Hoffenheim vs Bayern München

Hoffenheim vs Bayern München Match Preview

 

Bayern has started the season similar to the way they started off last year. Louis Van Gaal used two strikers in the Champions League to great success in the closing minutes against Roma; he, however, refused to do so against Koeln and Bayern was unable to put their chances to bed. An away game against Hoffenheim is the type of game where Bayern will have the freedom to attack as Hoffenheim rarely park the bus in front of their opposition’s goal. Vedad Ibisevic and Matthias Jaissle are doubtful for this match.

Hoffenheim lie second in the table with ten points from four matches. They dropped points for the first time in a four goal thriller against Kaiserslautern in the weekend. This clash has to be the pick of the clashes on Tuesday


Under-2.07
Over-1.72

 

 

Newell's Old Boys vs River Plate

Newell's Old Boys vs River Plate Match Preview

 

Roberto Sensini's Leprosos are slowly awakening in this tournament and they even performed Sudamericana, Newell's Old Boys have not lost in the last five matches and will be eager to improve their performance against one of the leaders, as they can join the top fight upon a victory, standing at the 8th position with nine points. Rolando Schiavi is back on the starting eleven and Leonel Vangioni might also recover on time for this match. Watch out for Mauro Formica, Newell's wittiest midfielder.

Miguel Angel Cappa is enthusiastic his team will make it far in this competition. River Plate has finally left the relegation fight behind and now even qualification for the Copa Libertadores is a possibility. River's 4-4-2 formation will keep constant pressure against the local defense, tired after midweek action against Estudiantes. Thanks to Rogelio Funes Mori River has been nearly unstoppable and the Leprosos will have to keep him under close watch to secure the three points. Watch out for Josepmir Ballón, as the Peruvian multiplies the offensive perspectives of the Millonarios.

Under-1.57
Over-2.35

Sampdoria vs Napoli

Sampdoria vs Napoli Match Preview

 

Walter Mazzari faces his former club as coach of Napoli. Napoli need a win after drawing all three of their games in Italy and Europe. For Sampdoria, it has been a case of what could have been. They were moments away from claiming a place in the Champions League before infuriatingly conceding late goals to Werder Bremen. Similarly, they were winning against PSV in the Europa League only to throw away the lead in the last few minutes.

They have, however, claimed points off Juventus in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Further, with Antonio Cassano in the form of his life they should be able to negotiate their way past Napoli. Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini start in attack, while Napoli will have Edison Cavani up front.

Under-1.70
Over-2.10

 

 

 

 

Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona

Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona Match Preview

 

Colchonero's flawless performance reach an end when Aris left Atletico empty handed on Greek ground. Barcelona has shown clear signs of improvement beating Panathinaikos 5-1. The Blaugranas they have it difficult playing away against Quique Flores' team, as Barcelona has been unable to leave the Calderon Stadium with a victory in the last three years. David Villa and Lionel Messi vs Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero (he should be fully fit to return to the team) will play a game of aggression and wits to claim the three points for their sides.

While Barcelona tries to climb back to the top from the eighth position with three points, Atletico are joint with Valencia at the top with perfect scoring. Barcelona's creative engine will have to stop the Colchoneros from reaching Barcelona's goal, and they'll count with Carles Puyol's expertise, who returns to the squad to make things even worse. Watch out for Javier Mascherano, eager to celebrate his first victory in La Liga with the team. Both teams need a victory to feed their dreams of grandeur. Atletico grows stronger in such decisive matches but they might not be able to deal with Barcelona's overwhelming forces.

Under-2.40
Over-1.55

Racing Santander vs Real Zaragoza

Racing Santander vs Real Zaragoza Match Preview

 

Both Racing Santander and Real Zaragoza will be looking forward to celebrating their first victory in this competition this Sunday at El Sardinero. Markus Rosenberg might not make it into the starting eleven, struggling with injuries. Without the Sweden striker, Miguel Angel Portugal will have to find a way to sharpen his offensive weapons and secure the three points in Santander. Last week was disastrous for both squads -Real Zaragoza received five goals against Malaga and Racing was beaten for the second consecutive time- and only one of them will be able to leave the bottom of the positions table upon a victory.

The second match of the tournament exposed many weaknesses in Real Zaragoza's defense, and the celebrated draw against FC Barcelona has not been enough to please the crowds, eager to secure the category without fighting until the last moment in the relegation fight. Without Jorge López, Jose Aurelio Gay will have to come up with a scheme to break Racing's defense and return home with three decisive points. Sergio Canales' departure is still hurting Racing's creativity, and without a victory it'll take a long time for the Racinguistas to jump back on the fight for the title.

