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Champions League Opta Facts - QF First Legs

Written By maxtv on Sunday 31 March 2013 | 20:45


Paris SG v Barcelona
The only previous Champions League encounter between PSG and Barcelona was in the quarter-finals in March 1995. The French club won 3-2 on aggregate.
The last two Champions League /European Cup finals played at Wembley have both been won by Barcelona (1992 and 2011).
PSG are unbeaten at home in their last 23 games in European competition, qualifiers included (15 wins, 8 draws). Their last defeat dates back to 23 November 2006 in the group phase of the UEFA Cup, against Hapoel Tel-Aviv (2-4).
PSG have won 15 of their 21 home games in the Champions League (two draws, four defeats).
PSG are unbeaten in their last six Champions League games (five wins, one draw).
Barcelona have always scored against French opposition in the Champions League (10 games).
Barcelona have only won three of their last 14 away games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
PSG have conceded only five goals in eight Champions League games this season, only Juventus have a better defensive record in the competition this season (four goals). They have never conceded more than one goal in the competition this season.
All 17 of PSG's goals in the Champions League this season have been scored from inside the box, more than any other side.
All 15 of Barcelona's goals in the Champions League this season have been scored from open play.
Barcelona have averaged 74.4% possession in the Champions League, more than any other side. They have completed 6,073 passes, that's 2,858 more than PSG (3,215).
Ezequiel Lavezzi has scored five goals in his last four Champions League games. He's PSG's top scorer in the competition this season.
Lionel Messi has scored 58 goals in 76 Champions League games. Only Raul has netted more (71 goals, in 142 games). He's been directly involved in five of Barça's six away goals in the Champions League this season (three goals, two assists).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored only four goals in 28 Champions League games in the knockout phase.

Bayern Munich v Juventus
Bayern Munich and Juventus have met six times in the past, always in the Champions League. The Bavarians have won two whilst Juventus have won three with only one game ending in a draw.
Bayern Munich have won 16 of their last 19 Champions League games played at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich have the joint-best attacking record in the Champions League this season (18 goals in eight games), alongside Real Madrid.
Only Arsenal have stopped Bayern Munich from scoring in the Champions League this season.
Bayern Munich have conceded the fewest shots on target in the Champions League this season (22).
Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are the only teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season.
Juventus have won their last five Champions League games, which equals their best run in either the European Cup or Champions League.
Juventus have the best defensive record in the Champions League this season, having conceded only four goals in eight games.
Juventus haven't conceded a goal in their last five games in the Champions League, the longest run in the competition this season. Arsenal hold the record with 10 consecutive clean sheets in 2005/06.
Juventus have lost seven of their last eight away games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Juventus have only failed to score once in fifteen Champions League games against German opposition (v Bayern Munich in September 2009).
Bayern Munich have had 10 different goalscorers in the Champions League this season, more than any other side.
No player has featured in more Champions League games since 2010/11 than Manuel Neuer: 32 (20 with Bayern Munich, 12 with Schalke).
Claudio Marchisio has been directly involved in four of Juventus' seven goals away from home in the Champions League this season, scoring once and delivering three assists.

Malaga v Borussia Dortmund
Malaga have never lost at home in European competition (qualifiers excluded): six wins, three draws.
Borussia Dortmund have only won one of their eight away games in Spain in European competition, back in October 1996 (1-0 v Atletico Madrid). They then went on to win the Champions League.
Malaga have only won one of their last five Champions League games (2-0 v Porto).
Malaga are the only team yet to concede a first-half goal in the Champions League this season.
Borussia Dortmund are one of two teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season with Juventus.
Borussia Dortmund have never failed to score in the Champions League this season.
Borussia Dortmund's four away games in the Champions League this season have produced 15 goals (nine for, six against).
Borussia Dortmund have picked up the joint-fewest bookings in this season's competition: only six in eight games. They haven't picked up a single one in the last three games.
Borussia Dortmund have averaged 43.3% possession in the Champions League this season, the lowest ratio among the eight teams left in the competition.
Jürgen Klopp has used the fewest players in the Champions League this season among the eight teams left in the competition (20).
Isco has completed the most dribbles among the players from the eight teams left in the Champions League this season (22).
Isco's three goals in the Champions League this season have all been scored at the Rosaleda.
All three of Marco Reus' Champions League goals this season have come away from home for Borussia Dortmund.
Mario Götze has been involved in six of Dortmund's last 10 Champions League goals, scoring twice and delivering four assists.
Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic, Dortmund's centre-backs, have made the most clearances this season in the Champions League (76 and 71 respectively).

Real Madrid v Galatasaray
The only previous encounter between Real Madrid and Galatasaray in the Champions League took place in April 2001 at the quarter-final stage - both teams won their home game but it was Real Madrid who went through 5-3 on aggregate.
Galatasaray hadn't reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League since 2000/01 when they were eventually knocked out by Real Madrid.
Galatasaray have never won in Spain in the Champions League (two draws, six defeats, five goals for, 17 against).
Real Madrid have the joint-best attacking record in the Champions League this season (18 goals in eight games), alongside Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid have only failed to score once in their last 33 Champions League games, against Barcelona in Santiago Bernabeu in April 2011.
Real Madrid have had the most shots in this season's Champions League (176, that's 60 more than Galatasaray).
Real Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League this season (11 goals conceded). The Merengues have the worst defensive record among the eight teams left in the competition this season.
Galatasaray are unbeaten in their last six Champions League games (four wins, two draws).
Galatasaray have won their last three away games in the Champions League (against Cluj, Braga and Schalke), their best ever run in the competition.
Galatasaray have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 away games in the Champions League.
Galatasaray have the weakest attacking record among the eight teams left in the Champions League this season with 11 goals in eight games.
Galatasaray have struck the woodwork seven times, more than any other side in the Champions League this season. The ex-Real Madrid midfielder Hamit Altintop has been the most unfortunate (three shots against the woodwork).
Cristiano Ronaldo and Burak Yilmaz are this season's top scorers in the Champions League with eight goals apiece.
Yilmaz has netted 73% of Galatasaray's goals in the competition this season (eight out of 11).
Ronaldo has had 58 shots in the Champions League this season, that's 20 more than any other player (Messi 38).

01.04. (Mon) 13:30 Chelsea - Manchester Utd.


PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry, Cole
Ramires, Mikel
Oscar, Mata, Hazard
Ba

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Jones, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra
Cleverley, Giggs
Welbeck, Rooney, Nani
Chicharito

Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Ramires and Demba Ba should all return to Rafa Benitez's starting line-up after missing Chelsea's league defeat at Southampton on Saturday.

The Chelsea boss could make around six changes to his side ahead of a run of five games in the next 13 days.

Gary Cahill (knee) is a doubt so John Terry is likely to continue in defence alongside Luiz. With Ba cup-tied for the Blues in the Europa League, the Senegalese should be handed a start on Monday. Mata should return to the side after missing the match at St Mary's with illness.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also likely to make several changes to his side after rotating the team in the weekend win at Sunderland.

Phil Jones could return to the side at right-back after Rafael (groin) was forced off at the weekend. Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs are also likely to feature after sitting out Saturday's match.

In attack, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito will hope for a starting berth with Nani also ready to come in. Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Robin van Persie should drop to the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has won the FA Cup more times than any other player, lifting the famous trophy an astonishing seven times.

Blues defender Ashley Cole has won the FA Cup more times than any other player, lifting the famous trophy an astonishing seven times.

Juan Mata recently became the first Premier League player to score 10 goals and provide 10 assists.
Manchester United striker Chicharito enjoys playing against Chelsea, the Mexican striker has struck in five of his last seven games against the Blues in all competitions.

No player in the top flight has hit the woodwork more than Van Persie this season. The Dutchman has been denied by a post or the crossbar seven times.

Left-back Patrice Evra has played more minutes (2,430) than any other United player in the league this season.

Eighteen goals have been scored in the three meetings between the sides this season.

Prediction
After losing to Southampton at the weekend, the Chelsea fans will let Rafa Benitez know how they feel about him at Stamford Bridge and that poisonous atmosphere might work against the Blues. Manchester United also made a number of changes at the weekend, so they should be able to match the energy levels of their opponents. After surrendering a two-goal lead in the original tie, don't expect the Red Devils to make a similar mistake again.

Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 1-2 Man Utd.

31.03. (Sun) 14:30 Aston Villa - Liverpool

Written By maxtv on Saturday 30 March 2013 | 14:30


PROBABLE LINEUPS

ASTON VILLA
Guzan
Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker
Westwood, Bannan, N’Zogbia
Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann

LIVERPOOL
Reina
Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique
Lucas, Gerrard
Coutinho, Suarez, Downing
Sturridge

Darren Bent could make his return after overcoming a foot injury scare, while Charles N’Zogbia may come into the starting line-up ahead of Yacouba Sylla. Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert faces no new injury worries.

