Liga: antevisões e onzes prováveis para a 20ª jornada

Todos os olhares procuram o Estádio do Dragão e o clássico de sábado à noite, mas há mais para ver na 20ª jornada da Liga. A começar já na sexta-feira à noite, com um duelo nortenho entre o Paços de Ferreira e o Boavista. 

No sábado, o futebol começa às 15h30 com duas partidas e uma delas é um bom dérbi minhoto: Famalicão-Vitória. No Jamor, o Belenenses de Petit recebe o Santa Clara. Pelas 18 horas, mais um dérbi minhoto: Sp. Braga-Gil Vicente. 

Às 20h30, o jogo grande da ronda, o jogo grande do futebol nacional. FC Porto-Benfica.

A ronda acaba com mais quatro jogos no domingo. 

Sexta-feira, 7 de fevereiro

Paços de Ferreira-Boavista
Sport TV 1, 20h30

Duas vitórias consecutivas afastaram o Boavista da zona perigosa da classificação, mas na Mata Real a tarefa nunca é simples. Ainda por cima, o Paços de Ferreira está apenas dois pontos acima da linha de água e vem de uma derrota em Ponta Delgada. Um jogo rijinho, para duros, por certo.

Indisponíveis Paços Ferreira: Baixinho (castigado); Bruno Santos (lesionado)
Indisponíveis Boavista: Heriberto (castigado); Alberto Bueno (em dúvida)

PAÇOS DE FERREIRA: onze provável



BOAVISTA: onze provável



Sábado, 8 de fevereiro

Famalicão-Vitória de Guimarães
Sport TV 1, 15h30

A prova de qualidade dada na Luz, mais uma, mostra que a revelação-Famalicão está para durar na vida do futebol nacional. O Vitória é mais um teste de exigente nível, apesar das semanas atribuladas que tem vivido Guimarães com o seu clube. Os homens de Ivo Vieira estão sete pontos atrás do Famalicão e têm de vencer para persistirem na luta pela UEFA.

Indisponíveis Famalicão: -
Indisponíveis V. Guimarães: Jhonatan, Ola John, Wakaso e Joseph (lesionados)

FAMALICÃO: onze provável



VITÓRIA DE GUIMARÃES: onze provável



Belenenses SAD-Santa Clara
Sport TV 3, 15h30

A derrota na Luz mostrou um Belenenses corajoso e com qualidade, mas manteve os lisboetas muito perto da zona de descida, quatro pontos acima. O Santa Clara venceu o Paços de Ferreira na jornada anterior, parece ter reabilitado o goleador Guilherme Schettine, mas só tem 23 pontos. Está ainda desconfortável na classificação. 

Indisponíveis Belenenses SAD: Tiago Esgaio (castigado); Koffi, Calila, Kau e Tomás Ribeiro (lesionado)
Indisponíveis Santa Clara: -

BELENENSES: onze provável



SANTA CLARA: onze provável



Sp. Braga-Gil Vicente
Sport TV 1, 18h00

São sete jogos e sete vitórias dos Guerreiros do Minho com Rúben Amorim. O Gil é o próximo oponente, na jornada anterior à visita à Luz do Sp. Braga. A dinâmica da equipa da casa parece, nos dias atuais, demasiado forte para os gilistas.

Indisponíveis Sp. Braga: Fransérgio e Galeno (castigados); Eduardo, Tormena, Raúl Silva e João Novais (lesionados)
Indisponíveis Gil Vicente: Ygor Nogueira e Rúben Ribeiro (lesionados)

SP. BRAGA: onze provável



GIL VICENTE: onze provável



FC Porto-Benfica
Sport TV 1, 20h30

Sete pontos separam os rivais de sempre. Contas simples para o FC Porto, mais complexas para o Benfica. Tudo o que não seja ganhar, será sempre mau para a equipa de Sérgio Conceição; do lado do Benfica, dois resultados parecem simpáticos e positivos, o empate e a vitória. Nota para a ausência de Gabriel, por lesão, nas águias e para as dúvidas em redor de Pepe e Danilo no FC Porto.

