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Written By maxtv on Thursday, 14 March 2013 | 17:59
14.03. (Thu) 21:05 Lazio - Stuttgart
Written By maxtv on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 | 21:05
LAZIO
Marchetti
Pereirinha, Biava, Dias, Radu
Ledesma
Candreva, Gonzalez, Mauri, Lulic
Kozak
STUTTGART
Ulreich
Sakai, Tasci, Rudiger, Molinaro
Kvist
Harnik, Gentner, Okazaki, Traore
Ibisevic
Lazio have failed to find the back of the net in three of their last four Serie A matches but have been in noticeably better goalscoring form in Europe, where they have scored seven goals in their previous three outings - two of which came against Stuttgart in the first leg of this Europa League round of 16 tie.
Midfielders Hernanes and Lorik Cana picked up yellow cards in the victory, however, and as a result will miss the return fixture through suspension.
Lazio manager Vladimir Petkovic will also be without midfielder Cristian Brocchi who has a fractured metatarsal, Antonio Rossi who has a pulled hamstring, as well as striker Miroslav Klose and right-back Abdoulay Konko, both of whom are recovering from serious knee injuries and not due back until next month.
Stuttgart meanwhile welcome striker Vedad Ibisevic back from suspension. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international will replace Manchester United loanee Federico Macheda, who started on his own up top for the first leg. Fellow forward Cacau remains sidelined after a cruciate ligament rupture.
Also missing are midfielders Alexandru Maxim and Mamadou Bah, who have nose and tibula fractures, respectively.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lazio have dropped to sixth in Serie A after being as high as third earlier this season. They have won just one of their last eight matches in the league.
Striker Libor Kozak, a Czech Republic international, is the highest active goalscorer in the Europa League with seven goals.
Lazio have conceded just five goals in their last nine Europa League matches.
Stuttgart have won just one Bundesliga match in 2013 and are presently 14th in the division - still eight points clear of Augsburg and a relegation playoff.
Stuttgart have not managed more than two goals in a match in any competition since a December 8 win over Schalke.
With 20 goals in all competitions, Vedad Ibisevic is Stuttgart’s top goalscorer this season.
Prediction
Barcelona overturned a 2-0 aggregate deficit on Tuesday, but they were at home, and Stuttgart aren’t Barcelona. Not by a long shot. Lazio’s struggles in the league have been softened by their European form, and they should expect to continue their winning run with an outright victory on Thursday.
Editor's Prediction
Lazio 2-1 VfB Stuttgart
14.03. (Thu) 19:00 Inter - Tottenham Hot.
INTER
Handanovic
Zanetti, Juan, Chivu, Pereira
Gargano, Cambiasso
Benassi, Cassano, Guarin
Palacio
TOTTENHAM
Friedel
Walker, Gallas, Caulker, Assou-Ekotto,
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Holtby
Sigurdsson
Defoe
Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni will be hoping his side can recover from back-to-back to defeats. Samir Handanovic is set to return in goal after missing Sunday’s Serie A loss to Bologna through suspension.
Javier Zanetti made his 600th Serie A appearance in that match and the veteran is again expected to start. Up front, Antonio Cassano is poised to provide support to Rodrigo Palacio as they search for goals.
As for the visitors, Andre Villas-Boas will be without star man Gareth Bale whose yellow card in the first leg ruled him out of the game. Brad Friedel is again poised to start in goal in place of Hugo Lloris.
Emmanuel Adebayor could well be in contention for a return from an ankle injury, but may have to settle for a place on the bench with Jermain Defoe again starting. Steven Caulker could come into the team after recently losing his place to Michael Dawson.
DID YOU KNOW?
Inter have struggled for results in Serie A over recent weeks - winning just three of their last 13 games.
Rodrio Palacio has an impressive scoring record in the Europa League this season with seven goals in nine appearances, two off Roberto Boninsegna's all-time club competition record of nine managed in 1969-70.
Inter have won the Uefa Cup, now the Europa League, three times - in 1990-91, 1993-94 and 1997-98.
Tottenham are undefeated in their previous 10 Europa League games, including the 3-0 first-leg victory, stretching back to November, 2011.