Pacy attacking trio Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke are poised to start in a forward.

Brendan Rodgers will have first-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina back in goal after the Spaniard recovered from a calf injury. Jamie Carragher is pushing for a starting berth although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Joe Allen will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, while Martin Kelly (knee) and Fabio Borini (shoulder) are also out.

DID YOU KNOW?

Villa have won their last two Premier League matches - a 2-1 win over Reading and a 3-2 victory against QPR. It’s the first time they have won back-to-back games this season.

Paul Lambert’s side have only scored 14 times in the league at home so far this season - only QPR (11) have fewer home goals.

Both sides have a player with the joint-most yellow cards in the league this season. Villa’s Matthew Lowton and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez have both received nine yellow cards - the same amount as Sunderland’s Craig Gardner.

The previous meeting between the two sides finished in a 3-1 Villa win. A brace from Christian Benteke and a goal from Andreas Weimann put the visitors into a three goal lead before a late strike from Steven Gerrard.

Suarez , is the current top scorer in the league with 22 goals. He’s three ahead of Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.

Liverpool are the third-highest scorers in the league so far this season with 57 goals. Manchester United (69) and Chelsea (58) have netted more.

Prediction
The hosts will be desperate to take all three points once again against Liverpool after their win at Anfield earlier this season. However, Liverpool can be excellent going forward and their attacking options may well just see them edge a high-scoring match.

Editor's Prediction
Aston Villa 2-3 Liverpool

30.03. (Sat) 20:00 Zaragoza - Real

Written By maxtv on Friday 29 March 2013 | 20:00


PROBABLE LINEUPS

ZARAGOZA
Franco
Săpunaru • Loovens • González • Abraham
Apoño • Movilla
Rodríguez • Romaric • Montañés
Postiga

REAL MADRID
Casillas
Essien • Pepe • Ramos • Coentrão
Khedira • Modrić
Callejón • Özil • Ronaldo
Benzema

Zaragoza playmaker Apono is available for the Primera Division encounter against Real Madrid after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Romaric (thigh) also returns following a three-month absence but Stefan Babovic is suspended.

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has recovered from a hand injury and could make his first start in goal since January.

Boss Jose Mourinho has no injury worries but is likely to rotate his squad in order to prioritise Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Galatasaray.

DID YOU KNOW?

Zaragoza are on a 12-match winless run in all competitions and remain the only team in La Liga to have not won a game in 2013.

The Aragonese side have lost six of their last seven encounters against Real Madrid.

Zaragoza's last victory came against Levante in the Copa del Rey on January 9.

Real Madrid are on a seven-match winning run in all competitions - their best sequence of results since January 2012.

Los Merengues need one more point to become the first club in Liga history to accumulate 4,000 points in 82 seasons of the Spanish top division.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 20 appearances for club and country in 2013.

Prediction
Zaragoza are in horrendous form and will hope the visitors will be jaded following a gruelling international break. In contrast, Madrid are in excellent shape and will want to continue their winning run heading into the midweek encounter with Galatasaray.

Editor's Prediction
Zaragoza 0-2 Real Madrid

30.03. (Sat) 18:30 Chievo Verona - Milan


PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHIEVO
Puggioni
Frey, Andreolli, Dainelli, Acerbi, Drame
Guani, L.Rigoni, Cofie
Thereau, Paloschi

AC MILAN
Abbiati
Abate, Mexes, Bonera, Constant
Flamini, Muntari, Montolivo
Niang, Balotelli, El Shaarawy

The international break was an unwelcome pit stop for Massimiliano Allegri, with his AC Milan side on a run of three straight league wins.

However, with talisman Mario Balotelli scoring three times in two games against Brazil and Malta and defender Mattia De Sciglio receiving rave reviews on the back of his first Italy cap, the Rossoneri should be in good health as they bid to consolidate third spot.

The visitors go into the game without Nigel de Jong, Giampaolo Pazzini and Kevin-Prince Boateng through injury, while Gennaro Sardo, Nikos Spyropoulos and Mamado Samassa are all absent for Chievo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite enduring a spell of indifferent form, Stephan El Shaarawy remains AC Milan's top goalscorer with 16 goals to his name.

AC Milan have won their last 12 games against Chievo in all competitions.

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Chievo's last five serie A games.

Cyrille Thereau's seven goals put him at the top of the host's goalscoring charts.

The Flying Donkeys have struggled for goals this term, finding the back of the net just 31 times in 29 games.

Chievo have won their last two Serie A games, defeating both Napoli and Pescara 2-0.

Eugenio Corini's side go into the game 10 points above the relegation places.

Prediction
Massimiliano Allegri's side have been reborn since the turn of the year and even an untimely international break will not be enough to knock them out of their stride on Saturday.

Editor's Prediction
Chievo 1-3 Milan

30.03. (Sat) 18:30 Bayern Munchen - Hamburger SV


PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba
Martinez, Schweinsteiger
Muller, Kroos, Ribery
Mandzukic

HAMBURG
Adler
Diekmeier, Bruma, Westermann, Aogo
Rincon, Badelj
Son, Van der Vaart, Jiracek
Rudnevs

With the prospect of wrapping up the Bundesliga, Bayern are unlikely to rest any players ahead of the Champions League tie with Juventus in midweek.

Indeed, the only projected absence is long-term injury victim Holger Badstuber. Mario Gomez should be fit to feature despite missing both of Germany's recent games with Kazakhstan.

On the other hand, Hamburg will be without a host of players for the trip to Bavaria, with Marcell Jansen and Maxi Beister are both suspended for the match.

Michael Mancienne is back in light training following a lengthy injury, Ivo Ilicevic and Lam Zhi Gin are both out with abdominal and knee injuries respectively.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bayern Munich sealed their 2000-01 Bundesliga title with a victory over Hamburg on the last day of the season, pipping Schalke by one point.

Should the Bavarians clinch the league crown on Saturday, it would be the first time a team has done so after just 27 matches.
Only Gerd Muller has a better minutes-per-goal ratio than Mario Gomez (114) in the Bundesliga.

The last time Hamburg finished ahead of Bayern in the Bundesliga was in the 1983-84 season.

Goalkeeper Rene Adler has never kept a clean sheet against Bayern and never ended up on the winning side.

HSV have won just seven points, scoring only six goals in the seven matches that Rafael van der Vaart has missed this season.

Prediction
Whether Bayern win the Bundesliga or not depends largely on Dortmund's result at Stuttgart, but I'd expect them to beat Hamburg comfortably, just as they did at the Imtech Arena earlier this season.

Editor's Prediction
Bayern 3-0 HSV

Euforija na Kanarima Branislav Bajić (Rasing Portuense) prognozira Španiju 2

MOJ TIP

30.03. (Sat) 18:00 Celta - Barcelona


PROBABLE LINEUPS

CELTA VIGO
Varas
Johny • Cabral • Demidov • Lago
Oubiña • Insa
Fernández • Bermejo • Lucas
Park

BARCELONA
Pinto
Alves • Piqué • Mascherano • Montoya
Alcântara • Song • Fàbregas
Sánchez • Villa • Tello

Celta Vigo midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli will miss Saturday's Primera Division clash against Barcelona after injuring his knee while on international duty.

Sergio Alvarez, Hugo Mallo, Samuel Llorca and Alex Lopez are all sidelined, while Andres Tunez and Iago Aspas are suspended.

However, midfielders Quique de Lucas and Natxo Insa have recovered from ankle and thigh problems, respectively, and are available for selection.

Barcelona playmaker Xavi is struggling with a hamstring strain and will not travel to Galicia.

Defender Jordi Alba (hamstring) and striker Pedro (calf) also picked up knocks while on Spain duty and join Carles Puyol (knee), Adriano (thigh) and Victor Valdes (suspension) on the sidelines.

Assistant coach Jordi Roura is likely to rest some of his stars with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

DID YOU KNOW?

Celta Vigo are on a three-match losing run in La Liga.

The Galician outfit have won just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions.

Celta have lost their last five Liga encounters with Barcelona.

Barcelona have won just one of their last five away games across all competitions.

Lionel Messi has scored 28 goals in his last 18 Liga outings and is bidding to become the first player in history to score against 19 league opponents in consecutive matches.

Jose Manuel Pinto made 181 league appearances for Celta Vigo between 1998 and 2008.

Prediction
Celta are a difficult side to beat at home and they will be desperate to pick up points after losing the Galician derby. Barcelona will look to rest key players ahead of their midweek trip to Paris and they could suffer on the heavy Balaidos pitch.

