Murcia vs Espanyol

23/3- Other than Levante, who are placed at the bottom of the table Murcia is the other tam which is almost sure for being relegated at the end of this season. In case they need to survive in the top division only winning all matches now onwards can help them to an extent but practically this does not look possible. This weekend they get ready to play hosts to the 6^th placed Espanyol, a team that is trying to reach the 4^th position on the points table. Murcia have been a side that has lost 9 of its last 10 matches and they have been able to draw the remaining one match. While Espanyol have managed to win three of the last 10 matches but they have lost the remaining 7. The last match played between the two sides was earlier this season and Espanyol had been held to a draw while playing at home. In the last 15 years there have been 3 matches between the sides and Espanyol have won 2 while one has been a draw. Espanyol have been performing well away from home this season and they would like to get a full 3 points of this one in order to enhance their chance of ending the season in the top 5.

Espanyol come into this match after they defeated Mallorca in a home match last week and they would be confident playing a weaker team like Murcia. With an injury free squad the team should look for a win with a big margin.

Murcia on the other hand would be really low on confidence as they have not been able to score a single point in the last 6 matches. Their last week’s loss against Recreativo Huelva would have further hampered their confidence and against a team like Espanyol not much can be expected form this team.

Prediction: 1-3, Espanyol win

Recreativo Huelva vs Murcia

15/3- In a classic bottom of the table clash Recreativo placed on the 18^th position play hosts to the team lying on the second last position on the points table, Murcia. Though these sides are separated by a single position the gap between them is 6 points which proves that the sides have not performed equally bad and Recreativo do have a realistic chance of making it out of the relegation zone as well. The home team is just a couple of points behind the team ahead of them and a win here can help them get out of the relegation position as well. Both these teams have faced each other only once before and that was earlier this season in which Murcia were able to defeat their opponents 1-0 while playing at home. Looking at the current form of the teams however Recreativo seems to hold a better chance of ending on the positive side of this match as they have won twice and lost just 5 times in the last 10 matches which is better than the record their opponents possess. Murcia have managed only one victory along with their 8 losses in their last 10 matches.

Recreativo come into this match after a 7-1 defeat against Mallorca in the away tie they played last week. They would want to use the home advantage and make the most of this tie and would want to try and ensure that they can move out of the relegation zone before it is too late. Since there are no injury worries for the team they would want to go full fledge in this match and players like Martins would have to make a huge contribution to the team’s efforts.

Murcia on the other hand would want to make the last attempt to probably survive in the top league for the next year as well.

Prediction: 2-0, Recreativo win

Murcia vs Getafe

9/3-  Murcia have proved to be one of the weakest teams in this Laliga season and with their elimination almost certain they are playing for pride but there is no such reflection in the team’s performances over the past few weeks. They have lost their last 4 matches and are languishing at the second last position on the points table and this week they take on the 10^th placed team, Getafe at home. The only match between these two sides had happened earlier this season and Getafe had managed a victory with a 2-0 score while playing at home and would be looking for something similar this time as well. Getafe made a strong statement a couple of weeks ago by handing Real Madrid their first home defeat of this Laliga season and they would be looking for a full three points to try and stabilize their spot in the top half of the table. While the visiting team is in decent form the home fans would be hoping to see their team perform well at least at home.

Murcia would want to do well especially after the 4-0 drubbing they got at the hands of Real Betis in the away tie last week. Also the last time they won a match was in the first week of January and they would like to improve on that as well. The last time they scored a goal was also four matches ago and that shows that the team is really low on form and confidence.

Getafe on the other hand were held to a 3-3 draw by Mallorca in a home tie last week but the team is doing a good job overall. It is important that the team is able to stay together and perform the job on hand as they have not had any outstanding solo performer but their good work has resulted from contribution from all players.

