23.03. (Sat) 01:00 Argentina - Venezuela

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARGENTINA
Romero
Burdisso, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo
Mascherano, Gago, Montillo
Messi, Higuain, Lavezzi

VENEZUELA
Hernandez
A. Gonzalez, Tunez, Vizcarrondo, Cichero
Rincon, Lucena, C. Gonzalez, Arango
Seijas, Rondon

Alejandro Sabella's Argentina team has a very familiar look as the coach elects to keep the base of the side which impressed during an unbeaten 2012. Sabella, however, is forced to make two changes from his habitual XI.

Sergio Aguero's injury leaves a space up front, which will most likely be filled by Ezequiel Lavezzi in the Monumental. Angel Di Maria is also unavailable due to suspension; in a surprise choice, Santos playmaker Walter Montillo looks set to partner Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano in the middle of an attacking Albiceleste line-up.

Currently fourth in the World Cup standings and dreaming of a first-ever appearance at football's biggest tournament, Venezuela will have to make do without the talents of historic goalscorer Fernando Amorebieta.

The central defender scored the only goal in 2011 when the Vinotinto recorded their first-ever victory over Friday's opponents, 1-0 in Puerto La Cruz, but is injured and unavailable for the return clash. In his place, Lanus' Oswaldo Vizcarrondo will partner Celta Vigo man Andres Tunez at the back.

DID YOU KNOW?

Argentina went down two years ago to Friday's rivals after winning every single one of their previous 19 encounters.

Fernando Amorebieta made history for his nation with the match's solitary strike, the only time Argentina have tasted defeat so far in qualifying.

The Albiceleste have scored over two goals a game across the tournament so far, notching 20 in nine appearances. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain also share the honour of top scorer alongside Uruguay's Luis Suarez.

Sabella's men are looking to book their place at an 11th consecutive World Cup, having appeared at every competition except 1934 and 1938 (withdrew) and 1970 (failed to qualify).

Venezuela, on the other hand, have never made the final stages of the tournament, and indeed only recorded their maiden qualifying victory in 2007 with a win over Ecuador.

Captain Juan Arango is by far the most experienced of the Vinotinto line-up, having been capped 111 times since making his debut in 1999. He has also appeared in five Copas America, and is five caps short of becoming Venezuela's record appearance holder.

Friday will be the first time the Vinotinto take the field since the passing of president Hugo Chavez, an outspoken supporter of national football who recently lost a long battle against cancer.

Prediction
Venezuela are no longer the Cinderella of South American football, and have proved over the last few years that under Cesar Farias, they are a force to be reckoned with. That said, Argentina's superstars should have the tools to gain revenge for 2011's defeat and record a close yet comfortable victory.

Editor's Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Venezuela

22.03. (Fri) 21:00 France - Georgia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FRANCE
Lloris
Jallet, Koscielny, Sakho, Evra
Valbuena, Matuidi, Cabaye, Ribery
Benzema, Giroud

GEORGIA
Revishvili
Kashia, Amisulashvili, Khizanishvili
Okriashvili, Targamadze
Kankava, Daushvili, Grigalashvili
Ananidze, Devdariani

France coach Didier Deschamps is set to tinker with his side against Georgia on Friday evening, ahead of the potential group decider against world champions Spain in Paris next week.

The former Marseille boss hinted earlier in the week he may try a 4-4-2 formation, with Karim Benzema and Arsenal's Olivier Giroud both starting against the Eastern European outfit.

With Mathieu Debuchy pulling out of the squad after limping off in Newcastle's game against Wigan on Sunday, Deschamps has called upon a familiar face in the form of Rod Fanni. The Marseille defender could be in line for a start should Paris Saint-Germain's Christophe Jallet fail to make the grade.

Young talents Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are set to be benched, with Deschamps preferring the tried and tested duo of Laurent Koscielny and Mamadou Sakho in defence.

Georgia coach Temuri Ketsbaia is also without a few players due to injury. Defender Akaki Khubutia failed to join the side to train on Wednesday at Stade Charlety due to travel issues, while Zurab Khizanishvili and Jano Ananidze will be known faces to many European football aficionados.

DID YOU KNOW?

France have won two out of their three World Cup qualifiers in the 2014 cycle, dropping points only to Spain.

