Serie A 2012-13 - Week 35

Catania - Siena
There is a perfect balance in the 11 previous Serie A meetings between Catania and Siena: two wins apiece and seven draws.
Catania's two wins have come in the last two league matches between these two sides, both away from home.
In fact, Catania have never won against Siena at home in the top-flight (four draws and a win for the guests).
Catania are winless in the last five Serie A match-days (3D, 2L) and have won only one of their last eight league fixtures.
The Sicilians have lost only one of their last nine home league games (5W, 3D), but have drawn both the last two.
Siena have lost their last two Serie A games without scoring a goal. Prior to these, they were unbeaten in their last five league matches (2W, 3D).
The Tuscans have won two of their last four away league games, losing just once.
However, the Bianconeri have conceded goals in each of their last 10 league games on the road, shipping 23 goals in the process.
Catania and Siena have drawn 0-0 the joint-most times in this Serie A season (six, alongside Torino).
Nicola Legrottaglie has scored 22 goals in Serie A, the most amongst defenders currently playing in the Italian top-flight.

Chievo - Cagliari
Chievo have lost only once in their last eight Serie A meetings against Cagliari, winning four times in the process.
Chievo have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five league encounters against the Sardinians, but have conceded four goals in the other one.
Chievo are unbeaten in their seven home meetings with Cagliari in the top-flight (three wins, four draws).
The "Flying Donkeys" have kept a clean sheet in four of the last seven Serie A match-days (3W, 1D, 3L).
The Gialloblu have failed to score in each of their last three home league fixtures (a 0-0 draw and two 0-1 defeats).
Cagliari have lost their last two Serie A games. Prior to these, they were unbeaten in their last five league fixtures (3W, 2D).
The Sardinians have won only two of their last 12 away league games, losing six times.
Prior to their 2-3 loss away to Napoli, Cagliari had failed to score in their previous three league games on the road.
Cagliari have conceded 38 goals in the second half of games, the joint-most so far in this Serie A campaign.
Cyril Théréau has scored one goal in three of his four league games against Cagliari, his favourite target in Serie A.

Fiorentina - Roma
Fiorentina and Roma have shared the points just once in their last 10 Serie A meetings: six wins for the Giallorossi, three for the Viola.
Roma have won only one of their last seven trips to Florence in Serie A, losing twice and drawing four times.
Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last four Serie A match-days and have won the last three in a row.
The Viola have found the net in each of their last 10 league fixtures, scoring on average 2.4 goals per game - the highest average in Serie A over this period.
Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last seven home league games (five wins and two draws).
Roma have lost only one of their last 10 league games and are unbeaten in the last four.
The Giallorossi won their last away league game: the last time they won two consecutive games on the road in Serie A was last December.
These two sides have scored the joint-most goals in the second half of games (33 apiece).
Fiorentina have scored the most set-piece goals in this Serie A season, 30 (including penalties).
Francesco Totti has netted five goals in his last three league appearances against Fiorentina. He has scored 13 goals in total against the Viola in Serie A.
Adem Ljajic has been directly involved in 11 goals over the last 10 Serie A match-days (seven scored, four assisted), at least three more than any other player over this period.

Genoa - Pescara
In the reverse fixture of this Serie A campaign, Pescara won their first Serie A match against Genoa, after three wins for the Rossoblu and a draw.
Genoa have won both their home matches played against Pescara in Serie A: 1-0 in December 1977 and 4-3 in October 1992.
After eight games without any win (4D, 4L), Genoa beat Chievo in the last match-day.
The Rossoblu have drawn each of their last three home league games (vs Siena, Sampdoria and Atalanta).
Pescara have collected only two points in their last 15 Serie A games, failing to score in nine of those encounters.
Pescara are winless in their last eight league games away from home (2D, 6L), finding the net four times and conceding 19 goals in the process.
Pescara have conceded 70 goals in the league this season, the worst tally after 34 Serie A match-days since 1997/98, when Napoli and Lecce shipped respectively 76 and 72 goals.
The Dolphins have recouped only one point from trailing situations in this Serie A season - a league-low - losing 24 of the 25 games in which they have been behind.
Genoa have recorded the worst passing accuracy in Serie A this season (76%).
Pescara are the only current Serie A team that Marco Borriello has never scored against.

Juventus - Palermo
Juventus have won their last three clashes with Palermo in Serie A, without conceding a goal. Prior to those three meetings, the Rosanero won four times in a row.
Juventus and Palermo haven't shared the points in any of their last 14 Serie A meetings: both teams have won seven games in this run.
Palermo have won three of their last four games played in Turin against Juventus.
Juventus have won their last seven league fixtures, their best winning streak in Serie A this season.
Juventus have failed to score only once in their last 20 Serie games (a 0-1 loss away from home against Roma).
Antonio Conte's side have won each of their last five home games in Serie A, conceding only one goal in the process.
Palermo haven't lost any of their last five Serie A matches (3W, 2D). The last time that the Rosanero went unbeaten for six consecutive league games was in 2010.
Since Giuseppe Sannino came back in charge for Palermo (six matches), the Sicilians have picked up an average of 1.8 points per game. In their 25 fixtures without him this season, they had collected 0.8 points per game.
Juventus have conceded only six goals in the first half of their league matches this season, fewer than any other side. The Bianconeri are also the only team yet to concede a single goal in the opening 15 minutes of play this term.
Josip Ilicic has scored in each of Palermo's last five games in Serie A.
Mirko Vucinic has netted four goals in Serie A against Palermo, but only one in his last 10 appearances against the Sicilians.

Lazio - Bologna
The last five meetings between Lazio and Bologna in Serie A have not seen the same result twice in a row.
Bologna won the last match played at the Olimpico against Lazio. Prior to this, the Biancocelesti hadn't lost for 11 consecutive league meeting with the Felsinei.
Lazio have failed to score in their last three Serie A games, finding the net in only two of their last eight league fixtures.
Vladimir Petkovic's side have won only two of their last six home games in Serie A.
Bologna have drawn each of their last five league games, their longest drawing run since December 2008.
The Rossoblu are unbeaten in their last four away league games (a win at the San Siro against Inter, followed by three consecutive draws).
Bologna have gained 17 points from losing situations in this Serie A season, more than any other side.
Lazio have scored the joint-fewest goals in the second half of games in this Serie A season (17, along with Palermo and Pescara).
Alberto Gilardino has netted five goals against Lazio in Serie A. However, only one of those goals has been scored in his last eight league appearances against the Biancocelesti.
Alessandro Diamanti and Hernanes have fired the joint-most shots from outside the box (64) in Serie A this season.

Milan - Torino
AC Milan are unbeaten in their last 10 Serie A matches against Torino (7W, 3D).
Torino have scored in their last three Serie A meetings with the Rossoneri. Prior to these, the Granata had not found the net in any of their previous six league games against AC Milan.
The Rossoneri haven't lost a home game against Torino in Serie A since May 1985 (11W, 5D).
The Granata have scored in only five of these 16 away meetings with AC Milan, without finding the net more than once in a single game.
AC Milan have lost only one of their last 16 league games (10 wins, five draws).
Massimiliano Allegri's side are unbeaten at home in Serie A since November 2012 (1-3 vs Fiorentina), winning nine of the following 10 league games on home soil.
Torino have collected only one point in their last five games in Serie A and only one in their last five away matches.
The Granata have conceded 15 goals in their last five Serie A fixtures, at least two in each game of this run.
Giampiero Ventura's side have conceded four goals in three of their last four away matches in Serie A, shipping two goals in the other one.
AC Milan have scored the most goals (21) in the last 15 minutes of their league matches this season. On the other side, Torino have conceded the most goals (20) in the same period of games.
Giampaolo Pazzini has netted four goals as a substitute in this Serie A season, the joint-most so far.
Mathieu Flamini has scored three goals in his last three Serie A appearances, as many as he netted in the previous 90.

