Premier League Opta Facts – April 16th-17th

Arsenal v Everton
Arsenal have scored more goals at home against Everton than any host side in any fixture in Premier League history (49).
The Gunners have won eight and lost just one of their last 10 Barclays Premier League matches.
Arsenal have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season; more than any other team.
Everton have netted 15 goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half of Premier League games; more than any other side.
Ten of Olivier Giroud's 11 Premier League goals have been netted at the Emirates and the other was netted away at West Ham making the top scorer in the capital this season.
The Gunners have conceded just 15 second half goals making them the joint-tightest defence after the break in the top flight (along with Man City).
Everton have netted the joint-most headed goals in the top flight (13) along with Norwich (who netted their 13th against the Gunners last Saturday) and Manchester United.
The Toffees have conceded the highest number (14) and percentage of headed goals in the Premier League this season (38%).
Everton have picked up 13 points from the last 15 available in the top flight, but four of those games were at home. On the road they have earned two draws and two defeats in their last four away games.
Arsenal have kept just three clean sheets in their last 15 Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium.
Only Southampton (16) have dropped more points from winning positions away from home than Everton this season (14).

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic
68% of the goals Wigan have scored have been netted in the second half this season, the highest percentage in the top flight.
Manchester City have conceded the joint-fewest goals in the second half of Barclays Premier League matches this season (15).
Man City have kept eight clean sheets in their last nine matches in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have won seven and lost one of their last eight matches in all competitions, while Wigan have won six and lost just one of their last eight.
The Citizens have conceded 42% of their goals from set pieces (excluding penalty kicks), the highest proportion in the top flight.
Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero have netted hat-tricks for Man City in two of the last three home games for City against Wigan.
Tevez has netted four goals in five Premier League games against the Latics for City.
Manchester City have won the last six Premier League games against Wigan without conceding a single goal.
Wigan have failed to score in eight of the 15 Premier League matches against City, but they are unbeaten in the seven where they have netted (five wins & two draws).
Manchester City have allowed their opponents fewer shots on target against them than any other Premier League side (81).

West Ham United v Manchester United
Manchester United have recovered 27 points from losing positions in the Barclays Premier League this season, a divisional high.
Andy Carroll has scored five goals in his last seven Premier League matches.
Javier Hernandez has the best minutes per goal ratio in Premier League history, netting once every 120 minutes.
Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in 10 Premier League appearances for Manchester United against the Hammers and also netted in Man Utd's 1-0 FA Cup replay win over West Ham in January.
Robin van Persie has scored four goals in his last three Premier League appearances against West Ham and also netted for the Red Devils in their FA Cup game at Upton Park earlier this season.
West Ham have failed to score in six of their last seven Premier League games against Manchester United and in the one they did net, both goals were penalties.
The Red Devils have scored with 19.6% of their shots this season and hit the target with 49.6% of their attempts at goal, both division-high figures.
There have been four penalties scored in the last three Premier League games between West Ham and Man Utd, but the Red Devils are the only team not to concede a spot kick in the league this season.
Jussi Jaaskelainen has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the top flight this season (138).
61% of the shots on target West Ham have allowed this season have come from inside the box, the lowest proportion of any team in the top flight.

Fulham v Chelsea
Chelsea have won none of their last four Barclays Premier League away games and lost the last three in a row.
The last four London derbies between Fulham and Chelsea have ended as draws, with only four goals being scored in total overall.
Fulham have won just one of their 23 Premier League meetings with the Blues (W1 D10 L12) and none of the last 13 (W0 D7 L6).
Fulham have recovered fewer points from losing positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (5).
The Whites have won three of their last four Premier League home games, losing the other to Manchester United (0-1).
10 of Dimitar Berbatov's 13 Premier League goals for Fulham have come before half-time.
Berbatov has scored four goals in his last three appearances for Fulham in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.
Fulham's woodwork has been struck 18 times, more than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Martin Jol has only won one of his eight Premier League games as a coach against Chelsea (W1 D3 L4) and has never been triumphant against Rafa Benitez in seven head to head league games (W0 D4 L3).
Chelsea have won 14 points from eight Premier League London derbies this season (W4 D2 L2) and have conceded only eight goals in these eight games

15.04. (Mon) 20:45 Lazio - Juventus

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LAZIO
Marchetti
Gonzalez, Ciani, Cana, Stankevicius
Ledesma
Candreva, Mauri, Hernanes, Onazi
Klose

JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso
L'stiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah
Matri, Vucinc

Lazio and Juventus will be quickly looking to put behind them their European disappointment by achieving a positive result at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday.

