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Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview and Predictions

Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish La Liga
Date: Sunday, 23rd April 2017
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid).

The momentum is with Real Madrid when they host their biggest domestic rivals for the Spanish La Liga clash on Sunday evening.

The teams are coming on the back of contrasting moods in a match that could influence the title decider. Real Madrid successfully overcame their opponents in the Champions League to book their place in the semi-finals, while Barcelona were knocked out in agonizing fashion. We also witnessed two different body languages from players in the mid-week. Zidane’s team looked confident and positive whereas Messi and co were rather tired.

The form guide also suggest that Los Blancos have the upper hand. The Blancos were beaten just once in their last 19 matches in all competitions. Moreover, they have made it a habit of making comebacks from losing positions.

Meantime, the Blaugrana dropped points in 3 of their last 4 games. Away from home, they lost 4 of their last 6 games. Against top teams like PSG and Juventus, they conceded heavily without scoring.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Head-to-head Stats

This will be the 174th El Clasico in Spanish first division, Real have a slim lead in the h2h with 72 wins as against Barca’s 68 wins, with 33 matches ending in draws.

The reverse fixture of the current season at Camp Nou was a 1-1 draw.

Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in their last visit to Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Prediction

It is not very often in recent seasons that Madrid get to start an El Clasico as favourites, even in matches played at Santiago Bernabeu. Can they live up to the expectations? Let’s hear that from our analysts.

Aron Wright

If Barcelona had defeated Juve on mid-week, this could have been a different proportion. It is very clear that Enrique’s men are very low on confidence, which is further worse in away games. Madrid have an incredible scoring record at home this season. I won’t be surprised if they make a complete mockery of their biggest rivals.

Milos Kovacevic

Barcelona must go all in at Santiago Bernabeu in order to stay in the race for the title. Los Blancos are flying high after beating Bayern Munich while the Catalonians are certainly in a slump after the poor performance at Camp Nou against Juve. We will probably witness a high-scoring affair on Sunday, with the slight advantage for the hosts since Neymar is suspended.

Get all the football previews and betting tips from Milos Kovacevic.

Vito Moretti

Real Madrid are three points above, they have a game in hand, entering the match with a huge psychological advantage and high team spirits. What else could Zinedine Zidane possibly ask for? Los Blancos have not been favorites against the arch-rivals in a while and it will be very interesting to see how the role will suit them.

You can find all Football Betting Tips from Vito Moretti on this page.

Kenneth Offor

Real Madrid are the better side between the two teams considering their recent outings, the pressure seems to be more on Barcelona.

The Los Blancos have lost once in 29 games since after their loss to Barcelona last season at Bernabeu they have gone on to win 24 home games. It is safer to back Real Madrid to win while both teams get a share of the goal scoring.

Find all articles and previews by Kenneth here.

Jack Torrance

Real Madrid will know that a win over their fierce rivals will in theory hand them the title even if mathematically it isn’t quite over yet in Spain. For Barcelona, a victory over Madrid would for now at least be a significant recovery after a dreadful week that has seen the club dumped out of the Champions League after they lost to Juventus 3-0 on aggregate.
In short, the momentum is with Real Madrid who are chasing their first La Liga title since 2012.

You can check the weekly Ligue 1 predictions and tips from Jack Torrance on his page.

Michelle Bonsu

It seems like a lifetime ago that Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in the last Clasico at their home ground. Since then Los Blancos have lost just one out of their last 29 league home games, whilst winning 24. Barcelona, meanwhile, have lost seven times on the road in all competitions; and still be reeling after failing to score in 180 minutes against Juve in the UCL.

This Clasico looks set to go in Real Madrid’s favor, which could also decide the league title.

You can find Michelle’s Serie A match previews here.

Kiril Hristov

I believe Madrid must be careful. They will be a bit overconfident after they reached the semis of the CL while Barcelona will be hunting for blood. They will travel to Madrid determined and motivated.

And is there a better way to finish a week in Sunday evening than watching El Clasico with a beer in hand?

Kiril’s EPL and Championship Previews can be found on this page.

L1 (J17) : LES COMPOS PROBABLES DE PSG – NICE

Ce dimanche, le PSG reçoit Nice à l’occasion de la 17eme journée de Ligue 1. Les Parisiens n’ont perdu que deux de leurs 77 dernières réceptions en championnat mais les Niçois restent sur une série de quatre matchs sans défaite dans l’élite et ont remporté six de leurs huit derniers déplacements en Ligue 1.

Les trois derniers matchs du PSG

06/12/2016 : PSG – Ludogorets (2-2)

03/12/2016 : Montpellier – PSG (3-0)

30/11/2016 : PSG – Angers (2-0)

Les trois derniers matchs de Nice

08/12/2016 : Nice – Krasnodar (2-1)

04/12/2016 : Nice – Toulouse (3-0)

30/11/2016 : Guingamp – Nice (0-1)

Les équipes probables

PSG : Areola – Aurier, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Kurzawa – Verratti, Krychowiak, Thiago Motta – Di Maria, Matuidi – Cavani

Nice : Cardinale – Souquet, Dante, Sarr – R.Pereira, Dalbert, Cyprien, Seri, Walter – Belhanda, Plea

Les groupes

PSG : Areola, Trapp – Aurier, Kurzawa, Marquinhos, Maxwell, Meunier, Thiago Silva – Krychowiak, Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Verratti – Augustin, Ben Arfa, Cavani, Di Maria, Jesé, Lucas

Nice : Cardinale, W.Benitez – Souquet, R.Pereira, Boscagli, Dalbert, Dante, M.Sarr – Seri, Walter, Bodmer, Cyprien, Koziello, Marcel, Belhanda, Balotelli, Plea, Donis

