Weekly Comic 29/01/08

Derby vs Manchester City

30/1- With every passing match the verdict is getting even stronger, Derby had to have a flawless second half of the season to ensure their stay in the top division but the losing trend has shown no signs of stopping. They have lost their last 5 matches and playing at home or away does not seem to make a difference at all. Hence this week’s tie against Manchester City would be another tester at home. Manchester City placed at 7^th position on the table have been going through a rough patch and this is ideal for them as they can get some form in an away match. In the previous encounters between the sides City have won once of three matches while the other two have been draws. City would be hoping to climb at least 2 spots as their points tally would move to 43 and since they are fighting for a European championship position, this can be very handy.

 

Derby are playing for a lost cause but good performances can at least earn them respect and give them a reason to fight it out in the first division next year. The team has a lot of injuries and lack of ability at the top level is also quite evident. The biggest problem is that there has been no sign of a determined effort to get back at the opponent and that has led to this situation.

 

Manchester City would strike gold at the right time and anything less than 3 points from this tie would not be acceptable for them. They should try and win with the biggest margin possible as the teams are so closely packed that it could boil down to the goal difference. Only interest that this match could generate is if Derby can upset City.

 

Prediction: 0-2, Manchester City win

Chelsea vs Reading

30/1- The fight is on for the top spot between Arsenal and Man U but the third placed team is doing its job keeping a low profile. Chelsea is just 4 points behind the league leaders and are playing wonderfully well, they have won their last 4 matches and would be looking to continue their trend when they take on Reading at home. Reading on the other hand have lost their last 4 matches and can expect a not so friendly welcome as they visit the Blues. The past record between the two sides suggests that Chelsea have been dominant as they have won two of the three matches played while one ended in a draw. Though the side is missing on a few players the team is playing as a unit under the instructions of Jose Mourinho (Freudian slip!) Avram Grant.

Chelsea won their last tie against Birmingham city in a away match and were at the top of their game in the 0-1 victory. Drogba, Lampard and Shevchenkov all are carrying injuries and that would be the only thing that would worry the team. Chelsea has a solid defense and that is something they use to their advantage as each goal scored is defended and hence the team has managed to win even if a single goal is scored. Kalou looks to be their only fit striker and he has scored 5 goals this season and the fans would be hoping to see more of him.

Reading on the other hand have a weak defense and have never been able to keep out the opposition from scoring. Their moral is down after 4 consecutive losses and they look set for a 5th with formidable opponent like Chelsea. They would be hoping to score early and defend for the rest of the match and even if they give away a goal and earn a point they would be overjoyed but Chelsea would not accept anything but 3 points.

Prediction: 4-0, Chelsea win

Bolton vs Fulham

29/1- With both the teams struggling at the bottom of the table there is a lot at stake when Bolton play hosts to Fulham. Fulham are down an out and at 19^th position on the points table the only place they can see is upwards. If they have a hope to survive in the premiership they need to start performing now and they still hold a theoretical chance to stay here. Fulham have not registered a single victory in their last 10 matches, in fact they have been on a losing streak and have lost their last 3 matches, the worst part is that in all losses they have been convincingly outplayed. Looking at the history between the two sides Fulham are the clear dominant force as they have won 8 of the 15 matches played and there have been 4 draws however the record might have to change this time as Fulham are a depleted side and have hardly showed any intent or plan. Fulham would have quite some points to prove as they go to Bolton after a tough last week when they were thrashed 0-3 by Arsenal in their own backyard. Dempsey and Davies would be the two players who could make a difference to the score line and if they manage to do so the Fulham defense would also have to rise to the occasion. With McBride, Elliot and Bouazza out of action the frontline and the mid field looks very fragile and only grit and determination from all players can now help them salvage some pride. Bolton on the other hand would be hoping to make the most of the out of form Fulham, though they are quite ahead of Fulham but the difference between them and the relegation zone is just a single point. They would not ilike to fall into a situation where they would have to fight for survival and hence 3 points from this match are highly essential. Prediction: 2-1, Bolton win

