Champions league quarter final first leg: Schalke 04 vs. Barcelona

Schalke go into this match on a five game unbeaten run since losing the Bundesliga game with Bayern Munich at the start of March. Last weekend they drew away to Karlsruhe in a match that ended goalless, but still retain the third spot in their league due to Leverkusen losing away to Frankfurt.

This match could very well be the upset of the Champions League quarter final first leg games as Barcelona are very much favorites but have been having a hell of a time recently. At the weekend they threw away a two goal lead to allow Betis back into the game. Betis then went on to win the encounter by scoring three goals in the worst second half for Barca in living memory. The way the whole team just fell apart (or fell asleep) must be very worrying for the board of directors, most of them wanting coach Frank Rijkaard’s head on a plate. The Dutch manager will definitely be looking for a new job next season, and it remains to be seen if he can finish this one with any silverware. Their chances of winning La Liga are looking slimmer and slimmer after each game, and they have now slipped to third in the table behind Villarreal, who won a very important victory over fourth placed Atlético Madrid.

Another big headache for the Catalan giants is what to do with Brazilian star Ronaldhino. He didn’t even make the list for the Betis game, even though he now claims to be fully fit. Insiders in Spain say that he will never pull on the Barca shirt again this season and he will certainly be sold off in the summer. The problem is finding a club who are willing to pay for his enormous salary.

Schalke 04 by contrast are having a great season. They are third in the Bundesliga and have qualified for the quarter final of the Champions League for the first time. A lot of their success can be given a name: Manuel Neuer. This young goalkeeper has exploded onto the European scene and will surely get bigger and bigger as he gets older. He stopped two penalties in the shoot out between Porto in the last round, and was a major reason why Schalke 04 are still in the competition.

Barcelona meanwhile can rely on the presence of Rafael Martinez and Gabi Milito again, after both defenders have been given the all clear after injury. This is good news for Barca fans as their defense has been absolutely terrible of late, and the team has conceded eleven goals in the last five matches. The bad news is that Samuel Eto’o will have to make a late fitness test to see if he is able to play after picking up a thigh strain in the Betis game.

I’m going for a shock home win here. Barcelona are in crisis at the moment and I don’t see it ending any time soon. They have the second leg at the Nou Camp stadium though, and will probably feel this will be enough to get through to the semi finals.

Prediction: Home win (2-1)

Weekly Comic 30/03/08

Liverpool vs Everton

30/3- Liverpool have been in good form in the recent matches however they faced defeat at the hands of Manchester United in an away tie while playing at Old Trafford last week. After the 3-0 drubbing, they come back home and will be playing hosts to Everton this weekend. While Liverpool are placed 4^th, the visitors are placed on the 5^th position on the points table. The difference in points between the two sides however is just a couple of points. The last match between the two sides was played earlier this season and Liverpool had won the away tie with a 1-2 score line. Also a look at the overall record between the teams for the past 15 years would suggest that Liverpool have got the better of their opponents on most occasions. In the 29 matches played between the sides in the past 15 years Liverpool have managed to win on 11 occasions while Everton on the other hand have been able to manage only 7 victories. Liverpool have only lost a single match playing at home this season and hence it would be difficult for the visiting team to register a victory.

Liverpool have displayed great form in the recent matches and they have won 8 of the last 10 matches played while there has been a draw and a loss as well. Torres and Gerrard have been their top two scorers for the side and they would be expected to deliver in this home tie as well. Liverpool would not like to lose this one as that would mean that they would have to give up their position on the table as well.

Everton on the other hand have also performed well as they have managed 6 victories in the past 10 games with 3 draws and a loss. The match can be decided by a moment of brilliance by any of the player from either side.

Prediction: 1-0, Liverpool win

Udinese vs Fiorentina

Udinese and Fiorentina face-off in a match up between clubs that are coming off of victories at home in week 30. This home match for Udinese represents their last remaining chance to make a move on Fiorentina’s coveted 4^th place spot in the league table.

Udinese held serve at home over Livorno last week by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Friuli. The victory leaves Udinese in 6^th place of Serie A with 47 points. They are 1 point ahead of 7^th place Sampdoria and 2 points back of 5^th place AC Milan. However, a victory over Fiorentina in this contest would see them move to within 3 points of 4^th place. Fiorentina are the club that Udinese would need to catch in order to have a shot at the Champions League. With their victory over Livorno the side managed by Marino have won 2 straight without conceding a goal and are unbeaten over their last 5 games with 3 wins and 2 draws. The problems this week for Marino is that there are a number of injury concerns at the back. Udinese usually employee a 3 man back line and this week both Zapata and Felipe are out. Therefore, look for Lukovic, Zapotocny and Ferronetti to start in defense as well as 3 strikers upfront in Di Natale, Quagliarella and Pepe.

