Barcelona vs Arsenal Match Preview

Wenger will not gamble on Van Persie Arsene Wenger insists he will not take a gamble with Robin van Persie unless the Dutch forward is "100% fit" to face Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Van Persie was substituted during the Gunners' Carling Cup final defeat against Birmingham after suffering a knee injury while scoring the equaliser at Wembley. Tuesday's second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, into which Arsenal take a slender 2-1 lead, was expected to come too soon for the Holland striker. However, Van Persie trained with his team-mates at London Colney on Monday morning and was part of the 19-man squad which flew out from Luton Airport. The party also included fit again skipper Cesc Fabregas who had been out with a hamstring problem. While Fabregas is now certain to face the club he left as a teenager, Wenger revealed there would be no risks taken with 14-goal striker Van Persie, who has been plagued by injury setbacks in recent seasons. "Van Persie is here as a player and will have a test. We are 19 here in he squad. Whether Van Persie will be included has not been decided yet," Wenger said. "He has made quick progress in the last three days. He was really unlikely to travel. "He wanted to have a go. We made a test and it was quite positive. We will see how he responds to that and I will make a decision on Tuesday morning." Wenger insisted he was "very bad at mind games", after Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola was asked if it was a surprise to see Van Persie in the travelling party. However, the Gunners boss insisted: "We will not take a gamble in a game of that importance, so he will have to be fit or not fit. "I would like him to play. But I will only play him if he is 100% fit." Guardiola welcomed the late addition of Van Persie to Arsenal's squad Indeed, the Barcalona coach would be happy to see all of the Gunners' star names in the starting XI, with the likes of midfielder Alex Song and England winger Theo Walcott left behind because of injury. "I would like Song to play; maybe there could be a private flight for Walcott to come in at the last minute - you never know," said Guardiola. "I want all the great players to play, everyone against everyone and see a great show tomorrow. "I hope they are all in the team - Van Persie, [Samir] Nasri, Cesc, because I would like to play the best possible Arsenal." Guardiola, who himself has been plagued by a back complaint which needed hospital treatment, continued: "If Van Persie plays, then no problem. It is good for the team and good for everyone. If he cannot, then Arsenal have a squad with players at a great level. "Arsenal have many alternatives, are very dynamic and can play in different positions, their counter-attack is great. We will try to prevent that. "This is always a special game in the Champions League and it is a magnificent challenge." Guardiola - who won the European Cup in his first season in charge two years ago - rejected suggestions Arsenal did not have the spirit of true champions. "I keep hearing about the fragility in the minds of the Arsenal players, but I do not agree," the Barcelona boss maintained. "They are competing with Manchester United for the Premier League, reached the final of the Carling Cup and a few seasons ago were in the final of the Champions League. "Arsenal are always in the top, when you compete every season at the top, it is because they are quality. "Sometimes they sell players, but Arsenal always keep the same level. "Many teams arrive at the top for one year, but then are finished. Arsenal are there every season. "For many years they have kept up there, and that is the real merit. "Yes, they lack something, but they are a young team. "When they win the first time, they will change the mentality, they will realise they are good."

Under - 2.70
Over - 1.44

Juventus vs Udinese Preview

Red-hot Udinese travel to Turin to face Juventus looking to edge closer to the Champions League qualifying places.

It took a while for coach Francesco Guidolin and the Friuli men to find their rhythm this season but now they are riding a four-match unbeaten streak and go into the game at the Olympic stadium in eighth place - four points adrift of Lazio who are fourth.
Udinese go into this weekend's game full of confidence on the back of a 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan last weekend.
That result followed their 4-2 victory at Genoa and their 4-4 draw against AC Milan earlier this year.
The recent success has fuelled hopes among Udinese's passionate fans that they could finish in the top four come the end of the season and play in Europe's elite club competition.
"The fans have a right to dream," said Guidolin. "The important thing is that we don't fall asleep and we continue to play in this manner."
Their attacking record has been key to Udinese's impressive form, with 13 goals scored in their last four league games.
Juve, meanwhile, look to make amends for their midweek 2-0 defeat to Roma that knocked them out of the Coppa Italia.
The result was a bitter blow for Juve fans, with the club having almost waved goodbye to any hopes of getting silverware this season.
The Bianconeri were eliminated from the Europa League competition before the winter break and last weekend's goalless draw at Sampdoria dropped the Turin giants nine points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan.
"We are going through a difficult time but we must work hard and look ahead to the league, which is the only aim that remains for us," said manager Luigi Del Neri, whose side lie sixth, two points clear of Udinese.
Juve, who are level on 35 points with Inter, strengthened their defensive line this week with the arrival of Andrea Barzagli from Wolfsburg.
Barzagli is expected to feature against Udinese but the hosts are still without injured striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Under - 1.90
Over - 1.90

Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla Preview

Sevilla bid to kick-start their season against Deportivo La Coruna buoyed by this month's transfer activity.

Gregorio Manzano's side are under pressure to improve on a poor start to the 2010-11 campaign which sees them some 11 points off the Champions League places after 20 games.
However, the impending arrivals of tenacious Chile midfielder Gary Medel from Boca Juniors and Croatia international Ivan Rakitic from Schalke will freshen up a stale Sevilla team, although neither are likely to sign in time for tomorrow's trip to A Coruna to face Deportivo.
Rakitic, 22, arrived late last night for a medical while Medel's move was agreed last week and is close to being completed after he arrived in Spain this week.
Chilean World Cup star Medel, who plays as a defensive midfielder but also in defence, said: "I'm happy to be here, hopefully everything goes well.
"I am as player who gives everything I have on the pitch and play with my heart. I hope I can make a positive contribution to Sevilla.
"I want to win titles with the club."
Sevilla, who have won just three of their last nine games and lost the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final 1-0 against Real Madrid, should have Ivica Dragutinovic back in action while Andres Palop and Federico Fazio are also available.
Hosts Depor are also having a difficult season and sit 13th in La Liga having lost their last three league games.
Key men Riki and Andres Guardado are still recovering from injury and are not expected to return in time for the match.

Under - 1.72
Over - 2.07

Hercules vs Barcelona Preview

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has set his sights on winning more titles with the Catalan club.

Busquets was promoted from Barca B - having played in Spain's third division - and made his debut in Pep Guardiola's second league match in charge, against Racing Santander at the Nou Camp in September 2008.
The defensive midfielder was part of the Barca side that won a treble of La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles that season and has since picked up five more titles - including another league crown and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Busquets also starred in the Spain side that lifted the World Cup last summer, making it three memorable years for the 22-year-old son of former Barca goalkeeper Carles Busquets.
The player signed a new contract yesterday to remain at Barca until 2015 and hopes to follow in the footsteps of team-mates Xavi and Carles Puyol, who have racked up over 500 appearances for the club.
"I still have a long way to go to catch them up and I hope they go on for many years to come," he said.
"I could never have imagined everything that has happened since I made my debut, but I hope to go on for many years yet and to keep winning trophies."
Busquets' form in the holding role has restricted the game-time of summer signing Javier Mascherano, who has mainly been used as a substitute in the big games.
Mascherano, though, is happy to play second fiddle to the Catalan.
"I'm not stubborn," the Argentina midfielder said.
"I know I can't start all the games at a club like Barca, but I've played around 50% of the time - I'm a professional and I'll keep working hard."
Having signed up Busquets, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta on long-term deals, Barca now hope to extend the contracts of full-backs Eric Abidal and Dani Alves.
But, while Abidal has said he is keen to sign an extension, Alves - heavily linked with Manchester City - is stalling on a new deal.
Busquets, though, thinks the Brazilian will end up staying at the Nou Camp.
"Alves is super important for us," he said.
"I'm not one for giving advice, but I think it will be resolved."
Alves has been passed fit for tomorrow's Primera Division clash at Hercules, but captain Puyol misses out, along with Jeffren Suarez and Bojan Krkic.
Barca, who lead fierce rivals Real Madrid by four points at the top of the table after 20 rounds of matches, surprisingly lost 2-0 at home to the Alicante-based side earlier this season, but the Catalans boast a perfect away record in La Liga and have a hugely impressive 55 points from a possible 60 at this stage.
Hercules coach Esteban Vigo is confident his side can produce another upset, however.
"Barcelona are a very hard team to beat and we will need things to go our way, but I am convinced we have a chance," he said.
Olivier Thomert returns, but Abraham Paz is doubtful, while long-term absentee Javier Farinos remains sidelined.
On-loan wing-back Royston Drenthe, meanwhile, looks to be totally recovered from a knee problem he suffered two weeks ago.