Middlesbrough vs Wigan

29/1- Middlesbrough placed at the 12th spot on the points table get prepared to take on Wigan at home. Though Wigan are placed on the 17th place they have shown a lot of grit and determination in recent games and that is something that has pulled them out of the relegation zone. The notable fact however is that the difference between the two sides is just a couple of points and a victory for Wigan here could trigger them to a much higher spot on the points table. Out of the 5 matches played between the two clubs, Wigan has managed to win twice while on two occasions the match has ended in a draw. Both teams enter the match with almost an injury free squad and would be hoping to make the most of the match and this makes the match even more interesting. Middlesbrough drew their last week’s tie against Blackburn at home and now would be looking to gain some points against a lowly ranked team like WIgan but it might not be as easy as it sounds as even Liverpool could only manage a draw against the same side. A lot would be expected from the two players in front, Downing and Sanli both have contributed 4 goals each this season and if Middlesbrough want three points here both would have to contribute. The home crowd would be hoping to see their team win as this would help them to establish a comfortable position away from the relegation zone as they are just out of the zone by 2 points. Wigan on the other hand would be looking to put up a strong away performance; Bent has been superb with 7 goals this season. Their strategy would be to score early and defend it for the rest of the match but a firing Heskey can convert this into a winning match and possibly get the club into a comparatively safer territory. Prediction: 0-2, Wigan win

Arsenal vs Newcastle

29/1- Arsenal are on the road to retain the lost top spot in the premiership points table. They are second just on the goal difference, they would be hoping to put up good performances and would like to pound on any mistake that Man U make at the top of the table. As they prepare for this week’s home tie against Newcastle their eyes would be fixed on the next day’s tie between Man U and Portsmouth. Arsenal get into this match after a victory last week in an away tie last week when they thrashed Fulham 0-3. The Gunners would be a confident unit and would be looking at a big margin victory at home so that they can start catching up on Man U in that aspect as well. The difference between the two sides on the top of the table is just 6 goals and it all could change in a matter of 3 matches as well.Arsenal would be looking at a strong home support and the eyes would be glued on the phenomenal Adebayor, the striker as take his goal scoring tally to 15 and is in solid touch and his pairing with the young and talented Fabregas has proved to be the power source for the Gunners this season. Rosicky and Van Persie are the other two in form players and the home team would not be satisfied in anything less than 3 points from this match.Newcastle come into this match after a home draw against Bolton and they would have a highly cautious approach as they were thrashed 6-0 while their last away tie at Man U. This is one of the worst seasons for the team and though it might not be relegated a lot of pride needs to be installed into the side and they would be hoping for a better show next season. Prediction: 3-0, Arsenal win

Deportivo La Coruna vs Valladolid

27/1- Two teams with an exactly opposite story in terms of the form and the position on the points table take on each other as Valladolid travel to face the struggling Deportivo La Coruna. While Valladolid go into the match after three consecutive victories, the home team has a record of three consecutive losses in the last three matches. While Deportivo have spent most of the season in the bottom half of the table and are currently placed in the second last position Valladolid are in the top half of the table and  ranked 7^th they are hoping to challenge the other teams to get a European spot for the next year. The history of matches between the two sides show that Deportivo edge out Valladolid just by an extra victory in their tally but looking at the current form of both sides it would appear that the records are set to be levelled.

Deportivo would be hoping that they would enjoy the benefit of the crowd support, something they have not been able to convert into victories all this season as they have just won a single match playing 9 matches at home this season. Guardado has been the best player for the side and has managed to score 4 goals but adequate support would be required from the likes of Tejada and company if the team has to get something out of this match.

Valladolid on the other hand would be a highly motivated side after they beat A tough team like Espanyol,2-1, in their last match. Taking on Deportivo would also work in their favour as they are trying to strengthen their grip over the 3^rd spot and hence possibly try and get a spot for the Champions League next year as well. Llorente and Guttirez would be the two players to watch out for and if they can strike early, the home team would find it difficult to contain them for the rest of the match.

Prediction: 0-2, Valladolid win

Real Madrid vs Villareal

27/1- Real Madrid have been in sublime form this season and their leadership in Laliga has been an undisputed one. The side has managed to build a 7 point gap between themselves and the second placed Barcelona which puts them in a sort of a comfort zone. As they prepare to take on third placed Villareal at home they would not like to be complacent. Real Madrid enter this match after 8 back to back victories and the team appears to be in red hot form as well. Villareal also have a reason to fight as they are in a rat race for the third position and a chain of good performances may also get them the second place. Villareal have won their last two matches and would hope to carry on their form as they get ready to take on the champions and the current league leaders. A look at the history between the clubs would make Real Madrid more confident about their chances as real have won 10 of the 17 matches played while 6 have been draws.