Editor's Prediction
Celta 1-1 Barcelona

30.03. (Sat) 16:00 Southampton - Chelsea


PROBABLE LINEUPS

SOUTHAMPTON
Boruc
Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw
Schneiderlin, Cork
Rodriguez, Ramirez, Lallana
Lambert

CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand
Ramires, Lampard
Oscar, Mata, Moses
Torres

Mauricio Pochettino looks set to name a largely unchanged side from the one that claimed an unexpected scalp against Liverpool prior to the international break.

The only change for the Saints is likely to be in central defence, with Jose Fonte primed to replace Jos Hooiveld at the back after the latter picked up a knock in the 3-1 win over the Reds.

Other than that solitary change, Southampton will persist with the line-up that featured last time out, with Jason Puncheon likely to be omitted once more as Jay Rodriguez looks set to retain his starting berth.

With Chelsea having to play four times in the space of a week, Rafael Benitez may choose to name a rotated side as he looks ahead to the FA Cup replay against Manchester United on Monday.

That could mean a rare start for John Terry at the back, particularly with Gary Cahill struggling for fitness after being ruled out of international duty with a knee injury in midweek.

Eden Hazard, Ashley Cole and Demba Ba are also likely to be rotated from the side that beat West Ham 2-0 two weeks ago as Oscar, Ryan Bertrand and Fernando Torres could be afforded starts.

DID YOU KNOW?

Southampton have not beaten Chelsea in over 10 years; they last won on New Years' Day 2002, beating the Blues 4-2 thanks to a double from James Beattie and goals from Marian Pahars and Chris Marsden.

The Saints have dropped more points from leading positions than any other Premier League team this season - 27 in total.

Despite his continued omission from the England national team, Rickie Lambert is the highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, having netted 13 times - the next closest (joint with Wayne Rooney) is on the opposing team: Frank Lampard with 12 goals.

Southampton have scored more own goals than anyone else in the Premier League this season, having put five in the wrong net.

Demba Ba, though potentially on the bench here, has been in fine form for Chelsea against Southampton in all competitions, having netted three goals from four shots on target this season.

Juan Mata has also been in fine fettle, albeit more generally, and he recently became the first Premier League player to score 10 goals and provide 10 assists.

Prediction
Although the Saints have a good record against the big teams of late, picking up three points here is a tall order indeed, particularly given Chelsea's recent form. Nevertheless, the international break may have halted some of the away side's momentum and Southampton will be hopeful that they can cause an upset, particularly as they are just four points clear of the bottom three. Still, the Blues' potent attacking force should prove too strong for Southampton's susceptible defence and should be enough to cancel out the threat that Rickie Lambert and co. pose down the other end.

Editor's Prediction
Southampton 1-3 Chelsea

30.03. (Sat) 16:00 Swansea - Tottenham


PROBABLE LINEUPS

SWANSEA
Vorm
Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies
Ki, Britton, De Guzman
Dyer, Michu, Pablo

TOTTENHAM
Lloris
Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Parker, Dembele, Holtby
Bale
Adebayor

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup will be without Neil Taylor for the game at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday as he steps up his return from a a fractured ankle, instead being earmarked for a reserve game next Tuesday against Colchester United.

There is some good news for the Dane, though, with Kemy Agustien expected to be passed fit after recovering from a hip injury while centre-back Chico Flores could make his first start for the side since featuring against QPR in February.

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas only has two players on the casualty list, with Sandro (knee) and Younes Kaboul (knee) both long-term absentees, with Gareth Bale expected to shake off both the ankle strain and stomach virus which dogged his time away with the Wales team on international duty.

DID YOU KNOW?

The last time that Swansea defeated Spurs was back in September 1991 in the League Cup.

The Swans have not won any of the 16 Premier League games that they have fallen behind in this season, drawing six and losing ten.

No player in the top flight this season has scored more goals at home than Michu, who has 10 so far.

Michael Laudrup's side have scored just four goals from set-pieces all season, the lowest in the league.

At the other end of the pitch, though, they have conceded 18 goals from them, which is a league high.

Tottenham have won three and drawn one of their last four competitive meetings with Swansea, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane in December with Jan Vertonghen grabbing the only goal.

No player has scored more goals from outside the area in the top five European Leagues this season than Gareth Bale , who is level with Lionel Messi on six.

Andre Villas-Boas' side have the second-best away record in the division in terms of points accumulated on the road with 26 to league leaders Manchester United's 32.

After a 12-game unbeaten streak, the visitors have lost their last three games across all competitions.
Spurs have kept seven clean sheets in the league this term to Swansea's eight.

Prediction
One of the best kept secrets in the league at the moment has been Swansea's deeply ordinary form for the past two months and they've won just twice since January, losing four, so in that respect, Tottenham will fancy their chances. However, this isn't the same side that was playing with a real swagger just a few short weeks ago and their confidence will have been dented and so this one has a stalemate written all over it.

Editor's Prediction
Swansea City 1-1 Tottenham

30.03. (Sat) 16:00 Arsenal - Reading


PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL
Fabianski
Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal
Ramsey, Arteta
Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla , Podolski
Giroud

READING
Taylor
Kelly, Mariappa, Pearce, Shorey
Karacan, Leigertwood, McAnuff, McCleary Robson-Kanu
Pogrebnyak

Arsenal were dealt a fresh injury blow on Thursday after midfielder Abou Diaby was ruled out for around nine months with a knee ligament problem.

Theo Walcott is out with a groin injury, while Jack Wilshere is still sidelined with an ankle problem. Kieran Gibbs is also doubtful due to illness.

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has been injured since the beginning of the month but may make the bench for this game as he regains full fitness following an ankle injury,

Reading boss Nigel Adkins, who is taking charge of his first game this Saturday, is likely to be without Danny Guthrie due to a knee issue and Jimmy Kebe, who has a groin problem.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal have won just 36% of their Premier League games without Jack Wilshere in the side, compared to 56% with him.

The Gunners have not yet lost a game in the Premier League that they have taken the lead in.
Arsenal have conceded just two goals after the 75th minute in Premier League games this season, the lowest in the league.

The Gunners have won all 11 of their previous meetings with Reading.

Reading have lost nine of their last 10 away matches in the Premier League.

Reading have lost their last five games, just two away from the worst run in the Premier League this season by any team, which the Royals also set.

Reading have conceded more Premier League goals against Arsenal than any other opponent in the top-flight.

Prediction
Reading will be hopeful of success in their first game under Nigel Adkins, as the former Southampton manager looks to galvanise his charges in their battle against relegation.
Regardless of their injury problems, Arsenal have enough depth in their squad to worry a Reading side who have been poor on the road this season.

Editor's Prediction
Arsenal 2-0 Reading

30.03. (Sat) 16.00 Manchester City - Newcastle Utd


PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER CITY
Hart
Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Clichy
Y Toure, Barry
Silva, Tevez, Milner
Aguero

NEWCASTLE UNITED
Elliot
Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Taylor, Santon
Tiote, Gutierrez
Marveaux, Sissoko, Gouffran
Cisse

Roberto Mancini has a host of players returning from injury and is expected to make several changes from the 2-0 defeat at Everton on March 16.

Vincent Kompany is set for a return to the starting line-up after playing for Belgium during the international break, while Yaya Toure should return after illness. Sergio Aguero is also likely to make his comeback.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, have a trip to Benfica next Thursday and Alan Pardew could rest some key players, although Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Fabricio Coloccini (back) and Tim Krul (ankle) are out, while Yohan Cabaye (groin) is still a doubt.

DID YOU KNOW?

A win for Manchester City will make it their seventh consecutive Premier League victory over Alan Pardew’s men.

City have beaten Newcastle 14 times in the Premier League; only against Aston Villa (18 times) have they won more.

Yaya Toure has scored more league goals (three) against Newcastle than against any other Premier League side.

City have dropped seven points in their last seven league games at the Etihad Stadium, having only dropped six in the previous 36.

With 31, the Magpies have used more players in the top flight than any other side.

Newcastle have picked up just eight points on their travels this season; only Reading (five) have registered fewer.

Pardew’s men are the worst victims of late goals, having conceding 15 in the last 15 minutes of league matches; more than any other side.

The Magpies’ last – and only – win in the city of Manchester came against City at Maine Road in September 2000.

Prediction
The international break is over and it’s back to business in the Premier League, but Newcastle have other endeavours on their mind and it could prove costly for this match. Alan Pardew’s men will have one eye on Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Benfica, while City will be desperate to perk up their fading title challenge.

Editor's Prediction
Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United

Verija za spas Željko Kalajdžić (Platanjas, Grčka)


30.03. (Sat) 15:30 Stuttgart - Borussia D.


PROBABLE LINEUPS

STUTTGART
Ulreich
Sakai, Tasci, Niedermeier, Boka
Gentner
Harnik, Holzhauser, Okazaki, Traore
Ibisevic

BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Subotic, Santana, Schmelzer
Gundogan, Bender
Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus
Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund went into the international break on the back of a 5-1 trouncing of Freiburg and will look to pick up where they left off when they visit Stuttgart in one of Saturday’s early kick-offs.