Indisponíveis FC Porto: Pepe, Danilo e Aboubakar (lesionados)
Indisponíveis Benfica: Jardel e Gabriel (lesionados)

FC PORTO: onze provável



BENFICA: onze provável



Domingo, 9 de fevereiro

Moreirense-Vitória de Setúbal
Sport TV 1, 15 horas

Os cónegos não podiam entrar mais motivados, pois vêm de uma goleada histórica em Barcelos: 5-1 aplicados ao Gil Vicente. O Vitória também atravessa uma fase positiva, interrompida com a derrota frente ao FC Porto. Duas equipas relativamente tranquilas, olhos nos olhos.

Indisponíveis Moreirense: Ibrahima e Luther Singh (lesionados)
Indisponíveis V. Setúbal: Carlinhos (castigado); Alex Freitas, Antonucci e Berto (lesionados)

MOREIRENSE: onze provável



V. SETÚBAL: onze provável



Tondela-Marítimo
Sport TV 3, 15 horas

Os beirões voltam a tentar ganhar em casa, coisa que não tem sido fácil esta época. Só o Sporting perdeu em Tondela. O visitante insular parecia estar a entrar nos eixos com José Gomes, mas perdeu os últimos dois jogos e voltou a aproximar-se da zona perigosa.

Indisponíveis Tondela: Moufi (castigado); Yohan Tavares e Filipe Ferreira (lesionados)
Indisponíveis Marítimo: Zainadine (castigado); Vukovic (lesionado)

TONDELA: onze provável 



MARÍTIMO: onze provável



Sporting-Portimonense
Sport TV 1, 17h30

Seis jogos, quatro derrotas e duas vitórias em 2020 para os leões. E vem aí o segundo jogo sem Bruno Fernandes, transferido para o Manchester United. Pela frente apanhará um aflitíssimo Portimonense, já sem o treinador António Folha e sem vitórias desde o dia 30 de novembro. Há mais de dois meses, portanto.

Indisponíveis Sporting: Luiz Phellype (lesionado)
Indisponíveis Portimonense: Lucas Fernandes (lesionado)

SPORTING: onze provável



PORTIMONENSE: onze provável



Desp. Aves-Rio Ave
Sport TV 1, 20h00

Três vitórias nos últimos sete jogos devolveram o Desportivo das Aves à luta pela manutenção. Quem diria? A equipa de Nuno Manta está apenas a quatro pontos do Paços de Ferreira, o primeiro acima da linha de água, e em condições de lutar pela sobrevivência. Esta semana terá do outro lado uma das melhores equipas do campeonato. O Rio Ave vem de três vitórias e um empate.

Indisponíveis Aves: Simunec, Estrela e Rúben Oliveira (lesionados)
Indisponíveis Rio Ave: Jambor (lesionado)

AVES: onze provável



RIO AVE: onze provável

«Estreia com o FC Porto? Será especial com qualquer adversário»

Dyego Sousa estreou-se nos convocados do Benfica, entrando na lista para o Clássico deste sábado, no Dragão, e falou aos jornalistas no aeroporto.

«As minhas expectativas são as melhores. Estrear-me com o FC Porto ou com outro adversário será sempre especial», declarou, afirmando-se «feliz» pela forma como foi recebido.

Já sobre a importância do jogo, o internacional português rejeita considerar esta partida decisiva, uma vez que ainda fica a faltar muito campeonato.

«Ainda há muitos jogos pela frente, este é só mais um», declarou, deixando ainda palavras para os adeptos das águias.

«Prometo que vou dar o melhor pelo Benfica, como sempre fiz.»

USA, Canada book Olympic women's football berths

Naoki Nishimura via www.imago-images.de

The United States will try to follow their women's World Cup triumph with Olympic gold after punching their ticket to the Tokyo Games on Friday with a 4-0 victory over Mexico.

Samantha Mewis scored twice and Rose Lavelle and Christen Press added a goal apiece as the United States secured one of two Olympic berths on offer in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF regional qualifier at Dignity Sports Park in Carson, California.

They'll face Canada in Sunday's tournament final, but the main objective has been achieved by both teams, with Canada securing their Tokyo berth with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the first semi-final on Friday.

The United States were heavy favorites against Mexico -- who were trying to get back to the Olympics for the first time since 2004.