Under - 3.10
Over - 1.36

Real Madrid vs Real Mallorca Preview

Real Madrid will attempt to end a mixed week on a high note when they welcome Real Mallorca.

The Spanish giants have won their last 18 competitive fixtures at the Bernabeu.
On the pitch, Madrid experienced both good and bad results over the last seven days after following up their potentially costly 1-1 draw with bottom club Almeria in La Liga with a 1-0 midweek victory over bitter rivals Atletico that secured their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
There have also been off-field distractions, with speculation about coach Jose Mourinho`s long-term future at Madrid as well as the club`s pursuit of former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as a possible replacement for the injured Gonzalo Higuain.
With no fresh developments in their hunt for attacking reinforcements, tomorrow`s visit of Mallorca could offer Karim Benzema another chance to stake his claim for the centre-forward position.
The Frenchman has struggled to impress since his big-money move from Lyon in the summer of 2009 and, despite Madrid's dearth of strikers, he started both matches this week on the bench.
Benzema showed his potential with two hat-tricks in December, but Madrid playmaker Kaka believes the 23-year-old needs to do more.
The Brazilian said at a promotional event: "He (Benzema) is a great forward, but he sometimes isn't completely involved in the game. I think he could do a little more and that`s what the people expect. But we see his quality in training. He can be an important player for Real Madrid but it depends on him."
Madrid fell four points adrift of Barcelona at the top of the standings following their disappointing draw at Almeria and they know they can ill afford another slip-up against Mallorca, who travel to the Spanish capital for the second successive match following Monday`s trip to Atletico.
Michael Laudrup`s men lost that game 3-0 and dropped to ninth place in the table, three points behind sixth-placed Atletico and the European places.
Looking ahead to tomorrow`s match and his side`s chances of ending Madrid`s long winning streak at the Bernabeu, Mallorca striker Pierre Webo said: "We have to have a perfect game and for them to be very bad. I hope that they will be tired after the game against Atletico."

Under - 3.60
Over - 1.30

AC Milan vs Cesena Preview

AC Milan go into Sunday's home game against Cesena with their lead over five-time defending champions Inter Milan down to just six points.

Lazio and Napoli are just four points adrift of the pacesetters, yet Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims he is not worried.
Instead, with his club having taken just a single victory in their last four Serie A games and the club deemed to be their biggest threat, rivals Inter, riding a five-match winning streak and with a game in hand, the Swede claims he is having fun.
"I enjoy the duel with Inter," he said. "Like them, we have great experience.
"It's going to be great battle.
"With this intensity, there is more motivation for everyone to remain focused and work until the end of the campaign."
For Ibrahimovic, who once played for Inter, the Rossoneri need to only worry about themselves.
"I know Inter have confidence after their recent victories," he said.
"But we must remain focused and if we do that, we should not fear any of our rivals, including Inter.
"We need to do our job as best as possible to remain first."
Ibrahimovic is Milan's top scorer with 11 league goals so far.
Antonio Cassano could earn his first league start with Milan on Sunday after a solid performance in Thursday's 3-0 triumph over one of his old teams, Bari, in the Coppa Italia.
The midweek result allowed Milan to set up a meeting with Sampdoria in the quarter-finals of that competition.
Cesena, meanwhile, pushed Inter hard before falling to a 3-2 defeat at the San Siro in midweek.
The result followed their 1-0 defeat to Roma and left Massimo Ficcadenti's side just above the bottom three on goal difference.
Cesena have won just once on the road this season and will have to overcome the absence of striker Emanuele Giaccherini, who serves a one-match ban.

