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.

Opta Facts La Liga 2012-13 Matchday 33

Rayo Vallecano v Osasuna
Rayo have only scored in one of their last four top-flight meetings with Osasuna, but that was in a 6-0 hammering at home last season.
That 6-0 win remains Rayo's biggest ever La Liga victory, and was also the last game in which Michu netted (twice) for side from Madrid.
Osasuna have only won one their seven trips to Vallecas in the Primera (1D 5L), only scoring in two of those seven games.
Rayo have lost successive league games on home soil; they have not lost three in a row at home since 2002/03, the last season they were relegated.
The Reds have only won one of their last seven league games, losing five of them (1D).
Rayo captain Piti has scored four of his team's last six league goals.
Ex-Rayo player Emiliano Armenteros has had more shots than any other Osasuna player this season (62), but has only scored three goals.
Only Barcelona (70%) average more possession than Rayo Vallecano (57%) in La Liga this season.
Osausna have only scored 26 league goals all season; only in one previous campaign have they ended with fewer goals (24 in 1985/86, when they played only 34 games).

Levante v Celta Vigo
Levante have not lost any of their three top-flight clashes with Celta (1W 2D).
The Galician side have scored exactly one goal in each of their three meetings with Levante in La Liga, with two of them ending 1-1.
Levante have only scored three goals in five games since the departure to the MLS of Obafemi Martins (1D 3L).
Celta Vigo are the only team in La Liga yet to win consecutive league games this term.
Las Granotas have lost three successive league games; they have never lost four in a row under Juan Ignacio Martinez.
Levante have scored a league-low of just two goals in the first 15 minutes of games this season.
Celta, meanwhile, have only scored five set piece goals this term; a league-low.
Only Lionel Messi (55%) has directly contributed to a higher portion of his team's goals than Iago Aspas (52%) this season.

Athletic v Barcelona
Athletic are without a win in six meetings with Barcelona at the San Mames in La Liga (D3 L3), their second-worst ever home run against the Catalans (eight).
Bilbao's last victory over Barcelona in the league, however, was recorded at the San Mames back in May 2006 (3-1).
Barcelona have logged more draws at the San Mames than any other away team in Spanish top-flight history (18).
Athletic Bilbao recorded a legendary 12-1 victory over Barcelona in 1931, their biggest ever home league win.
Only one of the eight goals Lionel Messi has netted against Athletic in La Liga has come at the San Mames, though that did earn his team a 2-2 draw there last season.
Ibai Gomez is one of only two players (with Piotr Trochowski) to have scored against both Barcelona and Real Madrid this season.
Cesc Fabregas (four goals, one assist) and Thiago (one goal, two assists) have contributed to eight of Barcelona's nine goals in Lionel Messi's absence.
Barcelona are unbeaten in six league games, winning five.
Barca have only scored three headed goals all season, a league-low.
Athletic Bilbao have conceded more set piece goals than any other side in La Liga this season (29).

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
Atletico are winless in 22 league meetings with Real Madrid (6D 16L), the longest run without a victory by any side in any Spanish top-flight derby.
Real Madrid have won their last five trips to the Calderon in La Liga, their best ever away run against Atleti in the league.
Real Madrid are the only team Atletico have not beaten in the league since their promotion in 2002.
Atletico have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 16 home derbies with Real (2.3 goals per game on average).
The Whites have scored their first goal in the 14th minute of the game on average in their 10 trips to the Calderon since Atletico last won promotion.
Only in 1991/92 (16) have Atletico won more home games than they have in 2012/13 so far (14).
Gonzalo Higuain scored his first La Liga goal at the Calderon in February 2007 (1-1), in the only derby that Fernando Torres netted in for Atletico.
Since that day, only Lionel Messi (202) and Cristiano Ronaldo (143) have scored more La Liga goals than Higuain (104).
Atletico and Real Madrid have been given a joint-high eight penalties this term.
Falcao has become the first player since Diego Forlan in 2008/09 (32) to reach 25 league goals in a single campaign for Atletico.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored six of Real's last 10 derby goals, with five coming from dead ball situations (three penalties, two direct free kicks).
Only Atletico (25) have conceded fewer league goals than Real (30) so far this term.