The visiting Fiorentina were winners at home last week as well when they held serve by a score of 1-0 over Lazio at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. That win leaves the side managed by Cesare Prandelli in 4^th place of Serie A with 53 points. They are 5 points back of 3^rd place Juventus and 4 points ahead of AC Milan. Fiorentina have now won 3 matches to go with 2 losses over their past 5 games. Now they hit the road where they have lost their last 2 against Siena and Napoli while not scoring a goal. Fiorentina have important absences in attack this week where Adrian Mutu and Liverani are both out suspended while Gamberini and Semioli are injured. The viola look set to maintain their 4-3-3 as Jorgensen returns to the right back position. Montolivo and Donadei will start in midfield with Pazzini, Osvaldo and Santana upfront.

Udinese come into this contest as the most in form squad of the two. Fiorentina were one of the top sides playing away form home for much of the season but have begun to struggle of late. Udinese have always been consistent at home despite not having had the Colombian Zapata in defense for much of the last month and a half they have still played strong defensively. The absence of Mutu and Liverani could prove more costly to Fiorentina.

Prediction: Udinese (2-1)

AC Milan vs Atalanta

AC Milan were able to bounce back in Round 30 of Serie A and got back to their winning ways on the road. This week they will be hosting an Atalanta outfit that dropped 2 very disappointing points at home in their last match.

The Rossoneri are in 5^th place of the league table at this time with 49 points. They are 4 points back of 4^th place Fiorentina and 2 points up on Udinese. In their last match the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti were able to secure a 0-1 win away to Torino at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. The result allowed AC Milan to snap a 2 match losing spell and they have now won 2 of their last 5 matches to go with 1 draw and 2 losses. There were some questions earlier this week as to what type of condition the players that had participated in the various international this week would return to the club but is has been confirmed that both Seedorf and Pato are ready to play. Kaka’ remains injured this week along with Ronaldo, Emerson, Serginho and Pippo Inzaghi. Therefore, look for AC Milan to go with a 4-3-1-2 with Seedorf playing just behind the strikers Gilardino and Pato.

Atalanta were held to a frustrating draw at home in week 30 by Catania in their match at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri D’Italia which ended 0-0. It was the second consecutive match in which the club managed by Gigi Del Neri have failed to score a goal. In fact, the bergamaschi have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 games during which time they have compiled a record of 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses. They have 38 points for the year which leave them 1 point back of 8^th place Genoa and 1 point ahead of 10^th place Lazio. The injured list this week consists of Costinha, Capelli and Mulimovic with Carrozzieri out suspended for 2 games. Atalanta will travel to the San Siro with a 4-4-1-1 formation featuring Doni playing just behind Floccari.

While AC Milan will certainly be the favorite on paper this week, their troubles at home have been well documented. In 14 home matches this season the rossoneri have compiled 4 wins and 7 draws with 3 losses. Meanwhile, Atalanta have 3 wins and 4 draws with 8 losses away from home. AC Milan are a different club without Kaka’ on the pitch and if the visitors are able to hold Pato in check they will have a chance.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Juventus vs Parma

Juventus are back at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino following their superb road win over the league leaders in week 30. They will be playing host to a Parma outfit that are in need of every point they can secure as the season enters its home stretch.

Juve are certainly in high sprits this week. In their last match they scored a superb 1-2 victory away to Inter Milan in their derby match at the San Siro. Thanks to the victory the side managed by Claudio Ranieri are now in 3^rd place of Serie A with 58 points on the present campaign. They are now 6 points back of 2^nd place AS Roma and 5 up on 4^th place Fiorentina. The vecchia signora have now extended their unbeaten run to 4 games with 3 wins over that stretch. In addition, they have conceded just 1 goal over those 4 matches. Part of the reason for Juventus resurgence of late has been their improved health overall. This week Zebina and Palladino are out so Salihamidzic will be taking over at the right fullback position. David Trezeguet is slowly finding the touch and banged home his 17^th goal last week.

Parma came up losers in their match under new Argentine manager Hector Cuper. The gialloblu fell by a score of 2-0 to Siena at the Mps Arena. With the loss Parma are 15^th in the Serie A table with 29 points. This leaves them 2 points back of 14^th place Torino but only 1 point ahead of Cagliari and the relegation zone. Therefore, they must tread very carefully. Over their past 5 matches they have posted just 1 win to go along with 3 losses and 1 draw. 5 players have been ruled out this week and that includes Coly, Pisanu, Parravicini and Morfeo while Lucarelli is out suspended. Cuper has been toying with going with a 4-3-2-1 formation for the away day to Juve so as to reinforce the midfield with players than can win the ball back such as Morrone, Mariga and Cigarini. Budan will play as the lone striker with Gasbarroni and Reginaldo just behind him.

It’s asking a lot for Parma to come out of this match with points. Juventus seem to be hitting their stride at just the right moment and are coming off of one of their biggest games of the season where they handed Inter Milan just their second loss of the year. Parma have yet to win a single match away from home having posted just 6 draws in 15 matches. If Ranieri can keep Juve focused and avoid overlooking Parma, Juve should have no problems.