Under-1.66
Over-2.15

Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund

Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund Match Preview

The second of the big derbies kicks of on Sunday. This derby is undoubtedly the biggest one in Germany. Schalke has raised the ticket prices for the Dortmund supporters and this has angered the BVB fans, players and even the coach. Jurgen Klopp remarked sarcastically that Dortmund should not be expected to pay for the transfer of Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Schalke, after losing three league matches lost against Lyon, 1-0. This could have been avoided had Benedikt Howedes not gotten sent off twice in the space of four matches. Magath said that “he can live” with the loss against Lyon. Schalke are desperate for points while Dortmund has six to their name. A good way for Schalke to start getting points is by defeating Dortmund.

When Raul arrived at Schalke, one of the first things he was told was that the team has to defeat Dortmund no matter what. It is time that Raul starts scoring. Huntelaar, despite not scoring, had a good debut and might get on the score sheet. This derby looks to be the match of the week and perhaps has plenty of goals in it.

Under-1.95
Over-1.85

Arsenal vs Vélez Sársfield

Arsenal vs Vélez Sársfield Match Preview

Saturday's hottest match will have Velez Sarsfield traveling to the Viaducto on a match that will feature two candidates for the title determined to win. Ricardo Gareca's Fortin have to get over the early elimination for the Copa Sudamericana on Banfield's hands, and there would hardly be a better way to do so than tearing apart a direct rival for the Apertura title, as Arsenal has made it thanks to sheer determination and opportunism to the 5th position with 12 points. Augusto Fernandez and Maxi Moralez's injuries force Gareca to modify team's formation to a 4-3-3 to take full advantage of Santiago Silva and Burrito Martinez's expertise on rival ground. Jonathan Cristaldo will be the third striker, as he's earned a place within the starting squad having scored against Banfield in the last Sudamericana's match.

Having lost the opportunity to claim the first position last week as they fell against River Plate, Viaducto's players should not sit down for it's time to face another Goliath if they're meant to fight for the Apertura's title. Cristian Alvarez is back on the defensive line to stand against Velez's overwhelming strikers, but this might not be enough for Pablo Aguilar will be unable to perform, sent off against River Plate. "Velez is even stronger than River Plate, this is going to be a tough match for us" said Cristian Leiva during the week, but he also declared they won't give up without a fight. A clash of giants in Sarandi that will receive major attention from any team dreaming with this year's title.

Under-2.30
Over-1.60

Quilmes vs Argentinos Juniors

Quilmes vs Argentinos Juniors Match Preview

The two bottom teams take on each other to feed on each other misery. Clausura's champion Argentinos is suffering much more than expected in this tournament and Pedro Troglio's future is yet unknown. The team was also eliminated early in the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente, and the patience of the crowds is running out. Quilmes' coach Hugo Tocalli, on the other hand, obtained a fundamental point against Independiente in Avellaneda and will make a single change in his formation to face the Bichitos Colorados: Miguel Caneo is ready to return to the team, taking over Gervasio Núñez's place.

Brewers' coach was seen pretty confident regarding this match "I was satisfied by the performance of the team against Independiente. If we do the same against Argentinos and we score the goal we missed against Independiente we'll make it difficult for the champion" were his words regarding this clash. Quilmes uses a highly defensive 4-4-1-1 formation with J J Morales as the only striker. A draw will be worthless for both teams as they'll only sank together at the bottom end of the positions table, who would claim this six-pointer?

Under-2.30
Over-1.60

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Match Preview

Real Sociedad will be hosting Jose Mourinho's Galactic squad in San Sebastian eager to follow Hercules' example and drink the blood of a giant to settle a precedent on how determined they are to retain the category. Martín Lasarte's boys were defeated only once in the last season of the Liga Adelante while Real Madrid has not yet won playing away this season. Team's top striker Raúl Tamudo has been able to score against Madrid five times and his partnership with Joseba Llorente has been rather prolific. If they manage to beat Iker Casillas' goal the Erreala will have a golden opportunity to bag the three points.