Les stats à retenir (avec OPTA)

• Paris a remporté ses 7 derniers matches de L1 face à Nice, après n’avoir remporté que 3 des 15 précédents (3 nuls, 9 défaites). C’est sa meilleure série face à cet adversaire dans l’élite.
• Paris est invaincu lors de ses 6 derniers matches à domicile face à Nice en Ligue 1 (1 nul suivi de 5 victoires).
• Il y a eu 6 penalties sifflés et marqués lors des 5 derniers matches de Ligue 1 entre ces équipes joués à Paris (5 pour Paris, 1 pour Nice).
• Paris a marqué 3 buts ou plus lors de 5 de ses 7 derniers matches face à Nice en Ligue 1.
• Paris a trouvé la faille lors de chacun de ses 5 derniers matches à domicile contre Nice en L1. S’il marque, le club de la capitale établira sa meilleure série en la matière face au Gym.
• Nice a échoué à marquer lors de 7 de ses 12 derniers matches de Ligue 1 face à Paris.
• Ce n’est que la 2e fois que Paris & Nice s’affrontent en étant tous 2 dans le Top 3 de la Ligue 1 après le match de la saison dernière au Parc des Princes (victoire 4-1 de Paris le 2 avril dernier).
• Paris n’a perdu qu’un seul de ses 9 derniers matches de Ligue 1 (7 victoires, 1 nul), mais c’était le dernier, le 3 décembre à Montpellier (0-3).
• Paris n’a perdu que 2 de ses 77 derniers matches à domicile en Ligue 1 (61 victoires, 14 nuls), contre Rennes (1-2) en 2013/14 & Monaco (0-2) en 2015/16.
• Paris a remporté ses 3 derniers matches à domicile en Ligue 1, meilleure série en cours derrière Monaco (7).
• Nice n’a perdu aucun de ses 4 derniers matches de Ligue 1 (3 victoires, 1 nul), seul Monaco (7) est actuellement sur une meilleure série.
• Nice a remporté 6 de ses 8 derniers déplacements en Ligue 1 (1 nul, 1 défaite), trouvant la faille lors de 7 de ces 8 matches.
• Nice reste d’ailleurs sur 2 déplacements victorieux en Ligue 1, seul Lyon (3) est sur une meilleure série.
• Nice a remporté ses 3 matches contre une équipe du Top 5 en Ligue 1 cette saison (1-0 contre Rennes le 14 aout, 4-0 contre Monaco le 21 septembre & 1-0 à Guingamp le 30 novembre).
• Paris a préservé sa cage lors de 10 de ses 11 derniers matches à domicile en Ligue 1. Seule exception: v St Etienne (1-1) le 9 septembre dernier.
• Nice a marqué lors de 17 de ses 18 derniers matches de Ligue 1. Seule exception, sa défaite à Caen le 6 novembre dernier (0-1).
• Nice a gardé sa cage inviolée lors de 3 de ses 4 derniers matches de Ligue 1, autant que lors des 10 précédents.
• Nice affiche 39 points après 16 matches de Ligue 1 cette saison, soit le meilleur total de son histoire à ce stade.
• Paris compte 3 défaites après les 16 premiers matches de Ligue 1 (v Monaco, Toulouse & Montpellier), une 1ère depuis 2012/13 (3 aussi). Cela ne l’avait pas empêché d’être champion.
• Paris est la seule équipe de Ligue 1 à avoir perdu tous les matches au cours desquels elle a concédé l’ouverture du score en Ligue 1 cette saison (3/3).
• Nice a ouvert le score à 14 reprises en 16 matches de Ligue 1 cette saison, plus que toute autre équipe.
• Paris n’a concédé aucun but dans le temps réglementaire en Ligue 1 à domicile cette saison, ne cédant que sur un but de Robert Beric contre St Etienne le 9 septembre dernier, au bout de 91 minutes et 57 secondes de jeu.
• Nice (10) & Paris (11) sont les 2 meilleures défenses de Ligue 1 cette saison. Nice a encaissé 2998 buts en Ligue 1 dans son histoire et peut devenir la 6e équipe à atteindre la barre des 3000 buts encaissés dans l’élite après Sochaux, Rennes, Metz, Marseille & Lens.
• Edinson Cavani a marqué lors de ses 2 dernières titularisations face à Nice en Ligue 1.
• Seuls Zlatan Ibrahimovic (156) et Pedro Pauleta (109) ont marqué plus de buts sous le maillot parisien qu’Edinson Cavani (100) toutes compétitions confondues dans l’histoire du club.
• Edinson Cavani a inscrit 14 buts en championnat 2016/17, seul Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang en a marqué plus dans les 5 grands championnats européens (15). Il a transformé 9 des 10 penalties qu’il a tentés en Ligue 1 dans sa carrière.
• Alassane Pléa & Jean-Michaël Seri sont tous 2 impliqués sur 3 des 5 derniers buts niçois en Ligue 1 (respectivement 2 buts, 1 passe & 1 but, 2 passes).
• S’il joue, Wylan Cyprien disputera son 50e match de Ligue 1 (33 avec Lens, 16 avec Nice).

L1 (J17) : LES COMPOS PROBABLES DE SAINT-ETIENNE – GUINGAMP

Ce dimanche, Saint-Etienne reçoit Guingamp à l’occasion de la 17eme journée de Ligue 1. Les Stéphanois restent sur une série de quatre matchs sans victoire à domicile en championnat alors que Guingamp n’a perdu aucun de ses trois derniers déplacements en Ligue 1.

