Livorno vs Juventus

Livorno are up against the wall this week as they will host the mighty Juventus in Round 20 of Serie A when the two sides face off at the Stadio Armando Picchi. Livorno won a big match at home last week to continue their rise up the league table, while Juventus continue their strong unbeaten run despite not winning.

Livorno were able to pick up a very much needed 3 points in week 19 when they defeated Empoli by a score of 1-0. With the 3 points they now have 21 points on the present campaign and that leaves them in 13^th just 1 point back of 12^th place Catania, and 2 points up on 14^th place SS Lazio. They are now unbeaten over their 9 matches. That is the 4^th best run at present in the Serie A with only Inter, Roma and Juventus have performed better over the last 2 and a half months. On the injury front this week for Livorno Giannichedda, Volpe and Bergvold have all been ruled out at this time while there are no suspension concerns. Manager Camolese has just one doubt at this time with regard to the starting eleven and that is whether to go with Pulzetti or Vidigal in midfield.

Juventus were unable to defeat Sampdoria at home last week and were instead held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. With the draw the side managed by Claudio Ranieri are now in 3^rd place of the Serie A table with 37 points. They sit 5 points behind 2^nd place Roma and 3 points up on 4^th place Fiorentina. Despite not winning they continued their impressive defensive run of late which has seen them conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 contests. There are 3 main injury concerns this week. In addition to the usual Zebina and Mauro German Camoranesi, starting keeper Gigi Buffon has been ruled out altogether for this match. He will be replaced by Belardi while Palladino will get the start for Camoranesi on the right flank. David Trezeguet is currently tied atop the Serie A league scorers table with 13 goals.

While on paper Livorno are serious underdogs, Camolese’s club is playing very good football of late. The same can be said of the vecchia signora and that could bode well for a very tight affair. This one could turn out to be a draw.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)

Udinese vs Inter Milan

It doesn’t get any easier for Udinese this week. After having to take on AC Milan at home last week they now are up against Inter and face the very real possibility of dropping 6 points in their own stadium in 7 days. Inter continue to steam roll over the competition and enter this contest as the only side in Serie A yet to lose a match.

The side managed by Marino are in 5^th place of the league table with 32 points on the present campaign. They are 2 points back of 4^th place Fiorentina while enjoying a 7 point edge on 6^th place Atalanta. The come into this match off of a 0-1 loss to Milan a week ago at the Stadio Friuli. They are winners of just 1 of their last 4 matches and now must pull out all the spots to try and upset the mighty Inter. The good news is that apart from Asamoah the rest of the usual starters are available this week. Left side fullback Lukovic did have some muscular discomfort this week but appears set to make the start.

Inter Milan just continue their mastery over the rest of Serie A. They held serve at home against Parma in their last Serie A match by a score of 3-2 at the San Siro and then followed that up with a victory over their hated rivals of Juventus in the Coppa Italia. They are in first place in the league table with 49 points, 7 points ahead of second place Roma. Even more impressive than their point total however, is the fact that in just half a season they already posted 6 victories on the road. Roberto Mancini’s club have been able to absorb numerous injuries such as the ones that have kept Francesco Toldo, Luis Figo, and Walter Samuel out for long stretches but just continue to sail along. In strikers Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz they has shown to have what is perhaps the most in form pair of strikers in Europe.

It is certainly a daunting task for Udinese this week as the fixture list calls for them to play both Milan clubs back to back. Expect them to play much better than they did against Milan, but Inter are no pushovers. The neroazzurri will do enough to draw the match if not win.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Murcia vs Levante

27/1- In a battle of the relegation zone Murcia take on last placed Levante. While playing at home Murcia hold a certain advantage over their rivals as their opponents have not won a match playing away from home this season. Also Levante have been virtually played out of the top league, Murcia can still survive as they are in the relegation zone only due to the goal difference. Murcia come to this match after they were thrashed 3-0 by real Zaragoza last week while Levante come here after they managed to hold Mallorca for a draw last week in a home tie. These two sides have only played each other once before and the match ended in a draw. Levante would be playing for their pride as they have been isolated from the other teams in terms of their performance already. Murcia would hope that while playing at home they can get all the points from this match, especially in a match against Levante. A full three points from this tie could mean a leap in the points table and a comparatively safer position. Baiano has already scored 5 goals this season and a lot would be expected from them but the absence of Ruiz and Pignol from their defense could mean a lot as they have giving quite a few goals away lately. Levante would be travelling once again this season, they look like a team that has been shocked to find itself in the top league because their performances appeared to be below par in almost all games. They could have put a bit more application in their game plans but now it seems all too late, anyway they can still do something if they can probably revive the lost pride in the second half of the season. Prediction: Murcia win, 1-0