Zaragoza v Mallorca
Zaragoza have only won one of their last 10 top-flight meetings with Mallorca (D3 L6).
Gregorio Manzano has only won one league game as a manager at La Romareda (D4 L2), but this was in his last visit.
In the last 10 years, at no other away ground have Mallorca won more often than they have at La Romareda (three).
Zaragoza are without a win in 15 league games (D5 L10), they have never gone 16 games without a win in the top-flight.
Victor Casadesus has scored in the last three league meetings between Zaragoza and Mallorca (three goals in total).
Helder Postiga has scored 38% of Zaragoza's league goals this season; only Falcao (45%) and Messi (43%) have scored higher proportions.
Alejandro Alfaro has scored more goals in the last two months (five) than he managed in his previous two seasons combined (four).
Zaragoza are the only team in La Liga to have won more away points (14) than home points (13) this term.
Mallorca have lost a joint-league-high 13 points from winning positions on the road in 2012/13.

Espanyol v Granada
Espanyol have won their last three home meetings with Granada in La Liga, with the last two both ending 3-0.
Granada have only won away at Espanyol once in their La Liga history; 3-2 in 1971/72, when they recorded their joint-best top-flight finish (sixth).
Four of the last five draws between Espanyol and Granada in La Liga have ended goalless, including this season's reverse fixture.
Espanyol are unbeaten in nine home league games (W5 D4), a run that coincides with the arrival of Javier Aguirre.
Granada have only won two of 11 league games with Alcaraz in charge this season (18%), a worse record than they managed under Anquela (five in 23, 24%).
Three of the last four Granada league goals have been headers, with all three logged by different players: Nolito, Aranda and El-Arabi.
Sergio Garcia has scored four of Espanyol's last seven home goals, having scored just once at Cornella all season before this run.
Granada's midfielders have contributed just five goals all season, a La Liga-low figure.

Malaga v Getafe
Malaga have won exactly half of their six home meetings with Getafe in La Liga (W3 D2 L1), with each victory coming by the odd goal.
The side from Madrid are without a win in seven league trips to Andalusia (D3 L4), with their last win coming in December 2010 against Almeria (3-2).
Malaga have only won two home league games in the year 2013, with both ending 1-0 (D3 L2).
Getafe have lost their last two league games; they have not lost three in a row all season.
The only time a Getafe player has scored a brace at La Rosaleda was also the only time the Blues won there in La liga (2-1 with goals from Veljko Paunovic).
Julio Baptista, who has scored each of Malaga's last two league goals, has also scored in his last two against Getafe in La Rosaleda.
Getafe have been shown six red cards in La Liga against Malaga; only against Zaragoza (seven) have they seen more players dismissed.
Malaga have conceded just four goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season; a league-low with Real Madrid.
Of all goalkeepers to have played 10+ games this season, Willy Caballero has the best save percentage (74.5%).

Valladolid v Sevilla
The last time Sevilla won in Pucela in La Liga was back in October 1996; a season in which they were relegated. Since then they have drawn three and lost four.
Valladolid have only won one of their last seven league games (D3).
Sevilla have the second-worst away record in La Liga this season (eight points), and have not won away since September (3D 10L).
Valladolid have scored five of their last six goals against the Andalusians in La Liga before the half-time break.
Beto is yet to manage a clean sheet in 12 games for Sevilla in all competitions (10 league, two cup).
Real Valladolid were shown six yellow cards in their return fixture against Sevilla; the joint-most they have been shown in one game this season.
Jesus Navas (213) and Antonio Rukavina (143) have made the most open play crosses in La Liga this term.
Real Valladolid have scored a league-high three own goals this term.
Unai Emery has faced Valladolid six times as a La Liga coach and has never drawn (W4 L2).