Under - 2.25
Over -1.61

Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Frankfurt Match Preview

The saga around Ruud Van Nistelrooy is never-ending. The Dutchman’s move to Real Madrid almost seemed to be a possibility in recent weeks and not just a rumour. Nistelrooy himself wants to return to the Bernabeu but Bastian Reinhardt, the sporting director is standing in the way. Van Nistelrooy’s contract expires in June of this year and Reinhardt does not want to loan him out a result. Armin Veh recently confirmed that Ruud will not be allowed to leave the club.

Hamburg beat Felix Magath’s Schalke side 1-0 in their last outing, thanks to a goal from their troubled Dutchman. Frankfurt was hammered by Hanover. Hanover won the game 3-0. Frankfurt’s defensive problems are threatening to derail their campaign and their challenge for a European spot. Look for HSV to win this one.

Under - 2.15
Over - 1.66

Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers Match Preview

Man City team news

Edin Dzeko may have to be content with a place on the bench as Manchester City look to secure top spot for 24 hours at least.
The £27m Bosnian has not played a competitive game since scoring a last-minute equaliser for Wolfsburg against Hoffenheim prior to the German winter break and Roberto Mancini is cautious about pitching him straight in against Mick McCarthy's men.
Mario Balotelli (knee) and Micah Richards (back) have been ruled out but David Silva is expected to be available after missing two games with a knee injury.

Wolves team news

Wolves have a trio of players - including skipper Karl Henry - back.
Manager Mick McCarthy confirmed midfielder Henry (knee) and defenders Jody Craddock (hip) and Steve Mouyokolo (back) will all travel to Eastlands after recovering from injury.
Henry could replace hamstring victim Dave Edwards who was on target in Wolves 2-1 home win over City earlier this season.
Full-back George Elokobi will start a three-game ban for his red card in the FA Cup tie at Doncaster last weekend and he is likely to be replaced by Stephen Ward.

squads

Man City: Hart, Given, Zabaleta, Boateng, K Toure, Kompany, Boyata, Kolarov, Lescott, Wright-Phillips, Johnson, De Jong, Vieira, Milner, Y Toure, Silva, Barry, Tevez, Dzeko, Adebayor, Jo.
Wolves: Hennessey, Hahnemann, Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Ward, Hunt, Foley, Milijas, Jarvis, Fletcher, Doyle, Jones, Henry, Craddock, Winnall, Doherty, Mujangi Bia, Mouyokolo, Ebanks-Landell, Rooney.

Under -1.90
Over - 1.90

Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers Match Preview

 

Chelsea team news

Team news will appear here.

Blackburn team news

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson is fit to return after a calf injury and Steven Nzonzi (hamstring) could be back in contention.
Nikola Kalinic is back from suspension while Gael Givet and Martin Olsson have overcome knocks. Vince Grella, Keith Andrews and Phil Jones remain on the sidelines and Brett Emerton is on international duty with Australia.

squads

Chelsea: Squad will appear here.
Blackburn: Robinson, Nelsen, Samba, Givet, Olsson, Salgado, Pedersen, E-H Diouf, Dunn, Benjani, Hoilett, MB Diouf, Nzonzi, Kalinic, Doran, Morris, Hanley, Goulon, Lowe, Bunn.

Under - 2.35
Over - 1.57

West Ham United vs Arsenal Match Preview

West Ham team news

West Ham forward Victor Obinna is suspended after being sent off against Birmingham in the Carling Cup in midweek.
Lars Jacobsen returns after a lengthy lay-off and Danny Gabbidon is available after missing the cup tie.
Carlton Cole is also fully fit and could start against Arsenal after scoring as a substitute against Birmingham City.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) for the Barclays Premier League trip to West Ham, where Wojciech Szczesny will again deputise.
Centre-back Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) is also out and right-back Bacary Sagna serves the last of his three-match ban.
Denilson has recovered from a thigh problem, while both Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri return to the squad having been rested for the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Ipswich Town.
Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.

squads

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Jacobsen, Bridge, Tomkins, Reid, Gabbidon, McCarthy, Upson, Spector, Sears, Hines, Noble, Kovac, Parker, Piquionne, Cole, Boffin, Boa Morte, Nouble, Spence.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Wilshere, van Persie, Chamakh, Shea, Arshavin, Walcott, Ramsey, Bendtner, Miquel, Clichy, Rosicky.