Sven Bender, who missed Germany’s match against Kazakhstan after coming down with the flu, has recovered and will start alongside Ilkay Gundogan in the centre of midfield. Defender Mats Hummels remains sidelined with an ankle injury, however, and will once again be replaced by Felipe Santana.

Winger Jakub Blaszczykowski has had some recent discomfort with an adductor muscle, and while he still may start at Mercedes-Benz Arena, Kevin Grosskreutz is ready should a stand-by be required. If so, Mario Gotze would move over to the right with Marco Reus sliding into the middle.

Stuttgart come into Saturday’s match without full-back Cristian Molinaro and defensive midfielder William Kvist, both of whom are suspended, and striker Cacau is still recovering from knee surgery.

Coach Bruno Labbadia may also have to make do without midfielders Johan Audel and Tunay Torun, both of whom have minor knocks.

DID YOU KNOW?

Borussia Dortmund have won only three of their previous six Bundesliga matches and currently sit 20 points back of leaders Bayern Munich with eight rounds left to play.

Dortmund’s 5-1 win at home to Freiburg on March 16 represented the third time this season they had hit a quintuple, having previously accomplished the feat against Borussia Monchengladbach and Werder Bremen.

Dortmund have five players (Marco Reus, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski) with at least five Bundesliga assists so far this season.

Stuttgart have won just two of their last 10 matches — a streak dating all the way back to mid-December. They are presently 12th in the standings.

Stuttgart have kept just three clean sheets since the first week of November.

The last four matches between these two sides all ended in draws, including a 4-4 thriller at Dortmund a year ago.

Prediction
Stuttgart’s woeful defensive record doesn’t bode well for them, especially given the firepower Dortmund will bring to the match. No doubt the guests will be thinking ahead to next week’s Champions League quarter-final away to Malaga, but they should still have little trouble taking all three points here.

Editor's Prediction
VfB Stuttgart 1-3 Dortmund

30.03. (Sat) 15:00 Inter - Juventus


PROBABLE LINEUPS

INTER
Handanovic
Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira
Gargano, Kovacic, Cambiasso
Guarin
Palacio, Cassano

JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci
L'stiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah
Giovinco, Quagliarella

In this second league installment of the Derby d'Italia, Inter will be aiming to once again spoil the Bianconeri party as Andrea Stramaccioni celebrates his year in charge of the Nerazzurri.

The young coach was appointed boss after Claudio Ranieri was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to Saturday's visitors last March, and while a similar scoreline would not spell the end of Stramaccioni's tenure, it certainly would not ease the recent pressure.

The hosts haven't been in a great form of late but will be buoyed by the 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the Europa League second leg clash.

Inter are forced to make two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Bologna after Juan Jesus picked up a suspension and Dejan Stankovic has continued injury problems.

Influential goalkeeper Samir Handanovic should return to the starting XI, while Antonio Cassano could partner Rodrigo Palacio upfront. Fredy Guarin is still expected start despite missing his intended flight back from South America.

Meanwhile, Juventus will be hoping to at least maintain their nine-point gap at the top as time runs out for the rest of the chasing pack. Prevented from going 50 games unbeaten in November, the Old Lady will be determined to ensure their fierce rivals will not be celebrating this weekend.

A notable absentee for the visitors is Giorgio Chiellini, who may be rested as a precaution before Tuesday's big Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Mirko Vucinic may also drop out of the starting XI and be replaced by top goalscorer Fabio Quagliarella, while there are no suspensions for coach Antonio Conte to contend with.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter pulled off a shock result in the previous meeting between the two teams in November, winning 3-1 despite going behind to an Arturo Vidal strike inside the first minute, ending Juve's long unbeaten run of 49 games.

Andrea Stramaccioni's record for his first year in charge of Inter reads: played 54, won 29, drawn 10 and lost 15, giving him a 54% win rate.

The previous clash between the two teams at San Siro was back in October 2011 with Juventus running out 2-1 winners.
Juventus have only won one in their last five trips to San Siro. Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio were enough to give them the three points that day.

The Bianconeri could go 12 points clear at the top if they win on Saturday and Napoli lose to Torino.

Fabio Quagliarella, who is in contention to start on Saturday, has never scored against the Nerazzurri and in 13 appearances against them has won just once.

Prediction
The Nerazzurri will be desperate to do the double over fierce rivals and will given a much-needed boost following their emphatic victory over Spurs at San Siro before the international break. Juve, meanwhile, know they are only a few points away from securing a 29th Scudetto and given the hosts' recent problems might just nick this one.

Editor's Prediction
Inter 1-2 Juventus

30.03. (Sat) 13:45 Sunderland - Manchester United


PROBABLE LINEUPS

SUNDERLAND
Mignolet
Gardner, O'Shea, Bramble, Rose
Johnson, Larsson, N'Diaye, McClean
Sessegnon
Graham

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra
Carrick, Giggs
Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa
Chicharito

Sunderland's survival hopes were dealt a significant blow this week after it was confirmed that both Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole would miss the rest of the season.

Fletcher is the Black Cats' top scorer with 11 league goals this season but the attacking burden will now fall upon January signing Danny Graham.

Stephane Sessegnon is expected to return from a groin injury and is likely to support Graham in a 4-4-1-1 formation. David Vaughan (groin) should be available but Carlos Cuellar (ankle) is a doubt and Wes Brown (knee) is injured.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, could ring the changes ahead of his side's FA Cup quarter-final replay against Chelsea on Monday.

Chicharito is likely to start in attack but Ferguson may not risk resting both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. Nani (hamstring), Paul Scholes (knee) and Phil Jones (ankle) are nearing returns after spells on the sidelines but this match may come too soon for them.

DID YOU KNOW?

Steven Fletcher has scored a third of Sunderland's 33 league goals so far this season, a larger percentage than Robin van Persie has contributed for Manchester United (28 per cent).

While they have struggled to score goals, only Stoke have a better defensive record than the Black Cats of clubs currently lying in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Sunderland beat Manchester City both this season and last at the Stadium of Light but have not toppled United on home turf in the top flight since 1997.

Adam Johnson's performances since his move from Manchester City have often come under scrutiny this season but the winger has created more chances (44) than any of his team-mates in 2012-13.

Having collected 74 points from 29 games, Manchester United remain on course to break Chelsea's record Premier League points tally of 95.

Despite suffering slip-ups in the FA Cup and Champions League, United have kept clean sheets in five consecutive league matches.

Left-back Patrice Evra has played more minutes (2,430) than any other United player in the league this season.
No player in the top flight has hit the woodwork more than Van Persie this season. The Dutchman has been denied by a post or the crossbar seven times.

Prediction
Sunderland have seriously suffered from a lack of attacking quality this season and that problem has only been compounded by the season-ending injury to top scorer Steven Fletcher. Their poor record against Manchester United stretches back years and years and, when both have been in the top flight, rarely has the gulf between the two clubs looked greater than it does currently.

Editor's Prediction
Sunderland 0-2 Man Utd.

FA Cup Opta Facts - Chelsea v Man Utd


This is the eleventh FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Chelsea; The Red Devils lead the head-to-head record by eight wins to two, although Chelsea did win the last meeting (the 2007 final).
The only previous sixth round meeting between United and Chelsea in the FA Cup is also the only previous tie between the sides to go to a replay; after a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, the Red Devils won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to progress in their treble winning season (1998/99).
The Red Devils have won their last two FA Cup games at Stamford Bridge (2-0 in 1999 and 5-3 in 1998); they last lost there in this competition in March 1950.
The last seven meetings between these sides in all competitions have seen 34 goals scored, with 18 netted in just two meetings so far this term.
Javier Hernandez has scored in six of the last seven meetings between the Red Devils and the Blues.
Chelsea have only lost one of their last 39 FA Cup games outright, winning 31 and drawing seven.
Indeed, the Blues are now unbeaten in 28 FA Cup games (excluding penalty shootouts), the longest ever run without defeat by a single side.
Juan Mata has scored five goals and assisted eight in just 11 appearances in the FA Cup.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side have scored in each of their last 10 away FA Cup games, netting more than once in nine of those outings (26 in total).
The Blues have not lost an FA Cup game at Stamford Bridge since March 2003 (W20 D4) and have scored in each of their last 33. However, this last defeat (versus Arsenal) was the last quarter-final replay that they played at home.
Indeed, Manchester United were the last team to prevent Chelsea from scoring in an FA Cup game on their own patch, beating them 2-0 in a sixth round replay in 1999.