Real Sociedad v Valencia
Real Sociedad have won three successive league games against Valencia; they have not won four in a row against them since 1991/92.
Los Che have, however, won three of their last four trips to the Anoeta in La Liga, losing only their latest trip there (0-1 last season).
Real Sociedad have not won two successive home meetings with Valencia in the top-flight since they abandoned their former stadium Atocha (three between 1990/91 and 1992/93).
The Basque side have only lost one of their last 22 league games (W12 D9) and that was in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid (4-3 in January).
Valencia are winless in four away league games, though they have drawn three of those.
Roberto Soldado has scored four goals against Real Sociedad in La Liga since he moved to Valencia, but all four have come at the Mestalla.
Valencia and Real Sociedad have both won exactly 35 points since Ernesto Valverde took over at the Mestalla.
Valencia have won a league-high eight points thanks to goals netted after the 89th minute this season.

Real Betis v Deportivo La Coruna
Betis have only won one of their last 10 home games against Deportivo in La Liga (D3 L6), failing to score in eight of these games.
The Green-and-Whites have remained unbeaten in seven home league games (W3 D4), their best run on home soil since their most recent promotion.
Deportivo are unbeaten in five league games (W4 D1), they have not gone unbeaten in six in La Liga since 2009.
If they win in Seville, Depor will have won three successive top-flight away games for the first time since 2006 under Joaquin Caparros.
The Blue-and-Whites have conceded a joint-high 64 league goals this season, and have also conceded the most first-half goals (35) and the most headed goals (15).
Real Betis are the only La Liga team yet to have lost a point following a goal scored in the final 10 minutes this term, while Deportivo are the only team yet to win one in this period.
Excluding the own goal by Inigo Lopez, Ruben Castro (seven goals, four assists), Dorlan Pabon (five goals, two assists) and Jorge Molina (four goals) have participated in 19 of Real Betis's last 20 league goals.
Deportivo have lost a league-high 23 points from winning positions this season.

25.04. (Thu) 21:05 Fenerbahce - Benfica

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FENERBAHCE
Volkan
Gonul, Yobo, Korkmaz, Ziegler
Meireles, Sahin, Baroni
Kuyt, Erkin
Webo

BENFICA
Arthur
Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Melgarejo
Matic, Perez
Salvio, Lima, Gaitan
Cardozo

Fenerbahce boss Aykut Kocaman has no pressing injury issues ahead of the first-leg of his side's Europa League semi-final against Benfica on Thursday evening.

Dirk Kuyt and Pierre Webo are expected to continue their striking partnership, despite the 2-0 defeat to Gençlerbirligi in their Super Lig last weekend. Moussa Sow and Salih Ucan are pushing for starts, though Kocaman isn't expected to differ too much from Sunday's fixture.

Meanwhile, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has been boosted by the news that Ezequiel Garay has recovered from a slight knock suffered in last weekend's 2-0 win over Sporting.

Oscar Cardozo started that fixture, with Jesus mulling over whether to field the Paraguay international up front in Istanbul, with Ola John waiting in the wings.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fenerbahce have qualified for their first-ever major continental semi-final, after beating Lazio in the previous round.
The Turkish outfit have won three of their six games against Portuguese opposition - with a two out of three record on home soil.

Aykut Kocaman's side are unbeaten in the Europa League since the turn of the year - winning three and drawing three of their six fixtures.

Benfica are the only side left in the competition to not have lost a Europa League game this term.
The Portuguese outfit are hoping to reach the final in Amsterdam - the scene of their European Cup triumph in 1962 over Real Madrid.

The last time these two sides faced each other in European competition Benfica won 7-1 on aggregate. That scoreline in the first leg remains Fener's heaviest European defeat to date.

Benfica's Eduardo Salvio holds the joint-highest number of appearances in the Europa League, amassing total of 31 since the competition was re-branded in 2009-10

Prediction
Benfica are unbeaten since February but Fenerbahce's desire to reach a first European final, coupled with their home support, could see them edge the first leg.