After their derby exploits against Roma last week the Biancocelesti are missing key players because of suspension including Giuseppe Biava, Stefan Radu and Senad Lulic.

While Abdoulay Konko, Andre Dias and Bruno Pereirinha are unlikely to be fit in time for the clash.

Ogenyi Onazi and Stefano Mauri return from suspension which saw them sit out the 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce which ultimately eliminated Vladimir Petkovic's men from the Europa League.

Meanwhile for Juventus, Giorgio Chiellini, who injured himself in Friday's training session, is out and Sebastian Giovinco is unavailable, too. Simone Pepe is out for the season.

Claudio Marchisio is doubtful which means Paul Pogba is likely to come in and replace him other than that, however, Juve are at full strength.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lazio looked as though they would be title contenders heading into 2013, but have managed just two wins from their last 11 Serie A games.

Miroslav Klose is the club's top goalscorer with 10 league goals, however, the veteran Germany striker has yet to find the back of the net against Juve in six attempts.

The Biancocelesti have only won once in their last 10 encounters against Antonio Conte's men in all competitions, a 2-1 Coppa Italia win.

Juventus' last defeat on the road in Serie A came against Lazio's fiercest rivals Roma where a solitary strike from Francesco Totti separated the two sides.

Mirko Vucinic had a five-year stint at Roma and also played for Lecce. The Montenegrin has featured against the Biancocelesti 21 times, scoring seven goals in the process.

The Old Lady have not been beaten at the Stadio Olimpico in the league in the previous seven meetings with the last two encounters finishing 1-0 to Juventus.

Prediction
These games have been notoriously tight affairs with only one of the last nine matches at the Stadio Olimpico in all competitions seeing more than a goal seperate the two sides. It is difficult to see this changing on Monday, despite the hosts' injury and supension problems, as they have been strong at home throughout the campaign, though Juve may just have a little bit too much quality on the day.

Editor's Prediction
Lazio 0-1 Juventus

Championship Opta Facts – April 16

Barnsley v Derby County
Barnsley have won just one of their last six games against Derby, although four of those clashes have been drawn (1W 1L).
On home soil, the Tykes have suffered just one defeat in their last eight games against the Rams, winning five and drawing two.
Barnsley have failed to score in two of their last three games after netting in each of the previous 17.
The Rams have failed to score in each of their last two fixtures after netting in each of their five previous games.
The Tykes have conceded 11 goals from corners, more than any other Championship side this season.

Blackburn Rovers v Huddersfield Town
Blackburn have suffered just one defeat in their last eight league games against Huddersfield, winning five and drawing two.
At Ewood Park, Rovers have won their last two clashes with the Terriers after going six games prior to that without picking up a victory (D3 L3).
Huddersfield have netted a league-low 24 goals in the second-half this season.
Jordan Rhodes has netted nine of Rovers' last 13 league goals at Ewood Park.
Huddersfield have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last eight fixtures.

Bristol City v Birmingham City
Bristol City have now gone eight games without a win against Birmingham, losing six and drawing two.
The Robins have lost each of their last three games against Birmingham at Ashton Gate, shipping exactly two goals each time.
Chris Burke has netted three goals in his last three away games for the Blues against City.
City have lost four of their last five games, drawing the other.
The Blues have netted in each of their last nine games, the longest current scoring run in the Championship.

Cardiff City v Charlton Athletic
When the sides met earlier this season at the Valley, Charlton won 5-4, which remains the joint-highest scoring game in the Championship this season.
Cardiff have enjoyed just one win in their last five games against the Addicks, drawing one and losing three.
The South Londoners have lost just one of their last seven games, winning four and drawing two.
Cardiff have netted a league-high 23 headed goals this season.
The Welsh giants have kept three clean sheets in their last four league matches, winning two of those games 3-0 and drawing the other two.

Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
Ipswich have won just two of their last seven meetings with Crystal Palace, losing four and drawing one.
At Portman Road, the Tractor Boys have registered just two win in their last nine clashes with the Eagles, although those two wins have come in the last five games.
Ipswich have come from behind to win just seven points this season, a joint-league-low figure.
The Eagles have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last four games, the longest current goal drought in the division.
Ipswich have kept five clean sheets in their last six fixtures.

Leeds United v Burnley
Leeds have lost just one of their last six clashes with Burnley winning the other five, although that defeat did come last time out; 1-0 away.
At Elland Road, United have won their last four meetings with the Clarets, shipping a total of just one goal in the process.
Burnley are without a clean sheet in their last seven games, conceding one goal in six of those games and three in the other.
Leeds to failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight games, a run without a clean sheet only Leicester (9) can currently better.
The Clarets have thrown away 30 points from leading positions this season, more than any other side.

Leicester City v Bolton Wanderers
The last four games between these two sides have all ended in a draw, while Leicester haven't won against Bolton in eight clashes (six draws and two losses).
On home soil, the Foxes have netted a total of just two goals in their last five games against the Trotters, although four of those meetings occurred before 2002.
Bolton have won three games in a row, the longest current winning streak in the division.
The Foxes are without a win in nine games, the longest current winless streak in the Championship.
Bolton have netted a league-high 13 goals in the first 15 minutes of their games.

Middlesbrough v Nottm Forest
Middlesbrough have won only one of their last seven games against Forest, losing three and drawing three.
Only one of the last seven clashes between the two sides has gone over 2.5 goals.
‘Boro have failed to score in each of their last three games and in five of their last six.
Lewis McGugan has netted in six of his last seven games for the Tricky Trees.
Forest have picked up a joint-high 24 points from losing positions this season.

Millwall v Watford
Millwall have enjoyed just one victory in their last 11 meetings with Watford, losing eight and drawing two.
The Lions have netted a total of just one goal in their last four clashes with the Hornets and have failed to score in seven of their last nine games against Watford.
Millwall have battled back to win just seven points from losing positions this season, a joint-league-low figure.
The Hornets have enjoyed just one win in their last six games, losing three and drawing two.
Millwall's last four games have produced a total of just six goals.

Peterborough United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Peterborough have lost each of their last five clashes with Brighton, scoring a total of just two goals and shipping 11 in the process.
The Posh have failed to register a win against the Seagulls at London Road in any of their last eight games, losing five and drawing three.
The Seagulls are unbeaten in five games now, winning three, drawing two and conceding a total of just three goals in the process.
Peterborough are now unbeaten in nine games, currently the longest run without defeat in the Championship.
No side has scored more goals from direct-free-kick shots than Brighton this season (4).

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Hull City
Wolves are without a win against Hull in any of their last five clashes, losing three and drawing two.
At Molineux, Wolves have suffered just one defeat in their last five games against the Tigers, winning two and drawing two.
Three of Hull's last four games have ended in a 1-0 scoreline (the other ended 2-1).
Wolves' last six games have produced a total of 23 goals, an average of 3.8 per game.
Hull have lost only eight points from leading positions this season, a league-low figure.

Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday
Blackpool have won just one of their last five meetings with Wednesday, losing three and drawing one, although that victory did earlier this season (2-0 at Hillsborough).
10 of Blackpool's last 11 games have featured less than 2.5 goals.
Ludovic Sylvestre has scored for the Tangerines in both of their last two clashes with the Owls.
In Blackpool's last five games, neither side has scored more than once (three 1-0s and two 1-1s).
The Tangerines have picked up a joint-league-high 24 points from losing positions this season.

League One Opta Facts – April 16th

Bury v Scunthorpe
Bury have conceded the most second half goals in League One this season (42).
Scunthorpe have currently gone longer without a clean sheet than any other side in League One (eight matches).
In fact, Scunthorpe have kept only one clean sheet in their last 17 league matches.
Both Bury and Scunthorpe have won just seven points from their last 10 league games; no side in League One have won fewer over this period.
Bury have lost three successive League One games without finding the net.

Colchester v MK Dons
No side have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of League One matches this season than MK Dons (12).
Colchester have scored just 20 goals in the second half of League One games this season; no side has netted fewer.
Colchester have scored just nine goals in their last eight league games, and eight of these goals have arrived in the first half of matches.
MK Dons have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches in League One.
Only Notts County (7) have been shown more red cards than MK Dons (6) in League One this season.