The last meeting between the two teams at San Siro saw Inter run out 4-3 winners, with Bale grabbing the headlines in defeat with a hat-trick.
Spurs have won the Uefa Cup twice - in 1972 in its inaugural year, and again in 1984. They are 7/2 to win the competition this year with Coral.
Tottenham have faced Italian opposition 10 times - winning four times, drawing four and losing just twice.
Prediction
Inter face an extremely difficult uphill task to stand any chance of progressing following the 3-0 first-leg defeat. With Spurs impressive away from home, they should have far too much to let their opponents get back into the tie but must be wary on complacency.
Editor's Prediction
Inter 2-2 Tottenham
13.03. (Wed) 20:45 Bayern Munchen - Arsenal
Written By maxtv on Tuesday, 12 March 2013 | 20:45
BAYERN MUNICH
M. Neuer
P. Lahm • D. Van Buyten • Dante • D. Alaba
Javi Martínez • Luiz Gustavo
T. Müller • T. Kroos • X. Shaqiri
M. Mandžukić
ARSENAL
W. Szczęsny
C. Jenkinson • L. Koscielny • P. Mertesacker • T. Vermaelen
Arteta • A. Ramsey
Cazorla
T. Walcott • O. Giroud • L. Podolski
Franck Ribery (ankle) limped off during Bayern Munich's 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf on Saturday and is confirmed to miss the game, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng are suspended.
upp Heynckes is set to give starts to Luiz Gustavo and Xherdan Shaqiri against the Gunners, while Arjen Robben (calf) is a doubt after sitting out Saturday's match.
Arsene Wenger is set to name the strongest side possible having not had a fixture since March 3 but Nacho Monreal is again unavailable, meaning that Thomas Vermaelen will deputise at left-back.
The second leg may prove too soon for Bacary Sagna (knee) so Carl Jenkinson is likely to start, while Abou Diaby (calf) could return to the bench after sitting out the north London derby.
Reports emerged on Monday night that Jack Wilshere (ankle) is set to miss the game and potentially the rest of the season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bayern Munich's superb win at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg means that the Gunners have not beaten the German side in five Champions League encounters.
The Bavarians have conceded three goals at home in total the Champions League so far this season – a statistic that Arsene Wenger's side need to at least double in this game alone to go through.
Mario Mandzukic scored in the first leg, making him the 10th different player to net for Jupp Heynckes's side in Europe this term.
If Arsenal fail to progress, it will be the third year in a row in which they have crashed out at the last-16 stage of the tournament.
Only two sides – Ajax and Inter – have previously made it through after losing the first leg at home.
However, the competition has never seen a team turn around a two-goal home deficit. Arsenal are 14/1 with Paddy Power to score three goals in this game.
Prediction
Editor's Prediction
FC Bayern München 2-1 Arsenal
12.03. (Tue) 20:45 Schalke 04 - Galatasaray
Written By maxtv on Monday, 11 March 2013 | 20:45
SCHALKE
Hildebrand
Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Kolasinac
Neustadter, Hoger
Farfan, Draxler, Bastos
Pukki
GALATASARAY
Muslera
Sabri, Semih, Nounkeu, Riera
Hamit, Melo, Selcuk
Sneijder
Burak, Drogba
Schalke's hopes of making the quarter-finals have been dealt a blow following an injury to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who was stretchered off against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with a knee injury. Teemu Pukki should start in his place, with Ciprian Marica out and Raffael cup-tied.
Elsewhere, Kyriakos Papadopoulos remains sidelined, while younster Sead Kolasinac could start ahead of Christian Fuchs at left-back.
Marco Hoger should start in midfield thanks to Jermaine Jones' suspension, but Ibrahim Afellay is still recovering from a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray will welcome Didier Drogba back into the starting line-up after the Ivorian started Friday's 1-0 defeat to Genclerbirligi on the bench.
Felipe Melo should also slot back into midfield in the place of Yekta Kurtulus, having missed the Turk Telekom Arena reverse though suspension.
Danny Nounkeu should return to the heart of defence ahead of Gokhan Zan, but Tomas Ujfalusi remains injured. Sabri Sarioglu and Emmanuel Eboue will compete for the right-back slot.
