OPTA Facts - Champions League Last 16, Second leg

Juventus - Celtic
Juventus and Celtic have met five times in the past, with three wins for the Italian club and two for the Hoops.
Juventus have lost only one of their last 20 Champions League games at home (1-4 v Bayern Munich, December 2009), winning 13 and drawing six. They have kept clean sheets in 13 of those games.
Celtic have never won an away game in Italy (six defeats, three draws).
No side has ever overturned a 3-0 deficit at home in the first-leg in the history of the Champions League.
The last three competitive encounters between Celtic and Juventus have produced 15 goals.
Juventus are unbeaten in the Champions League this season, having produced three draws followed by four wins.
Juventus haven't conceded a goal in their last 400 minutes in the Champions League, the longest run in the competition this season.
In the first leg, Celtic had the most shots (17) and their highest possession ratio (53.4%) in the Champions League this season and yet suffered their heaviest defeat of the 2012/13 campaign.
Celtic have the joint-worst defensive record among the 16 teams left in the Champions League this season (11 goals conceded, alongside Arsenal).
Georgios Samaras has scored in each of his three away games in the Champions League this season.

Paris SG - Valencia
PSG became the first French team to beat Valencia at Mestalla in the first leg.
PSG also ended Valencia's unbeaten run of 17 games against French clubs.
No French club has ever kept a clean sheet against Valencia in European competition (19 games).
PSG have won their last five Champions League games, the best run currently. It's PSG's longest streak in the competition since 1994/95.
PSG are unbeaten at home in their last 22 games in European competition, qualifiers included (15 wins, 7draws). 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 last 20 home games in the Champions League (75%). Only Monaco (76%) have a better ratio among teams with at least 10 home games in the competition.
PSG have conceded only four goals in seven Champions League games this season, the joint-best defensive record in the competition.
All 16 of PSG's goals in the Champions League this season have been scored from inside the box.
Ezequiel Lavezzi has scored four goals in his last three Champions League games. He's PSG's top scorer in the competition this season.

Borussia Dortmund - Shakhtar Donetsk
Borussia Dortmund are one of three teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season with Juventus and Schalke.
No Ukrainian team has ever beaten Borussia Dortmund in European competition (including qualifiers) (five losses, two draws).
Borussia Dortmund have won all three of their home games in the Champions League this season, conceding only one goal.
Shakhtar Donetsk have only lost once in their four trips to Germany in European competition (two wins, one draw), against Eintracht Frankfurt (0-3) in UEFA Cup in October 1980.
This is only the second time Shakhtar have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League after 2010/11 when they were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Shakhtar are unbeaten in their last five encounters with German clubs in European competition (three wins, two draws).
11 of Shakhtar's last 12 goals in the Champions League have been scored by Brazilian players (Texeira (2), Fernandinho (1), Willian (4), Luiz Adriano (3), Douglas Costa (1)).
Shakhtar have scored in 11 of their last 12 away games in European competition (23 goals overall).
Mario Götze is involved in four of Dortmund's last six goals in the Champions League (one goal, three assists).
Shakhtar's Fernandinho has completed the most dribbles in the Champions League this season (27).
All three of Marco Reus' Champions League goals this season have came away from home for Borussia Dortmund.
Of the teams left in the competition only Celtic (66.0%) have a worse passing accuracy in the opposition's half than Borussia Dortmund (71.9%).

Manchester Utd - Real Madrid
Real Madrid are one of two Spanish teams to have beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League (Deportivo La Coruña won 3-2, 19 April 2000).
The Red Devils have only lost once in their last 14 Champions League home games (nine wins, four draws), the last one against CFR Cluj during the group stage this season.
The two Champions League encounters between Manchester Utd and Real Madrid at Old Trafford have produced 12 goals.
Lyon were the last team to knock Real Madrid out at the last 16 stage in the Champions League, back in 2009/10 (0-1, 1-1).
Manchester United have conceded three goals in each of their two home games against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Real Madrid have only won once in their last five away games in England in the Champions League (two draws, two defeats), against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in April 2011.
Real Madrid have only failed to score once in their last 32 Champions League games, against Barcelona in Santiago Bernabeu in April 2011.
Real Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League this season (10 goals conceded).
Manchester United have had their woodwork rattled six times, the most of any side in the tournament this season.
Real Madrid have had the most shots in this season's Champions League (154, that's 56 more than Manchester Utd).
Alex Ferguson has only won twice in his 15 competitive encounters against José Mourinho (seven draws, six defeats).
Only Didier Drogba has scored more headed goals (8) than Cristiano Ronaldo (7) in the Champions League since 2003/04.
Angel Di Maria's four assists in CL 2012/13 have all been delivered against Manchester teams (3 against City, 1 against United).
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in 23 Champions League games at Old Trafford. He has 16 goals in 18 games at the Bernabeu.

Week 2

Malaga - Porto
Porto are unbeaten in their last eight Champions League games against Spanish opposition (four wins, four draws). Real Madrid are the last Spanish side to beat Porto in Europe's premier competition, in October 2003.
Malaga have only lost two of their 25 games in European competition, qualifiers included. Both those defeats were in Porto: against Boavista back in March 2003 (UEFA Cup quarter-finals) and FC Porto in the first-leg.
Malaga are winless in their last four Champions League games, the longest current drought among the teams still left in the competition.
Malaga only had two shots in the first leg against Porto, the fewest attempts in a Champions League game this season.
Porto have conceded only four goals in seven games, the best defensive record in the Champions League this season alongside Juventus and PSG.
Porto have kept the most clean sheets in the Champions League this season (5).
Malaga are the only team yet to concede a first-half goal in the Champions League this season.
Porto last reached the quarter finals of the Champions League in 2008/09.
Porto have won none of their last six away games the Champions League knockout stages, their last win on the road dating back to the semi-finals in May 2004 against Deportivo La Coruna.