Under - 2.00
Over - 1.80

Chelsea vs Bolton Preview

Chelsea vs Bolton Preview

 

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is a doubt for Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Anelka missed Monday night's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal with a knee problem, while Alex, Yuri Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun remain sidelined.
Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti indicated on Monday night there will be few, if any, changes against Bolton.
Bolton are short on numbers for Wednesday's game.
The Trotters had just 19 fully-fit first-teamers available for their Boxing Day win over West Brom but have now lost South Korea winger Lee Chung-yong to the Asia Cup.
Defender Gretar Steinsson is also doubtful with a knee injury while Tamir Cohen remains on compassionate leave.
Joey O'Brien, Sean Davis, Ricardo Gardner and Jlloyd Samuel are all still sidelined.
Teams:
Chelsea (from): Cech, Turnbull, Bosingwa, Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Cole, Terry, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Ramires, McEachran, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka, Bruma, Sturridge, Kakuta, Van Aanholt.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Bogdan, Cahill, Steinsson, Knight, Robinson, Holden, Muamba, Petrov, K Davies, Elmander, Blake, Taylor, Klasnic, Ricketts, Alonso, Moreno, M Davies.

Under-2.40
Over-1.53

Liverpool vs Wolves Preview

Liverpool vs Wolves Preview

 

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury at home to Wolves on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old midfielder's comeback after more than six weeks on the sidelines has been delayed twice after their last two matches against Fulham and Blackpool were postponed because of the cold weather.
Centre-back Daniel Agger has also finally recovered from a complicated calf problem which had sidelined him since September 25.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will again be without a number of key players.
McCarthy will have to again rely on the squad available for Sunday's 2-1 home reversal by Wigan - a result which sent them to the bottom of the table.
Skipper Karl Henry (knee), Jody Craddock (hip), Kevin Doyle (thigh), Michael Mancienne (knee) and Steve Mouyokolo (back) are still ruled out.
The only consolation for McCarthy is that winger Kevin Jarvis and striker Steven Fletcher will be in contention to start.
They were only fit enough to be on the substitutes' bench against the Latics because of a knee injury and illness respectively.
Teams:
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky, Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Rodriguez, Gerrard, Torres, Jones, Kelly, Aurelio, Poulsen, Cole, Ngog, Babel, Agger, Shelvey.
Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi, Foley, Edwards, Milijas, Hunt, Ward, Ebanks-Blake, Hahnemann, Fletcher, Jarvis, Jones, Bent, Mujangi Bia, Doherty

Under-2.10
Over-1.70

Wigan vs Arsenal Preview

Wigan vs Arsenal Preview

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas must serve a one-match suspension at Wigan after picking up his fifth yellow card in the win over Chelsea.

Abou Diaby, fit again after an ankle problem, could start alongside Russian winger Andrey Arshavin, who was an unused substitute against Chelsea.
Striker Marouane Chamakh and centre-back Sebastien Squillaci are also in contention but Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (ankle) are out.
Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa will return for Wigan as the Latics look to halt Arsenal's momentum.
The Honduras pair missed Sunday's win at Wolves through suspension and manager Roberto Martinez is set to freshen up his team despite their much-needed triumph.
Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and Franco Di Santo (ankle) are still not fit to return while James McCarthy and Victor Moses are long-term casualties.
Teams:
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott, van Persie, Nasri, Szczesny, Rosicky, Squillaci, Arshavin, Chamakh, Bendtner, Vela.
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, Alcaraz, Figueroa, S Caldwell, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Watson, N'Zogbia, Diame, Cleverley, McArthur, Thomas, Rodallega, Boselli, Gomez, McManaman, Golobart, Mustoe, Pollitt.

Under-2.00

 Over-1.80

Man City vs Everton Preview

Man City vs Everton Preview

 

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is expected to return in the Barclays Premier League match against Everton on Monday.

Tevez was rested on Thursday night when the team drew with Juventus in the Europa League after missing the West Ham victory through suspension.
Aleksandar Kolarov is also available after a ban but Nigel de Jong sits it out under the totting up procedure.