Les Bleus lost their last fixture to Germany, in an international friendly in February.

The two nations have only met twice before, in qualification for Euro 2008. France won 1-0 in Paris, before a 3-0 win in Tbilisi .

Georgia sit in third place in Group I of World Cup qualifying. A win against France would take them level on points.

The Eastern European side's win over Albania last month was their first in five games.

Georgia occupy 69th position in the world rankings, while Levan Kobiashvili heads the all-time Georgia caps tally with 100.

Prediction
While Deschamps' side faltered in last month's friendly against Germany, there were plenty of positives, not least what the likes of Mathieu Valbuena and Blaise Matuidi bring to the international table. Georgia will put up resistance, and are a tough side, as Spain almost found out to their cost but the hosts should really wrap this one up.

Editor's Prediction
France 3-0 Georgia

22.03. (Fri) 20:45 Spain - Finland

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SPAIN
Valdes
Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba
Alonso, Busquets, Iniesta
Silva, Fabregas, Pedro

FINLAND
Hradecky
Raitala, Toivio, Moisander, Arkivuo
Ring, Sparv
R Eremenko, Hetemaj, Hamalainen
Pukki

Midfielder Xavi is struggling with a hamstring problem and is unlikely to feature in Spain's Group I World Cup qualifier against Finland at El Molinon.

Carles Puyol (knee) and Iker Casillas (hand) are out injured, while Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have been omitted from the squad by coach Vicente del Bosque.

Cesc Fabregas is expected to start in a "false nine" role alongside Pedro and David Silva in attack.

Finland boss Mixu Paatelainen is without Alexei Eremenko, who is suspended after getting sent off in the 1-1 draw against Georgia.

Chievo's Perparim Hetemaj is likely to replace the Rubin Kazan playmaker in the starting line-up.

DID YOU KNOW?

Spain are on an 18-match unbeaten run (W14, D4) stretching back to November 2011.

La Roja have won three of their last four encounters with Finland.

If he plays, Sergio Ramos will be the eighth player to reach 100 appearances for Spain.

Finland have only won three of their last nine internationals (W3, D3, L3).

Suomi are ranked 87th in the world, having never qualified for a major tournament.

Finland's last win over Spain was a 2-0 success in a World Cup qualifier in June 1969.

Prediction
It is hard to see this being anything other than a home win for Spain, against a Finland side lacking in experience at the highest level. The hosts will be out to record a convincing win ahead of Tuesday's table-topping showdown with France in Paris.

Editor's Prediction
Spain 3-0 Finland

22.03. (Fri) 20:30 Netherlands - Estonia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

NETHERLANDS
Stekelenburg
Janmaat, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind
De Guzman, Sneijder, Strootman
Lens, Van Persie, Robben

ESTONIA
Pareiko
Jaager, Morozov, Klavan, Teniste
Puri, Vunk, Vassiljev, Kink
Lindpere
Oper

Louis van Gaal will be without Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul due to physical problems, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is being plagued by a knee injury and is unavailable, too.

Roma shot-stopper Maarten Stekelenburg could return between the sticks again after missing Oranje's previous two games, while Van Gaal is likely to opt for a four-man defence consisting of promising youngsters who ply their trade in the Eredivisie.

Skipper Wesley Sneijder makes his comeback in midfield, with Robin van Persie leading the line in what promises to be a youthful-looking team.

Meanwhile, Estonia boss Tarmo Ruutli will have to make do without the likes of Taavi Rahn and Gert Kams due to injury.

Ruutli plans to field an experienced starting XI in Amsterdam, with talismanic striker Andres Oper expected to start as Estonia's lone front-man, with Joel Lindpere offering support from midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

Netherlands are one of only two European teams that have yet to lose points in the qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup, Russia being the other side.

Van Persie needs only two more goals to equal the legendary Johan Cruyff's record of 33 international strikes for Holland.

Feyenoord midfielder Tonny Vilhena was crowned European champion at Under-17 level less than a year ago, and could now make his debut at senior level.

Estonia have locked horns with Holland on two occasions so far, losing both at home and away in the qualification campaign for the 2002 World Cup.