Editor's Prediction
Fenerbahce 2-1 Benfica

SPL Opta Facts: 26-28 April

Ross County v Dundee United
Ross County are yet to beat Dundee United in three attempts this season (D2 L1).
No side have picked up more yellow cards this season than Ross County (66). Despite picking up 66 yellow cards the Staggies are yet to receive a red card this campaign.
Steffen Wohlfarth has scored three goals in his last five games; having gone seven goals without scoring for the Staggies.
Dundee United have picked up one win in their last seven (D5 L1).

St Johnstone v Inverness CT
The two clubs have met three times this season with all three fixtures ending in a draw; two of which have been nil-nil draws.
No side have received more red cards this season than St Johnstone (6).
Inverness have scored eight goals from the penalty spot this season; a league-high.
The Saints are unbeaten in nine SPL home games, winning four (D5).

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock
The last 10 meetings between the sides have produced 24 goals, averaging at 2.4 goals per game.
No side have drawn more games nil-nil this season than Aberdeen (7).
The Dons are yet to score a penalty this season; a joint-league-low alongside Motherwell and St Johnstone.
No player has scored 10 or more goals for Kilmarnock this season; top scorers Paul Heffernan and Cillian Sheridan are both on nine.

Dundee v Hearts
This season all three SPL meetings between the two clubs have ended 1-0, with Dundee winning two of those.
Hearts have lost just once in their last five games (W3 D1).
Hearts have kept three clean sheets in their last five games, with two of those coming away from home.
Dundee's Iain Davidson has been booked 11 times this season; the most in the division.

Hibernian v St Mirren
Hibernian's Leigh Griffiths has scored five goals in three games against St Mirren this season; including two braces and one penalty.
St Mirren have conceded six goals from the penalty spot this season; a joint-league-high alongside Dundee.
St Mirren are without a win in six SPL games (D4 L2); they are yet to go seven games without a win this season.
No side have picked up fewer points than Hibernian over the last 10 games (7).

Motherwell v Celtic
Since the turn of the year, Michael Higdon has scored 12 goals in 12 SPL games.
Indeed, Michael Higdon has scored more SPL hat-tricks this season than any other player (2).
Over the last 10 SPL games no sides have picked up more points than Motherwell and Celtic (20).
Motherwell are on a seven match unbeaten run (W5 D2); the current longest unbeaten run in the SPL.

Ligue 1 Opta Facts: 26-28 April

Lille - Sochaux
Sochaux have failed to win any of their last 10 Ligue 1 games in Lille (D3, L7).
Lille have won eight of their last 10 Ligue 1 games (D1, L1). They are the best L1 team in the last 10 matchdays (25 points grabbed out of 30).
Sochaux have only won one of their last eight Ligue 1 games (D4, L3).
50% of Sochaux's goals in Ligue 1 have come following set pieces situations this season (17/34), highest ratio in the competition.
75% of Salomon Kalou's Ligue 1 goals this season have been scored at home (6 out of 8).
Ryad Boudebouz has converted all 10 of the penalties he's taken in Ligue 1.

Lorient - Marseille
Lorient have won their last two L1 games against Marseille but have failed to win three games in a row.
Marseille are unbeaten in Brittany in Ligue 1 this season (W2 v Brest and D1 v Rennes).
Lorient are unbeaten in their last 10 home games in L1, best current run alongside PSG.
OM have won 11 games 1-0 in L1 this season, one less than Ligue 1 all-time record.
Jérémie Aliadière has scored in his last two L1 games but has failed to score in three in a row.
Mathieu Valbuena is involved in Marseille's last three goals against Lorient in L1.

Ajaccio - Montpellier
Montpellier have won their last seven competitive games against Ajaccio.
Ajaccio have scored in their last nine L1 home games, their best streak since 2004.
Ajaccio have only won one of their last 23 L1 games against the title holders (D5, L17).
Montpellier have already conceded nine more L1 goals (43) than during last season (34).
Rémy Cabella has scored in his last three games against Ajaccio in Ligue 1.
Adrian Mutu has scored 6 of his 10 Ligue 1 goals at home (60%).