Les trois derniers matchs de Saint-Etienne

08/12/2016 : Anderlecht – Saint-Etienne (2-3)

04/12/2016 : Rennes – Saint-Etienne (2-0)

30/11/2016 : Saint-Etienne – Marseille (0-0)

Les trois derniers matchs de Guingamp

03/12/2016 : Guingamp – Nantes (2-0)

30/11/2016 : Guingamp – Nice (0-1)

26/11/2016 : Caen – Guingamp (1-1)

Les équipes probables

Saint-Etienne : Ruffier – Malcuit, Lacroix, Perrin (cap), M’Bengue – Veretout, Selnaes, Pajot – Hamouma, Tannane, Söderlund

Guingamp : Johnsson – Ikoko, Kerbrat, Sorbon, Marçal – Mo.Diallo, Deaux, Didot – Salibur, Coco, Briand (cap)

Les groupes

Saint-Etienne : Ruffier, Moulin – Théophile-Catherine, Polomat, Lacroix, Mbengue, .FPogba, L.Perrin, Malcuit – Pajot, Dabo, Saivet, Veretout, Selnaes – Tannane, Hamouma, Monnet-Paquet, Soderlund, Beric, Nordin

Guingamp : Johnsson, Salin – Martins Pereira, Ikoko, Marçal, B.Angoua, Sorbon, Kerbrat – Didot, Giresse, Deaux, M.Diallo, Blas – De Pauw, Coco, A.Mendy, Salibur, Briand

Les stats à retenir (avec OPTA)

• St Etienne n’a perdu que 2 de ses 10 matches de Ligue 1 face à Guingamp (5 victoires, 3 nuls), en janvier 1996 (0-3) et en mars cette année (0-2).
• St Etienne est invaincu lors de ses 5 matches à domicile face à Guingamp en Ligue 1 (4 victoires, 1 nul), gardant sa cage inviolée à 3 reprises.
• 7 des 9 derniers buts de St Etienne face à Guingamp en Ligue 1 ont été inscrits en 2e mi-temps.
• St Etienne n’a gagné qu’un seul de ses 6 derniers matches de Ligue 1 (3 nuls, 2 défaites), c’était contre Angers le 27 novembre dernier (2-1).
• St Etienne reste sur 4 matches sans victoire à domicile en Ligue 1 (3 nuls, 1 défaite), plus longue série en cours derrière Metz (5).
• St Etienne n’a pas marqué lors de 4 de ses 5 derniers matches de Ligue 1. Seule exception : contre Angers le 27 novembre (2-1).
• St Etienne n’a pas trouvé la faille lors de chacun de ses 2 derniers matches à domicile dans l’élite (0-1 v Nice le 20 novembre & 0-0 v Marseille le 30 novembre), mais n’a plus fait la passe de 3 depuis sa triste série de 6 matches entre octobre 2009 et janvier 2010.
• Guingamp n’a perdu qu’un seul de ses 8 derniers matches de Ligue 1 (4 succès, 3 nuls), contre Nice (0-1) le 30 novembre dernier.
• Guingamp n’a gagné que 2 de ses 10 derniers déplacements en L1 (4 nuls, 4 défaites), à Nancy (2-0) le 27 août 2016 & Lyon (3-1) le 22 octobre dernier.
• En revanche, Guingamp n’a perdu aucun de ses 3 derniers déplacements dans l’élite (1 victoire suivie de 2 nuls), soit la meilleure série actuellement derrière Bordeaux (4).
• St Etienne est resté muet lors de 4 de ses 5 derniers matches de Ligue 1, soit autant que lors des 12 précédents.
• St Etienne a glané 9 points après avoir été mené au score en Ligue 1 cette saison, plus que toute autre équipe.
• En outre, St Etienne est la seule équipe (3/3) avec Nancy (4/4) à avoir gagné à chaque fois qu’elle a ouvert le score dans l’élite cette saison.
• St Etienne a marqué la moitié de ses buts (8/16) en Ligue 1 cette saison à partir de la 76e minute de jeu.
• Nolan Roux a marqué lors de chacun de ses 2 derniers matches de L1 face à Guingamp (2 buts).
• Jimmy Briand a marqué lors de 2 de ses 3 derniers déplacements à Geoffroy-Guichard en Ligue 1.

Probabili formazioni Inter-Genoa: Joao Mario al rientro, Ninkovic dal 1'

Nell'Inter Pioli dovrebbe rilanciare Joao Mario a centrocampo, nel Genoa Fiamozzi insidia Laxalt. Sfida del goal fra gli argentini Icardi e Simeone.

PROBABILI FORMAZIONI

3-4-3 HANDANOVIC D'AMBROSIO MIRANDA MURILLO CANDREVA BROZOVIC JOAO MARIO NAGATOMO EDER ICARDI PERISIC

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3-4-2-1 PERIN IZZO BURDISSO MUNOZ LAZOVIC RINCON VELOSO LAXALT L.RIGONI SIMEONE NINKOVIC

Archiviata l'Europa League, questa volta definitivamente, l'Inter torna a concentrarsi sul campionato e su una difficile rincorsa alla Champions. Dopo la disfatta contro il Napoli, però, l'impegno per risollevarsi non è il più semplice possibile: sotto col Genoa. La squadra di Juric è in ottima forma ed in questa Serie A ha dimostrato di saper far male alle grandi.

Probabili Formazioni Serie A, 16ª giornata

Stefano Pioli dovrebbe confermare la difesa a tre schierata in coppa. Murillo potrebbe tornare al fianco di Miranda, con D'Ambrosio terzo centrale di destra, visto che Ranocchia è convocato ma non al top.