Both Claudio Bravo and Iker Casillas will play a main role in the outcome of this match. The Chilean goalkeeper is one of the main reasons why Real Sociedad made it to La Liga so quickly, while Casillas has kept Madrid's goal shut both in the domestic league and in the Champions League. Mesut Ozil has become one of the main engines of Mourinho's strategy, pleasing the crowds goal after goal. Gonzalo Higuain has been unstoppable, leading the offense and communicating efficiently with Madrid's drivers. This match will be difficult for Xabi Alonso facing his former team, but he'll count with a lot of assistance in the midfield to break through Sociedad's defense. The Merengues are sweet after defeating Ajax for the Champions and won't hesitate against Martin Lasarte early this Saturday.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Videos

Video highlights will be available after the match.

 Under-2.15
Over-1.66

Espanyol vs Almería

Espanyol vs Almería Match Preview

Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol should take full advantage of this game at the Cornella to recover from the wounds inflicted by Villarreal one week ago. Six players joined the local team during the summer, but their defense is still very young and will have a tough time securing the three points against Almeria. Espanyol's forces grow stronger when playing at their own home, and during the last season they obtained 33 out of 44 points at the Cornella. Javi Chica and Osvaldo will be unable to perform, forcing Aldo Duscher to assume the offense on his own thanks in his second game with the team. Iván de la Peña is still struggling with injuries and might not be ready to perform, especially when RCD Espanyol travels to Madrid in the midweek. This match is a must win for the Periquitos, as the next matches will have them facing rivals of unparalleled strength.

UD Almeria's coach Juan Manuel Lillo will have it difficult against Espanyol this Sunday, as his predecessor was doomed after his visit to the Cornella. "every war requires different warriors" were his words when asked about his strategy to defeat RCD Espanyol. Carlos García, Miguel Angel Nieto and Kalu Uche are back on the starting eleven and their presence will boost Almeria's offensive capabilities to its maximum. Watch out for Diego Valeri, a highly technical player that will play a key role assisting Almeria's strikers against Espanyol's goal.

Under-1.70
Over-2.30

Leicester vs QPR

Npower Championship
Venue: Walkers Stadium Date: Saturday, 18 September Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The Football League Show

TEAM NEWS

Leicester City boss Paulo Sousa should be able to welcome back keeper Chris Weale following a shoulder problem.

Long-term injury victim Aleksandar Tunchev is the Foxes' only absentee.
QPR will assess the fitness of midfielder Alejandro Faurlin (groin), with Akos Buzsaky and Mikele Leigertwood candidates to replace him.
Bradley Orr is out with a calf injury, while fellow defender Clint Hill has been nursing an ankle problem but should be able to play.

MATCH PREVIEW

Leaders Queens Park Rangers moved three points clear at the top of the table following their 3-0 win at Ipswich in midweek and Leicester's victory against second-placed Cardiff - the Foxes' first league win under former R's coach Paulo Sousa.

Those results left QPR as not only the Championship's top scorers, but the only team yet to lose a league game this season. They have the division's leading marksman in Jamie Mackie, and are enjoying their best start to a season since 1987, when they went on to finish fifth in the top flight under Jim Smith.
Neil Warnock's men have notched eight first-half goals and made a blistering start at Ipswich; a potentially ominous sign for a Leicester team that are yet to opening the scoring in a match this term, has conceded seven first-half goals - more than any other side in the second tier - and are yet to score a goal earlier than the 51st minute.
But after a slow start to the campaign under Sousa, City have shown promise in recent matches. No Championship side has had more attempts on goal this season, and in Andy King they have a player who has scored three goals in his last two matches.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
• These clubs have met 50 times in the league, and 10 of those matches have ended in draws.

606: DEBATE Have your say on this match

• Leicester did the double over QPR last season, beating them 4-0 at the Walkers Stadium.

Leicester
• Fifty of Leicester's 90 goal attempts this season have been on target.
• They have won 59 corners - more than any other team in the Championship.
• Leicester are the only side yet to score first in a Championship game this term, and have conceded the opener more times than any other team in the division (five).
• A goal for Matty Fryatt would be his 50th in the league for City.

Queens Park Rangers
• QPR have conceded only two league goals this season - fewer than any other Championship team - and have have kept clean sheets in all but one of their six league matches.
• Tuesday's victory at Ipswich was their second successive 3-0 win and their third of the campaign. They also beat Barnsley 4-0.
• They have scored more penalties this term than any other side in the division (five).
• Matt Connolly is set to make his 100th league appearance, while Clint Hill is in line for his 400th league start.

Under-1.90
Over-2.10