Under-1.70
Over-2.10

Barcelona v Real Madrid Preview

Barcelona v Real Madrid Preview

 

Pep Guardiola is still sweating on the fitness of Lionel Messi ahead of El Clasico with Real Madrid.

The Barcelona coach however believes his side can win with or without the Argentina winger.
Messi picked up a thigh injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao and was missing as Barca beat Inter Milan 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
"I will decide tomorrow whether Messi plays or not," Guardiola said.
"I would rather he is playing than not playing, of course, but we can beat Real Madrid with or without Messi."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also faces a race against the clock to be fit as he recovers from a muscle problem picked up in Barca's 4-2 win at home to Mallorca a fortnight ago.
Yaya Toure could also return after recovering from a bout of swine flu, but Gabi Milito is still on the way back from a long-term knee injury.
Barca led the Primera Division until last weekend's draw in Bilbao, which saw them drop to second, a point behind Madrid.
"There is a general consensus that we are the better team, that we play more attractive football, but they are the ones who are leaders," Guardiola said.
And the former Barca captain knows Manuel Pellegrini's side poses the biggest threat yet to his side's perfect league record at the Nou Camp.
"They have only let in four goals away from home and historically, they have always come here to win," he added.
"I can't imagine they will come here and sit back, they will look to dominate and try and beat us."
Pellegrini confirmed that Madrid will set out to attack.
"We are going to the Nou Camp to attack. We will play with our weapons, which are different to those of Barcelona, but which are just as good as theirs," he said today.
Pellegrini praised Guardiola's Barca side, but claimed the Catalans are not the better of the two teams.
"Pep Guardiola's team plays football very well and has a lot of quality, but they are not superior to us," he said.
"We wouldn't be happy with a draw, we know exactly what we are going to do at the Nou Camp."
Pellegrini will make a last-minute decision on centre-back Raul Albiol, who has been struggling with a knee ligament strain picked up against Zurich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Christoph Metzelder, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Guti are all sidelined.
One player likely to start tomorrow night is Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal winger was recently sidelined for almost two months, but made his long-awaited comeback in the 1-0 win over Zurich, playing 20 minutes.
"There is no set amount of time for Cristiano to play at the Nou Camp, so let's see how long he plays," Pellegrini added.
Barcelona won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season, thanks to late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Messi, in what was the first game in Juande Ramos' brief reign as Madrid coach.

Under-2.10

Over-1.70

 

El Clasico: Clash of the Titans!

El Clasico: Clash of the Titans!

 

It’s the 159th showdown between La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona and it promises to be a cracker!

Barca take on the mega-money cast of Real for the first time this season, knowing that their quest for a second treble rests of their ability to keep Los Blancos at bay in the League. La Blaugrana have the added motivation to win so as to prove that big spending does not equate to wins and titles.
The Bernabeu boys will go into the game with the best record in La Liga so far, with nine wins, one draw and one loss. Barca are just one point behind Manuel Pellegrini's men, with 28 points from eight wins and three draws.

---

Barcelona news ahead of El Clasico:
Xavi has demanded Barcelona remain faithful to their attacking philosophy by dictating the game against bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has signed a contract extension with Barca to keep him at the club until 2015.
Carles Puyol believes that Sunday's El Clasico will be a close affair but added that Barcelona are high on confidence after their victory over Inter, while Gerard Pique is in a confident mood ahead of this weekend's showdown against Real Madrid.
Finally, former Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson reckons the Catalans are playing the best football on the planet, and Gary Lineker has lent his support to La Blaugrana, adding that El Clasico transcends football in Spain.
Real Madrid news before the Nou Camp showdown:
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be involved in his first El Clasico and claims he will be undaunted by the hostile reception at Barcelona's Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso heads into his first 'clasico' insisting the showdown with Barca "will be important but not decisive" in the title race.
Centre-back Pepe insists that Real Madrid do not fear Barcelona as both sides clash this Sunday.
Fellow defender Sergio Ramos has told realmadrid.com that Barcelona were lucky to win three titles last season.

Rangers vs Man Utd Preview

Rangers vs Man Utd Preview

 

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson goes into Wednesday's clash with Rangers promising that the return of Wayne Rooney will bring about a settled strikeforce.