Valencia vs Almeria

27/1- Valencia have been the most unpredictable team this season, they started off really well and in the mid season started losing their grip and now they have gone 10 games without a single win and this is turning out to be a big concern but the astonishing fact is that even after so much of disappointment they are still in the top half of Laliga, placed at the 8^th spot. This week they would be playing hosts to the 10^th placed Almeria. Almeria come to Valencia riding on tremendous form as they have managed to win their last two matches and have moved up to the 10^th position on the points table. The teams have only met once before this encounter and Valencia have won that encounter. The biggest problem for the home team is that their performance at home this season has been as good as the teams lying in the relegation zone.

Valencia would hope that their fortune can change with this match as of the last 10 matches they have played they have lost 5 while the other 5 have been draws. The last match they played was against Villareal and they lost the away tie with a 3-0 score line. The biggest problem for the side has been the absence of key striker Morientes due to injury, Morientes has been their most prolific striker this season and has scored 6 goals and currently is injured. Villa Sanchez would be the player the club would hope to use as the striker in such a situation.

Almeria would be hoping to make the most of this opportunity as a win here could trigger them to the 8^th place on the points table. The side would also be confident after their last week’s victory against Deportivo La Coruna. Sanchez and Melo are their key strikers but their defense is responsible for saving them most of the time and hence a place in the top half.

Prediction: 1-2, Almeria win

Espanyol vs Real Betis

27/1- Espanyol was one team to beware of in the first half of this season and all of a sudden there has been a change of fortunes for them. The team has lost its last two matches and also some grip on the challenge it posed to the front runners. But the noticeable point is that even after losing two matches they still are not out of contention of the top 3 places in the league. They would be hoping that they get back to their old form when they take on the 16^th placed Real Betis. Real Betis have been were consistently featuring in the relegation zone for a good part of the season but their performance in recent times has lifted them out of the bottom three. But all their points have come playing at home and hence Espanyol would want to capitalise on the fact that their opponents have won only a single game while playing 10 games away from home this season and lost 5.

Espanyol enter this match after losing 2-1 to Valladolid in their last match and this would make their urge for a victory even stronger. Playing at home Espanyol would be looking at a good home support so that they can reverse their fortunes and get back in the race for a top 3 finish. A lot would be expected from Tamudo, the leading goal scorer for Espanyol this season, who has managed 10 goals this season. Also Luis Garcia is expected to play an important role as the playmaker in the side. Espanyol have enough potential but they would have to convert it into results.

Real Betis on the other hand would be riding on the form they have gained in the past weeks. They were held to a 1-1 draw in a home draw against Reacreativo Huelva last week and even a point here would be fine as it could possibly help them maintain the distance from the relegation zone.

Prediction: 3-0, Espanyol win

Aston Villa vs Blackburn

26/1- The only match of the weekend and this would turn out to be a stunner of one. Both teams have been in tremendous form and have drawn their previous matches against tough oppositions. While Aston Villa would be playing at home and Blackburn away from home both the teams would be at their strengths as Villa have been good at home while Blackburn have shown better performances traveling. Aston Villa are currently placed 6^th on the points table while Blackburn are a couple of placed behind at 8^th however the difference is just 3 points. Looking at the last match played between these two sides at the same venue, the home side seems to be the one with the edge as they won 2-0 on that occasion. Also in the first half of this season, Villa thrashed out Blackburn 4-0 while playing at Blackburn’s home ground.

 

Aston villa have had a tough tie last week and they managed to draw the match against Liverpool, this however has been a good preparation for the forthcoming matches and the team should be correctly prepared for the tie against Blackburn. Also Villa will be aware of the fact that a win here would take them to 4^th spot on the table which in a way will enhance their chances of competing in the European competitions next year. In form of Agbonlahor, Lauren and Carew, Villa have the ammunition to blast of any side on their day and the home fans would be looking for something of that sort from their team.

 

Blackburn would be prepared for another tough tie after they had a close match against Middlesbrough last week. Santa Cruz and McCarthy are the two players the team would expect the goals from. They would also try and get a positive result from this match as they also have a realistic chance of making to the European championships next year.

 

Prediction: 3-2, Aston Villa win

Sevilla vs Osasuna

26/1- Sevilla return home after two terrible weeks away and dropping to the 9^th position on the points table they would aim to cover some lost ground when they take on the 14^th placed Osasuna in a home tie. Sevilla have been in tremendous home form this season and their touring form has looked equally bad and hence the two losses in the last two games would not be a huge shock as both were away games. In fact the last game they played was a very close encounter which they eventually lost against Getafe, Sevilla were edged out 3-2 in the away tie. Osasuna on the other side enter this match on a positive note after they managed to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home in the last match they played. A look at the history between the two clubs, Osasuna hold the upper hand however with regards to the matches played in Sevilla, the home team has won thrice while the visitors have registered a couple of victories.