DID YOU KNOW?
Schalke have won their last three games, having failed to emerge victorious in all but one of the previous 13.
Despite their disappointing Bundesliga season, the Konigsblauen are one of three teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season.
Benedikt Howedes and Roman Neustadter have played every minute of S04's Champions League campaign this season.
Two of Galatasaray's three European wins this season have come on the road - at Cluj and Braga.
Star midfielder Hamit Altintop started his career with Schalke before moving on to Bayern Munich in 2007.
Burak Yilmaz became the first Turk to represent four different clubs in the Champions League this season, having previously turned out for Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor.
Prediction
Schalke have been on a good run of late, and I'd expect that to continue against Fatih Terim's side, who have been less than convincing in recent weeks. S04 will miss Huntelaar, but should have enough to go through.
Editor's Prediction
Schalke 2-1 Galatasaray
12.03. (Tue) 20:45 Barcelona - Milan
BARCELONA
Valdés
Dani Alves • Piqué • Puyol • Jordi Alba
Xavi • Busquets • Fàbregas
Pedro • L. Messi • Iniesta
AC MILAN
C. Abbiati
I. Abate • C. Zapata • P. Mexès • K. Constant
R. Montolivo • M. Ambrosini • S. Muntari
K. Boateng • M. Niang • S. El Shaarawy
Barcelona playmaker Xavi is available to face AC Milan on Tuesday after recovering from a thigh problem.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes returns from a domestic ban, while stand-in coach Jordi Roura will also recall several players who were rested for the 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini has not made the trip to Spain after suffering a micro-fracture to his fibula in Friday's victory at Genoa, with M'Baye Niang, Bojan Krkic and Robinho all vying to replace the Italy international.
Philippe Mexes and Kevin-Prince Boateng should be fit to play despite carrying niggling injuries, while Mario Balotelli is cup-tied.
DID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona are on a 19-match unbeaten run at Camp Nou in the Champions League, winning 15, since a 2-1 loss to Rubin Kazan in October 2009.
The Blaugrana have won 11 of 24 ties in European competition in which they have lost the first leg away from home. However, no team in Champions League history has overturned a 2-0 first-leg defeat.
Lionel Messi needs one more strike to overtake Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of 56 goals and become the second-highest scorer in Champions League history.
AC Milan are unbeaten in Serie A in 2013, winning seven and drawing three.
The seven-time European champions have already lost on Spanish soil this season - a 1-0 reverse at Malaga in the group stage. Their overall away record against Spanish opposition is W4, D6, L13.
Milan hold the unwanted record for the biggest first-leg lead squandered in the Champions League era, when their 4-1 advantage in the 2003-04 quarter-finals against Deportivo La Coruna was overturned by a 4-0 defeat in the return leg.
Prediction
While the challenge facing Barcelona is a large one, they will take heart from their clean sheet against Deportivo La Coruna - their first in 14 matches. Milan know that one goal would mean the hosts will have to score four times to progress and expect them to do that and advance to the quarter-finals.
Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 2-1 Milan
Championship Opta Facts + FA Cup QF replay
Barnsley have enjoyed just one win in their last eight meetings with Brighton, losing six and drawing one.
The Tykes have netted just one goal in their last four clashes with the Seagulls and just four in their last eight (and never more than one in a game).
When the two teams met earlier this season at the Amex, the home side won 5-1 (with braces from Ashley Barnes and Craig Mackail-Smith) in what is still their biggest win this season.
Barnsley have won exactly the same amount of points at home this season as they have on the road (19).
The Tykes have found the net in each of their last 13 league games, the longest current record of its kind in the Championship.
The Seagulls, however, have conceded just three goals in their last seven league games combined.
Cardiff City v Leicester
CityLeicester have failed to find the net in three of their last four meetings with Cardiff, losing two and drawing one of those games and winning the one in which they scored.
On home soil, Cardiff have suffered just one defeat in their last league eight clashes with the Foxes (excluding play-offs), winning five and drawing two.
Only Crystal Palace (42) have won more points at home than Cardiff (41) this season, though the Eagles have played two more games at home than the Welsh side.