Napoli - Inter
In their last 12 clashes in Serie A, Napoli and Inter have won five times each, sharing the points on two occasions.
Napoli are unbeaten in their last six league games played at the San Paolo against Inter, winning four times in the process (always 1-0).
Inter have scored only one goal over these last six Serie A trips to Naples.
Napoli have collected 16 points in their last six Serie A match-days (5W, 1D), scoring 17 goals in the process.
The Partenopei are unbeaten at the San Paolo in Serie A in 2013 (6W, 2D), and have won each of their last three home league games.
Inter have lost five of their last seven Serie A games, three of the last four.
The Nerazzurri have lost their last two away games in Serie A, without scoring a goal.
Moreover, Andrea Stramaccioni's side have lost eight of their last 11 away league fixtures, winning only twice.
Edinson Cavani has netted 14 goals in his 16 league appearances at the San Paolo this season, more than any other player.
Gökhan Inler has scored the most goals from outside the box in Serie A this season (six).

Parma - Atalanta
Atalanta have won five of their last seven Serie A meetings with Parma, losing only once.
Parma have netted exactly one goal in each of their last five league matches against Atalanta in Serie A, each one by a different player.
In their last nine meetings at the Tardini in Serie A, Parma and Atalanta have never repeated the same result for two games in a row - the Nerazzurri won the last one in October 2011.
Parma have failed to score in each of their last four league games (2L, 2D), their longest goal-scoring drought since December 2006.
Atalanta have won only once in their last six Serie A matches (two defeats and three draws, including their last two fixtures).
The Bergamaschi have won three of their last six away games this season (2L, 1D), scoring in each of these six matches.
Parma have attempted the most crosses from open play (768) and the most headed shots (86) in this Serie A season.
Eight of Amauri's 10 goals this season have come at the Tardini.
Germán Denis has scored six times in his last five away games in Serie A.

Udinese - Sampdoria
Udinese haven't lost any of their last three clashes against Sampdoria in Serie A (2W, 1D), not conceding a single goal in this run.
Udinese have won four of their last six home games against Sampdoria in Serie A (1L, 1D).
The Bianconeri have won four Serie A games in a row, their longest winning run in the league this season.
Udinese have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five Serie A games, including the last three.
The Friulani have lost only their first home league fixture this season, last September against Juventus.
Sampdoria are without a win in their last seven Serie A games (3D, 4L).
The Blucerchiati haven't scored more than one goal in any of their last eight Serie A games, netting only five times in the process.
Sampdoria are winless in their last seven away league fixtures (5D, 2L), scoring only three goals in the process.
Antonio Di Natale has scored in seven of his last 11 Serie A games against Sampdoria.
Allan has won the joint-most tackles in Serie A this season (115, level to Valon Behrami).

SPL Opta Facts – May 4-5

Dundee United v St. Johnstone
The last three meetings between the two sides this season have ended in draws.
Dundee United have lost 20 points from winning positions this season; a league-high figure.
The Saints are without an away win in four games (D2 L2); their worst such run of the season.
Dundee United have picked up one win in their last eight SPL games (D5 L2).

Hearts v St. Mirren
The two clubs have met four times this season in all competitions, with St Mirren winning three times (L1).
Hearts have conceded 10 goals in the opening fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint-league-high alongside Inverness CT.
St Mirren have conceded in each of their last five SPL games; the current longest run of that kind.
Hearts have won three of their last six (D1 L2), keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Inverness CT v Motherwell
Motherwell are yet to lose to Inverness this season, winning all three previous meetings, with Michael Higdon scoring six goals in those three clashes.
Motherwell have gained 20 points from losing positions this season; a league-high total.
Motherwell have lost just six points from winning positions this season; a league-low.
Inverness have scored eight goals from the penalty spot this season; a league-high.

Ross County v Celtic
This season, the clubs have met three times with Celtic and Ross County each winning once with the other clash resulting in a draw.
Celtic have scored 20 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; the most in the league.
Ross County have scored 64% of their goals in the second half of matches this season; a league-high proportion.
Celtic have scored in each of their last 15 SPL games, with Gary Hooper scoring five goals in his last six appearances.

Dundee v Aberdeen
Aberdeen have secured three SPL victories over Dundee this season, scoring six and conceding just one goal in the process.
Dons' forward Niall McGinn has netted five times in three appearances against Dundee this campaign.
Dundee have won their last three SPL games; the current longest winning streak in the division.
The Dons are without an away win in six games (D2 L4).

Kilmarnock v Hibernian
Hibs are unbeaten in four games against Killie this season in all competitions, winning twice (D2).
On-loan Hibs striker Leigh Griffiths has scored six times in four appearances against Kilmarnock this season.
Killie have salvaged just four points from losing positions this season; a joint-league-low alongside Dundee.
Killie have conceded 15 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this campaign; a league-high haul.

Premier League Opta Facts - May 4-6

Fulham v Reading
Fulham have lost their last three Barclays Premier League games without scoring a single goal. They have never lost four in a row in the Premier League without netting.
In the last three league meetings between the Whites and the Royals, there have been five goals scored and a player dismissed within the final five minutes of the matches.
Reading had eight shots on target against Fulham earlier in the season; the most they have had in a single game this campaign.
Dimitar Berbatov has scored five goals in four league clashes with the Royals.
In Fulham's 11 league games since the start of February, only Berbatov (five) and Sascha Riether (one) have found the net for the Whites (excluding own goals).
After scoring three first-half goals in one game against Manchester United on December 1, Reading have scored just four goals in total before the break in the ensuing 21 league games.
The Royals have lost 11 of their last 12 away league games, including their last five on the bounce.
Reading's first goal has come, on average, in the 50th minute this season; the latest figure of all 20 PL teams.
Fulham have accrued a joint-high five own goals this season, and are one of only three teams yet to concede one (with Arsenal and Reading).
Reading players have been forced to make a league-high 11 clearances off the line this term.

Norwich City v Aston Villa
Norwich have won just one of their last nine Barclays Premier League meetings with Aston Villa, drawing five and losing three.
Despite that, the Villans have only won one of their five Premier League trips to Carrow Road (D2 L2), with that win coming back in December 1993.
Following his goal against Sunderland last week, Gabriel Agbonlahor is now the top scoring Aston Villa player in Premier League history (61).
Christian Benteke has already scored more Premier League goals this season than any other Aston Villa player has managed in a single campaign (18).
The Belgian has scored 13 goals in 15 league appearances in 2013.
Norwich have won fewer games in 2013 than any other Premier League team (two).
Villa have gone 19 league games without a clean sheet, the longest run of the season.
Norwich have conceded more goals from outside the area than any other team in the Premier League this term (12).
Aston Villa substitutes have contributed just two goals this season, a joint-league-low.
Christian Benteke has won more aerial duels than any other player in the top five European leagues (261).

Swansea City v Manchester City
All three Barclays Premier League meetings between Swansea and Man City have seen the home side win whilst keeping a clean sheet.
Swansea have won four and lost just one of their last six home league meetings with the Citizens.
Samir Nasri has made four assists in his last five league games while he has either scored or assisted four goals in his last four games (in all competitions).
Swansea have won only one of their seven league games since winning the Capital One Cup (D2 L4).
Excluding penalties, Swansea have scored the lowest percentage of set piece goals (11.6%) and conceded the highest (40%).
The Swans are the only team in the Premier League this season yet to lose a single point with a goal conceded in the final 10 minutes.
Manchester City are one of only two teams (with Arsenal) to have three players in double figures for PL goals this season (Aguero, Dzeko, Tevez).
Michu has scored a higher percentage of his team's goals than any other player in the top-flight this term (39%).
Ashley Williams has made the most clearances (362) and the most blocks (47) in the Premier League this term.
Man City have played the highest percentage of short passes in the top-flight this season (92%).

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
Tottenham have won nine and lost just two of their 11 previous Barclays Premier League home meetings with Southampton.
Both teams have scored in 25 of Tottenham's league games this season, more than any other club.
Gareth Bale has scored in three successive Premier League games.
Southampton have gone 281 minutes of away football in the top-flight without conceding a goal.
Spurs have now gone nine Premier League games without a clean sheet, on the other hand.
Saints have only lost one of their last seven league games (W3 D3) but that came in their last game against WBA.
Gareth Bale has scored more goals from outside the box (seven) than any other player in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham players have blocked fewer shots than those of any other PL team this term (74).
Saints have made just nine attempts following fast breaks this season, a joint-low.
No team has scored more PL goals from outside the area this season than Spurs (12).