But in Tokyo, the Americans will attempt to become the first nation to follow a World Cup triumph with an Olympic title. Past US World Cup winning teams faltered in 2000 and 2016.

In Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the USA were stunned by Sweden in a quarter-final penalty shootout.

They'll get a chance at redemption after a dominant display against Mexico, when Lavelle opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a left-footed blast from a pass by Megan Rapinoe.

Mewis doubled the lead in the 14th with a finish off Rapinoe's corner kick. Mewis made it 3-0 in the 67th and Press capped the scoring with a chip from close range in the 73rd.

Earlier, it was 18-year-old Jordyn Huitema who lifted Canada, scoring in the 72nd minute to ensure a return to the Olympics for the team that earned bronze in the 2012 London Games and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Costa Rica, 37th in the FIFA world rankings, had kept the Canadians at bay with a disciplined defensive performance before Huitema, who plays her club football for Paris Saint-Germain, broke through.

She hit the post with a shot from a cross by teammate Deanne Rose, but the ball rebounded straight to her and she slotted it home for what proved the game-winner.

Japan's Honda gets hero's welcome in Brazil

MARCELO SAYO via www.imago-images.de

Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda was given a hero's welcome Friday from several thousand fans of Brazilian club Botafogo, where he recently signed to play until the end of the year.

"Ole, Ole, Ole, Ola, Honda, Honda," chanted a huge crowd of frenzied fans, brandishing Japanese flags as the 33-year-old arrived at the Galeao international airport in Rio de Janeiro.

Hidden by the pack of photographers shooting his arrival, Honda pleased the crowd by hopping onto a platform to greet them, then donned a Botafogo cap and waved a flag in the club's black and white colours.

Honda, one of the best players in Japanese football history, will be officially presented Saturday at Nilton Santos stadium, the athletics venue for the 2016 Olympics.

Botafogo are looking for a boost after finishing 15th in the Brazilian league last season, barely avoiding relegation.

Honda had been without a club since leaving Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in December, less than two months after joining.

Formerly of AC Milan and CSKA Moscow, the midfielder has stood out for the Japan national team, scoring 37 goals in 98 appearances, including four World Cup goals.

In 2018 he became the first Japanese player to score in three World Cups.

He is not the first foreign star to sign for Botafogo at the end of his career.

Dutch great Clarence Seedorf -- the only man to win the Champions League with three different clubs -- joined in 2012 and enjoyed a successful 18-month stint in Rio de Janeiro, scoring 24 goals in 81 matches.

Botafogo's most famous son, though, was the wing wizard and two-time World Cup winner Garrincha, who lit up Brazilian football in the 1950s and 60s.

Real Salt Lake sign young Venezuelan winger Jeizon Ramirez

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

With Jefferson Savarino’s move to Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro all but finalized, Real Salt Lake moved quickly to find his replacement.

They went Venezuelan for Venezuelan, signing Jeizon Ramirez as a Young Designated Player, the club announced Thursday night. The 18-year-old arrives via a transfer from Tachira in Venezuela and will join RSL in preseason, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

“Jeizon is a dynamic attacking player with a nose for goal and a playmaking ability to create for his teammates,” RSL general manager Elliot Fall said in a statement.  “He is already an experienced professional and can help our team immediately, but at just 18 years old, has tremendous capacity to develop. We are excited to see what he will be able to do under the tutelage of our staff and development structure.”

Ramirez came up through Tachira’s youth ranks and made his professional debut at the age of 16. He had five goals and eight assists in 50 appearances in all competitions and helped Tachira qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

2020 Real Salt Lake Roster as of February 6, 2020:

HEAD COACH: Freddy Juarez

FORWARDS (8):

• Baird, Corey
• Iloski, Milan
• Johnson, Sam
• Martinez, Douglas
• Ramirez, Jeizon
• Savarino, Jefferson
• Schmitt, Tate
• Vazquez, Julian

MIDFIELDERS (9):

• Arriaga, Luis
• Beckerman, Kyle
• Besler, Nick
• Chang, Maikel
• Everton Luiz
• Kreilach, Damir
• Portillo, Justin
• Ruiz, Pablo
• Rusnak, Albert

DEFENDERS (8):

• Glad, Justen
• Herrera, Aaron
• Holt, Erik
• Jones, Alvin
• Morgan, Ashtone
• Onuoha, Nedum
• Silva, Marcelo
• Toia, Donny

GOALKEEPERS (3):

• MacMath, Zach
• Ochoa, David
• Putna, Andrew

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction & Match Preview

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 17:30 UK / 18:30 CET
Venue: BayArena (Leverkusen).

Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to bounce back from surprising defeat at Werder Bremen and make it up to their fans for early cup exit when they travel to Leverkusen to battle it out against fellow Champions League hopefuls in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Match Preview

An exciting cup tie at the BayArena ends with the victorious Werkself through to the quarter-finals as Bayer 04 narrowly beat second division tough and sinewy VfB Stuttgart 2-1 in DFB Pokal Last 16.

In the league, Hoffenheim abruptly ended their three-game winning streak so with Monchengladbach getting a point off Leipzig, Champions League football went one step further from Die Werkself who still occupy 5th place, tied with Schalke and five points off CL dreams.

At the BayArena, you never know with Peter Bosz’s men as it would seems like they’re rolling the dice and decide that way whether to show up or not; they’re capable of standing up to the biggest teams across the globe as well as kicking the bucket and dropping points against relegation candidates.

Borussia Dortmund has missed out on the DFB Cup quarter-finals and suffered a surprising elimination from the competition following a shocking 3-2 defeat away to Werder Bremen.

The Black and Yellows strung up three straight Bundesliga victories in the New Year and due to Leipzig’s recklessness are once again back in the title race; sitting at 3rd, Bayern Munich is just three points away at the top.

Die Borussen had their share of missteps on the road in league, with the most recent one being a blunder v Hoffenheim, a game where they had the lead and dropped it all in the last ten minutes; we can add cup defeat v Werder in there though it is kinda unfair to judge them when they weren’t on their strongest.

Julian Baumgartlinger and Charles Aranguiz are still injured and will miss out this one out for the hosts. Paulinho is still with Brazil u23 while Kerem Demirbay is the last one MIA due to suspension.

Raphael Guerreiro and Thomas Delaney are close to returning but are unlikely to feature on Saturday as they’re far from full strength. Marco Reus apparently picked up an injury in Tuesday’s DFB cup clash and at the time of writing this, his status is unknown.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Overall Stats (81 games): Bayer Leverkusen 27 wins, 22 draws, Borussia Dortmund 32 wins.
• Bayer Leverkusen have 18-12-10 record at home versus Die Borussen.
• Borussia embarrassed Leverkusen in Dortmund, winning 4-0 back in September.
• The Black and Yellows are on a four-game winning (six-game unbeaten) streak v Die Werkself.
• Leverkusen couldn’t keep the ball out of their net last six times they’ve played BVB.
• Five of their last six meetings had more than 2.5 goals.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction

By now, even my grandma knows what to expect from Borussia. Goals, goals and then some more goals. Leverkusen aren’t shy either, bit more conservative comparing to last year but still very attacking minded and technically gifted side. Hopefully, this clash proves to be the bash we all expect it to be.

Now, let’s get a bit ballsy and side with Leverkusen on this one. Dortmund has proven shaky record away from Westfalenstadion while Leverkusen usually bottles it up against lesser sides. With both sides going gung ho, let’s hope Bayer cope better in the mayhem this game might turn out to be.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Betting tips

• Over 3.5 goals @ 2.05

• Leverkusen to Win @ 3.15.

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Prediction & Match Preview

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany – Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 14:30 UK / 15:30 CET
Venue: Volkswagen Arena (Wolfsburg)

Fortuna Düsseldorf will be hoping to pull off an upset when arrive at Volkswagen Arena for Bundesliga skirmish versus awakened Wolfsburg on Saturday lunchtime.

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf: Match Preview

VfL Wolfsburg snapped out of their poor run and secured their first three points of the calendar year after beating ten-man SC Paderborn 4-2 in a breathtakingly hectic encounter at the Benteler-Arena last Sunday.

Getting to Europa League for second year in a row might be a too much to ask of Oliver Glasner and his side but with them sitting at 9th, seven points off Schalke, all cards remain still on the table.

After an impeccable opening period, the Wolves seems to struggle at Volkswagen Arena from November onward, getting just four points since; they were really close against Hertha two weeks ago but lack of concentration and fortitude was their undoing as Berliners came to win after being behind.