Prediction: Juventus (1-0)

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough

30/3- Chelsea have climbed their way to the second spot on the premiership table and now they are just 5 points behind the league leaders, Manchester United. Chelsea have not lost a single match at home this season and they would be looking to maintain the good record when they take on Middlesbrough at home this weekend. Chelsea would be happy to take on Middlesbrough at this stage of the premiership as they hold a good head to head record as Chelsea have managed to win 12 of the 23 matches played while Middlesbrough have been able to win only 5 matches. Also the last time both these played each other was earlier this season and Chelsea had won the match 0-2 while playing away from home. Chelsea would definitely have the home advantage as the home crowd would want their team to close in on the top spot.

Chelsea have maintained a good record in the last 10 matches and they have managed to win 6 of the last 10 matches they have played and the remaining 4 matches have been draws. Chelsea would also be quite confident as they are coming fresh from a 2-1 victory over Arsenal and a win this week. Lampard and Drogba had been instrumental last week and their role will be very important this week as well.

Middlesbrough on the other hand would like to make an impression when they take on Chelsea in an away tie this weekend. Middlesbrough have also had a decent run coming into this match as they have managed to win 3 matches, draw 5 matches and have lost just a couple of matches. They would be going in with a positive frame of mind as they managed to beat Derby, 1-0 last week.

Prediction: 2-1, Chelsea win

Manchester United vs Aston Villa

29/3- Manchester United are sitting comfortable on the top with a 5 point lead over their nearest rivals Chelsea and this week they would be highly confident when they take Aston Villa at home, especially after thrashed Liverpool, 3-0, last week. Aston Villa on the other hand are placed on the 6^th spot on the points table and have been going through a torrid time in the last few weeks of the competition. The last time both these sides faced each other was earlier this season and while playing the match away from home Man U managed to win with a convincing 1-4 margin. Man U also have a supreme head to head record while playing against Aston Villa and they have managed 22 victories in the 29 matches played between both the sides in the last 15 years and Aston Villa have only managed a single victory as the other 6 matches have been draws . Manchester United would also have a home advantage as they would have the home crowd cheering them to extend their lead at the top.

Aston Villa come into come into this match with its players low on confidence as they have been defeated in the last two matches. The last defeat was against Sunderland while playing at home and that was a huge setback for the side. Also the performance in the last 10 matches has not been that impressive as they have only managed 3 victories with 3 losses and 4 draws.

Man U on the other hand have won their last 6 matches and of the last 10 matches they have registered 7 wins with just one loss and a couple of draws. Christiano Ronaldo has been impeccable this season and with 25 goals to his name there is little an opposition can do to stop him.

Prediction: 2-0, Man U win

Portsmouth vs Wigan

29/3- Portsmouth are currently placed on the 9^th position on the points table but they can move up to the 6^th spot this weekend when they take on Wigan, they trail the 3 teams above them by a mere 2 points and also have played a match less which gives them an edge on the assumption that they will be able to get a victory in the extra match they have on their side.  This weekend they get ready to play hosts to one of the teams lying in the bottom half of the table, Wigan. Currently placed at the 14^th position on the table Wigan have managed to move up from the relegation zone following their efforts in the last few matches and playing against them in current form might not be a mere cakewalk. However the last time both these teams met was earlier this season and Portsmouth were victorious in the away tie with a 0-2, score line. Both these sides have faced each other on 5 occasions of which Portsmouth have managed victory thrice while Wigan have only been able to win twice and that gives the home team a little edge.

Portsmouth would start off as favourites as they have a good record at home and have shown decent form in the recent past, though they lost against Tottenham in an away tie last week they have won 5 of their last 10 games and also hold a good record against Wigan.

Wigan on the other hand are a different side than the one which played against Portsmouth in the first half of the season and though the team is the same the form and the approach has changed since they have moved out of the relegation zone. They would try to at least pull off a point form the match.

Prediction: 1-1, draw

Derby vs Fulham

29/3- Fulham and Derby are probably the two teams that are set to be relegated from the top league of the English premier league and this weekend they get ready to face each other, both the teams have had a very bad season as per their standards and both teams have been performing not that greatly either. Both these teams have not won a single match away from home and also have found it difficult to hold their opponents for a draw. Derby have in fact not been able to score many points in their past few matches while Fulham have had their ups and downs. The last time both these teams faced each other was earlier this season and Fulham playing at home were held for a draw by the visiting Derby team. The overall record between the two teams shows that in the three times that the teams have faced each other two have been draws and the only victory has been achieved by Fulham. Derby would have the home advantage and they would be hoping that the home support can help them get some points in this match.

Fulham come into this match after they lost out to Newcastle, 2-0 in an away tie last week and they would be hoping to try and register their first away victory of the season. In the last 10 matches played by the team they have managed to get 2 wins, 2 draws and have had to face 6 losses.

Derby on the other hand have just 10 points of 31 matches and in the last 10 matches they have played they have only been able to get three draws where as all other 7 matches have had the ending on the losing side. Their last match was against Middlesbrough and they had to face yet another defeat and hence the players would not be highly confident or optimistic about their chances.

Prediction: 0-1, Fulham win

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