Sevilla vs Mallorca

An encounter that will see two teams placed along side each other in the middle of the league’s points table. Probably equal in form and balanced, both the sides have shown great heart in the competition. While Sevilla have Fabiano, who has been the most prolific scorer this season (8 goals) they will surely be missing Kanoute who is out due to injury. Another reason to smile is that goal keeper Palop has shown good form and temperament and is improving constantly. The problem comes when looking at the defense which is caught napping many a times; this is precisely what let them down last week in an away tie against Valencia.

 

Mallorca on the other hand have been fighting out each match and are trying to out do their opponents, their last week’s away encounter at the Bernabeu was a classic example of their ability. Varella seems to be in sublime form and Guiza seems to support him very well but as for Sevilla the problem again comes in terms of the defense; they have been able to score but at the same time have let the opposition score as well.

 

Both teams seem to be similar in terms of formation and strategy with in form strikers and a not so strong defense but one thing that the visiting Mallorca should keep in mind will be that Sevilla have been playing a rough game. The match should probably go a little more than 90 minutes as a lot of fouls can be expected. With both sides fighting hard it will probably a moment of brilliance from any of the strikers that might decide the game but apart from that the match does not have a favorite. Though playing at home is a serious advantage for Sevilla, judging by what Mallorca did to Real Madrid last week even that will be negated.

 

Prediction: 2-2, draw

Barcelona vs Recreativo Huelva

The tie would be termed as David takes on Goliath under normal circumstances but things have been different this season. The hugely talented Barcelona has not been living up to all the expectations from Ronaldinho and Messi, who have shown a glimpse of brilliance every now and then but lack consistency. Though this will be a home tie for Barcelona it for sure should be quite a stoll in the park. Placed in the bottom half of the table, Recreativo Huelva has what it takes to beat a top Spanish club and that they proved last week by the one goal win over Osasuna but probably they are way short of the top league experience.

Recreativo Huelva would once again bank on Carlos Martins who delivered in the previous game but will also miss the services of Gerard Lopez who had been red carded and playing against Barcelona in Barcelona is never easy. Also the away form for Recreativo Huelva has been nothing to boast about so they need to watch out. On the other hand Barcelona might just grab this opportunity to make a statement after their last week loss; this would probably have a full strength Barcelona team starting off. Going by the law of averages it is high time some one from Henry, Ronaldinho or Messi delivers. But on the defensive note Barca will miss out on the services of Italian full back Zambrotta.

The match may surely not be a thriller to the core but fans can expect a goal feast from the talent pool called Barcelona; also it will not be surprising if at the end of 90 minutes at Camp Nou, Barcelona is just a point of the leaders, who play later that night. The odds will be 8:2 heavily in favor of the home team, Barcelona.

Prediction: 3-1, Barcelona win

Euro 2008 Scotland vs Italy

Scotland and Italy are set to clash in what may very well be the most exciting and emotional match of the weekend. The Scot’s are in full control of their destiny and can sew up their place in the EURO 2008 finals with the victory. Italy need at least a draw to keep them alive as they have a match in hand over Scotland with their next midweek fixture at home to the Faroe Islands looming. The first match between the two sides in Italy back in March ended in a 2-0 win for the home side.

At this time Alex McLeish’s side hold the smallest of leads over the defending World Cup champions with 24 points to Italy’s 23. Scotland are in 2^nd place of the group and at this time would be qualifying for the finals along with first place France. The Italian’s only loss in group play came on match day 2 when they were beaten soundly by the French, 3-1. They come into this match on an 8 match unbeaten run and have conceded just 1 goal over their last 4 matches. As for Scotland, they are coming off of a very disappointing loss away to Georgia in October which snapped a 4 match win streak which had included victories over France and the Ukraine. A victory away to Georgia would have seen Scotland through to the finals.

Both sides come into this match with nearly full strength squads with the only injury concern for Italian manager Roberto Donodani being Massimo Oddo. However, the strength of the Italian’s is their depth as the squad boasts and embarrassment of riches from the goal keepers to the strikers. This match may also signal a changing of the guard for Italy as Alessandro Del Piero was left off of the list. The factor that gives Scotland hope in this match is that they are at home at Hampden Park and have been perfect throughout the qualifiers when playing at home.

While the heart wants Scotland to prevail, the head and history dictate that the Italians will not be denied. Italy have as professional a national side as possible and they just plain know how to obtain the results they need to get. There is a reason they have won 4 world cup titles. The Scot’s blew their golden opportunity in Georgia.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

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Fiorentina vs Udinese

Fiorentina have been the surprise of the season in Serie A. A combination of grit, determination, and excellent production from key players has manager Cesare Prandelli’s side just 2 points back of league leaders Inter Milan through 11 rounds. The side from the Stadio Communale are one of only 3 unbeaten sides in the first division and are currently in the middle of a stretch that has seen them not concede a goal over 4 straight matches. As if that were not impressive enough, the Viola are coming off of a 6-1 slaughter of Elfsborg in their midweek UEFA Cup match. That victory extended their unbeaten run between Serie A and Europe to 21 consecutive matches.