Uwe Rosler’s Bundesliga debut ended in huge frustration as a last-second equalizer by Eintracht Frankfurt’s American midfielder Timothy Chandler denied Fortuna Düsseldorf and gave the teams a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

That made for first point for unfortunate Rheinlander side in the New Year and just about enough to rise above Paderborn to 17th place, two points off Mainz and extending their Bundesliga stay.

To this day, Fortuna remains the most ineffective team on the road, tied with Union Berlin with just five points collected but with bit worse goal difference, without a win since August 17th and snatch and run they’ve pulled at Bremen.

Niklas Klinger and Ignacio Camacho won’t be ready to face Fortuna whilst Rosler have bunch of players unavailable or unfit to play, among others Matthias Zimmermann, Dawid Kownacki, Tim Wiesner, Kenan Karaman, Valon Berisha and Zackary Thomas Steffen.

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Overall Stats (7 games): Wolfsburg 4 wins, 3 draws, Fortuna Düsseldorf 0 wins.
• Wolfsburg have 2-1-0 record at home versus Rheinlander.
• The Wolves pulled back to salvage a 1-1 draw in Düsseldorf.
• Fortuna couldn’t keep the ball out of their net last five times they’ve played Wolfsburg.
• Both sides got on the scoresheet in four of last five encounters.

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Prediction

Having watched them in the last couple of games, improvements are visible for Oliver Glasner’s side though their wastefulness and lack of concentration in deciding moments has costs them lots of points. Still, I believe they have enough about themselves to get one off the worst away team in the league.

As I said previously, Wolfsburg at home equals bore-ish games and lack of goals. They’re yet to let me down whenever I put my money on this, and it is very unlikely they’ll do so against side like Fortuna.

Wolfsburg vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Betting tips

• Wolfsburg to Win @ 1.67

• Under 3 goals @ 1.69.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin Prediction & Match Preview

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin, German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 14:30 UK / 15:30 CET
Venue: Weser-Stadion (Bremen).

Werder are looking to crawl their way out of the relegation zone as they welcome surprise hit of the season to Weser-Stadion in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin: Match Preview

Werder Bremen are through to the quarter final of the DFB Pokal as The Green Whites advanced into the next round after a spectacular performance against Borussia Dortmund, earning them a well-deserved 3-2 win.

While they’re punching above their weight in the Pokal, Bundesliga is another beast for Die Werderaner as they’ve lost eight of their last ten games, currently sitting at 16th, still fearing for their survival with safety within a hand’s reach as Mainz is just point away.

Bad form at Weser-Stadion is one of the reasons for predicament Florian Kohfeldt’s men found themselves in; with just five points won so far, they’re officially the worst (or the best, depending on how you look at it) hosts in the league as The Green-Whites hasn’t won in front of their own fans since September 1st.

Robert Andrich’s powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 85th minute secured 1. FC Union Berlin’s victory against surprise-package of the competition SC Verl and advance from Last 16 to the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal.

Die Eisernen are welcome surprise as no one expected them to be placed as high as they are right now, 12th place and six-point cushion over relegation dogfight everyone thought Urs Fischer’s lads would find themselves in.

But almost all of their good work is done at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, on the road the Iron Ones aren’t as prolific as they’re in their nest, collecting just five points, with their only win dating back in September, since when they’re on a five-game winless (three-game losing) streak.

Bremen’s emergency room is filled to the top though we might see some of them on the pitch come Saturday, Davie Selke, Ludwig Augustinsson and Theodor Gebre Selassie among others while Sebastian Langkamp, Philipp Bargfrede, Michael Lang, Niclas Füllkrug and Kevin Möhwald are certain to sit this one out.

Union is in a similar situation; Lennard Maloney and Suleiman Abdullahi are listed as questionable for trip to Bremen while Laurenz Dehl, Akaki Gogia, Joshua Mees, Manuel Schmiedebach and Felix Kroos will stay at home.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Werder Bremen have won both times they’ve played FC Union.
• Bremen got the better of two, winning 2-1 in Berlin back in September.
• Both encounters ended with more than 2.5 goals scored.
• At least two goals have been scored in the first half in all of their meetings.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin Prediction

While their results in 2020 might be lacking, the Green-Whites are far from the worst side in the Bundesliga. They play really well, create loads of chances, with their poor finishing usually letting them down; Hoffenheim game few weeks ago being the prime example of this. But Union is so poor on the road I can’t but back Werder to snap out of their bad run and finally gift their fans with a win.