Bayern Munich - Arsenal
Bayern Munich are the top scorers in this season's Champions League (18 goals).
The only English team to beat Bayern Munich away from home in Europe (penalties excluded) are Norwich City, back in October 1993 (UEFA Cup).
Bayern Munich have won all three of their home games in the competition this season (12 goals, three conceded).
Bayern Munich have never lost by more than two clear goals at home in the Champions League.
Arsenal have only ever won once in Germany in the Champions League despite travelling there eight times. It was in September 2006 against Hamburg (2-1).
Arsenal have lost their two previous away games against Bayern Munich (one goal scored, four conceded).
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have met five times in the Champions League, with the Bavarians winning three times, Arsenal once and the other one ending in a draw.
Bayern Munich have scored in each of their last 13 Champions League games, the last team to stop them from netting being Basel in February 2012.
Arsenal have only kept one clean sheet in their last 23 Champions League games away from home.
Arsenal have the joint-worst defensive record among the 16 teams left in the Champions League this season (11 goals conceded, alongside Celtic).
Arsenal have had the fewest shots among the 16 teams left in the Champions League this season (57).
Bayern Munich have attempted the most crosses in the Champions League this season (217). All three of their goals in the first leg against Arsenal came from crosses.
Bayern Munich have had 10 different goalscorers in the Champions League this season, more than any other side.
Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (5) has delivered more assists than Olivier Giroud and Philipp Lahm (4) in the Champions League this season.
Lukas Podolski has scored four goals from four shots on target in the Champions League this season.

Schalke - Galatasaray
Schalke are one of three teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season with Borussia Dotrmund and Juventus.
Galatasaray hadn't reached the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2000/01 when they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Schalke have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the third time after 2007/08 and 2010/11. Both times, they made it at least to the quarter-finals.
Galatasaray are unbeaten in their last five Champions League games (three wins, two draws).
Galatasaray have won their last two away games in the Champions League (against Cluj and Braga).
Galatasaray have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 away games in the Champions League.
Schalke are unbeaten against Turkish opposition (two wins, three draws).
Schalke have drawn the most games in this season's Champions League (4).
Schalke have never failed to score in the Champions League this season.
Galatasaray have scored only eight goals in seven Champions League games this season, the lowest among the 16 teams still left in the competition.
Burak Yilmaz has scored seven of Galatasaray's eight goals in the Champions League this season. He is the joint-top scorer in the competition with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona - AC Milan
The last time Barcelona exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage was in 2006/07. It was against Liverpool.
Barcelona have failed to score in their last two Champions League games for the first time since April 2008.
Barcelona have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six knockout games in the Champions League at Camp Nou (four wins, two draws).
AC Milan's last victory against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League was in September 2000 (2-0). Since then, they've had two draws and two defeats.
AC Milan have conceded at least three goals in four of their last six away games in the Champions League knockout stages.
AC Milan have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight away games in the Champions League.
AC Milan's last away win the Champions League knockout stages was against Bayern Munich in April 2007 (2-0).
Barcelona (5,447) have completed 3,251 more passes than AC Milan (2,196) in the Champions League this season.
AC Milan's last seven goals in the Champions League have all been in the second-half.
Lionel Messi only made one touch inside the opposition box in the first leg and didn't get a single shot on target.
Stephan El Shaarawy has been directly involved in four of Milan's last eight goals in the Champions League (two goals, two assists).

SPL Opta Facts – Mar 5th & 6th

Dundee v St Mirren
Dundee are without a league win in 14 games, losing 10 (D4).
St Mirren have won just one of their last four games, losing two, drawing one and failing to score in three of those fixtures.
Dundee have lost 19 of the 20 games in which they have fallen behind this season; a league high.
St Mirren have scored 22 goals in the second half of matches this season, equating to 67% of their total haul, a proportion only Ross County can better.
Dundee have netted 67% of their goals in the first half of matches; by far the highest proportion in the league.

Hearts v St Johnstone
The Saints have enjoyed just three wins in their last nine games in the SPL against Hearts (D2 L4).
Hearts have lost their last five in the league, conceding 13 goals in the process.
Both teams have conceded eight goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches; the lowest total in the SPL in that period.
St Johnstone have scored just one goal in the opening fifteen minutes of games; the lowest haul in the league.
Hearts have conceded a league-low 46% of their goals in the second half of SPL games (19 goals).

Championship Opta Facts – March 5th

Birmingham v Blackpool
Blackpool have won only twice in their last 13 games (D4 L7), and are yet to win under new manager Paul Ince (D2 L1).
Birmingham winger Chris Burke has scored four goals in his last six appearances in the league.
The Tangerines have gone four games without a win (D2 L2) and have failed to score in any of those matches.
Birmingham's Curtis Davies has scored two goals in his last two appearances against Blackpool (including last season's play-offs).
Birmingham have won just one of their last five in the league (D2 L2).

Bristol City v Brighton
Brighton have won their last three games against Bristol City, without conceding a goal, but prior to that the Robins had won their last three against the Seagulls (all
competitions).
Bristol City are one of four teams (Hull, Ipswich, Blackburn), who are yet to receive a red card this season.
City have won their last four home games, with Jon Stead scoring three goals in his last four appearances at Ashton Gate.
Leonardo Ulloa was the first Brighton player to score a hat-trick this season, when he bagged three against Huddersfield. The Uruguayan has scored four in his last three games.

Burnley v Barnsley
After going six unbeaten in the league, the Tykes have lost their last two games, conceding eight goals in the process, although they've also managed to score five in those two
losses.
Before beating Charlton at the weekend, The Clarets had gone six games without a win (D2 L4) and have failed to win in their last three fixtures at Turf Moor (D1 L2).
Barnsley have scored 72% of their goals in the second half (31 of 43); a league high proportion.
Burnley have conceded the majority of their goals in the second half (63%; 29 of 46).