The strong defensive effort is not to say that Fiorentina do not have a better than average attack. On the contrary, the combination of Montolivo and Romanian Adrian Mutu along with veteran Christian Vieri off of the bench gives opposing defenses fits. They have posted a very impressive goal difference of 18 scored with just 7 conceded. This week they are in for a challenge however as the visiting Udinese are quite the pesky side. They are currently on a 6 match unbeaten run and have conceded just 4 goals in 6 road matches in the present campaign. The strong work of Colombian center back Zapata has really fortified their back line.

The two sides come into their Round 12 matches with some injury concerns. Fiorentina right back Dainelli is not 100% and thus is listed as doubtful. If he cannot make the start, Kroldrup will come in to play alongside Ujfalusi. This was the modification that Prandelli employed against Elsborg earlier in the week and it got the job done. Meanwhile, the visitors are without their cultured right side midfielder Mesto who is out for two weeks with an injury. He will be replaced on the flank by Zapotocny.

With the clubs seemingly so evenly matched, and both sporting impressive defensive results to this point it is difficult to see one club having the edge over the other. Fiorentina a surely tough to beat at home but if anyone can match their tenacity on the defensive end it is the Friuli.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)

Inter Milan vs Lazio

Inter Milan came extremely close to a victory that would have been their most impressive of the season Round 11 when they played to a 1-1 draw away to Juventus. A goal 13 minutes from time did them in and keeps their lead over 2^nd place Fiorentina at 2 points. The result just reaffirms that it will be very difficult for Inter to run away with the Serie A title as they did in 2006-2007. Still, the fact remains that they are tops in the league at this moment and will now host the struggling Lazio at the Giuseppe Meazza at San Siro.

As with any club that has enjoyed so much success over the past few years, the biggest scandals that seem to revolve around the club pertain to squad selection. Brazilian striker Adriano has now been left off the list of players called up for this match by manager Roberto Mancini and it the 4^th straight week he will not even dress. As Adriano has no injury concerns it appears he simply fell in the managers dog house. His absence and the injury to Hernan Crespo means that Mancini will go with his regular striker combo of Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz which is not too shabby indeed.

Lazio are currently in free fall mode. Just when it looked as though their season had hit a low point following the humiliating slaughter at home at the hands of AC Milan by a score of 1-5, they have proceeded to lose their next two matches at home as well to Udinese and Fiorentina. They have now fallen to 15^th place in the Serie A table with just 10 points from 11 matches. As if things weren’t bad enough for Delio Rossi’s side the injury list continues to get longer. In addition to the absences of Mutarelli, Diakite, Mauri and Siviglia, Lazio will also be without Serbian wide man Kolarov. Lazio, like many other clubs, appear to be making the UEFA Champions League their only priority this year. The midweek victory over German side Werder Bremen by a score of 2-1 has Lazio in first place of their group through 4 matches.

The way Inter have performed at home this season, winning 13 out of a possible 15 points makes them overwhelming favorites in this match. This is especially true given the number of absences that Lazio will carry into this match. The 3 straight losses at home have not helped improve their confidence level in the least bit and with the next round of the UEFA Champions League within reach it’s doubtful they will be as focused for this match as they are on those European nights.

Prediction: Home win (2-0)

Roma vs Cagliari

Nothing is ever easy for AS Roma and this season has not been any different. The euphoria of having defeated Lazio in the derby was quickly quieted by their inability to get more than one point from their visit to the lowly Empoli which resulted in a 2-2 draw. It was hoped that Ned Spalletti’s side would be able to take advantage of the fact that Inter Milan and Juventus were playing each other but in the end nothing changed as far as the Serie A league table is concerned.

This week they are not only missing club captain Francesco Totti along with Aquilani, but the Brazilian Taddei is now very doubtful to start. These developments will put a lot of pressure on the Chilean David Pizarro to produce in the play maker role. This week’s opponent for Roma, Cagliari, come in with their own problems. They are winless over their last 5 matches and this includes crashing at home last week to Sampdoria in an ugly 0-3 loss.Cagliari have now fallen to 17^th place in Serie A and are only out of the relegation zone because of goal difference. They have problems in the back line where Uruguayan Diego Lopez has finally returned from injury but at best is expected to be available off of the bench. His Uruguayan mate Joe Bizera will take his spot in central defense.

Despite Roma’s poor performance of a week ago and the fact that they could be missing some key players including the aforementioned Totti, they should have enough fire power to handle the struggling Cagliari at home. This is the type of match which title contenders always find a way to win. It would take a tremendous effort by the visitor’s this week to be able to finally put an end to their winless run at the Stadio Olimpico of all places, especially given that Roma are one of 3 undefeated sides left in Serie A. With manager Giampaolo hinting at playing an offensive style away to Roma with the way his side leak goals- 18 in 11 matches- it can only spell disaster.