The guests' all-time leading goalscorer Oper plied his trade in the Eredivisie from 2005 until 2009 at Roda before leaving for Shanghai Shenhua, only to return to Netherlands one year later at ADO Den Haag.

Estonia are one of 21 Uefa members who have never featured at a European Championship or a World Cup.

Prediction
The 2010 World Cup finalists will be desperate to maintain their perfect record, and there's little doubt that they have the individual quality to see off Estonia. Players such as Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben are still among the best in the world and will prove to be too much for the away side. Expect Oranje to cruise to a comfortable win and make it five wins from five in Group D.

Editor's Prediction
Netherlands 3-0 Estonia

22.03. (Fri) 19:00 Kazakhstan - Germany

PROBABLE LINEUPS

KAZAKHSTAN
Sidelnikov
Dmitrenko, Mukhtarov, Korobkin, Kirov
Nuserbaev, Bogdanov, Nurd'tov, Khairullin
Konysbaev
Gridin

GERMANY
Neuer
Lahm, Mertesacker, Boateng, Schmelzer
Khedira, Schweinsteiger
Muller, Ozil, Reus
Gomez

Germany will be without the services of two of their regular defenders for the trip to Astana, with both Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber injured, leaving Per Mertesacker and Jerome Boateng to line up together at centre-back.

Both Bender twins have dropped out of the squad due to injury, but Sami Khedira is fit to line up alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger. Finally, Mario Gomez will start up front, but Mario Gotze could get a run out in a false nine role.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will be without the services of Marat Shakhmetov and Azat Nurgaliev from the side who faced Austria back in Ocober.

Marat Khairullin should replace the latter on the left-hand side of midfield, with either Pavel Shabalin or Tanat Nuserbaev filling in for the former on the right.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kazakhstan have won just two World Cup qualifying games since making the switch from the Asian Football Confederation to Uefa.

The Central Asian nation also faced the Nationalelf in Euro 2012 qualifying, losing 3-0 at home and 4-0 away.

Midfielder Heinrich Schmidtgal was born in the Soviet Union, but moved to Germany at the age of two, later electing to represent Kazakhstan.

Germany have lost just two World Cup qualifiers in their history, the last one coming against England in September 2001.

Lukas Podolski has scored just two international goals since his last trip to Astana in October 2010. Another two strikes would see him leapfrog Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in Germany's list of all-time top scorers.

A total of 140 places separate the Nationalelf and Kazakhstan in the Fifa ranking.

Prediction
Germany have have been forced into a couple of changes at the back, but Per Mertesacker and Jerome Boateng are hardly poor replacements, while going forward, they have enough firepower to see off anyone, let alone a team of little quality as Kazakhstan.

Editor's Prediction
Kazakhstan 0-4 Germany

21.03. (Thu) 20:30 Italy - Brazil

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ITALY
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Ranocchia
Pirlo
Abate, Marchisio, Montolivo, Giaccherini
Balotelli, El Shaarawy

BRAZIL
Julio Cesar
Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Filipe
Fernando, Luiz Gustavo
Hulk, Oscar, Neymar
Fred

Italy and Brazil go toe-to-toe on Thursday evening, with Cesare Prandelli hoping to guide his side to their first victory against the South American giants in over 30 years.

However, the Azzurri coach is unlikely to be able to call upon powerful centre-back Giorgio Chiellini who is a doubt for the match after aggravating an ankle problem in training. Therefore Andrea Ranocchia could be in line for a starting spot in defence.

Prandelli is expected to start with AC Milan team-mates Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy in attack, while Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Riccardo Montolivo should form the midfield.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has had a number of injury problems to contest with following his second squad selection since replacing Mano Menezes as coach of Brazil.

Lucas Moura withdrew after taking a knock while representing Paris Saint-Germain against Nancy earlier this month, but was replaced by another pacy wide player in Sao Paulo's Osvaldo. Deep-lying midfield duo Paulinho and Ramires have both pulled out due to injury, and so a previously untested pairing of Fernando and Luiz Gustavo will feature in front of the back four.

Scolari has been testing out a 3-5-2 formation in training but it is more likely that he will begin with the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 line-up.

DID YOU KNOW?

Italy have not tasted victory against Thursday's opponents for over 30 years. A Paolo Rossi hat-trick guided the Azzurri to a 3-2 win in the 1982 World Cup.