Ritrova una maglia da titolare anche Joao Mario, favorito sul deludente Kondogbia per affiancare Brozovic in mediana. Candreva dovrebbe giostrare sulla fascia destra, ma occhio all'opzione Biabiany, con Nagatomo sull'out opposto. In attacco Eder dovrebbe partire dall'inizio a destra, Perisic a sinistra e Icardi prima punta.

Il Genoa deve fare i conti con un Laxalt non al meglio, ma l'uruguaiano sembra comunque poter partire titolare, l'alternativa è Fiamozzi (favorito su Edenilson). Anche Munoz ha qualche problema ma dovrebbe essere lui a sostituire lo squalificato Orban, sebbene scalpiti anche Gentiletti. In avanti Ninkovic è favorito su Ocampos e Pandev per una maglia da titolare.

Occhio, infine, ad un Simeone voglioso di far bene nel faccia a faccia con il connazionale Icardi. Il Cholito proverà a lasciare il segno contro la squadra a cui è stato più volte accostato suo padre.

MATCH PREVIEW ; Inter - Genoa

Inter could revamp their tactics as they host a Genoa side that has already beaten Milan and Juventus this season.

This match pits an Inter side sitting in 10th place in the league against Genoa, only one point behind them in 11^th and with a game in hand. With the winter break approaching, the middle of the table is as closely fought as ever with only nine points between seventh and 16th place, so both clubs will want a strong run of December results.

The two sides enjoyed spectacular victories in Week 14, Inter a pulsating 4-2 over Fiorentina and Genoa a famous 3-1 against Juventus, though both fell flat the following round. Genoa at least managed a point in a tepid 0-0 draw with Chievo, but Inter were utterly outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at Napoli, highlighting the unpredictable form that the two clubs have been in this season.

Stefano Pioli, keen to shore up a leaky central defence, has made changes to his predecessor Frank de Boer’s midfield since his appointment as Inter Coach. The out of favour Marcelo Brozovic has been partnered with Geoffrey Kondogbia in defensive midfield with Ever Banega playing a central attacking midfield role.

Although this had the desired effect against Milan and Fiorentina, Napoli exploited the changed impetus, and utilised the wings to great effect in the build up to all three of their goals. It will be interesting to see if the Coach sticks with the same formation against a Genoa team that likes to line up with both wingers and wingbacks.

A clue may well have been in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague, which saw Pioli unveil a 3-4-3 system. It could be risky to effectively mirror Genoa’s tactics, as this is a side that has been playing with this shape for years and has it down to a tee.

Early season injuries to Genoa’s key man Leonardo Pavoletti had fans fearing the worst, yet bizarrely Il Grifone have notched two wins and a draw in his absence. Much of this has been attributed to the introduction of 21-year-old Argentine Giovanni Simeone up front, although surely even Coach Ivan Juric could not have expected such a dramatic win over Juventus. Whilst the following draw to Chievo may have been disappointing, Juric may rightfully attribute this to fatigue, having played out an exhausting 4-3 Coppa Italia match only four days previously. The Coach will most likely stick with the formula that has served him well in recent weeks.

If Genoa are to pick up points at the Stadio Meazza, they will not only have to do so without Pavoletti, but also the suspended Lucas Orban. Juric will be desperately hoping that his second choice left-centre-back, Ezequiel Munoz, recovers from a knock to the foot by Sunday’s fixture or he may have a defensive crisis on his hands.

Pioli also has limited options in defence with both first choice full-backs Davide Santon and Cristian Ansaldi injured and suspended respectively. To make matters worse, the Inter Coach’s experiment of playing Gary Medel at centre-back was cut short by an injury that has the Chilean out until the New Year, forcing a fourth defensive reshuffle in five matches.

With both squads’ form the epitome of inconsistency, this match could go in any direction. Whilst past games suggest that Inter have an edge, the reverse fixtures have seen Genoa go unbeaten since 2011. Regardless of the final result, this Sunday will be an opportunity to gain further insight as to whether Simeone is the real deal or a flash in the pan. Adding even further intrigue, he will be lining up against fellow Argentine striker Mauro Icardi and their battle for supremacy will undoubtedly have a significant bearing on which side comes out on top.

Keep an eye on: Giovanni Simeone (Genoa) - The son of Inter legend Diego Simeone was the talk of Serie A after his two goals against Juventus. Whilst he was unable to repeat this feat against Chievo, his goal in the Coppa Italia suggests that he has picked up the scoring mantle in the absence of first choice striker Leonardo Pavoletti.

Form Guide: Inter (L W D W L) Genoa (D W L D L)

Last season: Inter 1-0 Genoa

Stat fact: Genoa have not beaten Inter at San Siro since a 3-1 result in March 1994, followed by three draws and 10 defeats in all competition. That includes an epic 5-4 thriller in April 2012.

Top tip: Inter to win, both teams to score.

Inter (probable): Handanovic; Ranocchia, Miranda, Murillo; D’Ambrosio, Brozovic, Banega, Joao Mario; Candreva, Icardi, Perisic

Suspended: Ansaldi

Genoa (probable): Perin; Izzo, Burdisso, Munoz; Lazovic, Rincon, Veloso, Laxalt; Rigoni; Simeone, Ocampos

Suspended: Orban

Probabili formazioni Torino-Juventus: Mihajlovic non cambia, Cuadrado nel tridente

Nella Juventus tornano Lichtsteiner, Khedira ed Alex Sandro; Cuadrado nel tridente. Torino in formazione tipo, con Baselli in ballottaggio con Acquah.