Cardiff v Derby
Cardiff are unbeaten in five games against Derby (W4 D1), scoring 12 goals in the process.
In the 13 games the Welsh side have gone ahead at home this season, they've managed to win every time.
The Rams have the joint lowest total for away wins this season with just three to their name.
Derby have gone six games without a win in the Championship (D3 L3).

Huddersfield v Middlesbrough
Huddersfield have lost 12 points from winning positions at home this season, a total only beaten by Wolves (19) and Charlton (14).
Middlesbrough have scored 61% of their goals in the second half (33 of 54), with 10 of their last 14 league goals being scored in the second half of matches.
James Vaughan has scored three goals in his last four games for the Terriers.
Middlesbrough have scored 17 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, a total only bettered by Blackpool (18) this season.

Leicester v Leeds
Leicester have kept 14 clean sheets this season, seven of them coming at home.
The Foxes have won just once in their last five in the league (D1 L3), prior to that they picked up five consecutive wins.
After going three games without a win (D1 L2), Leeds have kept three clean sheets in a row, winning two of those three (D1).
Leeds have conceded 73% of their goals in the second half (35 of 48), a league high proportion.

Millwall v Wolves
The Lions have lost eight of their last 12 games (W2 D2).
Only one side has picked up fewer points than Millwall (7: W2 D1 L7) from their last ten games; Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have picked up five points from 30 (D5 L5).
Wolves have gone 12 games without a win in the league (D5 L7); their last win came on the road, when they beat Blackpool 2-1.
Millwall are yet to pick up any points from losing positions at the New Den. They are the only side yet to claw back points at home.

Nottm Forest v Ipswich
In the last five meetings, 16 goals have been scored, averaging at 3.2 goals per game.
The Reds also hold a slight edge in recent years, winning five of the last six (L1).
Since the return of Billy Davies as manager, Forest have won three in their last five (D1 L1).
Having failed to find the back of the net all season, Reds playmaker Radoslaw Majewski has scored five goals in his last three games.

Peterborough v Charlton
The Addicks have won their last five games against the Posh, with midfielder Johnnie Jackson scoring three goals in his last three appearances in this match.
Peterborough's Dwight Gayle was the second player to score a hat-trick for the club this season, after bagging three against Blackburn at the weekend (Leicester are the only
club other club to have seen two players score hat-tricks).
The Posh have picked up just five points from losing positions this season; a joint-league low.
Both Charlton and Peterborough have conceded 67% of their goals in the second half of matches (only Leeds have conceded a higher percentage).

Watford v Sheff Wed
Watford are unbeaten in six (W4 D2), and currently sit top of the form table, picking up 23 points from their last 10 games.
Sheffield Wednesday have only lost twice in their last 10 league games (W4 D4).
Watford have scored a joint league-high 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes of Championship games this season.
There have been 19 goals scored in the last five meetings between the two sides, averaging at 3.8 goals per game.

Bolton v Blackburn
The Trotters have beaten Blackburn four times in their last five meetings, winning 2-1 every time.
Rovers have gone four games without a win in the league (D1 L3), conceding eight goals in the process.
Bolton are unbeaten in six in the league (W4 D2), with on-loan defender Craig Dawson scoring four goals in his last three for the club.
Bolton have lost 26 points from winning positions this season, a league high.

Crystal Palace v Hull
The last five meetings between the sides have seen four games end in draws, three of which have been scoreless.
Hull City have lost only five points from leading positions in the Championship this term; a league-low.
Hull's Egyptian striker Gedo has scored five goals in his last five appearances.
Palace have won five of their last 10 games (D2 L3).

04.03. (Mon) 21:00 Aston Villa - Manchester City

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ASTON VILLA
Guzan
Lowton, Baker, Clark, Bennett
Westwood, Delph
Wiemann, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor
Benteke

MANCHESTER CITY
Hart
Zabaleta, K.Toure, Nastasic, Clichy
Rodwell, Garcia
Milner, Y. Toure, Silva
Aguero

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has both Marc Albrighton (ankle) and Richard Dunne (groin) out but Shay Given, Ron Vlaar and Darren Bent could all return after missing the club's defeat to Arsenal last Saturday.

Elsewhere, Chris Herd is still sidelined with an ankle strain, while Craig Gardner is a long-term absentee with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will definitely be without Brazilian defender Maicon who is sidelined with a knee injury, while Vincent Kompany may miss the fixture due to a calf problem. Gareth Barry and Micah Richards are all nearing returns to fitness and could make the bench.

Jack Rodwell may continue in midfield, while Carlos Tevez will be fighting for a starting place after netting against Chelsea last Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Aston Villa have scored just 26 league goals all season, which is less than the return of 29 goals scored by Manchester City trio Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez.

Villa have conceded 52 goals in the top flight all campaign, which is the worst defensive record in the league.
Aston Villa have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last 10 games in the Premier League.

Paul Lambert's side have lost all eight league encounters where they have been behind at half-time.

Manchester City boast the best defensive record in the league this season with 12 clean sheets and 24 goals conceded overall.

City have won 14 of the 16 games where strike duo Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez have started together.

Roberto Mancini's side have failed to score in just four of their 27 games in the Premier League. City are 9/1 to beat Aston Villa 3-0 with bet365.

Their previous meeting this season ended 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium following David Silva's strike, and two goals each from Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.

03.03. (Sun) 17:00 Tottenham - Arsenal

Probable lineups

TOTTENHAM
H. Lloris
K. Walker • M. Dawson • J. Vertonghen • B. Assou-Ekotto
S. Parker • M. Dembélé
A. Lennon • G. Bale • L. Holtby
E. Adebayor

ARSENAL
W. Szczęsny
L. Koscielny • P. Mertesacker • T. Vermaelen • Nacho Monreal
Arteta • J. Wilshere
T. Walcott • Cazorla • L. Podolski
O. Giroud

Clint Dempsey (calf) only has a small change of featuring for Spurs after missing the 3-2 win over West Ham on Monday, although Tom Huddlestone (knee) should be back to compete for a place in the hosts' starting XI.