An outing for Gianluigi Buffon will take him to within one appearance of the second most-capped Italy player ever, Paolo Maldini.

Mario Balotelli has been in scintilating form since joining AC Milan in January with seven goals in six Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.

Brazil ran out as 3-0 winners when these two nations last met in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Only three players from the squad for that game could feature on Thursday.

The Selecao famously defeated the Azzurri on penalties to win the World Cup in 1994. Roberto Baggio missed the decisive spot kick.

Scolari lost his first game back at the helm of the national team as Brazil succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of England last month.

Brazil are currently in 18th position in the Fifa Rankings, their lowest rating since the classification's inception.

Prediction
In a fixture which is steeped in rich history, it may finally be Italy's time to end a period of over 30 years without defeating Brazil. Under the wing of Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Selecao remain a largely youthful team who are still in transition. The involvement in competitive fixtures of the past years could grant the Azzurri a slight advantage over their South American opponents, who may find it tough against an experienced Italy team.

Editor's Prediction
Italy 2-1 Brazil

International Opta Facts - March 22nd

Scotland v Wales
Scotland and Wales have met 106 times in all competitions, with the Scots leading the head-to-head by 61 wins to 22 (23 draws).
In World Cup/European qualifiers, Wales are unbeaten in three against Scotland, winning two and drawing one.
In all competitions, Wales have won four of their last five against Scotland, including the reverse fixture in October (2-1 in Cardiff).
In each of the last six games that Wales have scored in, Gareth Bale has been one of the players on the scoresheet (seven goals).
Wales have lost seven of their last eight away games in all competitions, winning the other against Bulgaria.
It has now been 44 games since a game involving Wales last ended in a draw (0-0 v Germany in November 2007).
Scotland are unbeaten in eight games on home soil in all competition, winning five and drawing three.
Going back further, Gordon Strachan's side have lost just four of their last 26 in front of their own fans, with those defeats coming against the heavyweights of Spain, Netherlands, Argentina and Italy.
Only San Marino (35) have faced more shots on target in this WCQ campaign than Wales (32).

Sweden v Republic of Ireland
Sweden have won three and drawn one of their four previous competitive meetings with Republic of Ireland, though they last met in a qualifier in 1970.
Since then, the sides have met twice (both in friendlies) with Ireland picking up the victory each time (five goals scored, none conceded).
Ireland's record goal-scorer Robbie Keane scored in the previous meeting against Sweden in March 2006.
Ireland have only lost two of their last 21 away internationals, winning nine and drawing 10.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side have kept eight clean sheets in their last 13 internationals on the road.
Since a 0-1 defeat to England in November 2011, Sweden have only failed to score in one of 16 internationals in all competitions.

Northern Ireland v Russia
Russia are unbeaten in five previous clashes with Northern Ireland (including as Soviet Union), winning three and drawing two.
Both draws between these two sides, however, have occurred in their two clashes in Belfast, with Russia winning all three home games against Northern Ireland without conceding a goal.
Russia have only lost one of their last 24 internationals in all competitions, winning 13 and drawing 10.
Roman Shirokov has scored in Russia's last three internationals and in four of their last six, including a goal against Northern Ireland last September.
Northern Ireland are winless in 12 international games (D5 L7) since defeating Faroe Islands 4-0 in August 2011.

San Marino v England
England have won their three previous meetings with San Marino, all in World Cup qualifiers, netting 18 times and conceding just once.
An England player has netted four goals in two of the Three Lions' three previous clashes with the European minnows (David Platt and Ian Wright).
England's average of six goals per game against San Marino is their joint-best against any of the 87 different nations they have faced in international football (level with Jamaica).
The Three Lions have lost only one of 13 internationals under Roy Hodgson (W8 D4).
Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in his last three internationals combined.
England, who lost their last away game 2-4 in Sweden, have not lost consecutive internationals on the road since 1993, when they lost three in a row under Graham Taylor. Interestingly, they ended this run with a 7-1 victory in San Marino.
The Three Lions have won eight and lost just one of their last 11 away qualifiers (Word Cup & Euro), drawing two.
Tom Cleverley made 145 and completed 140 passes in England's reverse meeting with San Marino at Wembley in October, both records for England since Opta started full analysis of England's fixtures.
Danny Welbeck has scored five goals from just five shots on target at international level.
San Marino have lost their last 50 internationals, scoring only seven goals in total in that run.