Real Madris come into this match after they thrashed Athletico Madrid last week in a Madrid derby. They are virtually unbeatable in current form and with the likes of Van Nistel Rooy, Raul and Robinho firing on all cylinders the home fans would be hoping for a series of goals at home. Another noticeable fact is that Real Madrid have won all the 9 matches played at home this season and to change it would be a real difficult task for the third placed team.

Villareal would go to Madrid with the knowledge that they would have to pull out a rabbit from the hat in order to earn some points or they can only hope that the champions are in a gifting mood but without that the chances of Villareal scoring a few points look negligible.

Prediction: Real win 2-0

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

27/1- As the league proceeds into the second half of the season Barcelona are getting desperate to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid. With a difference of 7 points between them, time is running out for the second placed team. As they travel to take on Athletic Bilbao they would be hoping to continue the winning streak, they have won their last three matches and all have been quite convincing as well. While Athletic have been a mixed bag team, placed 15^th on the points table they are level on points with many teams and are out of the relegation zone only because of a better goal difference. In the past matches between the clubs, Barcelona are the clear dominators and they have won 18 of their last 29 meets, while 5 matches have been drawn. While playing in Athletic Bilbao’s home ground the record is even better for Barca.

Barcelona are undoubtedly the second best team in the competition this season and they are surely lacking the magic of Ronaldinho. They are going through a very good phase currently and looked good when they beat Racing Santander, 1-0, at home last week to register a third continuous victory. Lionel Messi has been their best player this season but he is out due to injury but the presence on Henry and Ronaldinho has kept the team at the second place. The only thing on their mind would be a full three points and they would also be hoping that Real Madrid have a slip and they can catch up before it becomes too late.

Athletic Bilbao would not rejoice facing Barca at this stage of the competition when they are fighting for their own survival and a big loss could mean a push down in the relegation zone. A point from this home tie would be highly satisfying for the side but as of now it looks unlikely.

Prediction: 0-2, Barcelona win

AC Milan vs Genoa

AC Milan are back at the San Siro in round 20 of Serie A to host Genoa. The reigning world club champions are coming off of back to back league wins as they look to climb back into the European qualifying spots of the league table. The visiting Genoa are winners of 3 straight matches and are looking to climb up the table in their own right.

The rossoneri have actually already played two matches this week. They were winners on the road to Udinese last week by a score of 0-1 at the Stadio Friuli to start things off. Then they lost a Coppa Italia match away to Atalanta by a score of 2-1. It was only the first leg so they still have a chance of advancing. Carlo Ancelotti’s club have been very inconsistent this season. They seem to be one club in Europe and a much more vulnerable side in the domestic tournament. They currently sit in 10^th place of the league table with 24 points on the year and sit just 1 point back of 9^th place Palermo. There continue to be a number of injury concerns this week with Pippo Inzaghi, Jankulovski, and the Brazilians Serginho, Dida, and Ronaldo all having been ruled out. AC Milan look set to go with a 4-3-2-1 featuring new signing Alexandre Pato as the lone striker with Seedorf and Kaka just behind him.

Il Grifone come into this contest have strung together 3 straight victories over Parma at home, Lazio on the road and then at home to Atalanta Bergamo in week 19.Their unbeaten run now stands at 4 matches. At this time the side managed by Gasperini are in 8^th place of Serie A with 25 points for the campaign. This has them just behind 7^th place Sampdoria on goal difference, while also just ahead of 9^th place Palermo on goal difference. Out injured this week are Leon of Honduras and Gaetano De Rosa, while Criscito will sit this one out due to suspension. The absence of De Rosa will cause manager Gasperini to alter the 3 man back line with Lucarelli come in at the left side with Bovo moving to the center. The formation with remain a 3-4-3.

While Milan are certainly the superior side on paper this could potentially be tough match for inter given that Genoa play with 3 strikers. However, Pato will be going against a side that features a 3 man back line and that could play a big factor as well. Milan’s inability to win consistently at home, just 1 win in 8 matches, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

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