Ferguson has rotated his attacking options regularly this season with Rooney struggling with form, fitness and personal problems.
Dimitar Berbatov began the season in exhilarating style but has regressed recently. But Ferguson has pledged that the Bulgarian will be united with Rooney on a consistent basis from now on in a bid to improve results.
"We have been changing the strikers quite a lot recently and I have to accept responsibility for changing it too much," Ferguson said.
"Now we are going to have a more consistent look about our team.
"We have a lot of good young options but hopefully we can get Wayne Rooney back to his best and Dimitar is suited to playing with Wayne."
If the return of Rooney to the starting line-up dominates debate over Ferguson's team selection, Berbatov's slump in form is not that far behind.
During a stellar first month of the campaign, United's £30.75million record buy was in outstanding form, capped by a brilliant hat-trick against Liverpool.
But he did not even make the bench for the weekend win over Wigan and doubt is again being raised about his long-term future.
"It has not taken Dimitar back to square one," Ferguson insisted. "In our game it is very difficult to play well every week.
"We are in a competitive league. The results themselves tell you something. Getting consistency of performance from front players is very difficult.
"Look around at other clubs. They are finding it much the same as us."
Opposite number Walter Smith is praying Rooney is not yet up to speed - but knows his side could find themselves up against a revitalised Rooney instead in what is a vital game for the Scottish champions.
The 25-year-old is set to start in Glasgow after making his comeback from injury as a substitute against Wigan, having completed a period of rehabilitation in the United States for an ankle problem.
And Smith said: "Once you get rid of all the stuff that was going on in the background, they will be looking forward to getting him back playing again.
"I can only hope tomorrow that he's a little bit rusty through lack of activity in terms of games.
"From a Manchester United point of view, they will be delighted to have him back."
Smith has worries over his own team selection, with Madjid Bougherra and Maurice Edu both sidelined and Sasa Papac rated doubtful, meaning he will have to rethink the ultra-defensive formation which has served him well in the majority of European outings so far.
He said: "The squad is weakened, I don't think there is any doubt about that.
"We've lost not only them. If we lose Papac, they are three players who have started for us regularly.
"The injuries to Andy Webster and James Beattie are also causing us a little bit of a problem in terms of players to come in and fill the breach for us.
"There is no doubt that losing Bougherra and Edu will be a problem for us. We don't have a big squad of players and we find ourselves down to more or less the 11 players tomorrow night.
"We have to change our way of playing in this game by the nature of the fact that we've got a few injury problems that will cause us to do that. We will see how we handle it. Hopefully we can still get together and do well."

Under-1.95
Over-1.85

Panathinaikos vs Barcelona Preview

Panathinaikos vs Barcelona Preview

 

Barcelona will take on Panathinaikos looking to secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Barcelona must first put all thoughts of next week`s mouthwatering Primera Division showdown with Real Madrid to the back of their minds.
Barca host arch rivals Madrid at the Nou Camp next Monday and will be looking to replace Jose Mourinho`s side at the top of the standings, with one point currently separating the two Spanish giants.
However, before then Barca have the chance to not only progress through to the knockout stages of the Champions League but also guarantee top spot if they can beat Panathinaikos in Athens and the other Group D match goes their way.
With two matches remaining, Pep Guardiola`s side are a point clear of FC Copenhagen at the top of the table, with Rubin Kazan five points behind and Pana six adrift.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta acknowledges there is great interest in the clash with Madrid, but is confident Guardiola`s men will be focused solely on their European challenge.
"It`s true that since we started the season it seems everyone has been waiting for this game (against Madrid), but the clasico would mean nothing without all the other matches," he said.
"The Champions League is a vital part of the season for us, and so this game is very important for qualification, for first place and everything that happens later in this competition."
He added: "I`ve never seen this team hold anything back. They like competing. They are very good at focusing on the important aims. The game with Almeria was a good example of that, if you don't get caught napping in the league then it's difficult for that to happen in the Champions League."
Barca warmed up for the trip to Greece by thrashing Almeria 8-0 on Saturday - equalling the club`s biggest-ever away win in La Liga.
Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick in that match, which was his sixth treble of 2010 for Barca and took his tally to 15 goals in his last 10 appearances for the club.
Panathinaikos also enjoyed a victory at the weekend, beating Iraklis 4-2 to move joint top of the Greek standings with Olympiacos.
Jacek Gmoch was in charge for that match following the departure of coach Nikos Nioplias, but Jesualdo Ferreira was named as Pana`s new coach on the same day.
Ferreira was recently sacked as coach of Barca`s Primera Division rivals Malaga just a few months into a three-year contract.
Pana are not in such good shape in the Champions League having recorded just two points and one goal from their opening four games, but nevertheless Zubizarreta is anticipating a testing time for Barca at the Spiros Louis Stadium - where Pana have lost only three of their last 58 league games.
"Whenever we go to Greece we expect highly competitive teams, and a lot of noise and pressure from the stands. I don't know what we`ll find, but that`s what we're expecting. We have the utmost respect for an important ground and a great, historic team, with good, experienced players."