League 1 Opta Facts - 19 March

Bury v Stevenage
Stevenage have gone four games unbeaten against Bury (W2 D2); scoring 10 goals in the process.
Bury haven't won at home in four games (L4), and they've only recorded one victory in their last eight games (D1 L6).
The Shakers have conceded 36 goals in the second half of matches this season; a joint-high in the division.
Stevenage haven't won away from home in five games (L5).
The Boro have lost five times from winning positions this season. No-one has lost more from such positions.

Crewe v MK Dons
Crewe are yet to beat MK Dons in three league fixtures (D2 L1). Their only previous victory over MK Dons came in the FA Cup in 2007.
The Railwaymen have received 30 yellow cards this season; a league-low.
MK Dons have gone six games without an away win (D4 L2); their worst such run of the season.
Crewe haven't won in three attempts at the Alexandra Stadium (D1 L2).
MK Dons have scored 41% of their goals in the second half (21 of 50); a league-low proportion.

Oldham v Hartlepool
Oldham have won their last two games against Hartlepool (2-1 & 1-0).
Oldham have conceded 32% of their goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season (16 of 50); a league-high proportion.
Hartlepool's Scott Flinders has made more saves (150) than any other League One goalkeeper so far this season.
Hartlepool haven't won in four games (D2 L2).
The Latics are yet to lose from a winning position at home this season (W5 D1).

Yeovil v Swindon
Swindon have picked up one win in five (D2 L2). Similarly, Yeovil have also won once in their last five (D3 L1).
Swindon have kept eight clean sheets away from home this season. No-one has kept more.
Swindon have conceded four goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a league-low.
Yeovil striker Paddy Madden has more braces (5) this season than any other player in League One. He is yet to bag a hat-trick this season.

League 2 Opta Facts - 19 March

Accrington v Wimbledon
The two clubs have met three times in their history and Accrington have been victorious on every occasion (W3).
Wimbledon have won their last three games in a row; their best such run of the season.
Defender Lee Molyneaux scored Stanley's first hat-trick of the season at the weekend. He is also the first defender to score a hat-trick across the top four English divisions.
Wimbledon have scored 33% of their goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season (15 of 46); a league-high proportion.

Bradford v Wycombe
Bradford haven't won in four matches (D3 L1), although they've kept two clean sheets in that time.
The Bantams have lost just three points from winning positions at home this season; a joint-league-low with Gillingham.
Wycombe have scored only six goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches; a joint-league-low with York City.
Wycombe have lost three times from winning positions away from home this season. No-one has lost more.
No side in League Two has scored more penalties this season than Bradford City (7).

Rochdale v Gillingham
Rochdale have picked up one win in their last six games (D2 L3).
Although, the Gills are unbeaten in four (W1 D3), they've only won once in five games (D3 L1).
The Gills have won 11 times on the road this campaign; a joint-league-high with Port Vale and Exeter.
Gillingham have kept 10 cleans on their travels; a league-high.
Rochdale's Robert Grant has attempted 110 shots (including blocked) this season; more than any other players in League Two.

Southend v Plymouth
The last two meetings between the two sides have ended in a score draw (2-2 & 1-1).
There have been two red cards in the last three fixtures between the sides.
Plymouth have won just three games away from home this campaign; a joint-league-low with Torquay.
The Shrimpers haven't won at Roots Hall in five games (D2 L3).

Torquay v Chesterfield
Torquay haven't beaten Chesterfield in four league games (D2 L2).
Torquay have gone 11 games without a win (D3 L8); their worst such run of the season.
The Spireites haven't picked up any points from losing positions on the road this season.
Chesterfield have conceded just three goals in the opening fifteen minutes of matches; a joint-league-low with Gillingham.

Barnet v Fleetwood
The two clubs have met once in their history, with Fleetwood registering a 2-1 victory over Barnet earlier this season.
Barnet have conceded 11 penalties this campaign; a league-high for not only League Two but across the top four English leagues this season. Fleetwood's first goal in their previous meeting came from the penalty spot.
Fleetwood have kept more clean sheets (16) this season than any other League Two side.
Fleetwood have picked up one win in their last seven league games (D2 L4).