Prediction: 1-2, Getafe win

Real Betis vs Murcia

3/2- Real Betis are a team that has gained life once again, after being in the relegation zone they came up with a great surprise when the beat leaders Real Madrid in a home tie and they were able to hold on the higher ranked Mallorca last week in an away tie. The team has managed to stay out of the relegation zone and would be confident ahead of their home tie this week against a struggling second last placed Murcia team. The last time both the teams faced each other the match ended in a goalless draw but the home team would expect to have some more life into this match and score at least a goal that could help them claim three points and move away from the relegation zone. The teams have not played each other on many occasions but of the three matches played 2 have been draws while Real Betis have managed to win one. As the home side they would be hoping to take the advantage of playing at home and get the maximum points of the match.

Murcia have lost 6 of their last seven matches while only one match has been drawn, the team will be down on confidence as they have lost the last three matches and have not been able to score a single goal as well. They also look to be a certain relegated team as they are already 6 points behind the 18^th placed team.

Real Betis on the other hand have started to play to their potential and are winning matches, their form at home has been even better and they would like the most of it. Schmidt and Pavone are the two players that would make the difference to their side and can turn the match on the basis of the individual performance.

Prediction: 1-0, Real Betis win

Almeria vs Murcia

17/2- Almeria have all of a sudden the team in the spot light after they beat Real Madrid a couple of weeks ago and something that is noteworthy about the team in the 8^th spot on the points table is their impeccable defence. They have had 7 clean sheets this season and did not allow Real Madrid to score at a time when the champions were on a high is a huge compliment to the team’s ability. This Sunday they prepare to take on a comparatively weaker opponent in Murcia, playing at home. Murcia have been highly disappointing this season and their low position is due to their inability to score at crucial moments. The visitors have lost 5 of their last 10 matches while have managed to win just twice. Almeria on the other hand have looked to be a highly determined side in the last 10 matches as they have been victorious on 6 occasions while lost just twice. The last time both teams met was earlier this season when Almeria travelled to take on Murcia and gained a crucial away victory with a 1-0 score line.

Almeria would enjoy the home crowd and would be expected to carry all the three points off this tie. A win here would trigger them to a 6^th or 7^th position on the points table which will be great for a side that is relatively young to the top division of Spain. Sanchez and Milo would be the two players the fans would look towards to get them the goals as they have been throughout the season.

Murcia on the other hand would be trying to get some momentum going for them this season and even a point out of this match would be a huge bonus for this otherwise struggling team. They have had no prolific striker but Baiano with 5 goals this season would be their best bet.

Prediction: 2-0, Almeria win

Athletico Madrid vs Murcia

3/2- While their city rivals are enjoying a great lead at the top of the table, Athletico Madrid get ready to take on the visiting Murcia in order to maintain their bid for a European championship next year. Athletico are placed on the 4^th position on the points table while their opponents Murcia are out of the relegation zone just on the basis of the goal difference on the 17^th position. In the match earlier this season both teams had to settle for a draw but as of now both would be pressing for a result, while the home team would like to ensure a top 3 finish this season while the visiting team would not like to end the season in the bottom 3. Though Athletico Madrid have been good throughout the season their last two matches have been a setback while Murcia come into this match after three consecutive losses. But the home team would be looking to score a full three points of this match and anything less would not be acceptable.

Murcia lost their last match against the bottom of the table Levante at home and this might have hurt their confidence too much. The match would be a real tester for them as a loss could possibly put them into the relegation zone. In Baiano they have a genuine power striker but the defense needs to be well organised in order to save this match for the team.

Athletico Madrid on the other hand might not be as impressive as their city rivals but have shown greatspirit and coordination in their football. Aguero, Forlan and Rodrigues all have come good for the side and the home crowd would be hoping for the magic to continue. With nearly 21 goals between them a lot would be expected from the three players, especially as they are playing at home.