Oldham v Yeovil
Yeovil have scored 19 goals in the final 15 minutes of League One matches this season; a joint league-high.
Oldham have scored a league-low 15 goals in the first half of matches this season.
No side have picked up more cards in League One this season than Oldham (81 yellows, five reds).
Oldham have scored just three goals in the first half of their last 11 League One games.
No player has scored more League One goals in 2013 than Yeovil's Paddy Madden (15).

Sheffield United v Brentford
No side have netted a higher proportion of their goals in the final 15 minutes of League One games this season than Brentford (32%).
Brentford have won a league-high 21 points from losing positions in matches this season, including three in their weekend victory over Portsmouth.
67% of the goals that Sheffield United have conceded this season have come in the second half of matches; the highest proportion in League One.
Brentford have won five and lost just one of their last seven League One games.
Sheffield United have won just two of their last nine league games at home, but one of these came at the weekend in their 2-0 victory over Swindon.

Swindon v Crewe
No side have won more games from losing positions this season than Crewe Alexandra (5).
Swindon are without a win in five league games (L3 D2); no side are currently on a longer run.
Crewe have the best disciplinary record in League One this season (36 yellows, one red).
Swindon have not scored in 289 minutes of League One football.
Crewe have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 league games.

League Two Opta Facts – April 16th

Aldershot vs. Southend
Southend have not won against Aldershot in the league for over 23 years; a 5-0 thrashing on January 27, 1990 (D1 L4).
Southend have collected four points out of a possible 21 in their last seven league games (D4 L3).
No side has picked up fewer points from losing positions than Aldershot this season (4).
Southend have scored exactly two goals in each of their last three league games away from home (W1 D1 L1).

Bradford City v Rotherham Utd
Bradford have lost their last three games against Rotherham, scoring two goals and conceding 10.
Bradford striker Nehki Wells has scored four goals in his last three games.
The Bantams have accumulated 38 yellow cards this season, a league-low.
Rotherham (along with Fleetwood) have both seen seven of their players sent off this season; a joint league-high.

Chesterfield v Plymouth Argyle
Chesterfield have only lost one out of the last five games against Plymouth (W3 D1 L1) but that single loss was a 7-0 thrashing away from home.
The Spireites are the only side in the division yet to score a penalty this campaign.
Plymouth have lost three of their last four games in the league (W1) away from home.
Only Bristol Rovers (20) have picked up more points than Chesterfield (18) and Plymouth Argyle (17) from their last 10 games.

Torquay United v Barnet
Five of the last six wins in this league fixture have come by the same scoreline of 1-0
Torquay have won three of their last four games against Barnet (L1), keeping three clean sheets in the process.
The Gulls have shipped 19 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season; a joint--high with fellow coastal side Morecambe.
Only Southend (8) have accumulated fewer points over the last 10 League Two games than Torquay (9).
Barnet have conceded more goals from the penalty spot than any other team this season (11).

Wycombe Wanderers v Northampton Town
The last time Wycombe enjoyed a win against Northampton was in the 2002/2003 season when they registered a 5-0 win away from home (D5 L2).
The Cobblers have lost eight points from winning positions this season; a league-low.
No side have scored more goals in the final fifteen minutes of games than Northampton (19).
Northampton Town have committed the most number of fouls in the division this season (549).

14.04. (Sun) 21:00 Athletic Bilbao - Real

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ATHLETIC BILBAO
Iraizoz
Ramalho • Ekiza • Aurtenetxe • Castillo
Iturraspe • José • Herrera
Susaeta • Llorente • Muniain

REAL MADRID
López
Arbeloa • Varane • Ramos • Marcelo
Alonso • Modrić
Callejón • Özil • Benzema
Morata

Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa will be forced to make several changes for the Primera Division clash against Real Madrid.

Defender Andoni Iraola is sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the defeat at Sevilla while Carlos Gurpegui, Aymeric Laporte, Oscar de Marcos and Aritz Aduriz are all suspended.

However, striker Ibai (groin) will be available along with Markel Susaeta, who returns after serving a one-match ban.