Bastia - Toulouse
Toulouse have only won one of their last nine Ligue 1 trips to Bastia (D3, L5).
Furiani, Bastia's home stadium hasn't seen a draw this season in Ligue 1.
Bastia have been shown 83 cards this season in L1 (Y76, R7), highest tally in the competition.
Toulouse have only won two of their last 11 away games in L1.
Wahbi Khazri has scored five L1 goals from outside the box this season, the joint-highest tally.
Wissam Ben Yedder is involved in Toulouse's last four L1 goals (3 goals, 1 assist).

Bordeaux - Reims
Bordeaux are unbeaten in their last five competitive games against Reims (W2, D3).
The last three L1 games between Bordeaux and Reims have been goalless.
Bordeaux have only won one of their last 10 home L1 games against promoted teams (D7, L2).
Reims have failed to win any of their last seven trips against a top-half team (D2, L5)
Cheick Diabaté has scored four goals in his last three competitive games.
Grégory Sertic has attempted 98 shots in Ligue 1, scoring only one goal.

Brest - Rennes
Brest have only won once in their last 10 competitive games against Rennes (D5, L4).
Brest have lost their last six Ligue 1 games, worst current run.
Rennes have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine L1 games, worst current run.
Brest are the only Ligue 1 not to have won a single home game in 2013 (D2, L5).
Brest have lost 12 points from winning positions at home in L1 2012/13, more than any other team.
Benoît Lesoimier is involved in four of Brest's last five goals against Rennes in L1 (1 goal, 3 assists).

Valenciennes - Nancy
Valenciennes have only won once in their last 12 oppositions against Nancy in L1 (D6, L5).
VA have failed to score more than one goal in their last 13 Ligue 1 games against Nancy.
Nancy are unbeaten in their last five Ligue 1 games (W4, D1).
Nancy have scored in their last seven Ligue 1 games, best current run.
Valenciennes have scored 11 goals in the first 15 minutes in L1 this season, more than any other team.
Eight of Nancy's last 20 goals in Ligue 1 have been scored by Benjamin Moukandjo (5) and Paul Alo'o Efoulou (3).

Lyon - St Etienne
St Etienne have only won once in their last 27 competitive oppositions against Lyon.
Lyon have won their last five competitive encounters against St Etienne (4 in L1, 1 in Coupe de la Ligue).
St Etienne have failed to score in their last three encounters against Lyon in Ligue 1.
St Etienne are unbeaten in their last seven away games in Ligue 1 (W3, D4), best current run.
Clément Grenier is involved in four of Lyon's last five goals in Ligue 1 (2 goals, 2 assists).
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored six goals in his last six away Ligue 1 games.

Nice - Troyes
Troyes have failed to win and keep a clean sheet in Nice in Ligue 1 (D3, L8).
Troyes have only won four of their 23 games against Nice in Ligue 1 (D8, L11).
None of the 23 encounters between Troyes and Nice in Ligue 1 have ended in a 0-0 draw.
Nice have only lost once in their last six league games against promoted teams (W2, D3).
All of Nice's last five league goals have been scored in the second half.
Only Lionel Messi (43 for Barcelona) and Germán Denis (15 for Atalanta) have scored more goals than Dario Cvitanich (14) amongst Argentinian players in the European Top 5 leagues.

Evian TG - Paris SG
PSG are unbeaten in their four competitive games against Evian TG (W4, D2).
The six competitive encounters between these teams have averaged 3,5 goals per game.
Evian TG have conceded 25 goals in the first half in L1 2012/13, more than any other team.
PSG have won their last four Ligue 1 games without conceding a goal, best current run.
PSG have kept 21 clean sheets this season, more than any other European Top 5 team.
Kevin Bérigaud has scored four goals in his last five competitive home games.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is involved in 56,7% of PSG's goals in L1 this season (27 goals, 7 assists).