For the same reason, I think we’re up for a goal fest. Their past meetings affirm that, however small the sample is and Werder must start putting their chances to bed sometimes and they won’t have better opportunity than the Iron Ones, who conceded ten goals on last three excursions.

Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin Betting tips

• Bremen Draw No Bet @ 1.53

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.79.

Schalke vs Paderborn Prediction & Match Preview

FC Schalke 04 vs SC Paderborn 07, German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 14:30 UK / 15:30 CET
Venue: VELTINS-Arena (Gelsenkirchen).

The Royal Blues welcomes a charming underdog SC Paderborn to VELTINS-Arena aiming to get back to the winning track in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.

Match Preview: Schalke vs Paderborn

Schalke are on a high, having won a dramatic Last 16 tie against Hertha in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday evening with Benito Raman getting the winning goal in extra time after two of Hertha’s players saw red.

Despite stumbling their way to 0-0 draw in the last league game in Berlin, The Miners’ dreams of Champions League football are still alive and well as they as off now occupy 6th place and currently are five points away from Monchengladbach at fourth.

David Wagner’s men are undefeated at home since August, winning five and drawing four since season opening loss at VELTINS-Arena v Bayern, with their last league game in there being colossal 2-0 victory v (at the time) title challenging Borussia Monchengladbach.

Paderborn started off strong against troubled Wolfsburg, taking the lead early on before ultimately succumbing to 13th defeat of the year following Holtmann’s premature expulsion.

Those were bad news for Paderborn’s fans as the Wolves put a stop to their comeback, allowing Fortuna to overtake them and push them back to the last step of Bundesliga ladder but it’s still to early for desperation as Mainz and salvation are just three points away with lots of football left to play.

Victory at Freiburg two weeks ago meant that Steffen Baumgart’s pupils has now picked up more points on the road than they are on their native Benteler-Arena; it was their seventh point gathered from four latest outings.

Just as Wagner thought injury troubles are over for his side, his players went and picked up few more; Daniel Caligiuri, Weston McKennie, Markus Schubert, Salif Sané and Benjamin Stambouli will sit out clash with Paderborn with Jonjoe Kenny going down the wire.

Mohamed Drager and Luca Kilian are out for the visitors with Gerrit Holtmann and Jamilu Collins joining them on the stands due to suspensions.

Schalke vs Paderborn: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Overall Stats (5 games): FC Schalke 5 wins, 0 draws, SC Paderborn 0 wins.
• The Royal Blues have 1-0-0 record at home versus Paderborn.
• Schalke showed their dominance, demolishing North-Rhine side 5-1 back in September.
• The Miners are on a five-game winning streak v Paderborn.
• Visitors couldn’t keep the ball out of their net in all of the times they’ve played Schalke.
• Three of their total five meetings ended with more than 2.5 goals.

Schalke vs Paderborn: Prediction

On paper, Paderborn are way out of their depth in Gelsenkirchen and despite sympathies I have for them, I don’t think this David will beat Royal Blue Goliath. Schalke is entirely different beast in front of their own fans and Paderborn will be dealt with accordingly.

In true Schalke fashion, I expect all will be decided after the break as the Miners tend to score (or concede) a lot more in the second half. This came true in all but two of their home games and Paderborn fit that pattern really well, especially on recent travels.

Schalke vs Paderborn: Betting tips

• FC Schalke 04 to Win @ 1.53

• Half with Most Goals: Second Half @ 1.95.

Hertha Berlin vs Mainz Prediction & Match Preview

Hertha Berlin vs FSV Mainz, German – Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 14:30 UK / 15:30 CET
Venue: Olympiastadion (Berlin).

FSV Mainz will be desperate for victory when they travel to Olympiastadion to take on much improved Hertha in Saturday’s Bundesliga match.