Cardiff have only won two of their last six league games (D2 L2) and only one of their last four at home (D2 L1).
The Foxes are without a win in three league games and have won only one of their last seven (D2 L4).
On the road, Leicester have netted just once in the last 311 minutes of league football, with that goal only a consolation in a 1-2 defeat at Peterborough.
Leeds United v Peterborough United
Leeds have won four of their five league meetings with Peterborough (losing the other), with those four victories coming in the last four clashes.
United have netted a total of 12 goals in their last four games against the Posh, an average of three per game.
Leeds are unbeaten in five league games; if they avoid defeat here, they will equal their best run of the campaign.
The Posh have lost just two of their last nine league games, winning three and drawing four.
Dwight Gayle netted a hat-trick in his last away league game for Peterborough, but that was the only game in his last 11 that he has found the back of the net.
Leeds have kept three clean sheets in their last five league games.
View our full range of Championship betting
FA Cup Quarter-Final Replay
Blackburn Rovers v Millwall
Blackburn are one of only two teams (with Man City) to have played in the FA Cup this season without conceding a goal.
The Lions have already won at Ewood Park this season, winning 2-0 in the league back in November, though they had lost four in a row there before that win.
Only one FA Cup this season (Hereford v Cheltenham - 37) has seen more fouls conceded than the initial tie between Blackburn and Millwall (36).
Millwall have now gone 320 minutes of football in all competitions without scoring a goal.
Rovers are without a win in six games in all competitions, drawing three, losing three and failing to score in five of those games.
Rovers have won both previous FA Cup ties against Millwall; they won 2-1 in Round Three of the 1978/79 competition and 1-0 in Round Four back in 2001/02.
Blackburn have won their last seven FA Cup replays when they have drawn the initial game away from home, last losing one on home soil in 1999 (v Newcastle).
Millwall, meanwhile, have won six and drawn one of their last seven FA Cup replays, though they did lose on penalties after that draw to Derby County in 2010.
The Lions have only lost one of their last eight FA Cup away games (W4 D3).
Rovers have found the net in each of their last 15 FA Cup games at Ewood Park (32 goals in total).
REVANŠ UTAKMICE OSMINE FINALA LIGE ŠAMPIONA, MILAN BRANI PREDNOST
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Utorak
BARSELONA (Špa) - MILAN (Ita)
Međusobni susreti 16 6 5 5 22-21
Barselona - Italijani 39 18 12 9 60-41
Španci - Milan 50 18 12 20 70-71
Sreda
BAJERN (Nem) - ARSENAL (Eng)
Međusobni susreti 5 3 1 1 9-5
Bajern - Englezi 37 14 13 10 55-45
Nemci - Arsenal 25 7 5 13 38-48
OPTA Facts - Champions League Last 16, Second leg Week 2
Written By maxtv on Sunday, 10 March 2013 | 20:45
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).
10.03. (Sun) 20:45 Inter - Bologna
Written By maxtv on Saturday, 9 March 2013 | 20:45
PROBABLE LINEUPS
INTER
Carrizo
Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira
Kuzmanovic, Gargano,
Schelotto, Guarin, Alvarez
Rocchi
BOLOGNA
Curci
Garics, Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo
Taider, Perez
Gabbiadini, Diamanti, C'doulopoulos
Gilardino
Inconsistent in the league and all but out of the Europa League, Inter go into Sunday's clash with Bologna desperate for three points.
But with confidence already low, the Nerazzurri remain hamstrung by an injury crisis that sees no less than seven first team players on the treatment table.
Walter Samuel, Diego Milito, Matias Silvestre, Gaby Mudingayi, Luca Castellazzi, Yuto Nagatomo and Joel Obi all miss out of the clash with Bologna, while first choice goalkeeper Samir Handanovic is suspended, meaning Juan Pablo Carrizzo will make his debut between the posts.
Bologna will be boosted after recording their first back-to-back victories of the season and by the return of centre-back Mikael Antonsson.
Cesare Natali is their only injury-induced absentee and Panagiotis Kone sits the game out through suspension.
DID YOU KNOW?
Inter have won 11 of their last 13 matches against Bologna.