Younes Kaboul (knee) should still be out for Andre Villas-Boas' side with no set return date yet, while Sandro (knee) is out for the season.

Bacary Sagna (knee) is expected to miss out for the Gunners, with youngster Carl Jenkinson set to replace him at right-back.

Abou Diaby (thigh) is 50/50 for the clash after coming off during the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on 23 February, while Kieran Gibbs (thigh) is definitely out after being forced off during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on 30 January.

DID YOU KNOW?
Tottenham have lost only one of their last seven Premier League home games against bitter rivals Arsenal.
Spurs have been in a winning position in both of their last two games against the Gunners, but have gone on to lose each game 5-2.

Gareth Bale is only the eighth different Tottenham player to score over 15 Premier League goals in a season.
Andre Villas-Boas' side have scored 11 goals from outside the area - more than any other top flight side this season.

Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale are the only players from Europe's big five leagues to score six league goals from outside the box this campaign.

Spurs had 13 shots on target against West Ham on Monday - only Chelsea (15 vs Aston Villa) have had more in a league game this season.

Arsenal have 13 points from the past five Premier League games - a total only equalled by league leaders Manchester United.

Olivier Giroud has had 26 headed attempts at goal this season - more than any other player in the Premier League.

No side in the top five European Leagues has averaged fewer fouls per game than Spurs (9.7) or Arsenal (9.8) this season.

Theo Walcott is 13/2 to score the first goal in the game with bet365.

03.03. (Sun) 15:30 1899 Hoffenheim - Bayern Munchen

PROBABLE LINEUPS

HOFFENHEIM
Gomes
Ochs, Abraham, Vestergaard, Johnson
Weis, Williams
Schrock, Volland, Usami
De Camargo

BAYERN
Neuer
Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba
Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger
Muller, Kroos, Ribery
Gomez

Bayern Munich are set to make two changes from the side that overcame Borussia Dortmund in midweek. Luiz Gustavo is set to get a rare start against his old club in the place of Javi Martinez, and Mario Gomez could replace Mario Mandzukic up front.

Holger Badstuber, Rafinha and Claudio Pizarro, however, remain injured.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are missing a host of players ahead of the visit of the league leaders. Andreas Beck and Eugen Polanski are both suspended after picking up five yellow cards each.

While Chris, Matthieu Delpierre, Sebastian Rudy, Sejad Salihovic and Boris Vukcevic are all sidelined.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hoffenheim have never beaten Bayern Munich in their nine Bundesliga clashes with die Roten.

Igor de Camargo has not ended up on the losing side against Bayern Munich in his four Bundesliga games against the Bavarians.

Hoffenheim have already lost 15 games this season - a club record high.

Bayern have won 10 of their 11 away games in the Bundesliga this season, picking up 94 per cent of the points available on the road.

Mario Gomez has scored a goal every 71 minutes. His striking rival, Mario Mandzukic has an average of one every 96.

Manuel Neuer has gone five games without conceding at the Rhein Neckar Arena - a total of 494 minutes.

Prediction
Bayern Munich are not only a class above everyone in the Bundesliga this season, but Hoffenheim are in freefall and are in danger of the drop. Following their win over Dortmund in midweek, Bayern will be confident and of recording yet another victory.

Editor's Prediction
Hoffenheim 0-4 Bayern

03.03. (Sun) 15:00 Catania - Inter

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CATANIA
Andujar
Alvarez, Rolin, Spolli, Marchese
Lodi, Biagianti
Izco, Gomez, Castro
Bergessio

INTER
Handanovic
Zanetti, Juan, Chivu, Pereira
Gargano, Kuzmanovic
Schelotto, Kovacic, Guarin
Rocchi

The Nerazzurri come into their 27th match of the season just a point back of fourth-placed AC Milan and three adrift of Lazio and the Champions League places. But having taken just six points from 18 since mid-January, they’re in desperate need of a turnaround and will looking for some big performances against Catania.

It won’t help that coach Andrea Stramaccioni has a handful of injuries and suspensions to worry about ahead of kick off as well as a reported bust-up with attacker Antonio Cassano. It could mean Tommasso Rocchi is in line for his first start for the Nerazzurri.

Top-scorer Diego Milito is out for the rest of the season after sustaining a cruciate ligament against Cluj in the Europa League, and defender Walter Samuel remains sidelined with an Achilles problem.

Add the suspensions of Yuto Nagatomo and Andrea Ranocchia, and Stramaccioni will have to recall Alvaro Pereira at left-back and move Cristian Chivu into central defence.

Catania boss Rolando Maran has his own disciplinary issues coming into Sunday, what with Nicola Legrottaglie and Giuseppe Bellusci both suspended.

The Sicilians will also be without winger Pablo Barrientos, who has a muscle problem, and midfielder Fabio Sciacca, who is recovering from knee surgery.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter have won just two of their last 11 Serie A matches - against 15th-place Chievo and second-from-bottom Pescara.

With Milito out of the picture, Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio are Inter’s highest active goalscorers, with seven goals apiece in Serie A. Fredy Guarin is next with four.

Cassano is third in the Serie A assist table with eight. Marek Hamsik has 11 assists and Borja Valero nine.
Catania have lost just once in 2013 — a stretch of eight matches.

Only Juventus, Napoli and Lazio — the top three sides in Serie A — have better defensive records than Catania so far this season.

Catania have lost just one of their last three matches against Inter and beat the Nerrazzurri 2-1 the last time they faced them on this ground.

Prediction
Inter are under all sorts of pressure, and the suspensions to Nagatomo and Ranocchia couldn’t have come at a worse time. Catania are playing some of the best football in their history and have every reason to believe they can get a least a draw out of this.