Hertha Berlin vs FSV Mainz: Match Preview

Ten men Hertha BSC were beaten 3-2 by FC Schalke 04 after 120 minutes in one turbulent match where they held and dropped a 0-2 half time lead in spectacular fashion in the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal.

Under Jürgen Klinsmann, the Old Lady maintain their distance on the relegation dogfight as they currently sit at 13th, six points away from danger zone they’ve occupied not long ago and encouraged and strengthened in the transfer market, will continue their push for the top half.

But as their overall condition improves, Die Alte Dame’s home form remain locked in post-October slump mode, with Berlin-based side winning just one of last four home outings though, in their defense, schedule was unforgiving, facing one CL contender after another.

Mistake-ridden first half costs Mainz against Bayern as The Zerofivers went 3-0 down in the first half hours and suffered their third loss in three games in the Ruckrunde last Saturday.

Bayern made for fourteenth defeat of the year (and fourth consecutive) for Achim Beierlorzer and his men as they continue to flirt with relegation places but remaining just above the line at 15th, one point off Werder Bremen and the abyss.

With two of their last three victories being on the road, with latest one dating back in December, one can be generous and showcase it as an improvement, but the truth is, Mainz are in trouble.

Karim Rekik, Vladimir Darida and Thomas Kraft are questionable for Klinsmann’s side but they’ll most likely be at their full strength come Saturday.

Leandro Martins, Edimilson Fernandes and Stefan Bell are sure absentees for troubled Mainz.

Hertha Berlin vs FSV Mainz: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Overall Stats (31 games): Hertha BSC 12 wins, 12 draws, FSV Mainz 7 wins.
• Hertha BSC have 8-4-3 record at home versus Die Nullfünfer.
• Mainz prevailed last time two met, winning 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Opel Arena.
• Die Null-funfer were first to score in six of last seven encounters between the two.
• Four of their last six meetings ended with fewer than 2.5 goals.

Hertha Berlin vs FSV Mainz: Prediction

Some really interesting additions to their first team and recent upheaval are more than enough for me to back Klinsmann and his boys to snap out of their winless streak in their home ground. Mainz are mess right now and I don’t trust they’re getting anything from Berlin.

With a similar set of mind, I doubt we’ll see unusual scoreline here, with Hertha being rigid, really tough to break and Mainz being utterly hopeless in the final third, which lines up well with h2h history of the two.

Hertha Berlin vs FSV Mainz: Betting tips

• Hertha BSC to Win @ 2.07

• Under 3.5 goals @ 1.50.

Freiburg vs Hoffenheim Prediction & Match Preview

Freiburg vs Hoffenheim, German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020, Kick-off at 14:30 UK / 15:30 CET
Venue: Schwarzwald-Stadion (Freiburg)

Hoffenheim are looking to claim their eleventh Bundesliga victory of the season and continue Europa League push when they travel to another EL hopeful in Freiburg on Saturday afternoon.

The Big Match Preview:

Painful defeat in Cologne as Red&Blacks’ downfall continue; on match day 20 of the Bundesliga, SC Freiburg lost to another relegation candidate by four goals to nil against 1. FC Köln.

It was fourth defeat in last six games, with fans scratching their heads as their slip down the table further advance; currently at 8th, their dreams of continental football are still alive but they must reset themselves and find their form from first half of the season, pronto.

After being undefeated at home for nearly four months, Christian Streich’s men suffered defeats in last two outings at Schwarzwald-Stadion; one could understand Bayern but losing to Paderborn two weeks ago was a bitter pill to swallow.

Achtzehn99 pushed all the way through but Bayern showed their class and with another master class performance from Robert Lewandowski got past on-fire Hoffenheim in Last 16 of DFB-Pokal.

Alfred Schreuder’s pupils are on a roll, winning four of their last five league games and shooting up the table following disastrous run during November-December transition; currently at seventh step of Bundesliga ladder, one above their next opponents and not that far away from Champions League spots, though that might be too much to ask for…

Die Kraichgauer have won their last two games away from home, a welcome return to form following Leipzig defeat on December 7th, which ended their unbeaten run that lasted since August, a run that makes Hoffenheim one of the best teams on the road in the country.

Yoric Ravet and Lukas Kübler will most likely sit this one out for Freiburg as they’re still not 100% following their injuries.