West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic
Both teams have found the net in all four previous Barclays Premier League meetings between West Brom and Wigan at the Hawthorns.
Marc-Antoine Fortuné has scored more goals against Wigan than any other side in the English top-flight (three in three games).
Steve Clarke's side have already won more points this season (48) than they have ever managed before in a Premier League campaign.
Always assuming three points for a win, the last time the Baggies had more than 48 points after 34 games of a top-flight season was back in 1980/81 (59).
Wigan had exactly 32 points after 34 games in 2009/10 and finished the season safely in 16th place.
The Latics have scored a higher percentage of goals from corners than any other team in the top-flight this season (26%).
After a run of one defeat in six away league games, Wigan have lost their last two in a row without troubling the scorers.
Maynor Figueroa has conceded league-high three penalties this season.
Just 7% of West Brom's goals this season (three of 46) have come in the opening 15 minutes; a league-low proportion.
Wigan have attempted more short corners than any other team in the Premier League this season (47).

West Ham United v Newcastle United
West Ham have only managed two clean sheets in their last 14 Barclays Premier League meetings with Newcastle combined, conceding 32 goals in total in this run.
The Hammers have won just two of these 14 top-flight meetings with the Magpies, drawing five and losing seven.
Only against Fulham (six) has Carlton Cole scored more Premier League goals than he has against Newcastle (four).
Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has been booked in four consecutive Premier League appearances.
Carroll has scored four goals and assisted two more in his last five Premier League appearances.
Only Manchester United and Manchester City (both 17) have scored in more consecutive home league games than West Ham (11).
West Ham have only conceded four headed goals all season, a league-low figure.
Newcastle have used more players than any other Premier League side this season (32).
Jussi Jaaskelainen has made a league-high 87 saves from inside the area this season.
Newcastle have won possession of the ball with just 72% of their attempted tackles this season, a league-low.

Queens Park Rangers v Arsenal
Arsenal have scored exactly one goal in seven of their last eight Barclays Premier League meetings with Queens Park Rangers.
The Gunners have never won at Loftus Road in the Premier League era (D3 L2). They have played more away games against QPR without a win than any other side in the history of
the competition.
Overall, only against Manchester United (26%) do the Gunners have a lower Premier League win rate than they do against the R's (27%).
Arsenal had 22 shots (including blocked shots) in the reverse meeting with QPR, but only found the net once; in the 84th minute.
Only Manchester United (2.09) have a better points per game average in May than QPR (1.83) in Premier League history.
QPR have now gone 275 minutes (four hours and 35 minutes) without scoring in the Premier League.
The R's have the worst record in Premier League London derbies this season (nine points), while only Chelsea (17) have won more points from them than Arsenal (16).
Arsenal have won their last three away league games. They have not won four in a row on the road since November 2010.
QPR are the only team in the Premier League this season yet to win a point with a goal in the final 10 minutes.
Aaron Ramsey has had more shots without scoring than any other player in the Premier League (39, including blocked shots).

Liverpool v Everton
Liverpool v Everton has seen more red cards than any other fixture in Barclays Premier League history (20).
Everton have only won one of their last 12 Premier League Merseyside derbies (D4 L7).
At Anfield, the Toffees are without a win in 12 Premier League games, losing six including five of the last eight.
Under David Moyes, Everton have played 44 away games against the traditional "big four" and are yet to win. They have taken just 17 points from 132 on offer.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored only his second Premier League hat-trick in this fixture last season.
Six of Everton's last seven games have gone under 2.5 goals.
Liverpool have scored nine goals in the two Premier League games Luis Suarez has missed this season.
Daniel Sturridge has scored seven goals and made three assists in 11 Premier League appearances for Liverpool.
Lucas Leiva has made a tackle more frequently than any other player in the PL this season (every 14.9 minutes on average).
Everton have won 56% of games with Johnny Heitinga playing this season, and just 10% without him. Of all players to have both played and missed at least 10 of their team's
games this season, Heitinga has the biggest impact on his team's win rate.

Manchester United v Chelsea
Manchester United are unbeaten in four Barclays Premier League meetings with Chelsea (W3 D1), their best run against them since December 1998 (five).
The last six clashes between the Red Devils and the Blues in all competitions have seen 29 goals scored at an average of 4.8 goals per game.
Javier Hernandez has scored in six of his last eight meetings with Chelsea in all competitions.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side have lost more games (13) and conceded more goals (55) against Chelsea than versus any other side in the Premier League.
The Blues have only managed one clean sheet in their last 17 league trips to Old Trafford (3-0 in December 2001).
After a run of 10 competitive games without a goal for Manchester United, Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie has netted six in his last four.
Always assuming three points for a win, no team in English top-flight history has ever finished outside the top four having won 65 or more points after 34 games (as Chelsea do now).
Man Utd have scored in 66 successive home games, a Premier League record.
David De Gea is the only regular Premier League keeper to have made more punches (23) than catches (21) this season.
Manchester United have hit the woodwork a league-high 22 times this season, while no team has struck the bar/post fewer times than Chelsea (five).

Sunderland v Stoke City
Sunderland have won three and lost none of their four previous Barclays Premier League home meetings with Stoke, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Only in three other fixtures in Premier League history has the away team played more than four games without scoring, and two of those also involve Stoke (at Liverpool and Man City (both five), other is Birmingham at Man Utd (seven)).
The Black Cats failed to muster a single shot on target in the 0-0 draw at the Britannia back in October.
Sunderland average just 0.84 points per game in May, the worst record of all teams to have played 20+ games in the month.
Stoke City are now on the longest current winning run in the Premier League (two games).
Just 5% of Sunderland's league goals this season have been headers; a league-low.
Stoke City have hit the target with only 38% of their total shots this season, the worst record in the top-flight.
Sunderland have won 38% of games David Vaughan has played in this season (8/21) and just 7% without him (1/14).
Asmir Begovic has caught 77 crosses in the league this season, but made just five punches.
Sunderland have conceded more fouls in their defensive third than any other top-flight team this campaign (125).

Championship Opta Facts – May 4th

Birmingham v Blackburn
The Blues have won their last five games against Blackburn at St. Andrews, winning 2-1 on four occasions.
Over the last 10 games, only Bolton (19) and Charlton (19) have picked up more points than the Blues (18).
Jordan Rhodes has netted six times in his last eight games for Blackburn taking his season tally to 26 for the club. Indeed, he is the first Blackburn player since Alan Shearer (31) in 1995/96 to score more than 25 league goals in a single season.
The Blues have scored in each of their last 12 league games; their best such run of the season.

Bolton v Blackpool
The last 10 games between these two teams have produced a total of 33 goals, averaging at 3.3 goals per game. In that run of games, Bolton have won just twice (D5 L3).
Blackpool's leading scorer Thomas Ince has failed to hit the back of the net in eight league games.
The Trotters have lost 34 points from winning positions this season; a league-high.
The Seasiders have scored 22 goals in the final fifteen minutes of games this season; the most in the division.

Brighton v Wolves
Brighton have failed to beat Wolves in five attempts, losing twice (D3). Their last win came back in 2003 at the Withdean Stadium.
The Seagulls have gone eight games unbeaten (W4 D4); the current longest unbeaten run in the division.
Relegation-threatened Wolves have won just once in their last five games (L4).
Brighton striker Leonardo Ulloa has scored five goals in his last eight games.

Burnley v Ipswich
Five of the last 10 meetings between the two sides have ended in a draw with Burnley winning just once and losing four.
The Tractor Boys have lost just once in their last nine games (W5 D3).
The Clarets have conceded in each of their last 10 games; their worst such run of the season.
Ipswich have gained just seven points from losing positions this season; a joint-league-low alongside Millwall.

Charlton v Bristol City
In their last five meetings in the Championship, Charlton and Bristol City have won two matches each (D1).
After winning just once in their previous nine home games, the Addicks have won their last three at the Valley.
The Robins haven't recorded a victory in eight games (D2 L6). Only Crystal Palace (nine) are currently on a longer such run.
No side have picked up more points over the last 10 games than Charlton (19).