PROBABILI FORMAZIONI

4-3-3 HART ZAPPACOSTA ROSSETTINI CASTAN BARRECA BENASSI VALDIFIORI BASELLI IAGO FALQUE BELOTTI LJAJIC

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4-3-3 BUFFON LICHTSTEINER RUGANI CHIELLINI ALEX SANDRO STURARO MARCHISIO KHEDIRA CUADRADO HIGUAIN MANDZUKIC

All'Olimpico va in scena il 192° Derby della Mole, il 143° in Serie A. Nella mente dei tifosi del Torino è ancora vivo il ricordo del 4-1 subìto in casa nel marzo 2016, con l'unica consolazione di aver interrotto grazie al rigore di Belotti la striscia d'imbattibilità di Buffon.

Probabili Formazioni Serie A, 16ª giornata

Dopo Roma, Genova e Milano, Mihajlovic si gioca da protagonista anche il derby di Torino e lo fa con la sua formazione tipo. Non ci dovrebbero essere dunque particolari novità nell'undici titolare, anche se Acquah contende un posto a centrocampo a uno tra Baselli e l'acciaccato Benassi.

Vives è recuperato ma andrà al massimo in panchina, mentre in attacco è intoccabile il tridente composto da Iago Falque, Ljajic e Belotti. Qualche speranza per Boyè al posto di uno dei due esterni, ma è più probabile che l'argentino entri a gara in corso.

Nella Juventus tornano Lichtsteiner, Khedira ed Alex Sandro dopo il turnover di Champions. Allegri è intenzionato a confermare la difesa a quattro, con il rientrante Chiellini al fianco di Rugani (favorito su Benatia).

Pjanic è acciaccato e andrà in panchina, spazio quindi a sturaro a centrocampo e al tridente con Cuadrado ad affiancare Higuain e Mandzukic. Torna tra i convocati Dybala, che nell'ultimo derby si era infortunato, ma soltanto per la panchina.

Torino vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction

Torino vs Juventus
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 12 December 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Turin).

A historic derby awaits as long-time rivals Torino welcome Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata would have wanted to come into this game having strung together four wins on the trot. However, Sampdoria had other plans as they shocked them 2-0. They now will have to dust themselves off as they take on the Bianconeri. Juventus, not surprisingly, have been a thorn in Torino’s side for a long, long time. This is a truly lopsided clash, with the Granata winning just one out of their past 20 meetings.

And they will be up against a team brimming with confidence. Massimiliano Allegri’s men sealed top spot in their group by beating Dinamo Zagreb to complete their group stage campaign without suffering a single loss.

On top of their Champions League group, and on top of the league. Things are really going very well for Juve right now. In fact, none of the teams who finished top in their groups can lay claim to this achievement. They might be dealing with injuries to key players, with defensive trio Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, and Dani Alves out for quite some time. Paulo Dybala is another who has been on the treatment table and only returned to full fitness.

However, there’s a reason why they have won the past five Scudetti. Despite Gonzalo Higuain hitting a rough patch – he didn’t score a goal for much of November – they have other options in attack, with Mario Mandzukic putting in some solid showings for the club as of late. Furthermore, as we saw in the win over Atalanta – which ended La Dea’s nine match unbeaten streak – goals for Juve can come from anyone. Both Daniele Rugani and Alex Sandro (defenders) were on target as well, and in fact, the Bianconeri have scored more goals through defenders than any other side in the league.

Torino vs Juventus: Head-to-head statistics

• Torino have won just one out of their last 20 meetings with Juventus (2-1 in April 2015).
• The Granata have drawn the other four and lost 15.
• Juventus have a record of W15 D1 L4 in their past 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
• Torino have lost 66 times to Juventus – more than against any other opponent.
• The Bianconeri have won 33 out of their last 38 Serie A games.
• Torino have a record of W5 D6 L9 in their past 20 home games against teams ranked above them in the table.
• The Granata are undefeated in their last seven home games.
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 10 out of Torino’s last 11 home games.
• Juventus have scored at least two goals in their last three games against Torino across all comps.

Torino vs Juventus: Prediction

Based on the historical significance alone, the upcoming Derby della Mole will arguably be the biggest game for Torino keeper Joe Hart. The English international, of course, is no stranger to huge derby clashes, having featured in several Manchester Derbies whilst with Man City. After conceding two goals, he will be hoping to make an impact in what should be a highly entertaining game.

Torino may not have the defense of Juventus, but their attack is no slouch. The Granata have netted an impressive 31 goals so far, which makes their failure to score against Sampdoria a rarity. In fact, they are only one behind Juventus, who have the second-strongest attack in Serie A. The hosts will want to take advantage of any fatigue Juve may be suffering after their midweek Champions League tie, but all in all, they likely will be no match for the Bianconeri, who will be welcoming back Paulo Dybala for this game.

Espanyol – Sporting: A confirmar las buenas sensaciones en Cornellà

Previa del partido de Liga Santander Espanyol – Sporting que se jugará el domingo 11 de diciembre a las 18:30 horas en el estadio de Cornellà- El Prat

El estadio de Cornellà-El Prat será testigo este domingo de un partido que enfrenta a dos equipos que llegan con buenas sensaciones pero con una notable diferencia en la clasificación. El Espanyol lleva ocho partidos sin conocer la derrota y ha dado su mejor versión la pasada jornada en el Vicente Calderón, donde logró un merecido empate frente al Atlético de Madrid. El Sporting ha roto su mala dinámica y consiguió sumar los tres puntos frente al Osasuna después de estar once jornadas sin lograr la victoria. Sin embargo, aún sigue en puestos de descenso.