29.03. (Fri) 20:30 Paris Saint Germain - Montpellier Herault

Written By maxtv on Thursday 28 March 2013 | 20:30


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Van der Wiel, Alex, Thiago Silva, Maxwell
Lucas Moura, Matuidi, Verratti, Pastore
Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

MONTPELLIER
Jourdren
Congre, Hilton, El Kaoutari, Bedimo
Dabo, Stambouli
Camara, Belhanda, Utaka
Charbonnier

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his side's focus remains on Montpellier for now, despite the prospect of a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona on the horizon.

Nevertheless, the Italian trainer is likely to field his strongest possible side, as they aim to pull further clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table as we enter the final phase of the season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was cleared to play in Tuesday's game by Uefa, and he'll also start against the champions on Friday evening, with Lucas Moura set to recover from the ankle problem he suffered three weeks ago against Nancy.

David Beckham is unlikely to feature having just returned from an ambassadorial trip to China, with Marco Verratti set to hold off Clement Chantome for a starting berth.

Outgoing Montpellier coach Rene Girard has no fresh injury worries, though his side appears considerably weaker when compared to the 1-1 draw the champions managed against PSG in November. Abdelhamid El Kaoutari's run in defence continues, as Daniel Congre maintains his position in an unfamiliar right-back role.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of securing a first Ligue 1 title since 1994 look good, as they sit seven points clear of challengers Lyon, with just 24 left on offer.

Les Parisiens have won just two of their last 11 games against Montpellier at the Parc des Princes.
Nevertheless, PSG have found the net in each of the last 11 games against the champions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been involved in more than half of his side's goals in Ligue 1 - with 25 goals and 5 assists (30 out of 53).

Montpellier sit seventh in Ligue 1 after a fantastic recent run of form catapulted them to within six points of third-place Marseille. They have not won their last two games, however.

The champions have scored in all but one of their last 14 away fixtures in Ligue 1 this season.

Montpellier's last five league games at the Parc des Princes have seen an average of 4.6 goals a game.

Prediction
The champions may be facing what appears to be the champions-elect of Ligue 1, but as PSG have found in recent games, they are sometimes out-muscled and out-played by teams who have more to prove. Certainly, it has been a disappointing season for the visitors, and it may appear that PSG may have Barcelona on their minds. Montpellier have the talent and the fight to come away with a point.

Editor's Prediction
PSG 1-1 Montpellier Herault SC

Serie A Opta Facts: 30 March


Atalanta - Sampdoria
This will be the 88th meeting in Serie A between these two sides: Sampdoria lead by 34 wins to 24, with 29 draws.
These sides haven't shared the points in their last 10 league meetings (five wins apiece).
Atalanta won the reverse fixture 2-1 at the Marassi, previously they hadn't scored for three games in a row against Samp.
The last meeting in Bergamo saw the guests winning 1-0; that win followed a run of three consecutive wins for the hosts in Serie A.
Atalanta have scored two goals in each of their last four league fixtures (2W 2D).
Beating Pescara in their last home game, ended a run of five winless games at their ground.
Losing to Cagliari, Sampdoria ended a 6-game unbeaten streak in Serie A (4W 2D).
Samp have netted only one goal over their last four league games away from home, picking up only two points in the process.
Atalanta have picked up the most red cards so far in this Serie A campaign (10).
Eder has already won three penalties in this Serie A season, a joint-record shared with AC Milan's Pazzini.

Cagliari - Fiorentina
Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last eight Serie A meetings against Cagliari; five wins for the Viola and three draws.
The reverse fixture saw five goals scored - one more than the total of those netted over the four previous meetings.
Neither side have managed to score more than two goals over their last 10 league meetings.
Cagliari have lost only one of their last 10 league fixtures, winning five.
Over these last 10 match-days, only AC Milan (24) and Juventus (21) have collected more points than Cagliari (19).
At home, the Sardinians are unbeaten in their last five games (3W 2D), and have netted seven goals in the last two against Torino and Sampdoria.
Fiorentina are on a run of three consecutive wins, and have won five of their last seven fixtures, losing the other two.
The Viola have kept only one clean sheet away from home in 2013, conceding at least two goals in the other away games played in this calendar year.
Cagliari have conceded 33 goals in the second half, and 18 in the last 15 minutes of play - both are negative records in this Serie A campaign.
Fiorentina have netted the most goals following a corner situation in this Serie A (nine).
Luca Toni has scored four goals in four appearances for Fiorentina against Cagliari in Serie A.

Chievo - AC Milan
Chievo have won only two of their 21 previous meetings against AC Milan in Serie A.
The Rossoneri have won their last 12 games against Chievo, conceding only six goals in the process.
Chievo have failed to score in 10 of their 21 previous meetings against AC Milan, while the Rossoneri failed to find the net only once (0-0 in March 2003).
Chievo and AC Milan have shared only two draws so far in the league, including a 1-1 in their first meeting at the Bentegodi in April 2002.
Chievo have won their last two league games against Napoli and Pescara, after they had picked up only one point from their previous five fixtures.
Chievo have lost just one their last 11 home games in Serie A.
AC Milan are still unbeaten in the league in 2013 (8W 3D).
However, Massimiliano Allegri's side have won just two of their last six games on the road, and lost only one of the last 10 away from the San Siro.
Only Lionel Messi (nine) has scored more goals than Mario Balotelli (seven) since February 1st 2013 in the top-5 European Leagues.
Like Balotelli, also Giampaolo Pazzini has netted seven goals in his last seven Serie A appearances.

Genoa - Siena
Genoa have lost their last two Serie A meetings against Siena - previously the Grifoni had recorded four wins and two draws against the Tuscans in the top-flight.
Genoa and Siena have shared two wins each over their four previous meetings at the Marassi in Serie A.
Genoa have lost their last three league fixtures, conceding on average 2.7 goals per game.
Genoa have won three of their last five home games in the league, losing the other two.
Siena have failed to score in three of their last four Serie A fixtures.
Siena have won their last away game (2-1 to Palermo); prior to that win, the Tuscans hadn't won for 11 games in a row away from home (3D 8L).
Siena have conceded goals in each of their last seven away games (15 goals in total).
Siena and Genoa are the two Serie A sides that have made the fewest passes so far: on average 349 per game for the Grifoni, and 352 for the Tuscans.
Siena have managed only 78 shots on target so far - a Serie A league-low.
Juraj Kucka has already made 75 fouls this season, more than any other Serie A player.

Inter - Juventus
Inter's win in the reverse fixture ended Juventus' 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A.
Prior to that game, Juve had won three games in a row in Serie A against Inter.
This will be the 160th meeting between Inter and Juventus in Serie A: the Old Lady lead by 75 wins to 45, with 39 draws so far.
Juventus have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 games played at the San Siro against Inter in the league.
Inter have won only two of their last eight Serie A fixtures, losing three in the process.
Prior to the defeat against Bologna, Inter had remained unbeaten at home for 11 games in a row (7W 4D).
Juventus have lost only one of their last 10 league fixtures (6W 3D).
Buffon & co have kept four clean sheets over the last six match-days of this Serie A campaign.
Juve have never conceded more than a single goal over their last 27 away games in the league.
The Bianconeri are the only side yet to concede a goal in the opening 15 minutes of play this season.
Antonio Cassano has already scored seven goals in Serie A against Juventus, only against Fiorentina he has bagged more so far in the top-flight (eight).

Lazio - Catania
Catania lead by 10 wins to eight in the head to head against Lazio in Serie A, with nine draws.
The Sicilians won their last two meetings against Lazio, without conceding goals.
Catania have scored in each of their last eight Serie A games against Lazio, losing only once in the process.
At the Olimpico, Lazio have suffered only one loss against Catania in the league (6W 6D).
Lazio have won only one of their last nine league games, and lost their last three without scoring a single goal.
Vladimir Petkovic's side have picked up only four points from their last four Serie A fixtures at home, after they had won six in a row at the Olimpico.
Catania have failed to score in three of their last four away games in Serie A, though they won the other one 2-1 to Parma.
Lazio have scored five goals over the nine games played without Miroslav Klose in this Serie A (on average 0.56 per game); with Klose, the Biancocelesti had averaged 1.60 goals per game.

Palermo - Roma
This will be the 50th meeting between Palermo and Roma in Serie A: the Giallorossi lead by 25 wins to 13 so far.
Roma have won their last three meetings against Palermo, conceding only one goal in the process.
In three of their last four games against Roma at the Barbera, the Rosanero scored exactly three goals (two wins for the hosts, one for the guests and a draw in the process).
Palermo are winless in their last 15 Serie A games (7D 8L) - this is their longest winless streak in Serie A since May 1973.
The Sicilians have picked up only three points from their last seven games on home soil.
Roma have taken 13 of the last 15 points available in Serie A, more than any other side over this time frame.
However, the Giallorossi have won only one of their last seven games on the road, losing four.
Since Aurelio Andreazzoli's appointment, Roma have conceded on average 1.17 goals per game, with Zeman they had shippd 1.91 per game.
Palermo have won the fewest games in this competition so far (3).
Roma have scored the most heade goals (15), Palermo have the fewest (2).
Last Sunday, Francesco Totti scored his 226th Serie A goal, overtaking Gunnar Nordahl and becoming the all-time second-best goal scorer in the Italian top-flight.
Totti has scored in five of his last seven appearances against Palermo in Serie A.