Real Madrid trio Michael Essien, Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain are carrying knocks and are unlikely to be involved at San Mames.

Coach Jose Mourinho is certain to make several changes to freshen up his team after an arduous midweek trip to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

DID YOU KNOW?

Athletic Bilbao have lost five of their last eight matches in La Liga.

Los Leones have lost their last six encounters with Real Madrid.

Athletic's last home win over Real was a 1-0 success in January 2010.

Real Madrid have won nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions.

The Blancos will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final on April 24 and 30.

Jose Mourinho oversaw his 121st win as Madrid coach in the 5-1 thrashing of Levante. Only Vicente del Bosque (133) and Miguel Munoz (357) have presided over more victories at the Santiago Bernabeu club.

Prediction
Real will not be bothered too much even if they lose on Sunday and their focus will be firmly on arriving in peak condition for the Champions League and the Copa del Rey games. Bielsa's Athletic have waned after a stellar season last time out and could be in for a long night with nearly half their first XI ruled out of action.

Editor's Prediction
Bilbao 0-3 Real Madrid

14.04. (Sun) 20:45 Milan - Napoli

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AC MILAN
Abbiati
Abate, Mexes, Zapata, Constant
Boateng, Montolivo, Muntari
Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy

NAPOLI
De Sanctis
Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos
Maggio, Behrami, Dzemaili, Zuniga
Hamsik
Pandev, Cavani

AC Milan must make do without the services of star striker Mario Balotelli for their crunch Serie A clash with Napoli at San Siro on Sunday evening.

The Italy international was hit with a one-game suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season in last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw at Fiorentina before being banned for an additional two games for insulting the match officials at the Artemio Franchi.

Consequently, Giampaolo Pazzini will lead the line against the second-placed Partenopei, with the former Inter forward set to be joined in Milan’s usual three-pronged attack by Stephan El Shaarawy and M’baye Niang, whose recall should see Kevin-Prince Boateng drop back into midfield.

Elsewhere, Kevin Constant is expected to return on left-hand side of the defence, leaving Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio to battle it out for the right-back berth.

As for the visitors, Walter Mazzarri has a full squad to choose from and the Partenopei coach is only expected to make one change to the side that saw off Genoa last weekend, with Juan Camilo Zuniga set to get the nod ahead of Pablo Armero on the left wing.

DID YOU KNOW?

AC Milan have won their last nine home games in all competitions.

The Rossoneri have not drawn a single game at San Siro this season.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have conceded just 12 goals in their own backyard - only leaders Juventus have shipped fewer (9).
Stephan El Shaarawy is Milan's top scorer but he has netted just once since the tail end of January.

Napoli midfielder Blerim Dzemaili has scored four goals in his last two Serie A outings.

The Partenopei were held to a 2-2 draw when these two sides met at San Siro earlier in the season.

Prediction
Last week's trip to Florence proved extremely costly for Milan, as they not only threw away two precious points, they also lost Mario Balotelli to suspension for what has become the biggest game of their season. Their recent home record is immense, so expect a spirited backlash but a resurgent Napoli should be able to do enough to claim the draw they need to maintain their grip on second place.

Editor's Prediction
Milan 1-1 Napoli

14.04. (Sun) 19:00 Zaragoza - Barcelona

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ZARAGOZA
Jiménez
Săpunaru • Loovens • González • Fernández
Movilla • Apoño
Oriol • Rodri • Montañés
Postiga

BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Bartra • Alba
Alcântara • Busquets • Fàbregas
Sánchez • Villa • Tello

Zaragoza midfielder Apono has shrugged off a muscle strain and could make his return to action against Barcelona on Sunday.

Helder Postiga and Stefan Babovic should be available despite carrying knocks, but Ivan Obradovic, Franco Zuculini and Javi Alamo are all injured and Abraham is suspended.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is set to be left out of the squad as he continues to manage a hamstring problem.

Defender Adriano suffered an injury in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and will not feature but goalkeeper Victor Valdes is available after completing a four-match ban.

DID YOU KNOW?

Zaragoza are on a 14-match winless run in all competitions (D6, L8).

The Aragonese outfit have not won a Liga match at La Romareda since a 5-3 success over Deportivo La Coruna in November.

Zaragoza have lost their last nine Liga encounters with Barcelona.