Crystal Palace v Peterborough
Since the turn of the century, Palace have won three of their five meetings against Peterborough (D1 L1).
Grant McCann has scored two goals in his last three league appearances against Crystal Palace.
Palace striker Glenn Murray has gone eight games without finding the back of the net; his longest goal drought of the season.
The Posh have lost only once in their last 12 in the league (W5 D6).

Derby v Millwall
The Rams have won three of the last five against Millwall at Pride Park (D1 L1).
Derby have won just once in their last five (D1 L3), while Millwall are without a victory in four, failing to score in three of those games (D1 L3).
Millwall have conceded seven goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a league-low.
The Rams have won three of their last four games at Pride Park (L1), with on-loan striker Chris Martin scoring two goals in that run.

Huddersfield v Barnsley
Huddersfield are unbeaten in three against Barnsley, winning two and drawing one (excluding play-offs).
James Vaughan has scored four goals in his last two games for the Terriers. Indeed, Vaughan is the club's top scorer this season with 13 goals; a career-high goal tally for a single season.
Jermaine Beckford has netted four goals in his last three games for Huddersfield.
Despite their lowly position in the table, Barnsley have lost just once in their last seven league games (W2 D4).

Hull v Cardiff
The Tigers have won four of their last six home games against Cardiff (D1 L1).
The Bluebirds have drawn their last three games; the joint longest current run of that kind in the division.
Promotion-chasing Hull have struggled to hit the back of the net of late; failing to score in each of their last three games.
The Tigers have lost eight points from winning positions this season; a league-low.

Nottm Forest v Leicester
The Reds are unbeaten in their last seven games against the Foxes at the City Ground (W3 D4).
The Foxes have conceded in each of their last 12 games; the current longest run of that kind in the league.
Forest have failed to score in three of their last four league games (W1 D1 L2).
After scoring in six consecutive matches for the Reds, Lewis McGugan has failed to find the back of the net in his last four.

Sheff Wed v Middlesbrough
The Owls have lost their last four games against Boro, conceding eight goals in the process.
Middlesbrough have picked up just five points from their last 10 league games; the worst record in the Championship.
Boro are without a win on the road in 11 games; their worst such run of the season.
After scoring nine goals in 16 league appearances to start the season, Scott McDonald has scored just three in 15 in 2013.

Watford v Leeds
The reverse fixture saw Watford beat Leeds 6-1; their biggest winning margin this season.
Watford striker Matej Vydra scored a brace in the reverse fixture and has scored a brace on six occasions this season; a figure beaten by only Crystal Palace's Glenn Murray (nine).
Troy Deeney has scored five goals in his last seven games for the Hornets.
Watford are unbeaten in four league games against Leeds, winning twice (D2).

02.05. (Thu) 21:05 Chelsea - Basel

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA
Čech
Azpilicueta • Cahill • Terry • Bertrand
Lampard • Luiz • Ramires
Moses • Torres • Hazard

BASEL
Sommer
Degen • Schär • Sauro • Park
Nenny • Die • Frei
Salah • Streller • Stocker

Chelsea will be without Ashley Cole due to suspension after the left-back picked up a yellow card in the first leg, meaning that Ryan Bertrand will once again deputise.

Further up the pitch, Rafael Benitez has no new selection concerns as long-term absentees Oriol Romeu (knee) and Marko Marin (thigh) and the ineligable Demba Ba will all sit out.

Basel boss Murat Yakin is also expected to name a similar line-up to the one which played at St Jakob-Park, with few players missing from their squad.

Kay Voser is the only player currently ruled out due to injury, while the front six could be exactly the same as in the first leg.

The only anticipated change will be at the centre of the defence, where Gaston Sauro could replace the suspended Aleksandar Dragovic.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea have scored at least two goals in each of their last four Europa League matches.

Fernando Torres has been fruitful in the competition, scoring four goals in seven appearances.

The last team to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Europe was Manchester United in April 2011.

Basel have conceded two goals or more in their last three matches in Europe.

Marco Streller is Basel's joint-top goalscorer in the Europa League with defender Fabian Schar. Both have four goals.

Yakin's side have played six away matches in the Europa League so far this season, winning none of them.

Basel have scored seven of their 17 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches - 41.2 per cent.

Basel are 13/1 with Coral to be drawing at half-time but winning at full-time.

Prediction
Chelsea's home record in Europe speaks for itself, while Basel are yet to win away from St Jakob-Park, so a comfortable home win looks to be the most likely outcome.

Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 3-1 Basel

02.05. (Thu) 21:05 Benfica - Fenerbahce

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BENFICA
Moraes
Almeida • Garay • Jardel • Pereira
Matić • Pérez
Salvio • Lima • Gaitán
Cardozo

FENERBAHCE
Demirel
Gönül • Yobo • Korkmaz • Ziegler
Şahin • Baroni
Kuyt • Ucan • Erkin
Sow

Benfica are likely to consider welcoming back Enzo Perez, who was suspended for the first leg in Turkey where the Portuguese outfit went down to a Egemen Korkmaz header.

The Eagles have no injury worries to contend with, though, Ola John picked up a booking in the first leg and will miss the clash which could mean Nicolas Gaitan may get a chance to stake his claim.

Meanwhile, for the visitors, Mehmet Topal and Pierre Webo are both suspended while Raul Meireles was stretchered off at the Sukru Saracoglu, meaning his season is over.

Youngster Salih Ucan, 19, is expected to replace the Portuguese midfielder, with Cristian Baroni dropping back into a more defensive role.

DID YOU KNOW?

Benfica have won 12 of their 13 home games in the Europa League
The Eagles' defeat to Fenerbahce last week ended their 38-game unbeaten run across all competitions - before that they lost to Barcelona in October.

Eduardo Salvio is the tournament record holder for most appearances (32) and is also a two-time winner of the Europa League with Atletico Madrid.

Fenerbahce suffered their heaviest ever defeat in Europe when they were trounced 7-0 by Benfica in Lisbon back in the 1975-76 season.

The Turkish club are targeting their first ever appearance in a final, their previous best was reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2008.

Aykut Kocaman's charges are yet to lose in any of their six away Europa League matches this campaign (W4, D2).

Prediction
This semi-final clash is finely poised and there is reason to believe it could go either way, however, Benfica have demonstrated the Estadio da Luz is a fortress and given Fenerbahce's suspension and injury problems, the Portuguese should progress to the final.

Editor's Prediction
Benfica 2-0 Fenerbahce

Bundesliga Opta-facts 03-05 May

Borussia Monchengladbach - FC Schalke 04
Monchengladbach have won their last five home games against Schalke (four Bundesliga games, one in the German Cup).
Schalke's last away victory at Monchengladbach came back in November 2006 (2-0).
There hasn't been an away victory between these sides in more than six years: Nine of the last eleven competitive matches have resulted in a victory for the respective home team (D2).
Monchengladbach haven't lost any of their last nine home games in the Bundesliga (W6 D3). They've kept five clean sheets in these games, with each of the last three home matches ending in a 1-0-victory for Monchengladbach.
Lucien Favre's team have failed to score more than one goal in each of their last 10 Bundesliga matches. Only Frankfurt (5) have scored fewer goals in their last 10 games than Monchengladbach (7). Conversely, Schalke have scored 21 goals in their last 10.
Schalke have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 10 Bundesliga matches.
Both teams haven't lost a games on a Friday in more than two years. Monchengladbach have won five of their last seven games played on a Friday (D2) and Schalke have won four of their last six (D2).
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored three goals and assisted one in his comeback last week against Hamburg (4-1), after missing five games due to an injury. Never before has the striker been involved in four goals in a Bundesliga match.
Juan Arango was involved in nine goals in the first half of the season (five goals, four assists). However, he has only been involved in two goals in his last 11 games (two assists).
Arango hasn't scored a Bundesliga goal in 1062 minutes (12 games). Patrick Herrmann has been waiting 756 minutes for a goal (nine games).