Parma - Pescara
These two sides have met only three times so far in Serie A: two wins for Parma in 1992/93 and one for Pescara in the reverse fixture.
In each of these three previous meetings, the winning side didn't concede any goals.
Parma have won only one of their last 10 league fixtures, losing six in the process.
Before beating Torino 4-1, Parma hadn't won at home for four games (2D 2L).
Pescara have picked-up only one point from the last 10 match-days, failing to score on seven of these.
Pescara have conceded 13 goals over their last five away games in Serie A (1D 4L).
Parma have recouped the most points from losing positions in this Serie A campaign (16, alongside Catania).
Alongside Sampdoria, Parma and Pescara are two of the three sides yet to score in the opening 15 minutes of play this season.
Parma's last seven goals have all been scored in the last 20 minutes of play.
Pescara have been cought offside 42 times this season, fewer than any other Serie A side.

Torino - Napoli
Torino and Napoli have recorded more draws against each other than any other Serie A opponent so far (51).
Torino have lost only one of their last 12 meetings against Napoli in Serie A, however eight of these have ended as draws.
The last time Napoli scored more than a single goal in a Serie A match against Torino was December 1990 (16 meetings).
Torino are unbeaten in their last five home meetings against Napoli (three draws, followed by two wins).
At home, the Granata are unbeaten in their last six league fixtures (4W 2D), and conceded only one goal over their last four.
Napoli got back to winning ways last Sunday against Atalanta, following a negative run of five winless games (4D 1L).
Napoli have taken just two points from their last three games on the road, and failed to score in their last two away from the San Paolo.
Edinson Cavani scored a brace last Sunday against Atalanta, after he failed to score for six games in a row in Serie A.
El Matador has reached 20 goals for the third consecutive time since he has been at Napoli.
Rolando Bianchi has found the net in two of his three appearances against Napoli in Serie A.

Udinese - Bologna
Udinese are unbeaten in their last four games against Bologna in Serie A (2W 2D).
The record is exactly the same in their last four meetings at the Friuli.
Udinese have scored in each of their last nine meetings against Bologna in Serie A.
Udinese have won only one of their last five fixtures (2D 2L), but have never scored more than a single goal over the last nine match-days.
After losing their first home game of the season against Juventus, Udinese have remained unbeaten in the league at the Friuli (7W 6D).
Bologna have lost their last game against Juventus, but previously they had won three in a row.
Away from home, Bologna haven't drawn any of their last 16 league games (5W 11L).
Antonio DiNatale has scored in six of his last seven appearances against Bologna in Serie A.
Alberto Gilardino has already scored 13 goals against Udinese, his favourite target in Serie A; however, Gilardino has failed to score in his last four appearances against Udinese.
Alessandro Diamanti has been fouled 120 times so far this season, more than any other player in Serie A.

La Liga Opta Facts: 30 March - 1 April


Rayo Vallecano v Malaga
Rayo have won all seven previous home meetings with Malaga in the top-flight.
The side from Madrid are unbeaten in three home meetings with Andalusian sides in La Liga this season (W2 D1).
Paco Jemez's side have won just one of their last five league games (D1 L3) but have won five of their last six in Vallecas (L1).
Malaga are winless in four league games (D2 L2), they have not endured a worse run since January 2012 (six).
Raul Tamudo, who scored the first goal of his return at the Camp Nou last weekend, scored seven home league goals last season; only Michu (10) netted more for Rayo.
No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets on the road this season than Willy Caballero (six).
Rayo have averaged 57% possession in La Liga this term, a figure beaten only by Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.
Only Barcelona (635) and Real Madrid (342) have completed more short passes per game on average than Malaga (336) this term.
Rayo are one of two teams (with Atletico) who are yet to lose a single point from a winning position at home this season.

Celta Vigo v Barcelona
After winning three successive top-flight meetings with Barcelona at the Balaidos, Celta Vigo have lost their last two against them.
The last time Celta beat Barcelona in the league was in 2003/04, a year the Galician side were relegated to the second tier.
Barcelona have won five successive league games against Celta; they have never won six in a row against them in their league history.
Celta have lost their last three league games; they have not lost four in a row all season.
The Catalans have only won one of their last four away league games, losing twice in this run (2-3 in Anoeta and 1-2 in the Bernabeu).
Lionel Messi has scored in 18 successive league games, though the last time he failed to net was against Celta in the reverse fixture.
Celta will be without Iago Aspas for this game due to suspension; he has been directly involved in 59% of his team's goals this season, a league-high proportion with Leo Messi.
Of all players to have scored more than five goals this season, David Villa has the best shot conversion rate (38%).
Mario Bermejo, joint-second top scorer for Celta this season with Fernandez, has scored three of his four goals this season at the Balaidos and one at the Camp Nou against Barcelona.
Barcelona substitutes have scored 10 goals this season, the most of all teams in La Liga.
Lionel Messi is the only player to have completed over 100 dribbles in La Liga this season (108); Iniesta is second in this regard with just 57.

Zaragoza v Real Madrid
Zaragoza have gone eight successive home league games against Real Madrid without a win (D4 L4), losing each of the last three.
The Whites have averaged 3.7 goals per game over their last seven league meetings with los Manos.
The 6-0 victory recorded by Real Madrid at La Romareda last season is their heaviest victory on the road under Mourinho.
Zaragoza are winless in seven home league games (D3 L4), they have never gone eight in a row within a single top-flight campaign.
Jose Mourinho's side have won six successive league games, their best run of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored four of his six La Liga goals against Zaragoza at La Romareda.
Manolo Jimenez's side have gone 328 minutes without a league goal; Helder Postiga scored their last one back in February.
Raul Gonzalez scored his last league goal for Real Madrid at La Romareda thanks to an assist from his successor to the number seven shirt, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Zaragoza have scored a league-low five goals in the last 15 minutes of games this season, while Real Madrid have conceded a joint-low four in this period.
The Whites have shipped a league-high 22% of their goals to corner situations this season.
Los Manos are the only team in La Liga for whom a substitute has not scored a goal this term.
While Real Madrid have scored a league-high eight goals on the counter attack this season, Zaragoza have netted just once via a fast break all campaign.

Levante v Sevilla
After eight successive defeats against Sevilla in La Primera, Levante have gone three in a row without defeat against them (1W 2D).
Los Granotas have the opportunity to record two consecutive home wins against Sevilla for the first time in their top-flight history after their win in this fixture last season.
Sevilla have won four of their last five trips to the Ciutat de Valencia in La Liga, though they lost the other one last season (1-0).
Levante have drawn three successive league games; they have never drawn four in a row in the top-flight.
The Andalusian side have won just once away from home all season; they last time they recorded fewer in a single campaign, they were relegated (none in 1999/00).
Robert Acquafresca scored his first league goal in Spain against Granada last time out in his first appearance as a substitute (he had started his first two).
Alvaro Negredo has equalled Michu as the top scoring Spaniard in any of the top five European leagues this season (15 goals).
Levante have gained a league-high 12 points from losing positions on home soil this season.
Jesus Navas is the only player in Europe's top five leagues to have had over 50 shots without scoring this term (59 including blocks).

Real Valladolid v Osasuna
After going 10 games without a win against Osasuna in the top-flight, Valladolid won the reverse fixture this season (1-0).
Valladolid are winless in five home games against the Reds in La Liga, however (D3 L2).
Two of the last three top-flight meetings between these two sides in the Jose Zorilla have ended goalless.
Valladolid have only won one of their last eight league games (D4 L3) and that was away from home (2-1 in Vallecas).
Osasuna have lost three successive league games; they last lost four in a row in April 2011.
Valladolid have won just one of 14 league games without Patrick Ebert this season (6D 6L). Their win percentage with him in the team is 53% this season, and it drops to 8% when he is missing.
Mendilibar's side have the worst shot conversion rate in La Liga this season (8.16%).
Oscar has directly contributed to 40% of Real Valladolid's goals this season, but he has not scored since their last home win (2-0 v Zaragoza in January).
Osasuna are the only team in La Liga who are yet to claim a single point having conceded the first goal this season.