Editor's Prediction
Catania 1-1 Inter

MILOŠ KOCIĆ, GOLMAN PORTLANDA, I OVE SEZONE JEDINI SRBIN U MLS-u

Leskovčanin među „Jenkijima”. I ove sezone Miloš Kocić (27) biće jedini Srbin u MLS-u. U prošlom šampionatu iskusni golman branio je boje Toronta, a posle „trejda” završio je u mnogo jačem Portlandu.

- Došao sam u veoma ambiciozan klub - kaže Kocić. - Imam još godinu dana ugovora, ali mi je rukovodstvo nagovestilo da želi dugoročnu saradnju. Moja želja je da se vratim u Evropu, ali videćemo... Dobro smo se pojačali. Pre nekoliko dana stigao nam je nekadašnji igrač Mančester Junajteda, Mikael Silvestre. S pravom pucamo na sam vrh.
Kako su se pojačale ostale ekipe?
- Bilo je dosta promena u timovima. Prošle sezone najbolje je delovao Kanzas, ali je klub napustilo nekoliko važnih igrača. U Njujork je stigao Brazilac Žuninjo Pernambukano, bivši igrač Liona i Vaska. Uz Anrija i Kejhila, Njujork je sigurno jedan od favorita. Šta očekujete u susretima prvog kola?
- Premijerno kolo je uvek teško da se predvidi. Mi smo igrali pripremni meč sa Koloradom, koji je bio veoma loš. Dalas i Kanzas su imali dobre rezultate u predsezoni. Hjuston je jedan od favorita. Dobro igra na svom terenu, pa bih mu dao prednost protiv Vašingtona.
Ž. M.

MOJ TIP
Filadelfija - Kanzas X2
VANKUVER - TORONTO 3+
HJUSTON - VAŠINGTON 1
Dalas - Kolorado 2-3
Sijetl - Montreal 1

02.03. (Sat) 20:45 Milan - Lazio

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AC MILAN
Abbiati
De Sciglio, Yepes, Zapata, Constant
Montolivo, Muntari, Boateng
Niang, Balotelli, El Shaarawy

LAZIO
Marchetti
Pereirinha, Biava, Dias, Radu
Candreva, G'lez, Ledesma, Hernanes, Lulic
Floccari

A six-pointer is usually a phrase reserved for relegation tussles, but on Saturday evening AC Milan and Lazio do battle in a contest that could prove decisive in the chase for third place.

Back in October, the very thought of the Rossoneri being among the chasing pack for a Champions League spot was unthinkable, after back-to-back defeats to Inter and the Biancocelesti.

Come Spring, however, and circumstances have changed somewhat, with a victory over Barcelona and a 1-1 draw with the Nerazzurri, Milan's backdrop to this intriguing encounter.

As it stands, just two points separate the two sides, with Lazio a place better off than their hosts in third and both will be desperate to lay down a pivotal marker in the race for European football.

Abdoulay Konko, Miroslav Klose, Marius Stankevicius, Cristian Brocchi and Stefano Mauri are all missing for the visitors, while the San Siro side will be without Daniele Bonera and Nigel de Jong through injury - Philippe Mexes serves a one match suspension.

DID YOU KNOW?

With 16 goals to his name, Stephan El Shaarawy (right) is AC Milan's leading goalscorer so far this season.
Milan have won their last six matches at San Siro.

The Rossoneri have also scored at least twice in each of their previous five home games.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have won four of their last six league games.

Lazio are on an indifferent run of form, having lost three, drawn two and won one of their last five Serie A games.

Vladimir Petkovic's side ran out 3-2 winners at the Stadio Olimpico in the first meeting between the two sides back in October.

The Biancocelesti's cause has not been helped by an injury to Miroslav Klose, with the veteran striker the club's top scorer on 10 goals.

Prediction
Milan have looked a completely different proposition to the side that spluttered and staggered through the first-half of the season and with Lazio struggling for consistency, expect the Rossoneri to continue their revival.

Editor's Prediction
Milan 2-0 Lazio

02.03. (Sat) 18:30 Wigan - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WIGAN ATHLETIC
Al Habsi
Scharner, Caldwell, Figueroa
Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour
Maloney, Kone, Santo

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

Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa (ankle) is facing a late fitness test ahead of the visit of Liverpool but Arsenal loanee Ryo Miyaichi (ankle) is expected to return to the squad.

Ben Watson (leg) and Albert Crusat (knee) are both long-term absentees, however, and Ivan Ramis (knee) will not feature again until next season.

Liverpool will be without Fabio Borini (shoulder) for the rest of the campaign whilst Brad Jones (shoulder) is still out.

Young defender Martin Kelly (knee) is still some way from a return, but the Reds will have an otherwise fully fit squad should Daniel Sturridge (knock) pass a late fitness test.

DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool have not won at the DW Stadium since 2007, when a Yossi Benayoun goal handed them a 1-0 win.

Luis Suarez is just four short of 50 goals in his Liverpool career. He is 7/2 to score the first goal with bet365.

Steven Gerrard has already laid on nine assists so far this season, the most in the Premier League.

Wigan's 2-1 win at Anfield last term was just their second over the Reds in Premier League history.

If selected, Arouna Kone will make his 25th appearance for the Latics. He has already scored 10 times since moving from Levante.

Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is just two appearances shy of 125 for Wigan.

A six-goal game will take the number scored in Wigan - Liverpool contests to the half-century mark.

02.03. (Sat) 17:00 Reims - Paris Saint Germain

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

STADE DE REIMS
Agassa
Fofana, Tacalfred, Weber, Signorino
Ca, Krychowiak
Fortes, Devaux, Diego
Courtet

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Jallet, Alex, Sakho, Maxwell
Menez, Verratti, Matuidi, Pastore
Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

Stade de Reims coach Hubert Fournier is without right-back Aissa Mandi following his red card in his previous Ligue 1 outing last weekend.

Mohamed Fofana could revert into the right-back role for the visit of the Ligue 1 leaders, though there is a clamour for places up front, with Nicolas Fauvergue and Nicolas De Preville vying for the striker position, though Gaetan Courtet should be handed the nod.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti could rest a few players for the trip to lowly Reims, though Zlatan Ibrahimovic should feature, having been suspended for the Champions League return against Valencia next week.