17.03. (Sun) 21:00 Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BARCELONA
Pinto
Dani Alves • Piqué • J. Mascherano • Adriano Correia
Thiago Alcântara • Busquets • Fàbregas
A. Sánchez • L. Messi • Iniesta

RAYO VALLECANO
Rubén
Tito • Gálvez • Jordi Amat • Arbilla
Roberto Trashorras • Adrián
A. Bangoura • A. Domínguez • Piti
A. Delibašić

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol could be sidelined for up to a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday.

Xavi (hamstring) and Victor Valdes (suspension) also sit out Sunday's clash, but youngster Marc Bartra is available after overcoming a knee problem.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas and winger Alexis Sanchez may return to the line-up after starting on the bench against AC Milan in midweek.

Rayo boss Paco Jemez will be without suspended trio Jose Manuel Casado, Javi Fuego and Leo Baptistao.

Mikel Labaka has returned to training following an ankle injury but is not match fit, while fellow defender Jordi Amat is available after serving a one-match ban.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona are on a nine-match winning run at Camp Nou in La Liga.

The Catalan giants will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg to be played at Parc des Princes on April 2.

Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals in his last 11 appearances for Barcelona.

Rayo Vallecano are on a four-match winless run away from home in La Liga, losing three.

Los Franjirrojos have lost their last four meetings with Barcelona by an aggregate score of 19-0.

Rayo's last win over Barca at Camp Nou was a 2-0 success in May 2000.

Prediction
Barcelona dispelled doubts about their form in spectacular fashion against Milan in midweek and they will now look to put together a run of wins and wrap up the Liga title as soon as possible. Rayo are not great away from home and they are also missing some key players.

Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Rayo Vallecano

17.03. (Sun) 21:00 Saint Etienne - Paris Saint Germain

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AS SAINT-ETIENNE
Ruffier
Clerc, Sall, Perrin, Brison
Bodmer, Lemoine
Gradel, Hamouma, Mollo
Aubameyang

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
van der Wiel, Thiago Silva, Sakho, Maxwell
Menez, Verratti, Matuidi, Pastore
Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of Paris Saint-Germain to Stade Geoffrey-Guichard.

Midfielder Jeremy Clement is out for six months following the horror ankle injury he sustained two weeks ago against Stade Rennes, with former PSG midfielder Mathieu Bodmer - who left the capital in January - set to take his place.

In-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line, with the likes of Max-Alain Gradel and Yohan Mollo providing the width.

For Paris Saint-Germain, Carlo Ancelotti will be without Christophe Jallet, Thiago Motta and Lucas Moura for the trip to the Rhone region.

Jeremy Menez could be in line for a recall, with Lucas being out for two weeks after an injury sustained in the 2-1 win over Nancy last weekend. David Beckham is likely to start from the bench, but will be in familiar surroundings as he returns to the venue where he was famously sent off for England against Argentina at World Cup 1998.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saint-Etienne have beaten PSG twice this season, prevailing in Ligue 1 at Parc des Princes, with Ibrahimovic shown a red card before a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win in the Coupe de la Ligue - both in November.

Christophe Galtier's side have not lost a game in 2013, winning six and drawing three - the best form of any side in Ligue 1.

Les Verts' key striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sits behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the number of goals he has been involved in the top five European leagues since the turn of the year.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not scored in 190 minutes against Saint-Etienne this season.

Paris Saint-Germain sit top of Ligue 1, four points clear of Olympique Lyonnais, and just nine clear of fourth-placed ASSE.

Les Parisiens have lost both of their last two away league encounters, to relegation-threatened Sochaux and Stade de Reims.

PSG were drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. The sides played out a 2-2 draw in a glitzy pre-season friendly in Paris in August, before the Catalans prevailed on penalties.

Prediction
Saint-Etienne have been, since the turn of the year, one of the best sides if not the best in the division, and having already picked up two wins against Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, the odds are that the Ligue 1 leaders will falter here again to blow the title race wide open for yet another week.