Hoff has a lot more issues with team selection; Philipp Ochs might be ready to get back on the pitch come Saturday but Sargis Adamyan, Dennis Geiger, Oliver Baumann and Ishak Belfodil will sit this one for sure.

Freiburg vs Hoffenheim: Head-to-head (h2h)

• Overall Stats (22 games): Freiburg 7 wins, 9 draws, 1899 Hoffenheim 6 wins.
• Freiburg have 5-4-2 record at home versus Die Kraichgauer.
• Red&Blacks snatched a 3-0 win on their last excursion to Hoffenheim.
• Die Kraichgauer failed to keep a clean sheet on last 13 showdowns v Freiburg.
• Both sides have scored in nine of last ten encounters.
• Four of their last five meetings ended with more than 2.5 goals.

Freiburg vs Hoffenheim: Prediction

Hoffenheim has been trigger-happy on their travels recently; out of last six excursions, only one ended below 3 goal margin, a trip to Union’s castle in Berlin, really rough terrain so it wasn’t that much surprising. Adding their h2h history with Freiburg into mix, I think we can expect another efficient game.

In which Hoffenheim will win. They owe Freiburg for their snatch and run Red&Blacks pulled last time two met and Achtzehn99 will be aching for some of that sweet revenge. No doubt they’ll capitalize on hosts’ latest terrible form and get back home with all points in the bag. If you want something safer, go with Draw No Bet.

Freiburg vs Hoffenheim: Betting tips

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.66

• Hoffenheim Draw No Bet @ 1.92.

Brighton vs Watford Prediction & Match Preview

Brighton vs Watford
England – Premier League
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 17:30 UK / 18:30 CET
Venue: Amex Stadium (Brighton).

Sporting one of the worst away statistics on the ladder, Watford make the trip to Amex Stadium, this Saturday, as the outright underdogs, to pick up all three points.

Brighton vs Watford Head to head (h2h)

• Their previous meeting witnessed Brighton post a 3-0 victory.
• All but one of their past five fixtures have featured fewer than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in just one of their last eight clashes.
• Four of their previous ten encounters have ended as a tie.
• Watford have registered the win four times in their past ten games. (W-4, D-4, L-2)

Brighton vs Watford Match Preview

Brighton have been alternating between draws and defeats in their past five PL clashes, the most recent of which saw them hold West Ham to a 3-3 scorecard on the road. Miserably, the hosts have now tasted success just once in their previous ten games, garnering no more than eight points from a possible thirty.

As of now, the home team have been placed fifteenth on the ladder, with a total of twenty-six points to their name.

On the other hand, Watford have fallen out of their groove and are currently struggling to get things going again. The Hornets were at the losing end of a 2-3 scorecard against Everton in their previous trip on the road, prior to which Aston Villa took them down with a narrow 2-1 scoreline.

It is also worth mentioning that the guests are winless in their past three clashes in the top flight, which has further tainted their hopes of propelling out of the relegation zone.

At the moment, Watford are three points adrift of the hosts on the table and are just five shy of hitting rock bottom as well.

Brighton vs Watford Prediction

Brighton have been adamant at home as of late, and have salvaged at least a point in their past three fixtures here. The home team have also stumbled just thrice in front of the home crowd this season, with two out of those three defeats coming against sides that are currently dwelling in the top ten.

In sharp contrast, Watford are yet to hit the ground running on the road. Disappointingly, the visitors have dropped points in ten of their past twelve outings. To make matter worse, they have also failed to secure the bragging rights in each of their previous two visits here.

As such, the win is more than likely to swing in favor of Brighton this weekend. Be that as it may, the hosts have shared the spoils in half of their past six matchups at home. Taking into account that their last meeting with this foe here had also ended as a tie, back a Draw no bet, just to be on the safer side.

Furthermore, the visitors have had their scoring boots on in their recent outings. Impressively, they have found the back of the net five times from their previous three trips on the road alone.

Considering that the hosts have kept a clean sheet just twice in their previous six PL fixtures here, it is certainly well within reason to count on both teams to have their names on the scoresheet in this one.

Brighton vs Watford Betting tips

• Draw no bet: Brighton @ 1.50 (1/2)

• Both teams to score @ 1.80 (4/5).