VfB Stuttgart - SpVgg Greuther Furth
There have been three competitive matches between Stuttgart and Furth since 1963/64; Stuttgart have won all three.
Furth failed to score in each of these three games (total goal difference: 0-8).
Stuttgart won their last meeting earlier this season 1-0, this despite their defender Serdar Tasci being sent off. Vedad Ibisevic missed a penalty but Shinji Okazaki netted the rebound to score the only goal of the game.
Furth's relegation was confirmed when Augsburg won against Stuttgart (3-0) on matchday 31.
Only in 2005/06 did Stuttgart score fewer goals in their opening 31 matches (32) than this season (33). Only in 1974/75 (which resulted in their relegation) did they have a worse goal difference (-29) than this season (-17).
Only four teams in Bundesliga history have had a worse record after 31 games than Furth (currently 18 points, three wins and only 22 goals).
Stuttgart have scored two goals in the final 15 minutes of their games - last season, they scored as many as 19.
Only two teams have scored fewer goals than Stuttgart (33 goals) this season in the Bundesliga.
Stuttgart have received six red cards this season; a joint-league-high alongside Furth and Bremen.
Vedad Ibisevic will miss the game due to suspension. He has scored 39% of Stuttgart's Bundesliga goals this season; a higher proportion than any other player.
Sven Ulreich has currently played 99 consecutive Bundesliga games without missing a single minute; the current longest run of any player in the Bundesliga.

Hannover 96 - 1.FSV Mainz 05
Hannover haven't won any of their last four competitive matches against Mainz (L2 D2). Their last victory came more than two years ago (2-0 at home, April 9th 2011).
Mainz haven't won any of their six Bundesliga away games at Hannover (L3 D3).
Hannover haven't won any of their last three home games (L1 D2). Their last home victory came on February 23rd against Hamburg (5-1); the longest home run without victory under coach Mirko Slomka.
Mainz have won only one of their last twelve Bundesliga games (D7 L4).
No side have attempted fewer shots in the second half of the season than Mainz (138) and Hannover (126).
Hannover have faced 18 shots per game in the second half of the season on average; more than any other side.
Both sides will most likely miss their respective top scorers for the rest of the season due to injuries (Adam Szalai, 13 goals, 3 assists and Szabolcs Huszti, 9 goals, 9 assists).
Mame Diouf hasn't scored a goal in 589 minutes (six games); his longest run without a goal in the Bundesliga.
No player in Hannover's history has appeared in more Bundesliga games for the club than Steven Cherundolo (289 games, like Jürgen Bandura).
Mirko Slomka's first Bundesliga game as Hannover coach came in January 2012 at Mainz (a 0-1 defeat).

Werder Bremen - 1899 Hoffenheim
Bremen haven't lost any of their last four games against Hoffenheim (W3 D1) and have lost only one of their last 10 competitive matches against them.
Hoffenheim haven't won any of their five competitive away matches at Bremen (L4 D1).
Bremen would definitely avoid relegation with a victory over Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim have lost only one of their four games under coach Markus Gisdol (W2 D1).
Bremen have collected 32 points and have a goal difference of -15; their worst record in Bundesliga history.
No side have conceded as many goals as Bremen and Hoffenheim (60).
Bremen haven't won any of their last 10 games (L6, D4); the current longest winless run in the Bundesliga.
Bremen's last victory came on matchday 21 (4-1 at Stuttgart). Their longest run without victory came back in 1995/96 (12 games).
Marko Arnautovic who has been suspended by the club, has scored five goals in his five games against Hoffenheim. He scored a brace against them earlier this season to secure Bremen's 4-1 victory at Hoffenheim.
Sejad Salihovic has been involved in three of Hoffenheim's last five Bundesliga goals (two goals, one assist).

FC Nurnberg - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Leverkusen won their last trip to Nurnberg; 4-1 on matchday 34 last season. Stefan Kießling scored three goals against his former side in this match.
Kießling also secured a 1-0 home victory for Leverkusen against Nurnberg earlier this season.
Leverkusen haven't lost any of their last five Bundesliga games (W3 D2). However, they have won only one of their last seven away matches (L2 D4).
Nurnberg have lost only one of their last twelve home games (W6 D5).
Michael Wiesinger lost all of his seven competitive meetings Leverkusen as a player with Nurnberg and 1860 Munich (goal difference: 3-24).
Stefan Kießling has scored 22 Bundesliga goals this season; only Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski (23) has scored more.
Indeed, no Leverkusen player has scored more than 22 Bundesliga goals during one season.

Eintracht Frankfurt - Dusseldorf
Frankfurt haven't lost any of their last 13 competitive matches against Dusseldorf (W8 D5). They haven't lost a game against Dusseldorf in more than 33 years (January 26th, 1980).
Dusseldorf's lead over 16th place (relegation play-offs) has shrunk from 11 points (matchday 22) to zero after collecting only three points in their last nine games.
Only Bremen (10) have gone more games without winning than Dusseldorf (9). They've collected only three points in their last nine games; fewer than any other side.
Frankfurt have scored only two goals in their last five home games (that's an average of 0.4 goals per home game; compared to 2.5 in their first 10 home games).
No side has scored fewer goals in their last 10 Bundesliga games than Frankfurt (5). No side has lost more games in this period as Dusseldorf (6, like Furth and Bremen).
Only Bayern (7) have conceded fewer goals in the second half of the season than Frankfurt (15).
Dusseldorf haven't won any of their last 12 away matches in the Bundesliga (L10 D2).
Stefan Aigner has been substituted off the pitch in 22 Bundesliga games this season. Only four players in Bundesliga history were substituted off in more games during one season.

Borussia Dortmund - FC Bayern München
Bayern haven't won any of their last five Bundesliga games against Dortmund (L4 D1).
After losing five competitive games in a row against Dortmund, Bayern haven't lost any of their three competitive fixtures with Dortmund this season (victories in the Supercup and in the German Cup and a 1-1 in the Bundesliga).
Bayern (11 championships) and Dortmund (5) are the only sides to have secured more than one championship within the last 20 years.
Both sides are the only German Champions League winners (Bayern in 2001, Dortmund in 1997).
Dortmund have won their last six Bundesliga matches.
Bayern have won their last nine Bundesliga away matches, which is a new Bundesliga record. Indeed, they haven't lost any of their last 17 away matches (W16, D1). Their last away loss came on April 11th, 2012 at Dortmund (0-1).
Bayern have gained 84 points from only 31 games. Never before in Bundesliga history has a side won more than 81 points in an entire season (Dortmund 81 points in 2011/12).
Bayern have won their last 14 Bundesliga games. Never has a side won more than 15 consecutive Bundesliga games (Bayern from March till September 2005).
No other side has scored as many goals as Bayern (90) or Dortmund (76). Both teams have also conceded the fewest goals (Bayern 14, Dortmund 36).
33% of the goals Dortmund have conceded this season have been headers (12 of 36).
No side has scored more headers as Bayern Munich (15).

SC Freiburg - FC Augsburg
Augsburg have won only one of their 15 matches against Freiburg in the Bundesliga and the second division (L9 D5).
Freiburg have won each of their seven competitive home games against Augsburg. Augsburg failed to score in any of these games.
Freiburg have lost three consecutive competitive games for the first time under coach Christian Streich.
Freiburg have lost only one of their last seven home games (W4 D2), keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Augsburg won 3-0 against Stuttgart last week; equalling their highest victory in Bundesliga history (Hertha BSC, February 2012).
Augsburg have won 21 points in 2013; twelve more than in the first half of the season (9). Only the top four teams in the table have gained more points in 2013 than Augsburg.
No side has led as many duels as Freiburg (4403, duel success rate 49.9%) and Augsburg (4431, 48.3%).
Only Leverkusen's Stefan Kießling (172) has been involved in more shots than Max Kruse (150) this season. Kruse is Freiburg's top scorer with 10 goals.
Dong-Won Ji scored three of Augsburg's last five goals. He has scored all his four Bundesliga goals at home.