David Beckham featured for a combined 102 minutes in both clashes against Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 over the past five days, but the returning Marco Verratti should relegate him to the bench.

The leaders have also been boosted by the return of Thiago Silva and Thiago Motta to training, though it is unclear whether they will be risked on Saturday afternoon.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 against arch-rivals Marseille in their last Ligue 1 outing.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have gone fifteen games unbeaten at the Parc des Princes.

PSG have averaged three goals per game in their last six home encounters against promoted sides.

Stade de Reims are face a relegation battle as they are 17th with 24 points.

Hubert Fournier's side have failed to win an away game in 23 attempts in Ligue 1.

Reims' Diego and Gael Courtet have scored almost two thirds of the club's league goals so far this season.

Prediction
With Carlo Ancelotti's side enjoying a three-point lead over Lyon, and a further five ahead of Marseille, it appears to be their title to lose. Reims have struggled since their surprise start in October, and have continued to languish in the bottom half of the table. Expect the visitors to complete a routine victory ahead of the Champions League tie against Valencia.

Editor's Prediction
Stade de Reims 0-3 PSG

02.03. (Sat) 16:00 Real - Barcelona

Probable lineups

REAL MADRID
Diego López
Arbeloa • Sergio Ramos • Pepe • Marcelo
M. Essien • L. Modrić
José Callejón • Kaká • Cristiano Ronaldo
K. Benzema

BARCELONA
Valdés
Dani Alves • Piqué • J. Mascherano • Jordi Alba
Xavi • Busquets • Iniesta
Pedro • L. Messi • David Villa

Real Madrid are set to make several changes for Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona to conserve energy for the midweek Champions League trip to Manchester United.

Marcelo, Luka Modric, Kaka and Karim Benzema could all feature after missing out in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Defender Sergio Ramos returns after serving a one-match ban, but winger Angel Di Maria is ineligible after his red card against Deportivo La Coruna.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is expected to start despite missing training with a fever on Wednesday.

Defender Adriano (hamstring) is available while midfielder Alex Song (knee) is a minor doubt.

DID YOU KNOW?

Real Madrid have won 10 of their last 11 home matches in La Liga and are unbeaten in their last 24.

Los Blancos' 3-1 win over Barcelona on Tuesday was their biggest victory at Camp Nou since a 5-1 success in January 1963.

Madrid have netted 101 goals in 42 matches across all competitions this season (2.4 goals per game).

Barcelona have won just three of their last seven matches in all competitions (W3, D2, L2).

The Blaugrana have recorded only one victory in their last seven encounters against Madrid (W1, D3, L3).

Lionel Messi has scored in a record 15 successive Liga matches.

Prediction
Real Madrid's confidence will be sky-high after dispatching their arch-rivals with ease in the Copa del Rey, but this Liga clash is merely a distraction before the serious business of Tuesday's visit to Old Trafford. A blistering start to the season under Tito Vilanova promised so much for Barcelona, but they will need to buck up their ideas quickly to prevent their campaign from petering out.

Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona

02.03. (Sat) 16:00 Chelsea - West Brom

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA
Cech
Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole
Lampard, Ramires
Moses, Mata, Hazard
Ba

WEST BROM
Foster
Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell
Mulumbu, Yacob
Dorrans, Morrison, Brunt
Long

Interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez looks set to make numerous changes to the team that defeated Championship side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, with the likes of Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Demba Ba all set to return.

Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta (leg) missed the win on Teeside and is unlikely to be involved, but centre-back Gary Cahill (virus) could be available for selection after also missing the win at 'Boro.

One man who definitely will not be involved is central midfielder Oriol Romeu (knee), who is out for the remainder of the season.

West Brom boss Steve Clarke will be without striker Romelu Lukaku who is ineligable to play against his parent club.

However Baggies striker Shane Long (ankle) should be fit to start at Stamford Bridge after resuming training midway through the week.

Defender Goran Popov (ban) serves the final match of a three-game suspension for spitting at Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker, while midfielders Zoltan Gera and George Thorne (both knee) are out for the rest of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea's last two managers have been sacked after defeats to West Brom. Andre Villas-Boas was axed after a 1-0 defeat at the Hawthorns in March 2012 and his replacement Roberto Di Matteo departed the club after a 2-1 defeat in November of the same year.

Rafa Benitez's win ratio of 51.9% makes him the Blues' ninth most successful manager in the Premier League area. He is lower than the likes of Avram Grant (66.7%), Luiz Felipe Scolari (55.6%) and Claudio Ranieri 53.3%.

Chelsea have been awarded more penalties (nine) than any other side in the Premier League this season.

Blues midfielder Frank Lampard is now just three goals shy of equaling the club's all-time scoring record of 202, which was set by striker Bobby Tambling in the 1960s and 70s. He is 13/10 to score anytime with bet365.

West Brom have conceded 32% of their goals on the road after the 80th minute this season.

In seven of their last eight Premier League wins the Baggies have scored exactly two goals.

The Black Country side have a win ratio of less than 25% for the month of March. They have four wins in 20 games.

02.03. (Sat) 16:00 Manchester United - Norwich

Probable lineups

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael • C. Smalling • R. Ferdinand • P. Evra
Nani • Anderson • M. Carrick • A. Young
W. Rooney
J. Hernández

NORWICH
M. Bunn
R. Martin • S. Bassong • M. Turner • Garrido
B. Johnson • J. Howson
R. Snodgrass • W. Hoolahan • A. Pilkington
G. Holt

Sir Alex Ferguson will be without defender Phil Jones (ankle), but Robin van Persie has been passed fit after overcoming a hip injury.

However, veteran midfielder Paul Scholes (knee) may recover in time to feature this weekend, while Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck will also be in contention.