Prediction: Home win (3-1)

Parma vs Juventus

Parma are off to a rough start this season and their struggles continued in Round 11 when they were held to 2-2 draw at home by the lowly Siena. It was the second time in 3 days that Parma have blown a lead late and have had to settle for a draw. Parma’s failure to capture the 3 points at home leaves them in 14^th place of the league table with just 11 points form 11 matches. It also put manager Di Carlo’s spot in jeopardy as Parma are getting closer and closer to the dreaded relegation zone. However, hopes are high this week that the side from the Ennio Tardini will be able to rise to the occasion against the mighty Juve. The only problem is that the back line continues to leak goals and inspires very little confidence.

While the Vecchia Signora were unable to defeat Inter Milan at home in Round 11, they are still off to a more than acceptable start in this their first season back in top flight Italian football. They have 21 points from 11 matches and sit just 4 points back of the league leaders, Inter Milan. Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has done a great job after taking over for Didier Deschamps and the club has not missed a beat so far. The two biggest absences for Juve this week are Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi, Nedved is suspended while the Italian international is recovering from injury and expected to start on the bench. The Argentine Almiron will be in Nedved’s spot just behind David Trezeguet and Alex Del Piero while Salihamidzic will cover for Camoranesi. Trezeguet currently leads the league in scoring with 10 goals.

Despite Juve’s absences in this match, they still possess a ton of fire power both in attack and midfield. Parma have not played particularly well at home all season long and after two disappointing draws, including one at home, they are being asked to beat one of the best clubs in Europe, let alone Serie A. Their bright spot this season has been center forward Bernardo Corradi while Juventus are full of superstars. Even if they were at full strength Parma do not appear to be in position to cause Juventus too many problems these days.

Prediction: Road win (0-2)

Atalanta vs AC Milan

Atalanta return home after a superb victory away Catania in Round 11. It’s been a remarkable season for the Bergamaschi so far as they have been exceeding all expectations. The victory over Catania puts them in 6^th place of the league table and in line to make a decent run at qualifying for a continental competition. The play of veteran Cristiano Doni and Floccari in attack has been superb with Doni tied for third in Serie A in scoring with 6 goals. There is even more good news for Del Neri’s side this week as left back Gianpaolo Bellini is back after a one month layoff due to injury.

As for the Rossoneri, they are going through one of their worst seasons in recent memory. Last season, AC Milan had been penalized by the FIGC and had points deducted at the start of the season. This led to their hovering around mediocrity for most of the campaign. That was not the case this year but yet Milan have struggled to find their top form in the domestic league. Despite a squad list that is an embarassment of riches, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are in 9^th place of the league table with just 14 points form 11 matches. They are coming off of a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Torino.

In truth, AC Milan’s struggles have been due in part to the turnover employed by Ancelotti. As the defending UEFA Champions League title holders, the Cup has been the priority at the San Siro and they have not used their best starting eleven for some matches. That will not be the case this week. Save for Ronaldo and Gilardino, who will start on the bench, and the injured Emerson and Jankulovski Milan will go with their full complement of players for this fixture. Kaka’, Pippo Inzaghi, and Clarence Seedorf are set to start.

While Milan are the road side this week they have actually played better on the road than they have at the San Siro where they remain winless this season. At the same time, Atalanta have won just 2 of 5 matches at home and appear to be playing a bit over their heads. Look for Milan to pull off the 3 points on the road.

Prediction: Road win (0-1)

Chelsea Vs Everton

Chelsea Vs Derby

Kick off: Sunday 11^th November 2PM (BST)

Location: Stamford Bridge

Chelsea go into Sunday’s game with four consecutive league wins under their belt. New manager Avram Grant has had a successful start as Chelsea manager, and there’s no doubt he’ll be looking for another win on Sunday. Everton have won their last two games in the premiership too, so this is set out to be a rather exciting affair.

Both Chelsea and Everton played midweek in the Champions League and UEFA Cup respectively. Chelsea drew away to Schalke and Everton won away to Nurnberg. So, with any hope, Everton fans will be hoping that their win in midweek boosts the confidence throughout the camp and therefore can hopefully come away with something at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s injury list continues with Petr Cech unavailable for Sunday’s game as he’s out with a torn calf. However, some good news for Chelsea is that Ashley Cole is back, and has been included in the squad to face Everton. Chelsea, only three points behind champions Manchester United, are effectively back in the title race after their recent performances in the league and will certainly be hoping to push on their title hopes this weekend with a win against Everton.

Of course Chelsea go in favourites for this game, however, you’d be mad to rule out Everton. With new transfer Yakubu starting to place the ball in the back of the net, Carlo Cudicini will have something to worry about. Everton will no doubt go to the Bridge and be looking for a win, rather than coming to London and playing as a defensive unit. Everton, currently lying in 8^th place in the league, have injury worries of their own though. Missing key players such as Andy Johnson and James Vaughan.

Obviously Chelsea go in favourites and are expected to pick up three points this weekend. However, with key players such as Petr Cech and John Terry out, Chelsea may struggle at the back against in form striker Yakubu.

Prediction: I’m going to have to say a 2-1 win to Chelsea. Chelsea’s strength in depth will show and they should overcome The Toffees.

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