Mallorca v Deportivo
Mallorca have only lost one of their last seven home clashes with Depor in La Liga (2W 4D).
The Islanders have conceded just one goal in their last five home top-flight meetings with Deportivo combined.
Deportivo have won two successive league games against Mallorca; they have never won three in a row against them in the top-flight.
Mallorca have won two of their last three league games (1L), scoring exactly twice in all three outings.
After three defeats and a draw, Fernando Vazquez recorded his first win as Deportivo manager in the Galician derby last weekend (3-1).
Alejandro Alfaro has scored the same number of goals as Leo Messi in March 2013 (four); only Negredo has more (five).
Only Valencia (12) have scored more headed goals than Mallorca this season (11).
Juan Carlos Valeron has made six assists this season; his best total in a La Liga season since 2004/05.
Mallorca have conceded a league-high 11 goals from outside the area.

Espanyol v Real Sociedad
Espanyol have only lost one of their last 11 clashes with Real Sociedad in the top-flight (W6 D4) and that was in San Sebastian (1-0 in 2010).
The Basque side are without a win in six trips to Espanyol in La Liga (3L), though they have drawn three of these games.
Javier Aguirre is unbeaten in La Liga on home soil as Espanyol manager, winning five and drawing two of seven games.
Real Sociedad are unbeaten in 10 league games (6W 4D), their best top-flight run without defeat since the season they finished second (19 in 2002/03).
Sergio Garcia has scored five goals this season, all of which have come with Javier Aguirre at the helm.
Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have participated in more goals than Carlos Vela in 2013 (five goals, five assists).
Philippe Montanier is looking to become the first manager in Real Sociedad's top-flight history to record four successive away wins.
Victor Sanchez has been booked in six of his last eight league appearances.
Espanyol have conceded the most fouls in La Liga this season (484), while Real Sociedad have conceded the second-fewest (323).

Atletico Madrid v Valencia
Atletico Madrid have accumulated five successive games against Valencia without winning in the league (D2 L3), their worst run since promotion in 2002/03.
Valencia have only lost three of their last seven trips to the Calderon in La Liga (2W 2D).
Valencia are one of four teams who Atleti have not beaten in La Liga under Diego Simeone, together with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Mallorca (minimum two games).
Atletico have not lost two successive home games since February 2011, when they lost against Valencia (1-2).
Ernesto Valverde's side have lost only one of their last eight league games (4W 3D), though this was in their last away game (0-1 in the San Mames).
Diego Costa has participated in more goals than any other Atleti player in the year 2013 (four goals, one assist).
Atletico have conceded the joint-fewest headed goals in La Liga this season (two, level with Barcelona) while Valencia have scored the most (12).
Diego Simeone's side have scored the most goals from set pieces this season (25) and conceded the fewest (four).

Athletic v Granada
After their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, Athletic have the opportunity to record consecutive top-flight wins over Granada for the first time since 1970.
The Lions have won 15 of their 18 previous Liga meetings with Granada in the San Mames.
Granada have only ever won twice at the Cathedral in La Liga, both by a 1-0 scoreline (1972/73 and last season).
Marcelo Bielsa's side have not won two successive home league games this season.
Granada have gone five games without a win in the league (3L) though they have drawn their last two.
Athletic have only taken one penalty in the league all season, and that was scored by Aduriz in the reverse clash against Granada.
Guillherme Siqueira is the top scorer for Granada since their promotion but nine of his 11 goals have been from the penalty spot.
Athletic have conceded a league-high 26 goals from set pieces this season.
Granada are the only team yet to lose a point from a winning position on the road this season (four games in front, four wins).

Real Betis v Getafe
Betis have only won one of their last six league meetings with Getafe (L1), though they have drawn four of those games.
The Blues have only won one of their six visits to Heliopolis in La Liga (D3 L2): 0-2 in May 2007.
Getafe have netted exactly twice in four of their six visits to Sevilla to face Real Betis in La Liga.
Betis have won their last two home league games; they have not won three in a row since their promotion.
Luis Garcia's side are unbeaten in five league games (4W 1D), they have not gone six without defeat since January last year.
With his goal against Osasuna, Ruben Castro overtook Joaquin as the top scoring Spaniard for Real Betis in this century.
Only Barcelona (38) have scored more goals via Spanish players than Getafe (34) in La Liga this season.
Betis are the only team in La Liga who are yet to lose a point following a goal conceded in the final 10 minutes this season.
Borja, who scored the winner in the victory over Athletic last time out, has been booked in four of the last five La Liga gameweeks.

SPL Opta facts: March 30 - April 1


Aberdeen v Hearts
Hearts are unbeaten in nine SPL clashes with Aberdeen, winning six.
Aberdeen have won just one but lost only one of their last six SPL matches at Pittodrie.
No side have conceded fewer goals in the opening 30 minutes of matches this season than Aberdeen (5; level with Celtic).
No side have battled back to win fewer points from losing positions than Hearts this season (3; level with Kilmarnock).
No-one has picked up fewer points from their last 10 games than both Aberdeen and Hearts (both eight points).

Dundee v Motherwell
Dundee have won just three of their 15 home league games this season (D3 L9).
Motherwell's Michael Higdon has scored eight times in the Scottish Premier League in 2013. No player has bagged more.
Dundee have scored just two headed goals this season, a low for the SPL.
The Well have conceded a league-high 12 headed goals this season.
Motherwell have tasted defeat in just nine of the 17 games that they have gone behind in this season.

Hibernian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Hibernian have won none of their last four SPL matches at Easter Road (D3 L1).
No side have scored more headed goals than Inverness Caledonian Thistle this season (12; level with Celtic).
Caley have conceded 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes of their league matches this season; a high for the SPL.
Hibs are unbeaten in their last four clashes with ICT at Easter Road; but they have won only one of those.
Just two of Hibernian's 10 SPL victories this season have been managed without a goal from Leigh Griffiths.

Ross County v Kilmarnock
Only Celtic (22) have picked up more points from their last 10 SPL games than Ross County (21).
Kilmarnock have lost just one of their last six SPL matches (W2 D3).
65% of Ross County's goals this season (26 of 38) have been scored in the second half of games.
Kilmarnock have scored in 26 of their 30 SPL games this season; with two of the failures coming against Dundee.
No side have kept more clean sheets this season than Ross County (13).

St Mirren v Celtic
St Mirren have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six home league matches.
The Bhoys have struck 19 times in the final 15 minutes of games this season; more than any other SPL team.
St Mirren have just scored five times in the opening 30 minutes of their matches this season.
Celtic have won 69% of games this season when Gary Hooper has played and just 40% when he hasn't.
Neil Lennon's side have won none of their last three away games in the SPL (D1 L2).

St Johnstone v Dundee United
St Johnstone are unbeaten in seven home league games (W4 D3); winning four of their last five.
United have won just one of their last five league games on the road (D2 L2).
St Johnstone have netted just once in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season; a league-low.
The Arabs have drawn each of their last four SPL matches; matching the longest drawing runs of the season.
United are unbeaten in five games (W1 D4); the current longest running unbeaten run in the SPL (as well Inverness).

Premier League Opta Facts: 30 March - 1 April


Sunderland v Manchester United
Sunderland have won just one of their previous 23 Premier League games against Manchester United, losing 17.
Manchester United are Sunderland's least favourite opponents in the Premier League, with the Black Cats' win percentage (4.4%) their lowest against any side in the competition.
Sunderland have won only two points (D2 L7) from a possible 27 in their last nine Premier League home games against the Red Devils.
Manchester United have conceded only one goal in their last 572 minutes of Premier League football against Sunderland.
Of the 28 sides to have played at least 25 Premier League games in the month of March, Sunderland (0.90) have the worst points per game ratio.
Wayne Rooney has scored (12) or assisted (9) 21 goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season for Manchester United.
Sunderland have collected only three points (D3 L4) in their last seven Premier League matches.
Manchester United have not picked up a single card in any of their last four Premier League games. They've never gone five successive PL games without being given a card.
On average, Manchester United score their first goal of the game after 26 minutes - earlier than any other side in the Premier League this season.
Manchester United have won 47 of a possible 51 points in their last 17 Premier League games (W15 D2).

Arsenal v Reading
Arsenal have won all 11 of their previous competitive meetings with Reading, including two wins already this season.
The two meetings between Arsenal and Reading in 2012-13 already have seen 19 goals scored; with Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla each scoring hat-tricks for Arsenal over these meetings.
Reading have conceded more Premier League goals against Arsenal (16) than versus any other opponent in the competition.
No side have faced more shots at goal in the top five European Leagues this season than Reading (531).
Arsenal have averaged the highest possession figure in the Premier League this season (57.9%), while Reading have the lowest (39.4%).
Reading have lost five successive Premier League games; two away from the worst run seen this season in the Premier League, set by the Royals (seven games).
The Gunners are yet to lose a Premier League game that they have taken the lead in this season (W14 D2).
If only the second half of Premier League games counted this season, Arsenal would be top of the league by four points. If games ended at half-time, they'd be 12th in the table.
The Gunners have won 36% of Premier League games this season without Jack Wilshere in the side, compared to 56% with him.
Arsenal have conceded only two goals after the 75th minute of Premier League games this season; a league-low.