Andrea Stramaccioni's men have won one, lost one and drawn one of their last three games in all competitions.
The Nerazzurri are now 12 points adrift of Serie A leaders Juventus.
Inter's last league game ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory away to Catania after they had fallen two goals behind.
Bologna have lost nine of their last 11 away games in the league.
The Rossoblu have won two games in succession for the first time this season, heading into the game.
Stefano Pioli's side go into the game sat in 11th spot, 15 points behind Inter.
The last game between the two sides ended in a 3-2 extra time win for Inter in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
Prediction
These could be decisive days for Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni with rumours circulating regarding his future, but despite their recent struggles they might just sneak this one, with a little help from Bologna's dismal away record.
Editor's Prediction
Inter 2-1 Bologna
10.03. (Sun) 19:00 Celta - Real
PROBABLE LINEUPS
CELTA VIGO
Javi Varas
Johny • G. Cabral • V. Demidov • Roberto Lago
Borja Oubiña • Álex López
A. Fernández • F. Orellana • M. Krohn-Dehli
Iago Aspas
REAL MADRID
Diego López
Arbeloa • R. Varane • Pepe • Fábio Coentrão
S. Khedira • L. Modrić
K. Benzema • M. Özil • Cristiano Ronaldo
Álvaro Morata
Celta Vigo midfielder Natxo Insa will miss the Primera Division encounter against Real Madrid with a hamstring problem.
Defenders Hugo Mallo and Samuel (both knee) are also sidelined, but Roberto Lago could return after recovering from flu.
Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will be without Angel Di Maria, who suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 2-1 win at Manchester United.
Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso are unlikely to be risked after playing through niggling injuries at Old Trafford, while Cristiano Ronaldo (illness) is a minor doubt.
DID YOU KNOW?
Celta Vigo have won just one of their last eight matches in La Liga (W1, D2, L5).
The Galician outfit have lost their last five Liga encounters against Real Madrid at Balaidos.
Celta's last home Liga win over Madrid was a 3-0 success in May 2001.
Real Madrid are on a five-match winning run in all competitions.
But Los Merengues have only won four of their last nine away games across all competitions, losing three in the process.
With his winner against Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo urpassed Eusebio's record of 46 goals to become the leading Portuguese goalscorer in the European Cup.
Prediction
Celta were comprehensively outclassed by Sevilla on Monday and face an uphill fight to save themselves from relegation. Cup wins over Barcelona and United have transformed Real's season, and they will now look to kick on and finish strongly in La Liga.
Editor's Prediction
Celta 1-3 Real Madrid
10.03. (Sun) 17:30 Manchester Utd. - Chelsea
MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael • C. Smalling • J. Evans • P. Evra
T. Cleverley • Anderson
A. Valencia • W. Rooney • S. Kagawa
J. Hernández
CHELSEA
P. Čech
Azpilicueta • G. Cahill • J. Terry • A. Cole
F. Lampard • Ramires
Oscar • Mata • E. Hazard
D. Ba
Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to make a number of changes to the side that lost to Real Madrid on Tuesday, with Wayne Rooney – surprisingly dropped against Los Blancos – expected to come back into the starting XI.
Chris Smalling has started all of Manchester United’s FA Cup matches this campaign, and could partner Jonny Evans in the centre of defence. Antonio Valencia, Anderson and, hat-trick hero against Norwich, Shinji Kagawa should also all return to the side.
Phil Jones (ankle) remains sidelined, while Paul Scholes (knee) is a doubt for the match. Midfield enforcer Darren Fletcher (illness) is out for the remainder of the season.
Rafa Benitez left Juan Mata on the bench in the Europa League last 16 match against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, while Demba Ba was ineligible, but both are expected to start against United.
Chelsea’s only injury worry is Oriol Romeu (knee), a long-term absentee, while Ashley Cole could return to the side after being rested in Romania.
Club captain John Terry has started all of the Blues’ FA Cup ties since returning to full fitness and chould partner Gary Cahill, another player rested against Steaua, with David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic dropping to the bench.
DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester United’s Champions League defeat against Real Madrid on Tuesday night ended a run of 18 games without defeat in all competitions.