Hamburger SV - VfL Wolfsburg
Hamburg haven't won any of their last five Bundesliga home games against Wolfsburg (L2 D3).
Wolfsburg have scored more Bundesliga goals against Hamburg (51) than versus any other side.
Only Dortmund (32) and Bayern (43) have gained more points from their away games than Wolfsburg (24).
Wolfsburg haven't lost any of their last seven games. This is currently the second-longest run in the Bundesliga (Bayern 22 games).
Only Dortmund (18) and Bayern (21) have gained more points from their last seven games than Wolfsburg (13).
Wolfsburg haven't lost any of their last five away games (W3 D2). Their club record is six (1999/00 and 2009/10).
Hamburg have won only one of their last four home games (L2 D1). They've conceded exactly one goal in each of these games.
Wolfsburg have scored in each of their last nine Bundesliga games. They haven't failed to score since their 0-2 home defeat against Bayern Munich.
Diego has been involved in four goals in his last two games (2 goals, 2 assists). He is Wolfsburg's top scorer this season (9 goals, 7 assists).
Maximilian Arnold scored the opening goal for Wolfsburg in each of his last three appearances.

Ligue 1 Opta Facts - May 3rd - 5th

St Etienne v Bordeaux
St Etienne have won only two of their last 18 L1 games against Bordeaux (8D, 8L)
St Etienne have won five of their last six L1 home games (1D)
Bordeaux have drawn 15 games this season, highest tally in the European Top 5. Seven of these draws have finished 0-0, another record in Europe this season.
Bordeaux are winless in their last 5 away Ligue1 games, worst streak for them since March-August 2011.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored in three of his last five competitive games against Bordeaux.
Cheick Diabaté has scored three goals in five games against Saint Etienne in L1, his favourite victim alongside Montpellier.

Marseille v Bastia
OM have won six of their last seven competitive games against Bastia.
Bastia have lost 18 of their 23 top-flight visits to Marseille (1W, 4D),
Bastia have won only three of their 20 games played outside their Furiani stadium this season (6D, 11L)
OM have won 12 times by a 1-0 scoreline in L1 this season, equalling PSG's record in 2003/04.
OM are unbeaten in their last eight L1 games (5W, 3D), their best streak since November 2011-February 2012 (9 games).
OM haven't conceded a goal in their last seven L1 games, best streak in the competition currently.

Montpellier v Brest
Montpellier are unbeaten in their last 10 L1 games against Brest (4W, 6D).
Montpellier have lost four games after having led in a L1 game this season, highest tally with Troyes and Valenciennes.
Montpellier have only lost one of their last 13 home L1 games, against Lyon (1-2 on 19th April).
Montpellier have scored in each of their last 21 home competitive games, their last one without scoring was on 26 August vs OM (0-1).
Brest have lost all of their four league games since Corentin Martins took over as manager without scoring a goal and conceding nine.
Brest are the worst L1 team in 2013 with only eight points grabbed in 15 games.

Reims v Ajaccio
Reims have lost their three games against Corsican clubs in L1 this season
Ajaccio are unbeaten in their last seven official games against Reims (4W, 3D).
Ajaccio have failed to win in Reims in Ligue 1 (1D, 2L).
Reims have failed to score in their last two L1 games. Only Brest (29) have scored fewer goals than Reims (31) in L1 this season.
Ajaccio have won three games from losing positions in L1 this season, only Lille have done better (4).
Grzegorz Krychowiak has scored three of Reims' last five league goals at home.

Sochaux v Lorient
Lorient have failed to win any of their last seven visits to Sochaux in L1 (5D, 2L).
There has never been a 0-0 draw between these two teams in any of their 17 L1 encounters.
Sochaux have failed to win their last four home L1 games (3D, 1L).
Lorient have failed to score more than one goal in any of their L1 away games in 2013 (8 matches).
Vincent Nogueira is involved in Sochaux's last four league goals (2 goals, 2 assists).
Jérémie Aliadière is involved in eight of Lorient's last 10 away goals in L1 (6 goals, 2 assists).

Toulouse v Lille
Lille are unbeaten in their last 10 L1 games against Toulouse (5W, 5D).
Toulouse and Lille have already played twice each other this season with two Lille wins (in the league and League Cup).
Toulouse have failed to win their last six home games, their worst streak in L1 at home since December 2007-May 2008 (9 games).
Toulouse haven't scored in the last 242 minutes, only Brest are on a longer drought currently in Ligue 1.
Wissam Ben Yedder is involved in Toulouse's last four Ligue 1 goals (3 goals, 1 assist).
Salomon Kalou has scored 10 goals in L1 this season, his best total in a top-flight campaign since 2010/11 (with Chelsea).

Troyes v Evian TG
Evian TG are unbeaten in their last four competitive games against Troyes (2W, 2D).
Troyes have kept a clean sheet only four times this season, worst tally in the competition.
Troyes have lost 22 points after scoring the opening goal in L1 this season, highest tally in the competition.
Evian TG have won only one of their last 10 away games in L1 (3D, 6L).
Evian TG are unbeaten against promoted clubs this season in L1 (3W, 2D).
Saber Khlifa is involved in 50% (7 out of 14) of Evian's away goals this season (6 goals, 1 assist). Evian have won none of the four league games he's missed in 2013.

Rennes v Nice
Nice haven't won any of their last 13 visits to Rennes in L1 (4D, 9L). Their last win was back in August 1990.
Rennes have picked up three red cards in their last three league games against Nice.
Rennes have lost their last three home L1 games, their worst streak since 2007.
Nice have only won one of their eight away games against a Top half team in L1 this season (3D, 4L).
Julien Féret is involved in Rennes' last six L1 goals (3 goals, 3 assists).
20 of 51 of Nice's goals this season have been scored by Argentinians (39% - 15 from Cvitanich and 5 from Civelli).

Nancy v Lyon
Nancy have only won two of their last 23 L1 games against Lyon (4D, 17L).
Nancy are unbeaten in their last two L1 games against Lyon (1W, 1D).
Nancy have already picked up 13 more points than in the entire first half of the campaign, the best progression in L1 this season.
Nancy are unbeaten in their last six L1 games (4W, 2D). They have never trailed at any point during those games.
Lyon have only won one of their last four L1 away games (1D, 2L).
Lyon have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six games, their worst streak in L1 this season.

Paris SG v Valenciennes
PSG have won their last six competitive games against Valenciennes
PSG have won their last five L1 games without conceding a single goal.
PSG have won their last six home games in L1, their best streak at home since 2011.
PSG have picked up 28 points out of 30 in their last 10 home league games.
Valenciennes have lost eight of their last nine visits to top half teams this season (1D).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is involved in six of PSG's last seven home goals in L1 (4 goals, 2 assists). He scored a hat-trick in the first-leg at Valenciennes' Hainaut stadium.

Čuvajte se Švajcaraca NAPADAČ PARTIZANA I REPREZENTACIJE SRBIJE, NENAD RAKOVIĆ, ANALIZIRA SVETSKO PRVENSTVO U HOKEJU NA LEDU

Maj je tradicionalno mesec hokeja na ledu. U Švedskoj i Finskoj  počinje Svetsko prvenstvo najdinamičnijeg zimskog i najbržeg kolektivnog sporta. Prošlogodišnji šampion Rusija, Kanada, Češka i koorganizator Švedska su glavni favoriti za zlato. Sudeći po Nenadu Rakoviću, reprezentativcu Srbije koje nema na najvećoj globalnoj smotri, iz prikrajka vreba Švajcarska.

- Početak prvenstva obeležiće neigranje najvećih evropskih zvezda, kojima je tek počeo plej-of u najjačoj svetskoj ligi, američkoj NHL. To znači da će Kanada biti lišena pomoći Sidnija Krozbija, a Rusija bez Jevgenija Malkina i Aleksandera Ovečkina... Ipak, Kanada i Rusija će u prvom kolu sa lakoćom savladati Dansku, odnosno, Letoniju sa više golova razlike.