Manchester City v Newcastle United
Manchester City have won 10 and drawn two of their last 12 Premier League matches against the Magpies and will be looking for their seventh successive PL victory over them in this game.
Only against Aston Villa (18) have Manchester City won more Premier League games than versus Newcastle (14).
Yaya Touré has scored three of City's last five Premier League goals against Newcastle - against no other side has the Ivorian netted as many goals (3) in the competition.
Carlos Tevez has scored four goals in his last six Premier League appearances against Newcastle United.
Newcastle United have already used 31 players in the Premier League this season; more than any other side.
Only Reading (5) have won fewer points away from home in the Premier League this term than Newcastle United (8).
15 of Reading's 35 Premier League goals this season (43%) have been scored after the 75th minute of the match; a league-high.
Newcastle have conceded a league-high 15 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season.
The Magpies have only ever won one Premier League match in the city of Manchester (P32 W1 D11 L20); this coming back in September 2000 at Maine Road v Man City (1-0).
After dropping only six points in their previous 36 home matches in the Premier League, Manchester City have dropped seven points in their last seven games at the Etihad.

Southampton v Chelsea
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Southampton (W4 D3).
Frank Lampard has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Southampton.
After netting his 200th Chelsea goal in his last match for the Blues, Lampard is only two away from Bobby Tambling's all-time Chelsea goal record (202).
Demba Ba has scored three goals from four shots on target for Chelsea against Southampton in all competitions this season.
Only three players have created the most goalscoring chances from open play in the top five European Leagues than Rickie Lambert (62).
Morgan Schneiderlin has made more tackles (121) and interceptions (112) than any other player in the Premier League this term.
Juan Mata is the only Premier League player to have reach double figures for goals (10) and assists (10) this season.
Chelsea have scored the first goal of the game on 19 occasions this season; a Premier League high.
Eden Hazard has had a hand in six goals (four goals, two assists) in his last seven Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
Chelsea have conceded a league-high proportion (70%) of their goals in the second half of matches this season. Their tally of goals conceded in the first half (9) is a Premier League low.

Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have won three and drawn one of their last four competitive meetings with Swansea. The last time that Swansea defeated Spurs was back in September 1991 in the League Cup.
Swansea failed to attempt a single shot on target in their last game (versus Arsenal) - only the third time that they have not managed one in a Premier League match.
No player has scored more goals from outside the area in the top five European Leagues this season than Gareth Bale (six - level with Lionel Messi).
The Swans have not won any of the 16 Premier League games that they have fallen behind in this season (D6 L10).
No player has scored more Premier League goals in home games this season than Michu (10), although he has netted just twice in his last five games at the Liberty Stadium.
Only Manchester United (32) have won more points away from home in the Premier League this season than Tottenham Hotspur (26).
Spurs have netted 69% of their goals in the second half of Premier League matches this season; a league-high proportion.
Swansea City have scored just four goals from set-piece situations in the Premier League this season; a league-low.
The Swans have, however, conceded the highest number of goals from set-piece situations this season (18).
Tottenham have conceded more goals in the 90th minute or later than any other Premier League side this season (6).

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
The last four Premier League meetings between these two sides have ended in a draw.
West Bromwich Albion have won only four of their 38 Premier League trips to London (D9 L25), with only one of these victories coming in the last 13 (D5 L7).
The Hammers have suffered five defeats in their last seven Premier League games (W2).
Should West Brom win this match, they'll equal their best-ever points tally in the Premier League (47 points; set in 2010-11 and 2011-12).
Romelu Lukaku has scored seven and assisted one of West Brom's last 12 Premier League goals.
West Ham's last 15 Premier League goals have been scored by 11 different players (inc. own goals).
Andy Carroll has scored just nine goals in 60 Premier League appearances since leaving Newcastle United in January 2011. He had netted more for Newcastle (11) in his 19 appearances for them in the first half of the 2010-11 season.
Jussi Jääskeläinen has been forced in to making 121 saves in the Premier League this season; more than any other goalkeeper.
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster has a save percentage of 74.8% in the Premier League this season; higher than any other English goalkeeper, including Joe Hart (64.4%).
West Ham have scored in 13 of their last 14 Premier League games at Upton Park.

Wigan Athletic v Norwich City
Norwich City are one of only three clubs (alongside Watford and Swansea) that Wigan have never defeated in the Premier League.
Both sides have scored in each of the previous three meetings between Norwich City and Wigan Athletic.
Wes Hoolahan has scored in all three of Norwich City's Premier League games against Wigan Athletic. These three goals have earned Norwich City four points in these matches.
No side has drawn more games 0-0 in the Premier League in 2012-13 than Norwich City (6).
No player has committed more fouls in the Premier League this season than Grant Holt (67), this after he committed the most in the league last season (89).
Wigan have conceded the first goal of the game on 18 occasions this season (a joint league-high) and have won just one of these matches (D2 L15).
No side has won fewer points at home in the Premier League this season than Wigan Athletic (13).
Norwich City have won just one of their last 17 Premier League away games (W1 D8 L8).
The Canaries have scored just one goal in their last four Premier League away games; Wes Hoolahan's goal at Sunderland in their last match.
Wigan's nine Premier League games in 2013 have seen 34 goals scored (3.8 a game on average).

Everton v Stoke City
Everton have won just one (D4 L2) of their last seven Premier League games against Stoke City, with the Toffees netting just four goals in these matches.
Everton (12) and Stoke City (13) have drawn 25 Premier League games between them this season.
On the day of this game, Everton will have suffered only one Premier League home defeat in the last year (W12 D6 L1).
Stoke City (5) have picked up fewer points in 2013 so far than any other team in the Premier League.
The Potters have failed to score in more Premier League games than any other side this season (13).
Everton have used fewer players than any other Premier League team this season (23).
Everton have scored the highest proportion of goals in the first half of matches in the Premier League this season (57%).
Stoke City have scored the most goals (3) and mustered the most goalscoring chances (17) following throw-ins in the Premier League this season.
Tony Pulis' side have scored just one goal from outside the box this season in the Premier League; fewer than any other side.
Stoke City have won only one of their last 24 Premier League games away from home (W1 D9 L14) and have lost their last five successive away trips in the competition.

Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa have lost just one of their last four Premier League games against Liverpool and won 3-1 away at Anfield earlier this season.
Paul Lambert has won all three of his Premier League games against Brendan Rodgers; against no other manager has he secured as many wins.
Steven Gerrard has scored 10 Premier League goals against Aston Villa; more than against any other opponent.
Gerrard has played every single minute (2700) of Liverpool's Premier League season so far - Matt Lowton (Aston Villa) and Leighton Baines (Everton) are the only other outfield players to have achieved this in 2012-13.
Christian Benteke has scored eight goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, and he netted twice against Liverpool earlier this season.
Benteke has scored 11 and assisted three of Aston Villa's last 21 Premier League goals.
Luis Suárez has scored 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
Andreas Weimann has scored two and assisted two in his last four Premier League appearances.
Aston Villa have not won three successive Premier League matches since April 2010.
Aston Villa have seen their opposition hit the woodwork on five occasions in total in their last four Premier League games.
Luis Suárez has embarked on 249 dribbles in the Premier League this season; 105 more than any other player.

Fulham v Queens Park Rangers
QPR have won just one of their last seven competitive meetings with Fulham (L5 D1), but this victory came earlier this season (2-1) at Loftus Road.
Fulham defeated Queens Park Rangers 6-0 at Craven Cottage in their last meeting there; both QPR's record defeat and Fulham's joint-record win in the Premier League.
Adel Taraabt scored both of QPR's goals in the 2-1 win over Fulham earlier this season; the only side that the Moroccan has scored more than once against in the Premier League.
Queens Park Rangers have converted just 9.2% of their shots into goals this season; the lowest proportion in the Premier League.
The Whites have come from behind to win only four points in the Premier League this season; fewer than any other side.
Dimitar Berbatov has scored in three successive Premier League appearances for the first time since December 2011. He has never netted in four successive PL apps.
Jermaine Jenas has scored in two successive appearances in the Premier League. On the last occasion that he did this (February 2007), he went on to net in three successive games.
Fulham have won fewer points (8) than any other side in Premier League London derbies this season, but defeated Spurs in their last match.
There have been just 13 goals scored in QPR's eight Premier League London derbies this season; an average of 1.63 per game.
QPR have lost just three of their eight Premier League away games under Harry Redknapp (W2 D3).

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