Nevertheless, Sir Alex will no doubt cast one eye over next Tuesday's momentous Champions League clash with Real Madrid and may look to rest some of his big-name stars as a result.

Chris Hughton, meanwhile, should stick with a similar side to the one that conquered Everton at Carrow Road last weekend, although he may be able to welcome back Andrew Surman (knee) and Alexander Tettey (knock).

The Canaries will still be without John Ruddy between the sticks, however, although the 26-year-old is expected to return this month.

Elsewhere, Kei Kamara and Luciano Becchio are in contention for a starting berth up front if Hughton decides to go for a more attacking line-up with two forwards.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United are now undefeated in 17 games in all competitions and an impressive 15 in the Premier League.

United have taken 89 per cent of the league points available to them recently, having won five and drawn one of their last six matches. In the same period, title rivals Manchester City have taken just 61% of their potential points.

The Red Devils have also won every single one of their home league games this season bar one - a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham in late September.

Sir Alex's side are still on course for a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble, having already achieved that feat once in 1999. United have also completed a league and FA Cup double on three occasions, and won a league and European double in 2008.

Wayne Rooney is 7/2 to score the first goal in the game with bet365.

Norwich City are unbeaten in their last four league games but have won just two of their last 11.

However, Chris Hughton's side will be buoyed by the knowledge that they beat Manchester United 1-0 in November's reverse fixture thanks to an Anthony Pilkington header (United's last defeat in the Premier League).

The Canaries' away form has been nothing short of dire this term - they have won just once in 13 games on the road, having drawn six and lost six.

Norwich's Kei Kamara has already scored against Manchester United this campaign - in a pre-season friendly for Sporting Kansas City. He also scored the equaliser for the Canaries in their 2-1 win against Everton last week.

Hughton's side have three points less than Norwich did this time last season under Paul Lambert, though a win this Saturday could lift them to 10th place.

Barclays Premier League Opta Facts – March 2-4

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea have lost their last two Barclays Premier League games against WBA and they were the final matches in charge for Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo respectively.
The Blues had won each of their previous 11 Premier League encounters with the Baggies.
Chelsea have scored 17 goals in six previous Premier League home games against West Brom.
Chelsea have gone six Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet, winning only two games in that run.
Seven of WBA's last eight Premier League wins have seen them score exactly two goals.
WBA have won only four of the 20 Premier League games they've played in March.
Chelsea have been awarded nine penalties this season, more than any other side.
Romelu Lukaku is the top scoring teenager in the top five European leagues with 12 goals but is ineligible for this game as it is against his parent club.
Frank Lampard has scored 199 goals for Chelsea and is three away from equalling the 202-goal club record set by Bobby Tambling (*prior to Chelsea's midweek FA Cup meeting with Middlesbrough).
Shane Long has scored a goal on each of his last two league starts against Chelsea. The Irish forward has netted 19 Premier League goals in total.
Of teams to have played 20+ PL games in March, only Ipswich Town (0.61) average fewer points per game than West Brom (0.85)

Everton v Reading
Everton have won only two of their five Barclays Premier League encounters with Reading.
Four of the five Premier League meetings between these two sides have gone under 2.5 goals.
Reading are the only side in the Premier League to concede a goal in each of their away games this season.
Nine of Reading's goals this season have come from substitutes, a league-high.
Adam Le Fondre has bagged five Premier League goals in 2013; only Gareth Bale, Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku have more (6 each).
One of Adam Le Fondres's three braces this season came in the reverse fixture between the two teams.
Everton have used fewer players than any other Premier League side this season (22).
Only Southampton (27) and Reading (20) have dropped more points from leading positions this season than Everton (19).
Reading have won eight points thanks to goals scored after the 80th minute this season. Only league leaders Manchester United (9) have won more.
Tottenham Hotspur (8) are the only side to drop more points thanks to goals conceded after the 80th minute than Everton (7).
Only Man Utd (20.5%), Chelsea (18.0%) and Arsenal (16.7%) have better shot conversion rates this season than Reading (14.6%).
Everton have won just one of their last six (D3 L2); but have tasted defeat at home just once in 13 home games this season (W6 D6).

Manchester United v Norwich City
Norwich have won two of their last four Barclays Premier League games against Manchester United but they have both come at Carrow Road.
Norwich's last league win at Old Trafford came in August 1989.
United and Norwich have scored 23 (13 and 10 respectively) headed goals in the Premier League this season.
Just one of the 31 goals that Manchester United have conceded this season have been scored from outside the box.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side have kept three consecutive league clean sheets for the first time this season. This is their best run since March/April 2012 when they kept five in a row.
Man Utd are looking to win five league games in a row for the second time this season, no other side has managed this once.
United will be unbeaten for 16 games if they avoid defeat in this game, surpassing Man City's 15 game unbeaten run from the start of the season.
United have hit the woodwork 19 times this season, only Everton have done so as often.
Robin van Persie has hit the woodwork seven times, more than six Premier League sides in their entirety.
United have claimed a league high and club Premier League record 27 points from losing positions this season but have not had to do so since January.
If Ryan Giggs features in this game it will be his 1000th senior appearance (Currently his record is: Manchester United - 931 apps, Wales - 64 apps, Great Britain - 4 apps).

Southampton v Queens Park Rangers
Southampton have won only five of their last 17 league games against QPR.
Saints have scored more own goals than any other side this season, helping their opponents to five goals.
Individually, Jos Hooiveld has equalled an all-time Barclays Premier League record by scoring three own goals in a single campaign this season. Scott Dann (2011/12), John Pantsil (2010/11) and Andreas Jakobsson (2004/05) are the others.
Only one of the three previous teams to win two or fewer of their opening 27 games in the top-light have avoided relegation (West Brom in 2004-05) and only two of the last 11 sides to win three or fewer have ultimately survived.
QPR have scored only four goals in their last 10 Premier League games.
Saints have thrown away 27 points from leading positions this season, more than any other side.
Rickie Lambert is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season with 12 goals.
Only Arsenal players (Y25 R3) have been shown fewer yellow cards than Saints' players this season (Y30).
Three of Rickie Lambert's four assists this season have been for Morgan Schneiderlin to score.
QPR have fallen behind in 10 games away from this season, losing eight and winning none.