MOJ TIP
Francuska - Slovačka 2, 6+
Češka - Belorusija 1
Finska - Nemačka 0-6
Švedska - Švajcarska 2
SAD - AUSTRIJA 1
Norveška - Slovenija 2
RUSIJA - LETONIJA 1
KANADA - DANSKA 1-1, 6+

Europa League Opta Facts - May 2

Benfica v Fenerbahce
Benfica have won their last five European home games, though three of these have been by the odd goal.
Going back further, the Portuguese giants have lost only two of their last 15 at the Estadio de Luz (W11 D2), with those defeats coming against Barcelona and Chelsea.
Benfica's one previous home meeting with Fenerbahce was back in September 1975 - they won 7-0.
Since that victory, the Eagles have only twice hosted Turkish opposition; they beat Altay S.K. 4-0 in 1980 but lost 0-2 against Galatasaray in 2008.
Indeed overall, Turkish teams have won three and lost none of their last four trips to Portugal (excluding qualifiers) in Europe.
Fenerbahce have won 13 and lost just two of their last 20 European games.
The Yellow Canaries have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games in the Europa League, conceding just two goals in total in this run.
Away from home, Aykut Kocaman's side are unbeaten in Europe this term, winning four, drawing two and conceding just three goals.
Oscar Cardozo has scored six goals in Europe this season, despite only starting six games.
Despite playing only seven games in the competition, Benfica have seen their woodwork hit a joint-high seven times in the Europa League this term.

Chelsea v Basel
Chelsea only managed 39% possession in their first leg against Basel, but still managed twice as many shots on target (6-3).
Fernando Torres has scored seven goals in 13 appearances in Europe this season; he has managed seven in 32 in the Premier League.
Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 European home games (W10 D2) and in 16 against non-English sides (W13 D3).
The Blues have only managed one clean sheet in their last nine at Stamford Bridge in Europe, however, shipping exactly one in each of their last four.
In 28 European home games played by English sides against teams from Switzerland in Europe (excluding qualifiers), there has only ever been one away win: West Brom 1-3 Grasshoppers Zurich in September 1981.
Despite this, the last three clashes between English and Swiss sides on English soil have ended level, with Basel themselves drawing two of those encounters.
The Swiss side have only won one of their last 12 European away games (D7 L4).
Despite only entering after the Champions League group stages, Chelsea have conceded a joint-high four penalties in the Europa League this season.
Basel have received more cards than any other team in the Europa League this term (30 yellows, three reds).
Fernando Torres has scored six goals in his last five European home games.

01.05. (Wed) 20:45 Barcelona - Bayern Munchen

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Abidal • Correia
Xavi • Busquets • Iniesta
Pedro • Messi • Sánchez

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm • Boateng • Dante • Alaba
Martínez • Schweinsteiger
Robben • Müller • Ribéry
Mandžukić

Barcelona defender Adriano is available for the crunch Champions League clash against Bayern Munich after completing a one-match ban.

Javier Mascherano (knee) has returned to light training and has an outside chance of being involved, but Carles Puyol (knee) is still sidelined and Jordi Alba is suspended.

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has confirmed he will not be resting players who are at risk of missing the final should they get booked on Wednesday.

Javi Martinez, Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luiz Gustavo, Dante and Philipp Lahm are all just one yellow card away from missing the Wembley showpiece.

Midfielder Toni Kroos (thigh) remains out but striker Mario Mandzukic returns after missing the first leg through suspension.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona have lost just once in 26 home games this season, falling 3-1 to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey in February.

The Blaugrana have won their last 10 home games against German visitors and their overall home record against Bundesliga opposition is W19, D1, L6.

No team in European Cup history has successfully overturned a four-goal first-leg deficit.

Alex Song and Gerard Pique's next bookings will incur a ban.

Bayern Munich are on a 17-match winning run away from home across all competitions.

The Bavarian giants are the top scorers in this season's Champions League with 26 goals.

Bayern's away record against Spanish clubs in European competition is W5, D5, L10.

Mario Gomez is Bayern's all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 23 goals.

Prediction
Barca came back from the dead against AC Milan in the round of 16, but it will take something truly spectacular to repeat the feat against this Bayern side. Indeed, such is the amount of confidence the visitors will have drawn from their total superiority in the first leg that they will step out at Camp Nou expecting another victory.

Editor's Prediction
Barcelona 2-2 Bayern

League 1 and 2 Opta Facts - play-off semis

Sheffield United v Yeovil
The two sides have met just four times in their history, with the Blades winning three (L1). However, Yeovil won the most recent meeting this season 2-0, courtesy of a Paddy Madden brace.
The Blades are without a win in four games (D2 L2). Indeed, over the final 10 games of the League One season, only Stevenage (8) and Tranmere (7) have picked up fewer points than United (10).
After scoring 15 goals in his first 17 games of 2013, Paddy Madden has failed to score in his last four.
Yeovil forward James Hayter has netted three times in his last five games.
The Blades have failed to score in three successive matches and have failed to net in five of their last eight.

Swindon v Brentford
Brentford won both previous fixtures against Swindon this season (2-1 & 1-0), with Clayton Donaldson scoring in both games.
The Bees have picked up 23 points from losing positions this season in League One; a league-high.
Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored four goals in his last five games for Brentford.
Marcello Trotta's dramatic miss from the penalty spot against Doncaster was the fifth penalty the Bees have missed this season (scored 4); a league-high.
Over the 46 game League One season, Swindon conceded a league-low 39 goals.
The Bees have scored 20 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint-league-high with fellow play-off contenders Yeovil.


Bradford City v Burton
Burton have never picked up a win at Valley Parade against Bradford, drawing three and losing twice.
Heading into the play-offs, Bradford have lost just once in their last nine games (W5 D3).
Burton ended the season without an away win four attempts (D2 L2).
Despite not scoring in his last two appearances, Bradford striker Nakhi Wells has scored four goals in his last six league games.
Over the 46 game season, Burton salvaged 23 points from losing positions; a league-high.
At Valley Parade this season, Bradford have lost just three points from winning positions; a league-low.

Northampton v Cheltenham
The Cobblers are without a win against the Robins in six games (D2 L4).
Cheltenham striker Darryl Duffy has netted five goals in his last three appearances against Northampton.
The Robins have lost 26 points from winning positions this season; the most in the division.
Over the last 10 league games, only Bradford (18) have picked up more points going into the play-offs than Cheltenham (17).
Northampton striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has scored a goal in three of his last four games against Cheltenham.

30.04. (Tue) 20:45 Real - Borussia D.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

REAL MADRID
López
Arbeloa • Ramos • Varane • Coentrão
Khedira • Alonso
María • Özil • Ronaldo
Higuaín

BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Weidenfeller
Piszczek • Subotić • Hummels • Schmelzer
Gündogan • Bender
Błaszczykowski • Götze • Reus
Lewandowski

Real Madrid are likely to welcome Alvaro Arbeloa back into the defence after his suspension for the first leg. Pepe will drop to the bench, leaving Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane to partner one another at centre-back.

Angel Di Maria will start on the wing after the birth of his daughter confined him to the bench in Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo has been training on his own as he looks to overcome a thigh injury and, although he is classed as a doubt, the Portuguese is likely to make the XI.

Finally, Gonzalo Higuain is likely to retain his place up front ahead of Karim Benzema.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, should name the same team who won so impressively at Signal Iduna Park. Lukasz Piszczek has been struggling with a groin problem but should start in defence alongside Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer.

The likes of Felipe Santana, Mitchell Langerak, Moritz Leitner, Oliver Kirch and Julian Schieber were given a run-out against Fortuna Dusseldorf but will drop out as BVB name a more familiar line-up.

DID YOU KNOW?

Real Madrid are bidding to reach their 13th European Cup final. The last time they lost in the showpiece was in 1981. BVB have reached one final in their history, beating Juventus in 1997.

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against the Germans in the first leg was his 50th in the competition.

Jose Mourinho's side lost to German opposition - Bayern Munich - in last season's semi-finals. This is the third straight year that they have reached this stage.

Only one team have progressed having lost the first leg 4-1, with Deportive La Coruna recording a 4-0 second-leg win in Spain against AC Milan.

Borussia Dortmund overcame Spanish opposition in the last round of the competition, beating Malaga 3-2 on aggregate.