El conjunto catalán podrá contar para el encuentro con Marc Roca, que ya se ha recuperado de sus problemas en el sóleo, y tiene la duda de Víctor Sánchez, que tiene un golpe en un pie, lo que le impidió entrenarse con normalidad. El que no estará disponible será Pablo Piatti, que continúa recuperándose de sus molestias en los isquiotibiales de su pierna derecha. El técnico Quique Sánchez Flores volverá a apostar por su habitual sistema de juego 4-4-2 que tan buenos resultados le está dando. Una de las mayores virtudes del conjunto perico es su eficacia defensiva, que lo convierte en uno de los equipos menos goleados de Primera División, con diecisiete tantos.

“Intentaremos seguir con esta buena racha”, afirma el extremo del Espanyol, Hernán Pérez, que todo apunta a que será el sustituto de Piattien la banda izquierda.

Por su parte, el conjunto rojiblanco tendrá tres bajas para este partido. Carlos Castro y Lillo, con una contusión en su rodilla izquierda, están descartados para el choque; mientras que Dani Ndi continúa su trabajo con el fisioterapeuta. La ausencia de Lillo rompe los planes de Abelardode cara al sistema 5-4-1, que tan bien funcionó la pasada jornada frente al Osasuna. El técnico gijonés tendrá que cambiar el esquema y volver al 4-4-2 o al 4-2-3-1. Nacho Cases se ha vuelto a entrenar con el grupo pero todo apunta a que no será titular, sino que Rachid volverá a ocupar su posición en el mediocentro junto a Sergio Álvarez.

El Sporting viaja a Barcelona con el objetivo de seguir sumando de tres en tres y lograr por primera vez su segunda victoria consecutiva y la primeravictoria lejos de El Molinón. “Nos quedan 24 finales”, afirma Abelardo. Mañana será la primera de todas ellas.

Pericos y asturianos llegan al encuentro con buenas sensaciones en cuanto al juego pero con una gran diferencia en la clasificación. El Espanyol se encuentra en el duodécimo puesto y el conjunto gijonésocupa el decimoctavo escalón de la tabla. La diferencia entre ambos equipos es de siete puntos. Además, el duelo estará marcado por el reencuentro del poleso Javi Fuego, actual centrocampista del Espanyol, con el equipo que lo vio crecer en Mareo, ‘su’ querido Sporting de Gijón.

Carlos Del Cerro Grande será el encargado de dirigir el encuentro.

FICHA TÉCNICA

Encuentro: Espanyol – Sporting. Jornada 15 de la Liga Santander 2016/17

Estadio: Estadio de Cornellà-El Prat (Barcelona)

Fecha y hora: Domingo 11 de diciembre de 2016 (18:30)

TV: BeIN Sports. , @CD_Espanyol, @CD_Sporting y @CDeporteRadio

Árbitro: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (colegio madrileño)

Posibles onces:

• Sporting: Cuéllar, Isma López, Amorebieta, Meré, Douglas, Sergio Álvarez, Rachid, Carmona, Moi Gómez, Víctor Rodriguez y Cop.
• Espanyol: Diego López, Aarón, David López, Reyes, Víctor Sánchez, Hernán Pérez, Javi Fuego, Diop, Jurado, Baptistao y Gerard Moreno.

Betis – Athletic Club: Con la tranquilidad y la Champions en mente

Betis y Athletic se enfrenan en Sevilla en un partido donde la tranquilidad de la media tabla y la posibilidad de entrar en Champions, serán los objetivos a cumplir

El Benito Villamarín abre sus puertas para presenciar un partido que nunca deja indiferente a nadie. Sud y norte, andaluces y vascos, Betis y Athletic Club, se verán las caras en un encuentro que unirá dos objetivos muy separados, pero no por eso menos importantes entre sí.

Ambos equipos llegan al encuentro con una dinámica bastante semejante, aunque la balanza se decante a favor de los visitantes que han conseguido una mejor regularidad en la Liga Santander.

El Betis quiere sumar para alejarse de la zona baja

El equipo ahora entrenado por Víctor Sánchez del Amo, quiere lograr unos tres puntos que le permitan alejarse de las posiciones más temidas por todo equipo. Ahora mismo, el Betis se encuentra a tres puntos de la zona de descenso y, sin ninguna duda, querrá ampliar cuanto antes esta corta distancia. Con una plantilla que solo tiene dos bajas: Musonda por lesión y Petros sancionado, pocos cambios se esperan en el once titular de los verdiblancos.

Probablemente sea Joaquín quien sustituya al centrocampista brasileño. Los demás componentes del once titular serán los conocidos por todos los aficionados del Betis. La duda se centrará en la formación que utilizará del Amo. Habituado en plantear una defensa con cinco hombres, la incógnita la encontramos en las posiciones más adelantadas. Veremos si prefiere incorporar a cuatro o tres hombres en el centro del campo y, por consiguiente, dejar solo arriba o no, a su estrella Rubén Castro.

Europa League sabe a poco, el Athletic quiere ir a la Champions

Con la clasificación para la fase final de la Europa League conseguida y la Copa del Rey encaminada, el Athletic Club puede centrarse unas semanas en la Liga Santander. A tan solo dos puntos  de la cuarta plaza, actualmente ocupada por el Atlético de Madrid, conseguir la victoria en el Villamarín significaría la posibilidad de, si los resultados de sus competidores acompañan, entrar directamente a las posiciones más privilegiadas de la tabla.