Stoke City v West Ham United
Premier League games between Stoke and West Ham have averaged only 2.1 goals per game.
Jussi Jääskeläinen has made more saves in the Premier League than any other goalkeeper this season (109).
West Ham have scored with each of their last nine Premier League penalties.
The Hammers have allowed more opposition shots on target from outside the box than any other PL team this season.
Just one of Stoke's 26 league goals this season have been scored from outside the area; a low for the Premier League.
West Ham have won only one of their last nine Premier League games in March.
Stoke have fired in fewer shots (203; excl. blocked) than any other side in the Premier League.
Kevin Nolan has scored four winning goals for West Ham in the Premier League this season. Only Gareth Bale (6) and Robin van Persie (5) have netted more.
Sam Allardyce's team have lost their last five Premier League matches on the road. The club haven't lost six in a row since December 2006.
West Ham have won two and lost eight of their 13 matches against team in the top half this season.

Sunderland v Fulham
Sunderland have won only one of their last seven Barclays Premier League games against Fulham but that came earlier this season at Craven Cottage (3-1).
The Black Cats have failed to score in six of their last nine Premier League games against Fulham.
Sunderland have scored just two headed goals this season; fewer than any other side in the top flight.
Fulham are yet to lose this season in the Premier League when Dimitar Berbatov has scored (W4 D3).
The Stadium of Light has seen just 27 Premier League goals scored at it this season; fewer than any other ground.
Sunderland have lost their last three games in a row, they have not lost four in a row since April 2011.
Of the players to score 10+ goals in the Premier League, Steven Fletcher has the joint-best shooting accuracy (62.5%).
Stephane Sessegnon have been fouled 71 times; more than any other player in the top flight.
46% of Fulham's goals this season (17 of 37) have been scored in the final 30 minutes of matches.
Steve Sidwell has made 92 tackles this season. Only Mark Noble (95) and Morgan Schneiderlein (105) have made more.

Swansea City v Newcastle United
Swansea won three of their four Premier League games in March last season and boast the best winning record in March of any Premier League side (75%).
The Swans have lost just two points from leading positions this season, the best record in the top division.
The last two teams to win the League Cup (Liverpool and Birmingham) lost their first league games after lifting the trophy.
Newcastle have conceded exactly two goals in each of their last three games but have won two of those matches.
The Magpies have taken nine points from their last four matches after taking only seven from the previous 13.
Moussa Sissoko has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances.
The Swans have won none of the 14 games they have fallen behind in this season. However, they have managed to avoid defeat in six.
No team have used more players in the Premier League this season than Newcastle United (29).
Only Arsenal (7 games) and Swansea (5) have gone on to win all of the matches they have been leading in at half-time.
The Swans have made more clearances off the line than any other side (9).

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool
Wigan have lost only one of their last six Barclays Premier League games against Liverpool after losing seven of the opening nine against them.
Six of the seven Premier League games between Wigan and Liverpool at the DW Stadium have gone under 2.5 goals.
Wigan have conceded in all of their 13 home games in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool have drawn their last two away games in the Premier League. No side has drawn more games on the road this season than Liverpool (6).
Luis Suarez is one of just three players from Europe's top five leagues to fire in more than 100 shots (excluding blocked) so far this season (along with Messi and Ronaldo).
Wigan have lost 10 of their 14 matches against teams currently in the top half of the Premier League this season (W1 D3).
Only Ali Al-Habsi (6) has made more errors leading to goals this season than Jose Reina (4).
Liverpool (13), Wigan and Tottenham (11 each) have scored more goals in the 15 minutes immediately after half-time than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Just one of Wigan's goals this season has been scored by an English player (Ben Watson).
Liverpool have benefitted from four own goals this season; more than any other side.

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Tottenham have lost only one of their last seven Barclays Premier League home games against rivals Arsenal.
Spurs have thrown away leads in their last two Premier League games against Arsenal and have lost both matches 5-2.
12 of the last 13 league matches between Tottenham and Arsenal have gone over 2.5 goals.
There have been 121 goals between these sides in Premier League history, only Everton v Man Utd games have seen as many.
Gareth Bale has scored more away goals than any other player in the Premier League this season (11).
Bale is only the eighth different Tottenham player to score 15+ goals in a Premier League season.
Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale are the only players from Europe's big five leagues to score six league goals from outside the box this season.
Tottenham have scored 11 goals from outside the area, more than any other Premier League side this season.
Both these sides have scored five league goals from counter-attacks this season, no Premier League side has more in 2012-13.
Olivier Giroud has had more headed attempts than any other player in the top-flight this season (26).
No ground has featured fewer first half goals this season (10) than White Hart Lane.

Aston Villa v Manchester City
Man City have scored four or more goals in three of their last five league games against Aston Villa.
Villa have averaged only 0.84 pts per game against Man City in the Barclays Premier League era, only against Man Utd (0.46) and Arsenal (0.83) have they averaged fewer.
Only Reading (14) have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of league matches this season than Manchester City (13).
No side has conceded more goals in the final half an hour of games this season than Aston Villa (25).
The Villans haven't kept a clean sheet in 11 league games; the longest current such run in the Premier League.
No-one has scored more Premier League goals in 2013 than Christian Benteke (6).
Aston Villa have claimed a league-low two points from losing positions this season, losing 13 of the 15 games they have fallen behind in.
Paul Lambert's side are the only team to throw away two goal leads on three separate occasions this season (D2 L1).
Manchester City have won 69% of games with Matija Nastasic this season (11 of 16) and just 45% of those that he has missed (5 of 11).
Aston Villa have lost more league games in March (35) than any other side in Premier League history.