25.04. (Thu) 21:05 Basel - Chelsea

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BASEL
Sommer
Steinhofer, Degan, Dragovic, Schar
Salah, Cabral, F Frei, Stocker
Streller, Bobadilla

CHELSEA
Cech,
Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Bertrand
Moses, Lampard, Ramires, Oscar, Mata
Torres

Basel have just one injury concern heading into their first ever European semi-final, with Philipp Degen (muscular) a doubt. However, Arlind Ajeti is ready to deputise.

Chelsea defensive duo Ashley Cole (hamstring) and Gary Cahill (knee) have handed Rafael Benitez a timely boost ahead of Thursday's tie.

The left-back has not been seen since April 1, while the former Bolton man underwent minor surgery on March 30.

Elsewhere, Oscar (groin) has also been passed fit after being withdrawn during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool and joined the squad on Wednesday morning's flight to St Jacob-Park.

DID YOU KNOW?

Basel are unbeaten at home in this year’s Europa League campaign and have only failed to win once at St Jakob-Park since the start of September domestically.

No side has scored more goals from set-pieces in the Europa League than Basel (seven).

The Swiss Super League champions have not lost in their last four meetings against English opposition, scoring at least twice on each occasion (against Manchester United and Tottenham).

The Swiss side have the worst disciplinary record in this year’s Europa League, picking up 27 yellow cards and three reds.

Chelsea have faced Swiss opponents just once before, losing in the first round of the 2000/01 UEFA Cup to FC St Gallen.
Fernando Torres has scored four goals in his last three Europa League appearances.

The west London club have lost four of their last five European away matches, including back-to-back defeats on the road against Steaua Bucharest and Rubin Kazan.

Chelsea can become the first side to win UEFA’s two top club competitions in reverse order in successive seasons.

Prediction
Tottenham were stunned by Basel's counterattacking style during the quarter-finals, especially in the first tie between the two sides, as the Swiss side added another scalp to an ever-growing list of Europe's biggest sides.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to make a number of changes with their Champions League berth for next season still not secured, and could well fall into the same trap as Spurs as they adjust to Basel's terrifying speed.

Editor's Prediction
Basel 2-1 Chelsea

Europa League Opta Facts - April 25

Basel v Chelsea
This is Basel's first ever appearance in a European semi-final.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have made 11 previous semi-finals in European competition, making the final on four occasions.
Chelsea's one previous encounter with Swiss opposition in Europe (excluding qualifiers) saw them lose 1-2 on aggregate to St Gallen in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup first round.
Basel's victory over Tottenham was their first ever knockout victory over an English side; they had previously suffered defeats to Newcastle (UEFA Cup 2003/04) and Middlesbrough (UEFA Cup 2005/06).
In terms of individual matches, Basel have only won two of 15 games against English sides (2-0 v Middlesbrough in March 2006 and 2-1 v Manchester United in December 2011).
Chelsea have lost consecutive away games in Europe; they have not lost three in a row (excluding qualifiers) since May 2005.
This match will be Chelsea's 62nd of the season in all competitions.
Basel are unbeaten in their last eight home games in Europe, winning six and drawing two.
The Swiss side have scored six goals from corners in the Europa League this season, a competition-high.

Fenerbahce v Benfica
Benfica's only previous European tie against Fenerbahce saw them win the first leg 7-0 on home soil, eventually progressing 7-1 on aggregate, these games coming way back in 1975.
Indeed, Benfica have never scored a goal in an away game against a Turkish side (played two, one 0-1 defeat and one 0-0 draw).
This will be Benfica's 13th appearance in a major European semi-final; After winning eight of their first 10, they have lost the last two in a row (1994 CWC and 2011 EL).
Fenerbahce are making their first ever appearance in a major European semi-final.
The Turkish giants have won 12 and lost just two of their last 19 European games (D5).
Fenerbahce have kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 European games.
Benfica are unbeaten in nine European games, winning seven and drawing two.
Oscar Cardozo has scored six goals in Europe this season, despite making just five starts (11 appearances in total).
The Paraguayan striker has scored 17 goals in the Europa League since it was rebranded ahead of the 2009/10 season; only Falcao (30) has more.
No team in the Europa League has kept more clean sheets this season than Fenerbahce (seven).