Editor's Prediction
AS Saint-Etienne 2-1 PSG

17.03. (Sun) 20:45 Sampdoria - Inter

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SAMPDORIA
Romero
Gastaldello, Palombo, Costa
De Silvestri,Polli,Krsticic,Obiang,Estigarribia
Eder, Icardi

INTER
Handanovic
Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira
Kuzmanovic, Gargano
Schelotto, Guarin, Cassano
Palacio

A 4-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur was not enough to preserve Inter’s Europa League campaign, but both the victory and the manner of it might be enough to see the Nerazzurriout of what manager Andrea Stramaccioni has called a “period of great difficulty.”

Since striker Diego Milito went down with a knee injury that will keep him sidelined the rest of the season, Inter have won only one of four Serie A matches, scoring just five goals. But forwards Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Cassano each found the back of the net against Spurs and will be expected to start up top once again as Stramaccioni looks to coax some more offense from his side.

He will, however, be without suspended defender Juan Jesus, and left-back Yuto Nagatomo is also unavailable due to a knee injury. Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel trained during the week and will likely start on the bench.

Sampdoria had lost just twice since the December 17 appointment of manager Delio Rossi until dropping a 3-1 decision against Cagliari last weekend. Presently 11th in the table, i Blucerachiati could rise into the top half of the table with a win at home to Inter coupled with a Bologna loss or draw against Juventus.

Winger Davide Gavazzi is Rossi’s only injury or suspension concern and will be out for the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn cruciate ligament.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter’s 4-1 win over Tottenham marked the first time this season the Nerazzurri had scored more than three goals in a match.

Inter have won just three of the 10 Serie A matches they’ve played in 2013.

Rodrigo Palacio’s brace against Catania earlier this month took him to nine Serie A goals on the campaign, tying him with the injured Diego Milito for the team scoring lead.

Sampdoria had kept five clean sheets from six matches before falling 3-1 to Cagliari last weekend.

Coming into the 2012-13 Serie A season, Sampdoria were handed a one-point deduction for their role in the 2011-12 Italian football corruption scandal.

This will be the 131st meeting between Sampdoria and Inter, of which the Nerrazzurri have won 71 and lost only 20. Sampdoria last beat Inter on this ground in September 2009.

Prediction
Inter are struggling to create goalscoring chances these days; Sampdoria are capable of playing some of the stingiest defense in Italy. Don’t expect a barrage of goals in this one. Sampdoria should feel good about their chances of taking at least a point from this.

Editor's Prediction
Sampdoria 1-1 Inter

17.03. (Sun) 17:00 Chelsea - West Ham

PROBABLE LINEUPS

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

WEST HAM
Jaaskelainen
Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien
Jarvis, Collison, O'Neil, Diame, Vaz Te
Carroll

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez is expected to make some changes from the starting XI which beat Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, but club captain John Terry is likely to keep his place ahead of Gary Cahill.

Frank Lampard is set to come straight back into the side, while Victor Moses is also pushing for a recall. Up front, Fernando Torres could get an opportunity to get on a goalscoring run after netting in the Europa League, with Demba Ba having to settle for a place on the bench. Long-term absentee Oriol Romeu (knee) remains sidelined.

As for the visitors, Sam Allardyce will be looking to build on their 1-0 win at Stoke in their previous match. Ricardo Vaz Te may get a starting berth with the away side looking for extra pace going forward.

On loan Liverpool forward Andy Carroll will again lead the line. Joe Cole (hamstring) is set to miss out on facing his former side, while George McCartney (knee) and Kevin Nolan (ankle) are also sidelined.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea's Fernando Torres , scored only his second goal of 2013 against Steaua in the Europa League on Thursday. The other one was in the FA Cup against Brentford.

The Blues have the joint-second best scoring record in the Premier League along with Liverpool - with 56 goals. Only Manchester United (68) have netted more.

The meeting between the two teams earlier in the season finished in a 3-1 West Ham win. Mata gave the Blues an early lead before second half goals from Carlton Cole, Mohammed Diame and Modibo Maiga.

The Hammers are the joint-lowest scorers away from home in the league along with Stoke City - they’ve both scored 9 goals.

West Ham have only won two of their last eight games in the league - 1-0 wins against Swansea City and Stoke.

Three of the last four Premier League games between Chelsea and West Ham have featured over three goals. The hosts are 5/1 with bet365 to win by thee goals on Sunday.

