Form WLD

Discipline Y6 R0

Leading scorers McAuley, Rondón 1


Continue reading

à 0

Slaviša Jokanović believes he knows how Birmingham City are going to set themselves up on Saturday, and is expecting a testing encounter.

Blues sit in 10th spot in the league standings but went into the international break full of confidence after beating promotion favourites Norwich City 3-0.

“It’s a tough team,” Jokanović admitted. “If they’re capable of winning a game like that, they can be a very dangerous team for us too.

“We have to be motivated, play with energy and put them under some stress. We want to be the dominant team and have control in the game, and try and dominate with the ball.

“I expect they are going to be waiting for us in a very organised shape with many players, and try and catch us in some kind of mistake, try and find chances on the counter attack.

“I believe we are working very well, we rested very well, and we are ready for the Birmingham game.”

The Whites will go into the fixture at Craven Cottage with some new faces potentially on show, and our Head Coach was pleased with the summer business conducted by the Club.

“We have a stronger, deeper squad, and we have more quality,” he stated. “We started this season two-and-a-half months ago, and these players who started at the beginning have done a very good job.

“I am happy with them, I’m happy with the new signings, and all of us have to be ready to compete in what is in front of us. Immediately what is more important is winning the game, and we’re going to try and select the best choice for us.

“In the next 21 days we’re going to play seven games. The Birmingham game is our first game, it’s not the last, and I expect all the people in the squad will be available and ready to give their maximum in the field when they have the opportunity to compete.

“We signed 14 players and we believe all of them will be available in different moments to participate and to help us in this competition.”

With Fulham currently occupying second place in the Sky Bet Championship standings, Jokanović is pleased to have given the Club’s fans something to cheer about.

“I believe we can make them still happier in the future, and I’m sure they’re going to push us in the next game to help us find a way to win.”


Continue reading
no image

à 0
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is rated a doubtful starter for Saturday's Glasgow derby against Rangers at Celtic Park.

Scotland's leading scorer limped off after an hour of the 4-1 victory over Aberdeen last month due to a hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup qualifier against Malta last weekend.
Three months' half-price Sky Sports

Watch live Premier League football, the Ryder Cup and F1

He has trained with his team-mates this week and manager Brendan Rodgers will review the results of a scan before making a final decision on his participation in the showpiece, which is live on Sky Sports 2.
Kieran Tierney fit to face Rangers following ankle injury


Full-back Kieran Tierney, who also pulled out of Scotland's 5-1 win in Malta, has recovered from a leg injury and is expected to take his place on the left side of the defence with new signing Cristian Gamboa in contention for a start on the right.
Fit-again Lee Wallace to lead Rangers out at Celtic Park


Rangers defender Lee Wallace, like Griffiths and Tierney an absentee when Scotland opened their qualifying account with a convincing win in Malta, has recovered from a calf strain and should lead Mark Warburton's side out at Celtic Park.

And he could be joined in the starting line-up  by striker Martyn Waghorn, who has been sidelined since the opening game of the season with a hamstring injury.
Celtic vs Rangers

Central defender Philippe Senderos, who became Warburton's 11th signing of the summer on Deadline Day, is pushing for a domestic debut, but there is no place in the party for Joe Dodoo and Matt Crooks, who continue their recoveries from ankle injuries.

Continue reading

à 0


Set the scene for me... Returning from the international break, the Premier League gets back under way with a bang with a fixture that needs no introduction, the Manchester derby. It’s been the ideal start to the season for Jose Mourinho and the squad, having won all three league outings thus far, but Pep Guardiola's City side head to Old Trafford having also put together a perfect league record to this point - beating Sunderland, Stoke City and West Ham. Something has to give, however, and a win for United would see the Reds move three points clear of our neighbours.

Who'll play on Saturday? As is often the case with players returning from international duty, there were various question marks about a number of stars for this weekend’s game. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was a doubt after coming off in the first half of Armenia's defeat in the Czech Republic on 31 August, and he has since tweeted, "Not sure yet if I'll be fit for the derby, but I'm motivated as ever to put all energy to be in great shape asap!" Marouane Fellaini missed the first of Belgium's two matches after hurting his back in the Hull game but he played 84 minutes of their second fixture, in Cyprus on Tuesday night. Luke Shaw, meanwhile, withdrew from the England squad in Slovakia due to an ache in his calf but boss Sam Allardyce said the left-back's return to Manchester was just a precautionary measure. Jose Mourinho declared on Friday all of his players are available but Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo were the latest to return. One player who is certainly ruled out is City striker Sergio Aguero - he will serve the first of a three-match ban on Saturday, having been retrospectively charged with violent conduct following the win against West Ham. Claudio Bravo definitely makes his debut in goal and Leroy Sane is fit to feature for the Blues.

What happened in the last derby? The most recent duel with City was back in March at the Etihad Stadium. A solo Marcus Rashford goal was enough to earn a win for the Reds and, in netting the winner, the teenager became the youngest player to score in the derby in the Premier League era. Last time the derby was at Old Trafford, the match finished in stalemate, with neither side finding a goal. City have not been victorious in the fixture since 2014 and, in the Premier League era, United have won 20 of the 38 league meetings between the two sides (20 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses).

Who are their key men? City’s squad is full of quality and, so far this season, it’s been their attacking threat which has taken the headlines as they are currently the Premier League’s top-scoring team. Joining this summer from Celta Vigo, Nolito has hit the ground running at City, with the Spanish left-winger having already scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions. On the opposite wing, Raheem Sterling has also made a strong start to the season, scoring twice and setting up four. You would think City’s productivity from wide positions may be wasted with Aguero missing, but the club’s only other recognised striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, is definitely not to be underestimated. The 19-year-old from Nigeria broke into the squad last season and went on net 14 times in total.




Continue reading
Inscription à : Articles (Atom)