Ernesto Valverde, de la misma forma que el Betis, tiene casi todos sus jugadores a su disposición. Solo con la baja de Aketxey De Marcos, y con un equipo plagado de jugadores poco habituales frente al Rapid de Viena, el Athletic Club volverá a utilizar a sus mejores hombres. La duda estará en Aduriz que, en el entrenamiento del pasado viernes, recibió un golpe en la rodilla donde ya tenía molestias y puede terminar con consecuencias mayores.

Decimoquinta jornada de la Liga Santander y Betis y Athletic Club ya están listos para ofrecer su mejor juego. Dos históricos del futbol español, dos tierras opuestas, pero la misma pasión por el futbol, se verán las caras con dos objetivos en mente. La tranquilidad y la Champions entre ceja y ceja.

FICHA TÉCNICA

Partido: Betis – Athletic Club. Jornada 15 de la Liga Santander

Estadio: Benito Villamarín (Sevilla)

Fecha y hora: 11 de diciembre de 2016 (20:45 horas)

TV: Bein La Liga. 

Árbitro: Mateu Lahoz (comité valenciano)

Posibles onces:

Betis: Adán; Cejudo, Bruno, Pezzella, José Carlos, Drumisi; Joaquín, Donk, Ceballos; Rubén Castro y Sanabria

Athletic Club: Kepa; Bóveda, Yeray, Laporte, Balenziaga; San José, Beñat; Susaeta, Raúl García, Muniain y Williams

Celta – Sevilla: A centrarse en la liga después de la euforia en Europa

El Celta busca reengancharse a los puestos que dan acceso Europa mientras que el Sevilla no quiere perder su posición de privilegio. Trayectorias similares teniendo en cuenta los últimos cinco encuentros de ambos en la Liga Santander

Partido de caché el que se va a vivir en el estadio de Balaidos. Se esperan goles, tensión y fútbol, mucho fútbol. Además, resolver cuentas pendientes. El 4-0 que le endosó el ex equipo de Unai Emery en las semifinales de Copa del Rey la temporada pasada, no se olvida fácilmente. Porque un partido como el Celta-Sevilla en la actualidad, suele dejarnos todo eso y más. Noveno y tercero se enfrentan con solo seis puntos de diferencia entre ellos. El encuentro no es una final, todavía estamos a diciembre y no debemos adelantar acontecimientos, pero sí es fundamental. Los vigueses quieren meterse de lleno definitivamente por la lucha por Europa. No se encuentran lejos de los puestos de privilegio pero todavía no han sido capaces de llegar a ellos.

La victoria este jueves entresemana, y como consecuencia de ello la clasificación para los dieciseisavos de final de la Europa League, supone un chute de adrenalina que veremos si se refleja en el partido del domingo. En el otro lado, el Sevilla también viene con la moral por las nubes. Clasificados para los octavos de final de la máxima competición continental después de muchos años sin hacerlo, no es para menos. Aunque una vez aparcada Europa, ya no vuelve hasta febrero, hay que centrarse en la competición doméstica, y los de Sampaoli no querrán perder la “pole position” de los mortales de esta liga. La inesperada derrota ante el Granada les obliga a sacar algo positivo de Balaidos, algo que no será fácil.

Veremos cuál es el desarrollo del partido y cómo se comportan las dos pizarras de los entrenadores argentinos, pero si lo que algo es innegociable para ambos es su estilo, aquello que les ha llevado a estar donde están. Quizá el Celta pese a estar en casa cederá el control del balón para castigar a los andaluces con sus eléctricas transiciones, y con un tridente que asusta: Aspas, Orellana y Bongonda. Aunque hay que decir que los tres de arriba del equipo de nervionense no se quedan atrás.

En el capítulo de bajas, los celestes no podrán contar con Beauvue y Planas, ambos lesionados. Por parte del Sevilla Carriço continúa con el trabajo de readaptación al grupo y tanto Mariano como Sergio Escuderoestán pendientes de evolución.

Ficha técnica

Encuentro: RC. Celta de Vigo – Sevilla FC: Partido correspondiente a la jornada quince de la Liga Santander.

Estadio: Balaidos (Vigo)

Fecha y hora: Domingo 11 de diciembre de 2016 (16:15)

TV: BEIN Liga. También puedes seguirlo a través de  y @CD_Celta, @Sevilla_CD y @CDeporteRadio

Árbitro: Undiano Mallenco (Comité navarro)

Posibles onces:

• Celta: Rubén; Roncaglia, Mallo, Cabral, Jonny; Marcelo Díaz, Hernández, Wass; Orellana, Aspas, Bongonda.
• Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Rami, Pareja, Mercado; Escudero, Iborra, N’zonzi, Mariano; Nasri, Vietto, Vitolo.

Vorschau: Schalke 04 gegen Bayer Leverkusen

Nach dem 0:2 in Salzburg gilt für den FC Schalke 04: Mund abputzen, weitermachen. Am Sonntagnachmittag um 17.30 Uhr geht´s für die Knappen auch schon weiter. Gegen Bayer Leverkusen will S04 in die Erfolgsspur zurückfinden.

Im sportlich bedeutungslosen Europa-League-Spiel gegen Salzburg schonte Trainer Markus Weinzierl bereits acht Leistungsträger: Ralf Fährmann, Naldo, Matija Nastasic, Sead Kolasinac, Nabil Bentaleb, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, sowie Leon Goretzka und Max Meyer reisten gar nicht erst nach Österreich, um sich für das schwere Spiel gegen den punktgleichen Tabellen-Neunten zu schonen.