The Red Devils have scored at least three goals in each of their last four meetings against Chelsea in all competitions, while 14 goals were been scored in the two meetings between the sides this season.
Chicharito enjoys playing against Chelsea, the Mexican striker has struck in five of his last six games against the Blues in all competitions. He is 4/1 to score the first goal in the game with bet365.
Robin van Persie has scored just one goal in eight games, and has not found the back of the net in his last five matches; but the Dutchman has bagged four goals in his last three appearances against Sunday’s opponents.
Chelsea have been inconsistent in 2013, winning just eight of their 18 matches in all competitions since the turn of the year, losing five times and conceding over a goal a game.
The west London club initially enjoyed rich form on their travels under Rafa Benitez, but have lost two and drawn one of their last three league away fixtures, and suffered defeat in Romania against Steaua Bucharest.
Blues defender Ashley Cole has won the FA Cup more times than any other player, lifting the famous trophy an astonishing seven times.
Chelsea have travelled to Old Trafford five times in the FA Cup, but have never won; the Blues have lost four of those encounters, and scored just one goal – a 70th minute consolation strike by Dennis Sorrell in March 1963.
Prediction
Manchester United have an excellent record at home this year, losing just once in the league, while Chelsea have struggled on previous FA Cup visits to Old Trafford. The Red Devils will be itching to make amends for their Champions League exit, while Chelsea’s congested fixture list is beginning to take its toll on a small squad. The Blues’ defence will struggle to contain a vengeful, firepower-packed United team.
Editor's Prediction
Man Utd. 3-1 Chelsea
10.03. (Sun) 17:00 Liverpool - Tottenham
LIVERPOOL
Pepe Reina
G. Johnson • J. Carragher • D. Agger • José Enrique
Lucas Leiva • S. Gerrard
L. Suárez • Philippe Coutinho • S. Downing
D. Sturridge
TOTTENHAM
H. Lloris
K. Walker • M. Dawson • J. Vertonghen • B. Assou-Ekotto
A. Lennon • M. Dembélé • S. Parker • G. Sigurdsson
G. Bale
J. Defoe
Liverpool are still without Fabio Borini and Brad Jones (both shoulder), while Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel are also expected to miss out with knee injuries.
January signing Daniel Sturridge is expected to start, however, with the striker having returned to full training earlier in the week.
The usual candidates will also be in contention for a starting berth in midfield, with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in with a chance of selection.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are still without Sandro and Tom Huddlestone (both knee) but welcomed Mousa Dembele back from a knee problem against Inter on Thursday.
The north London club may also be able to recall Emanuel Adebayor and Clint Dempsey up front, with the pair expected to have overcome their respective fitness issues by Sunday.
Elsewhere, Lewis Holtby may be in line for a starting role having come off the bench in the 3-0 win against Inter, while William Gallas is another defensive option manager Andre Villas-boas may well use.
DID YOU KNOW?
Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale have 37 league goals between them this season. The Uruguayan currently tops the scorers charts with 21, while Welshman Bale has 16 to his name.
Seventh-placed Liverpool are 12 points behind Tottenham in the Premier League with 10 games to go.
The Reds are yet to win against a side higher than them in the league table this season. The highest-ranked side they have beaten are Swansea, who are eighth.
Liverpool's home form in their last five league games at Anfield has been impressive. The Reds have lost once in that time but have otherwise won 3-0 once, 4-0 once and 5-0 twice.
Tottenham are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions but, more impressively, boast an unbeaten streak of 12 games in the Premier League.
Bale reached the landmark of having scored 50 goals for Spurs when he scored in the 3-0 win over Inter on Thursday. The Welshman scored at both ends in the reverse fixture this season when Tottenham beat Liverpool 2-1 at White Hart Lane. Bale is 11/2 to score the first goal with bet365.
The Reds have not beaten Spurs since January 2010 when Dirk Kuyt scored twice during a 2-0 win at Anfield.
Spurs have fared well on the road this season, having won eight away games in the Premier League, while drawing twice and losing four times.