Under-2.20
Over-1.65

 

Sunderland vs Everton Preview

Sunderland vs Everton Preview

 

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is hoping that leading scorer Darren Bent can return for Monday night's clash with Everton.

The 26-year-old has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, but is back in training and may be available once again.
Danny Welbeck, who has partnered record signing Asamoah Gyan in Bent's absence, is expected to recover from a tight hamstring, but John Mensah (shoulder) and Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) will be missing once again. David Meyler is working his way back towards full match fitness following a serious knee injury, but Fraizer Campbell (also knee) remains on the sidelines.
Everton are again without midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
The Belgium international is serving the second match of a three-game suspension for his sending off against Bolton earlier this month.
Manager David Moyes has reported no fresh injury concerns following this week's midweek internationals.
That leaves Leon Osman (ankle), Victor Anichebe (knee) and Ross Barkley (broken leg) as the only major absentees.
Teams
Sunderland (from): Mignolet, Gordon, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Turner, Bramble, Da Silva, Cattermole, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Zenden, Bent, Gyan, Welbeck, Adams.
Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Cahill, Pienaar, Heitinga, Arteta, Saha, Rodwell, Yakubu, Bilyaletdinov, Beckford, Gueye, Hibbert, Baxter, Duffy, Mucha.

Under-1.60
Over-2.30

Inter Milan vs AC Milan Preview

Inter Milan vs AC Milan Preview

 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fired up to face his former club Inter Milan for Sunday's city derby.

The Sweden international joined AC Milan on loan from Barcelona having quit Inter last year after winning three Serie A titles.
Ahead of the encounter at the San Siro which will see Milan acting as visitors, Ibrahimovic took a swipe at his old club.
"When you feel that you can no longer grow in a team, that you no longer have the right motivation, you look for something else," said Ibrahimovic."At Inter I had arrived to that point.
"I needed the change and then, of course, I joined a stronger team."
Ibrahimovic is not concerned by the frosty welcome he will get from the Nerazzurri supporters.
"I welcome their jeers as they fire me up even more," he said.
"It just adds to the motivation.
"Inter are now a rival team for me. I play for Milan and I will do everything to beat Inter."
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hopes Ibrahimovic can deliver up front with team's top scorer Alexandre Pato and veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi out of action through injury.
Pato will be sidelined for six weeks with a muscle problem while Inzaghi's campaign is all but over with a serious knee injury.
Despite those setbacks, Milan go into the game leading the Serie A table for the first time in two years.
Wednesday's 3-1 triumph over Palermo saw the Rossoneri go one point clear of Lazio and they are three ahead of Inter after 11 games played.
Inter, meanwhile, have dropped to fourth place after draws against Brescia and Lecce this week.
However, Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic is convinced his team can return to winning ways on Sunday.
"We are very motivated to do well," he said.
"I'm not worried because even though we have lost a few points in recent weeks, Milan are just three points clear of us.
"I'm sure we will turn things around on Sunday.
"Motivation will not be lacking because the derby is always a beautiful and important game."
Inter suffered a huge blow this week when a knee injury ended Argentina defender Walter Samuel's season, but the Nerazzurri welcome back Dutch international Wesley Sneijder.
Sneijder was rested for Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Lecce.

Under-1.66
Over-2.15