Barcelona are on a four-match winless run away from home across all competitions.

The Blaugrana will face German champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final on April 23 and May 1.

Xavi completed all of his 96 attempted passes against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, setting a new Champions League record for most passes completed with a perfect success rate.

Prediction
Zaragoza have little choice but to be positive and go for an unlikely victory against Barcelona as they look to end a wretched 14-match winless run. This, though, could play right into the hands of the Catalans, who could just carve open the home side's defence on the break.

Editor's Prediction
Zaragoza 1-3 Barcelona

14.04. (Sun) 17:00 Chelsea - Manchester City

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, David Luiz, Bertrand
Ramires, Mikel
Hazard, Oscar, Mata,
Torres

MANCHESTER CITY
Hart
Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy
Yaya Toure, Barry
Milner, Tevez, Nasri
Aguero

Interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is likely to make several changes from the side that travelled to Moscow to face Rubin Kazan last time out, with the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic set for a return to the Blues starting XI.

The Spanish boss should be able to call on Demba Ba (ankle), with the Senegal striker progressing well after picking up a knock in Sunday's win over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, while Ryan Bertrand (illness) will be hoping to shake off the virus that forced him to miss the club's trip to Russia.

Ashley Cole (hamstring) and Gary Cahill (knee) are close to first team return, but this game may come too soon for the defensive pair. Midfielder Oriol Romeu (knee) will miss the rest of the season.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will be sweating over the fitness of key midfield schemer David Silva (hamstring), after the Spain attacker limped off during the 2-1 win at rivals Manchester United on Monday.

Defender Micah Richards (knee) has returned to fuill training, but this game may come to soon for a first team return, whilst Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and Maicon (knee) are both likely to be missing.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea have contested four of the last six FA Cup finals (winning them all). They are the current holders of the trophy.

The Blues have won the competition seven times in all: only Manchester United (11), Arsenal (10) and Tottenham (8) have won it more often.

Rafa Benitez won the FA Cup in 2006 when his Liverpool team defeated West Ham in the last final at the Millennium Stadium.

Manchester City have lost just once in domestic competitions this season after scoring first (against Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup). They have drawn two and won 18 of the Premier League games they have led.

Carlos Tevez has scored five goals in this season's competition - making him the second-highest goalscorer. Aldershot forward Danny Hylton (8) leads the goalscoring charts.

City have won six of their last seven games in all competitions.

These two sides met in this season's Community Shield, with City running out 3-2 winners at Villa Park. Roberto Mancini's men have also shaded the two Premier League encounters between the two, winning 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, and earning a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City are 8/1 to beat Chelsea 2-1 with bet365.

Prediction
The FA Cup has been Chelsea's favourite competition in recent years with the Blues winning the trophy six times since the 1996-97 season (more than any other club), and reaching the final four times in the last six seasons. On this occasion, however, you have to wonder whether the Europa League trip to Russia may take its toll with the west Londoners.

Manchester City have just the FA Cup left to play for after disappointment in the Premier League and in Europe this season, and will throw everything they have at Chelsea on Sunday, which may just see them edge it.

Both sides have enough quality to win on the day, but with City targeting just this competition they should be fresher, and that could prove the difference.

Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City

14.04. (Sun) 15:05 Stoke City - Manchester United

PROBABLE LINEUPS

STOKE
Begovic
Cameron, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson
Shotton, Nzonzi, Whitehead, Etherington
Jones, Walters

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra
Carrick, Giggs
Young, Rooney, Welbeck

Stoke defender Marc Wilson (hamstring) is rated as doubtful for this game and may be replaced by Andy Wilkinson. Glenn Whelan (back) has also been struggling with injury, although he may be fit enough for the bench.

Otherwise, Potters manager Tony Pulis has no new injury problems ahead of this game as he looks to register just Stoke's second win since the turn of the year.

Meanwhile, Manchester United may welcome Jonny Evans back into their squad after a hamstring problem.

Defenders Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic (both knock) are also nearing returns, as is Paul Scholes (knee).

Ashley Young (ankle) was substituted during the 1-0 loss to Manchester City, but should be fit and available for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

DID YOU KNOW?

Stoke have been without a win in six games since beating Reading 2-1 in early February - their own victory in 2013.