Prediction
This one looks too close to call. Spurs are on a fantastic run of form at the moment and were this clash at White Hart Lane, it would be a no-brainer. However, Liverpool have been resurgent of late and the Anfield atmosphere will intimidate just about anyone.
Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham
10.03. (Sun) 15:00 Juventus - Catania
PROBABLE LINEUPS
JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini
L'steiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah
Vucinic, Giovinco
CATANIA
Andujar
Bellusci, Spolli, Rolin,
Alvarez, Izco, Lodi, Almiron, Marchese
Castro, Gomez
Juventus return to domestic league action against Catania after booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League following a comfortable 2-0 victory (5-0 agg) over Celtic.
The Bianconeri will be able to field a pretty much full-strength team against the Sicilians with the exception of Arturo Vidal, who is suspended following his booking last week against Napoli, meaning Paul Pogba will continue in midfield.
Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco are likely to return the starting XI, even though Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri played against the Hoops.
However, Conte will be without Martin Caceres, Paolo De Ceglie, Nicolas Anelka, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner.
Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, De Ceglie and Matri are one booking away from a suspension.
Meanwhile, for the visitors, Rolando Maran takes his eight-placed side to Juventus Stadium on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Inter.
Defender Ciro Capuano, midfielder Pablo Barrientos and striker Gonzalo Bergessio are unavailable. Centre-back Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended.
DID YOU KNOW?
Juventus have only been beaten at home twice in 14 league encounters this season. Inter and Sampdoria are the two sides to take full points off them.
The Bianconeri have lost one of the last 20 games against the Sicilians, in Turin in December 2009. Mariano Izco scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.
Antonio Conte's men are undefeated in their last seven matches against the visitors.
Catania, who are in contention for a European spot, have a very strong home record but they have recorded just three times on the road.
Gonzalo Bergessio, who is the club's top scorer in Serie A this season with eight goals, has been ruled out of the clash. Alejandro Gomez (5) will have the goalscoring burden on him.
The Sicilians were beaten 1-0 the last time these two sides met, but the match was not without its controversy, with Catania aggrieved to have a legitimate goal ruled out for offside. Arturo Vidal went on to secure the three points from the penalty spot.
Prediction
Catania will still be reeling after they were robbed of at least a point when the sides met back earlier in the season, and this may gave them added incentive to nick something here, but if their form away from home is anything to go by and if the Bianconeri can continue their strong form at Juventus Stadium, then all signs point to a comfortable win for Conte's men.
Editor's Prediction
Juventus 2-0 Catania
09.03. (Sat) 20:00 Barcelona - Dep. La Coruna
Written By maxtv on Friday, 8 March 2013 | 20:00
BARCELONA
Pinto
Martín Montoya • Puyol • J. Mascherano • Adriano Correia
Thiago Alcântara • A. Song • Iniesta
A. Sánchez • L. Messi • David Villa
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA
Aranzubia
Sílvio • Aythami • Insua • Ayoze
Paulo Assunção • A. Aguilar
Bruno Gama • Valerón • Pizzi
Nélson Oliveira
Barcelona forward Pedro is available for Saturday's Primera Division encounter against Deportivo La Coruna after overcoming a bout of flu.
However, playmaker Xavi is still sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Victor Valdes and Gerard Pique are suspended.
Assistant coach Jordi Roura is likely to rest many of his regular starters with Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash against AC Milan in mind.
Ze Castro, Kaka and Riki are all out injured for Deportivo, while Carlos Marchena is suspended.
Youngster Pablo Insua is expected to partner Aythami in the centre of defence.
DID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions.
The Catalan giants have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Lionel Messi has scored in a record 16 consecutive Liga appearances.
Deportivo La Coruna ended a six-match losing run with a goalless draw at home to Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
The Galician outfit have lost four of their last five meetings with Barcelona.
Deportivo's last win over Barca at Camp Nou was a 2-0 success in October 2003.
Prediction
Barcelona will be hurting after successive defeats against Real Madrid and will want to make a statement of intent ahead of their showdown with Milan. Deportivo picked up their first point under new coach Fernando Vasquez against Rayo Vallecano, but they lack the quality to capitalise on the opposition's defensive lapses.
Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Deportivo La Coruña