BVB lost at this stage of the competition to Real Madrid in 1998, with the Spaniards going on to win the competition.

Robert Lewandowski became the first player to score four goals against Madrid in the Champions League in the first leg.

Prediction
Real Madrid certainly have their work cut out in getting through to the next round and although they will feel confident of beating Dortmund, the visitors should progress. What's more, Jurgen Klopp's side will also feel confident of scoring in Spain.

Editor's Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Dortmund

Champions League Opta Facts: SF Second Legs

Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund
Only one team has managed to overturn a 4-1 deficit after the first leg of a Champions League knockout game - it was Deportivo La Coruna against AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the 2003/04 campaign. They won 4-0 at the Riazor in the second leg.
Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten in their last four encounters with Real Madrid (two wins, two draws). They have met three times in the Champions League this season with Dortmund winning 2-1 and 4-1 at home and drawing at the Bernabeu (2-2).
Real Madrid have won two and drawn one of their three home games against Dortmund in the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund are the only team unbeaten in the Champions League this season (seven wins, four draws).
Four of Dortmund's five away games in the Champions League this season have ended in a draw.
Real Madrid haven't reached the Champions League final since 2002 while Dortmund's only final appearance was back in 1997 - they were the eventual winners, beating Juventus (3-1).
Real Madrid's games have produced 42 goals (24 for, 18 against), the most in the Champions League this season.
Real Madrid have conceded seven goals in their last two CL games (three v Galatasaray and four v Dortmund).
Real Madrid have won 14 of their 17 Champions League games at the Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho. 10 of these games have been won by at least three-clear goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 12 goals. It beats his previous best tally in the competition (10 goals in 2011/12).
Ronaldo has scored in each of his last six Champions League games, equalling the record previously set by Marouane Chamakh and Burak Yilmaz.
Ronaldo and Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer are the only outfield players to have featured in every single minute of this season's Champions League campaign.
Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 52% of Dortmund's goals in the Champions League this season, 12 out of 23 (10 goals, two assists). He became the first ever player to score four goals in a European Cup/Champions League game against Real Madrid.

Barcelona - Bayern Munich
No team has ever overturned a 4-0 deficit after the first leg of a Champions League knockout game.
Barcelona's 4-0 defeat in Munich in the first-leg was their heaviest in a Champions League game since their defeat by the same scoreline against Dinamo Kiev back in November 1997.
If Bayern Munich qualify, it will be the third time they have reached the final of the Champions League in the last four seasons. They were beaten finalists in each of their last two appearances (v Inter Milan in 2010 and Chelsea in 2012).
Barcelona have only won one of their seven competitive encounters with Bayern Munich (two draws, four defeats).
Barcelona have won only one of their last six Champions League games (three draws, two defeats).
Worse, they have won only one of their last seven knockout games in the competition (4-0 v AC Milan in this season's last 16), drawing three and losing three.
Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 21 Champions League games at Camp Nou (16 wins, five draws), their last defeat dating back to October 2009 against Rubin Kazan (1-2).
Barcelona's last three home games in the CL knockout stages against German sides have all seen the Catalans win by at least four clear goals: 4-0 v Bayern Munich in April 2009, 4-0 v Vfb Stuttgart in March 2010 and 7-1 v Bayer Leverkusen in March 2012.
Bayern Munich have scored more goals than any other side in the Champions League this season (26).
Bayern Munich have won their last three Champions League games without conceding a single goal, the best current run in the competition.
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is the last player to score against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, it was 275 minutes ago.
Thomas Müller has been directly involved in 54.5% of Bayern Munich's goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League this season, six out of 11 (four goals and two assists).
Since 2008/09, Lionel Messi has scored 51 goals in the Champions League, which is 37 more than any other Barcelona player over that period (Pedro, 14 goals).

League 2 Opta Facts: 27 April

Accrington v Oxford
Accrington have failed to beat Oxford in the league in five attempts; losing twice (D3).
Defender Lee Molyneaux has scored six goals in his last eight games for Accrington.
No side have lost more points from winning positions at home this campaign than Accrington Stanley (14).
Stanley are unbeaten in five games, winning three (D2).

Wimbledon v Fleetwood
The two sides have met once in the Football League, with that match ending in a 1-1 draw earlier this season.
Fleetwood haven't won for five games, losing three and drawing twice.
Wimbledon are also without a win in five games, losing three and drawing twice.
No side have picked up more yellow cards this season than Fleetwood (86).

Burton v Gillingham
The Gills have won three of the five previous meetings in the league. Incidentally, Burton's only victory over the Gills came at the Pirelli stadium last season.
The Gills have scored 13 goals in the opening fifteen minutes of games this season; a joint-league-high alongside Bristol Rovers.
Gills top scorer Danny Kedwell has scored four goals in his last seven appearances.
After conceding seven against Port Vale, Burton have kept two clean sheets in their last three games (conceding just one goal in total).

Cheltenham v Bradford
Before this season's defeat (1-3), Cheltenham had won their previous three games against Bradford.
The Robins have lost 26 points from winning positions this season; the most in the division.
Cheltenham's 1-0 victory over Exeter last weekend means that no side have won as many points than Cheltenham (19) in their last 10 League Two games.
Bradford have scored eight penalties this season; a joint-league-high alongside Dagenham and Redbridge.

Chesterfield v Exeter
Chesterfield have won four of the last six meetings with Exeter (L2).
The Grecians have gone six games without a win; the longest current winless streak in the division.
After scoring four in five for Exeter, Jamie Cureton has scored just once in his last eight games.
The Spireites are the only side in the division yet to score a penalty this campaign.

Dagenham & Redbridge v York
The two clubs have met once in the Football League with York City winning 3-2. Both York City's Ashley Chambers and Dagenham's Luke Wilkinson scored braces in that game.
York have scored 63% of their goals in the first half of games this season; a league-high proportion.
The Daggers have failed to score in three of their last five league games.
Only Exeter (6) have picked up fewer points over the last 10 games than Dagenham and Redbridge (9).

Northampton v Barnet
Barnet have 10 league wins over Northampton, who have five. They have shared six draws.
The Cobblers have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than other team in League Two this season (19).
Jake Hyde has scored three goals in his last two appearances for Barnet; the same number that he had managed in his previous 11 appearances for the club.
Clarke Carlisle's 2nd minute goal for Northampton against Port Vale last weekend ended his sides' run of 367 minutes without a goal in League Two.

Rochdale v Plymouth
The last five games between Rochdale and Plymouth have produced 14 goals averaging at 2.8 goals per game.
After netting five times in seven games, George Donnelly has failed to score in his last three for Rochdale.
Rochdale have lost just once in their last seven games (W3 D3).
Only Barnet (11) have conceded more goals from the spot than the Dale this season (9).

Rotherham v Aldershot
Rotherham are unbeaten in five league clashes (excluding play-offs) against Aldershot, winning three (D2).
The Shots have recovered four points from losing positions this season; a joint-league-low alongside York City.
Rotherham's Kieran Agard has scored three goals in his last three appearances; the second time he has scored in three consecutive league games this season.
The Shots are without an away win in nine games (D7 L2); the current longest winless streak of that kind in the division.

Southend v Morecambe
Southend are yet to beat Morecambe in the league, losing four (D1).
The Shrimpers have amassed 21 points from losing positions this season; a league-high.
Morecambe have conceded 70% of their goals in the second half of games; a league-high proportion.
Southend have scored 69% of their goals in the second half of games this campaign; a league-high proportion.

Torquay v Bristol Rovers
The Gulls are without a win in three at home against the Pirates (D2 L1).
Torquay striker Rene Howe has scored twice in his last three games against the Pirates.
Torquay have conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes of games than any other side this season (20).
In juxtaposition, Bristol Rovers (5) have conceded fewer goals in the final 15 minutes of games than every other team in League Two.

Wycombe v Port Vale
The Chairboys are without a win in four against the Vale (D2 L2).
Wycombe have scored just six time in the final 15 minutes of games this season, fewer than any other side.
Port Vale have gone seven games unbeaten; the longest current unbeaten run in the league.
Wycombe have won two and lost just one of their last five home league matches.