The Potters defence is ranked sixth in goals allowed, conceding just 39 all season.

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross began his career at Old Trafford but did not make an appearance in the Premier League.

In their previous meeting this season, Manchester United came out 4-2 winners thanks to a double from Wayne Rooney (pictured) and one each for Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck.

The Red Devils have benefited from five own goals in the Premier League, more than any other team.

Before their loss to their local rivals on Monday night, United had won five of the six Premier League home games in which they had trailed this season.

The Red Devils have yet to concede from a penalty in the league this season.

Manchester United are 11/2 to beat Stoke 2-0 with bet365.

14.04. (Sun) 15:00 Cagliari - Inter

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CAGLIARI
Agazzi
Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Murru
Dessena, Conti, Ekdal
Ibarbo
Pinilla, Sau

INTER
Handanovic
Ranocchia, Samuel, Juan
Zanetti, Kovacic, Cambiasso, Pereira
Guarin
Alvarez, Rocchi

Inter must bring to end a run of poor form when they travel south to face Cagliari if they are to make a late surge to ensure European qualification.

Their hosts, who entertain their opponents in Trieste following safety issues surrounding their home stadium, will be without the injured Francesco Pisano and Radja Nainggolan who miss out due to suspension.

Therefore, Gabriele Perico (who is 50/50) could fill in at right-back while Albin Ekdal is restored to the starting line-up. Mauricio Pinilla is another Isolani star who good shake off an injury to play up front for the hosts.

Inter threw away a 3-1 lead against Atalanta in their last Serie A game yet Andrea Stramaccioni is unlikely to make major changes to his side.

Antonio Cassano will be replaced after being forced to leave the previous game early through injury and Yuto Nagatomo is also a doubt. Ezequiel Schelotto will have to settle for role of spectator after picking up a red card against his former club last weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cagliari have failed to beat Sunday's opponents in their last five meetings, drawing two.

Marco Sau scored both goals as the Rossoblu picked up a point at San Siro earlier this season.

The Islanders have lost only one of their previous 12 league games and only twice in this calendar year.

Inter currently stand eight points adrift of arch-rivals Milan in third position and the final qualification spot for next season's Champions League.

The Nerazzurri have only managed to triumph on two of their last nine league games away from San Siro.

Tommaso Rocchi will be the only recognised striker available to Andrea Stramaccioni - Diego Milito, Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Cassano are all out injured.

Prediction
Inter have been conceding goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks and with a large number of injuries it may be difficult for the visitors to turn their recent form around. Therefore, although Cagliari may be missing the influential Radja Nainggolan they could still cause the Nerazzurri some problems at the back. Andrea Stramaccioni will be keen to leave Trieste with all three points but must ensure his team do not leave themselves exposed at the back.

Editor's Prediction
Cagliari 2-2 Inter

Jedinica na derbiju Željko Kalajdžić (Platanjas, Grčka)

13.04. (Sat) 17:00 Troyes - Paris Saint Germain

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ESTAC TROYES
Thuram-Ulien
Colin, Jarjat, Brechet, Othon
Yamissi, Thiago
Faussurier, Nivet, Camus
Marcos

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Van der Wiel, Sakho, T. Silva, Maxwell
Lucas Moura, Verratti, Matuidi, Pastore
Lavezzi, Gameiro

Troyes could be without up to four players for the visit of Paris Saint-Germain to Stade de l'Aube on Saturday.

Jean-Christophe Bahebeck was already ineligible to face his parent club and Corentin Jean, Granddi N'Goyi and Stephane Drouil are all sidelined for the bottom side.

Meanwhile, PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rotate his side following their Champions League exit to Barcelona in midweek. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will serve a one-match suspension.

The likes of Blaise Matuidi - suspended against the Catalans - Kevin Gameiro, Mamadou Sakho and Gregory van der Wiel are all in line for starts, as the Parisiens turn their attentions to domestic honours.

DID YOU KNOW?

Troyes sit in 20th position in Ligue 1, with 25 points amassed. They are six points adrift with seven games to go.

The hosts lost 1-0 to fellow relegation strugglers Nancy last weekend, their only defeat in the last four games.

Troyes have only ever lost one league fixture at home to PSG, and are unbeaten in last two - the last of those coming in a 1-1 draw in 2006.