Prediction: 2-0, Athletico Madrid win

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

Murcia vs Osasuna

6/1- While the gaps at the top of the table are widening up there is a cluster of teams packed in the bottom half of the table and this can be seen in the match where Murcia play hosts to Osasuna. While Osasuna lie in the 12th position and are 4 places ahead of their rivals placed 16th the difference between the sides is just 1 point. A look at the history between the two sides reveals that in the 2 matches played both have been won by Osasuna. The form of both the teams is almost at par as Murcia have won 2 of their last 10 and lost 4 while Osasuna have won 3 matches and lost 4, hence there is hardly anything one can choose from.

The last match played by Murcia was an away draw against Athletic Club Bilbao in an away tie and they did show decent form but did not look as a team that could possibly win. Baiano has by far been their best goal scoring option and expectations would be high in front of the home crowd. On the defensive side Murcia would be without the likes of Pignol and Torres Ruiz which would mean that the home team would possibly have a second string line of defense.

Osasuna on the other hand showed great touch before the winter break and were highly convincing in the manner they defeated Mallorca at home. The 3-1 defeat of Mallorca not only highlighted the potential of Osasuna as a team but can also be considered as an indication of things to come as the side would be desperate to make their way in the top half of the table. With the striking ability of Gomes Dady the visiting team would be hoping to snatch all the 3 points form this tie.

Prediction: 1-2, Osasuna win

Murcia vs Racing Santander

16/12- Murcia kick off this Sunday hosting the ever threatening Racing Santander. Murcia is placed at 17^th on the points table and are just a spot above the relegation zone and they have just a point that is saving them from the dreaded region while on the other hand Racing Santander is trying to earn itself a European cup spot for the next season as they are already 6^th and are just a point behind the 5^th placed Espanyol. They also will be quite confident about their chances after last week’s victory over Mallorca and looking at the current form would be expecting to take away the full points from this away tie and also possibly a higher spot on the table.

 

Murcia have had a dismal season so far and their loss to Sevilla last week was no exception, the only fact from where they can draw heart from is that they have done quite well against the top teams like Real Madrid and Espanyol and have been able to hold them to draws at least and grab a point of that match. The home side will also be concerned and would be awaiting the return of Pignol but other than that there seem to be no injury worries for the club and hence they can be expected to go full strength. Baiano seems to be their goal scoring option and can hope others to play around him and De Lucas. The match is the beginning of a series of tough ties for the struggling team and hence a good show at home will prepare them well for the upcoming matches.

 

As for Racing they have established themselves as one of the better sides in Laliga and would be hoping to prove the same next season in the European competition, if they are able to make it!

 

Prediction: 1-2, Racing win

 

Sevilla vs Murcia

9/12- Sevilla are a team that is raging in Europe but when it comes to competing in the home league they have been struggling. Sevilla were expected to convert their win over Arsenal in the European competition into a stepping stone at home however on return to Spanish league they have managed only a loss and a draw and this leaves them at 12^th in the points table. Playing the first time at home after the success against Arsenal, Sevilla  would be happy to take on a struggling Murcia and use this match to regain some form and a better position in the league.

 

Murcia on the other have just managed just one win away from home this season and will be expecting a fully charged Sevilla to be waiting for them. Baiano, the big Murcia sign has not been able to prove his worthiness to the club as of yet. Moreover the visitors will also be playing without Alonso, Pablo Garcia and Torres and this will add to their disability of winning outside their home. Murcia will also be under pressure as they are just a couple of points above the relegation zone, a place where no team would like to be. They would be hoping for a change of fortune as well and would be thinking that is Sevilla continue the vulnerable Laliga form they might just have inside chance of getting some valuable points.

 

The home team will be happy to see the likes of Alves and Drago back in the team and would be hoping that their presence can strengthen the defense and help out the striking force move forward with ease. Fabiano has bee amazing this season and has managed 8 goals for the club and is also one of the highest goal scorers this season in Laliga.

 

Prediction: 2-0, Sevilla win

Next Page »