Trotz einer besseren B-Elf, die Markus Weinzierl gegen Salzburg ins Spiel schickte, war man in der sportlichen Führung um einige Erkenntnisse reicher. Schalkes Cheftrainer Markus Weinzierl: „Die jungen Spieler haben ihre Chancen bekommen und haben sie teilweise auch gut genutzt.“ Damit dürfte er vor allem die starken Thilo Kehrer in der Abwehr und Donis Avdijaj im Sturm gemeint haben. Das sah auch Christian Heidel so. „Losgelöst vom Ergebnis hat uns das Spiel einige wichtige Dinge mitgegeben. Thilo Kehrer und Donis Avdijaj haben beispielsweise sehr gut gespielt“, meinte der Spportvorstand vielsagend.

Die Gelbsperre von Benedikt Höwedes könnte da für das Bundesliga-Startelf-Debüt von Thilo Kehrer sorgen. Doch auch Matija Nastasic ist nach wie vor angeschlagen, plagt sich seit dem Leipzig-Spiel mit muskulären Problem. Kehrer sei für die Innenverteidigung generell eine Option, wie Markus Weinzierl am Freitag sagte. „Die Alternativen hinten sind aber auch Stambouli und Riether“, so der Cheftrainer.

Auch in der Offensive droht nach Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Franco Di Santo und Breel Embolo ein weiterer Ausfall: Nabil Bentaleb musste wegen eines grippalen Infekts zuletzt mit dem Training pausieren. Nicht unwahrscheinlich also, dass der gegen Salzburg besonders auffällige Donis Avdijaj erstmals in der Bundesliga zum Einsatz kommt.

Die Leverkusener, bei denen es in den letzten drei Bundesligaspielen nur zu einem Punkt reichte, müssen nach wie vor auf Lars Bender und Karim Bellarabi verzichten. Zudem ist die Hinrunde für Kevin Kampl und Kevin Volland gelaufen.

Bayer-Coach Roger Schmidt erwartet ein „gutes Fußballspiel“. Seine Forderung nach dem 3:0 in der Champions League gegen Monaco: „Wir müssen uns aufs nächste Spiel konzentrieren, wenn dann eine Serie dabei herausspringt, sieht die Tabelle auch wieder anders aus“.

Liverpool vs West Ham: Preview and Prediction

Liverpool vs West Ham
England Premier League.
Date: Sunday, 11th December, 2016.
Kick-Off: 16:30 UK
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool.

Liverpool’s 11-game unbeaten streak was put to an end last week by Bournemouth, they were defeated 4-3 at Vitality Stadium last weekend. Liverpool will be aiming to get back to winning ways as they square off against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday evening.

Liverpool dropped down to 3rd spot in the league table after their last weekend defeat to the Cherries. They threw away their 2 goals lead in the last 20 minutes of the game and succumbed to a defeat as the Cherries scored 3 times in the 76, 78 and 90th minute.

Meanwhile, West Ham will wish for a repeat of last season’s Anfield trip, they defeated Liverpool 3-0. This time, the Hammers will be delighted with a stalemate. They will come fresh off a 5-1 demolishing in their last week London Derby against Arsenal. The Hammers are now win-less in their last 5 league games with 3 defeats and 2 draws. The Hammers are 17th in the league table with 12 points, a point above the relegation zone.

Liverpool vs West Ham: Head to Head Statistics

Liverpool have been the better side in their previous 111 encounter against West Ham United. Liverpool have won 59 times against West Ham, they have drawn 28 times and lost 24 games to Hammers. At Anfield, Liverpool have lost just 3 games to Hammers, they have won 38 games and drawn 15 games.

However, West Ham are unbeaten against Liverpool in their last 4 meetings, with 3 wins and a draw. The latest of the win was a 2-1 extra time win in the FA cup earlier this year.

Liverpool vs West Ham: Prediction

Despite last week’s defeat, Liverpool are still strong favourites in this game. Just like a wounded lion, they will be eager to get back to winning ways. Meanwhile, West Ham haven’t been in a good form and are not expected to pose a threat to Klopp’s side.

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Preview and Prediction

Manchester United vs Tottenham
England Premier League.
Date: Sunday, 11th December, 2016.
Kick-Off: 14:15 UK
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester.

Manchester United will been aiming to close the gap between them and Tottenham to 3 points as they welcome them to Theatre of Dreams Old Trafford on Sunday Afternoon. However, the Spurs also will be hopeful of opening up a 9 point lead over the Red Devils.

Spurs have been good this season, they have lost just once in League this campaign. They will come fresh off a 3-1 home win in the mid-week Champions League game against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday. Also they will have gotten more rest than their host who played at Ukraine on Thursday.

The Old Trafford outfit will enter the game from a 7-game unbeaten run, with 4 wins and 3 draws. However, Jose Mourinho’s side haven’t won a home game since defeating Leicester City in September. They will need to win this game to pace with their rivals in top table and this promises to be an entertaining one.

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Head to Head Statistics

The Red Devils record against Spurs is alarming, they have twice more than Spurs in their previous 154 meetings. United have won 80 games against Spurs, while Spurs have won 35 games with the remaining 39 drawn. At Old Trafford, United are superior with 56 wins over Spurs who have won 11 times. Their last 5 meetings have been shared equally, with 2 wins each to both teams and a draw.

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Prediction

The game will surely be a tough one with the two teams being in top form. However, the home team may be plagued with fatigue as they just returned from a trip to Ukraine. We expect United to play more defensively and Tottenham to be the attacking team despite being the visiting side. Also the game is expected to feature few goals in it and a narrow win for the home side.