Paris Saint-Germain will be searching for a win to take them further clear of Olympique de Marseille at the top of the table.

Should Marseille lose to Lille this weekend and PSG beat Troyes, Carlo Ancelotti's side would only require two further victories to seal a first title since 1994.

PSG's Champions League exit at midweek means they have only the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 to fight for. They face Evian in the Coupe next week.

Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain return to Ligue 1 proud of their achievements following the Champions League exit to Barcelona and with bottom-side Troyes lying in wait for them on Saturday, Ancelotti and his men will have to consider this a sure victory if they are to go ten points clear of Marseille come Sunday. Ibrahimovic may be suspended, but this should be a walk in the park.

Editor's Prediction
Troyes 0-3 PSG

13.04. (Sat) 16:00 Arsenal - Norwich

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL
Fabianski
Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal
Arteta, Ramsey
Gervinho, Cazorla, Podolski
Giroud

NORWICH CITY
Bunn
Martin, Turner, Bassong, Garrido
Bennett, Howson, Johnson, Snodgrass
Hoolahan
Holt

Arsenal's Theo Walcott (groin) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are in contention for the visit of the Canaries, though whether or not Arsene Wenger risks them from the off remains to be seen, even with last week's matchwinner Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) described as "50-50" for the match by the Gunners boss.

Otherwise, the home side will be missing Per Mertesacker after he was sent off against West Brom last week, while Abou Diaby (knee) remains sidelined for the foreseeable.

With John Ruddy (hip) still out, Norwich manager Chris Hughton will be sweating on the fitness of Mark Bunn (groin) after third-choice goalkeeper Lee Camp was called into action after just 15 minutes last week against Swansea.

Andrew Surman (knee) continues to miss out for the visitors, though fellow midfielder Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) is available for selection.

DID YOU KNOW?
Since Christmas, Arsenal have scored in every game bar the 2-0 loss to Manchester City.

The Gunners have won seven of their last nine games and are second only to runaway leaders Manchester United in the form table.

When Arsene Wenger's side have scored first in the league this season, they have never lost a game.

90 per cent of Olivier Giroud's Premier League goals this season have been scored at the Emirates Stadium.

The last time the two teams met at the Emirates Stadium the game ended in a 3-3 draw, with Steve Morison firing in a late equaliser for the visitors.

Norwich have just two players who have scored five Premier League goals this season (Holt and Snodgrass), whereas the Gunners have six (Walcott, Giroud, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho, Arteta).

The visitors have won only once in the Premier League since Christmas, drawing seven of their last 11 games.

The Canaries have also only scored just twice away from home since the start of the year.

If the Premier League were based solely on second-half results, Norwich would be 18th in the table, with just 33 points.
Arsenal are 9/1 to beat Norwich 3-1 with bet365.

13.04. (Sat) 16:00 Reading - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINEUPS

READING
Federici
Kelly, Mariappa, Morrison, Gunter
Robson-Kanu, Karacan, Guthrie, McAnuff
Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak

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

Reading continue to be without Jason Roberts (thigh) and Jimmy Kebe (groin), while Hope Akpan is struggling with a knock picked up in the defeat to Southampton last week.

Pavel Pogrebnyak may replace him, joining Adam Le Fondre in a two-pronged attack.

Liverpool have doubts over Stewart Downing (illness), with Daniel Sturridge set to step up to Brendan Rodgers' front-line.

Youngster Raheem Sterling (thigh) has been ruled out, while Fabio Borini, Joe Allen and Martin Kelly will all miss the rest of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reading last hosted Liverpool in the Premier League in December 2007, where goals from Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle and James Harper gave the eventually relegated Royals a 3-1 win over the Reds. Steven Gerrard struck for the visitors.

From that matchday squad, only Nicky Shorey and Adam Federici remain at the club.

Only Wigan have conceded more goals at home than Reading this season.

The Royals' central-midfielders have only contributed two goals in the Premier League this season, while Liverpool captain Gerrard already has nine to his name.

Only Manchester United and Tottenham have scored more goals away from home in the league than the Reds this season.

There has never been a goalless draw between these two sides in nine meetings.

Liverpool are 10/1 to beat Reading 3-1 with bet365.