Prediction
The hosts head into the match on the back of timely boost of Europa League progression, but their opponents will be the fresher of the two teams. This could turn out to be a London derby packed full of goals, and Chelsea may just grab the three points.

Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 3-2 West Ham United

17.03. (Sun) 16:00 Tottenham - Fulham

PROBABLE LINEUPS

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

FULHAM
Schwarzer
Riether, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise
Dejagah, Sidwell, Karagounis, Duff
Ruiz
Berbatov

Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) and Aaron Lennon (hamstring) missed the loss to Liverpool last time out but both featured in the 4-1 loss to Inter in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday so are expected to make Saturday's matchday squad.

Tom Huddlestone (knee) made the bench at Anfield and San Siro, but did not make the pitch as he continues his return to first-team action, while Sandro (knee) remains a long-term casualty.

Meanwhile, Fulham manager Martin Jol has a near-fully fit squad to choose from for the trip to White Hart Lane, with only Mahamdou Diarra (knee) definitely missing out while Eyong Enoh and Kerim Frei are slowly returning to match fitness.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tottenham's defeat away at Liverpool was their first in 13 games in the Premier League.

Andre Villas-Boas' side have scored just 22 times in front of their own fans in the league all season.

But have only failed to find the back of the net on three separate occasions this term, with only league leaders Manchester United boasting a better record with two.

The reverse fixture between the two clubs at Craven Cottage back in December ended 3-0 to Tottenham, with Jermain Defoe grabbing a double and Sandro completing the rout.

The game will see Dimitar Berbatov, Mousa Dembele and possibly Clint Dempsey feature against their former clubs, while Martin Jol managed Tottenham for three years between 2004-07.

Fulham have picked up just 12 of their 33 points on their travels this season.

Only four teams in the have conceded more goals on the road than Fulham's tally of 27.

Fulham have won none of their last eight Premier League matches against Tottenham, losing the last six in a row. Spurs are 10/1 with bet365 to win 3-1 on Sunday.

Prediction
The blip that was the defeat against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend is likely to be long forgotten by the time Fulham visit White Hart Lane. With a timely boost of progress through to the Europa League quarter-finals behind them, Spurs head into this game full of confidence and looking to press their home advantage and keep their top-four hopes on track.

Editor's Prediction
Tottenham 3-1 Fulham

17.03. (Sun) 15:00 Milan - Palermo

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AC MILAN
Abbiati
Abate, Mexes, Zapata, De Sciglio
Flamini, Montolivo, Muntari
Boateng, Balotelli, El Shaarawy

PALERMO
Sorrentino
Munoz, Bergen, Munoz
Morganella, Arrovela, Donati, Kurtic, Garcia
Miccoli, Dybala

It was all going too well. After getting their Serie A campaign back on track and defeating Barcelona 2-0 in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie, AC Milan were sent tumbling out of the Champions League on Tuesday.

A 4-0 defeat to Barcelona was a crushing blow, but now the Rossoneri's attentions turn to qualifying for the tournament again next season via their domestic efforts.

Massimiliano Allegri's side sit in third spot in the table, three points ahead of Fiorentina in fourth, but will be without Nigel de Jong and Giampaolo Pazzini through injury, while Kevin Constant is suspended.

Palermo go into the game second from bottom and have injury concerns of their own. Abel Hernandez, Andrea Mantovani, Edgar Barreto and Andrea Dossena are all out of action, with the Rosanero in desperate need of stabilisation after a season that has witnessed five changes of coach.

DID YOU KNOW?

AC Milan have won their last seven home games in Serie A.

Mario Balotelli was ineligible for the Rossoneri's Champions League exit to Barcelona, but will boost his side by returning on Sunday.

There have been over 2.5 goals in each of Milan's last six games at San Siro.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have been winning at half-time and full-time in five of their last five home games in Serie A.

Palermo have drawn four of their last six games, losing the other two.

The Rosanero have struggled for goals and Fabrizio Miccoli remains the club's top goalscorer with a tally of just five.

Prediction
Milan will be low after their Champions League exit, but their form in 2013 remains impressive and Massimiliano Allegri will ensure they bounce back against a struggling Palermo side.

Editor's Prediction
Milan 3-0 Palermo