Sevilla is one of the teams which has a great striking ability and they have scored 37 goals in the 20 matches played and this would possibly rank equal to the team placed third on the points table. Fabiano has been the scoring leader for the club and has already a tally of 13 goals, he has been receiving constant support from the likes of Kanoute, who also has transformed into the play maker for the side. With the support from the home crowd and a terrific home record, Sevilla would look to gain all the 3 points at hand.

Osasuna have not performed that badly away from home but there has been nothing special as well. The main focus for them would be to at least get a point of this draw and try and get to the top half ensuring a safe distance from the relegation zone.

Prediction: 2-1, Sevilla win.

Roma vs Palermo

Roma take on Palermo in week 20 needing to win in order to keep pace with the red hot Inter Milan. They will be facing Palermo side that are coming off of a tough loss at home while they themselves are undefeated in their last 13.

Roma held serve at home over Catania by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. In addition to extending their unbeaten run to 13 the match was Roma’s 3^rd consecutive victory. Their last loss came against Inter Milan back in September. The side managed by Spalletti are in 2^nd place of Serie A with 42 points on the season, 7 back of Inter Milan and 5 ahead of 3^rd place Juventus. Their 42 points would normally be superb but given Inter’s dominance Roma must continue to win just to stay alive. There are 2 confirmed absences this week with Juan out injured and De Rossi suspended. In addition, Francesco Totti is dealing with lumbar pain and is now listed as doubtful. Should he not be able to go Vucinic would start. Brighi will substitute for De Rossi.

Palermo are in 9^th place of Serie A with 25 points on the season. They sit just behind 8^th place Sampdoria on goal difference and hold a 1 point edge on AC Milan. The side managed by Guidolin are coming off of a very disappointing performance at home last week when they fell to Siena by a score of 2-3 at the Renzo Barbera. It was Palermo’s second straight loss and extended their winless run to 3 matches. In fact, they have lost both of their matches so far in 2008. The only injury absence this week is expected to be Pisano so Guidolin and stick with his 4-3-2-1 featuring Amauri as the lone striker.

Roma are on a roll and despite some possible injury absences appear more than capable of taking care of Palermo at home. Palermo have lost just 4 of 9 matches away this season but their form of late has left a lot to be desire. Roma should hold serve at the Olimpico.

Prediction: Roma (2-1)

Sampdoria vs Siena

Sampdoria return home to host Siena with a chance to move into the European Cup qualifying zone with a victory. They will be taking on a Siena outfit who while having won just 3 matches all season, have pulled off two of those victories away from home.

The side managed by Mazzari are currently in 7^th place of the Serie A table with 25 points for the year. They are just behind 6^th place Atalanta Bergamo on goal difference. They came up with a very positive result last week as they were able to hold out for a 0-0 draw away to Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. It was Samp’s first draw away from home this season. The gs turned sour later in the week when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg of the Coppa Italia quarter finals by Roma. The injury list for this week’s match consists of Kalu, Montella and Sammarco, while Campagnaro is out suspended. Mazzari looks set to go with the regular 3-5-2 formation featuring Bellucci and Antonio Cassano in attack. Bellucci paces the club with 9 goals.

Siena are 17^th in Serie A with 17 points, just ahead of 18^th place Reggina on goal difference. Given their delicate league position with respect to the relegation zone, every point is crucial from here on in. They are coming off of a 2-3 victory away to Palermo at the Renzo Barbera in their last match. It was a huge victory for Siena as it was the first of two straight road fixtures. Things don’t get any easier this week away to Sampdoria but morale at the club will certainly be much higher following that last match. Manager Beretta received some good news this week as it was confirmed that left side fullback De Ceglie has been cleared to play and will start. Bertotto, Grimi and De Lazzari make up the list of players not available due to injury. Maccarone is the club leader in scoring with 6 goals and is a confirmed starter in attack along with Frick.

On paper Sampdoria would be sure favorites to get the 3 points. However, Siena are coming off of a big victory on the road and are starved for points given their bottom of the table position so nothing will come easy for Samp in this match. In addition, Sampdoria have won just 1 of their last 5 matches and have hardly looked like world beaters. Livorno have more than a fair chance to hold out for a point.

Prediction: draw (1-1)

Weekly Comic 25/01/08

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