24.04. (Wed) 20:45 Borussia D. - Real

PROBABLE LINEUPS

DORTMUND
Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer
Bender, Gundogan
Kuba, Gotze, Reus
Lewandowski

REAL MADRID
Lopez
Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao
Khedira, Alonso
Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo
Higuain

Borussia Dortmund will have the luxury of naming a full strength line-up for the visit of the Spanish champions, with Mats Hummels having got some minutes under his belt in recent weeks following a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan will see off competition from former Blancos midfielder Nuri Sahin and club captain Sebastian Kehl to start in the middle of the park, with Jakub Blaszczykowski preferred to Kevin Grosskreutz on the wing.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have a few injury worries ahead of their visit to the Westfalenstadion. With Alvaro Arbeloa suspended, Sergio Ramos will start at right-back, with Pepe and Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence.

Marcelo has a hamstring knock, meaning Fabio Coentrao will start at left-back. Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho's men will be more or less at full strength, though Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are nursing minor injuries.

DID YOU KNOW?

Borussia Dortmund overcame Real Madrid in the group stage this season, triumphing 2-1 at home and drawing 2-2 away.

Midfielder Nuri Sahin spent one season at the Santiago Bernabeu and a loan period at Liverpool before returning to BVB in January.

Jurgen Klopp's side are the only unbeaten team in the competition and knocked Malaga out in the last round.

Real Madrid have won just once on 24 visits to Germany and crashed out of the Champions League to Bundesliga opposition at this stage last season.

Star playmaker Mesut Ozil was born in Dortmund's Ruhr heartland and started his career at local rivals Schalke.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 goals in the Champions League this season. He needs three more to match Lionel Messi's total from last year.

Prediction
Real Madrid have quality and experience superior to that of Dortmund but Jurgen Klopp's side have proved that they are not to be taken lightly this season. The visitors have a poor record in Germany, and I'd expect the hosts to take a narrow advantage back to the Spanish capital.

Editor's Prediction
Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid

23.04. (Tue) 20:45 Bayern Munchen - Barcelona

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm • Buyten • Dante • Alaba
Martínez • Schweinsteiger
Robben • Müller • Ribéry
Gómez

BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Bartra • Alba
Xavi • Busquets • Iniesta
Pedro • Messi • Sánchez

Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic will miss the Champions League showdown against Barcelona through suspension.

Philippe Lahm, Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger should all return to the starting line-up after being rested for Saturday's 6-1 win over Hannover, but long-term injury victims Toni Kroos (groin) and Holger Badstuber (knee) remain absent.

Lionel Messi has handed Barcelona a major boost by returning to full training after missing the last two games with a hamstring strain - though has not been given the all-clear yet.

Defenders Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano (both knee) and Adriano (suspension) are all out so youngster Marc Bartra is likely to partner Gerard Pique in central defence.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bayern Munich have won 18 of their last 19 matches in all competitions, with the solitary defeat coming against Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16 second leg.

The Bavarian giants have lost just one of 20 previous home encounters against Spanish opponents (W14, D5, L1).

Bayern have won three of their six previous meetings with Barcelona in European competition (W3, D2, L1).

Philipp Lahm, Dante and Luiz Gustavo will miss the return leg if they get booked on Tuesday night.

Barcelona have only won two of their last eight away games across all competitions (W2, D4, L2).

The Blaugrana are on an eight-match unbeaten run on German soil stretching back to 2001. Their overall record away record against Bundesliga teams is W9, D10, L5.

Xavi has completed 1,005 passes in the Champions League this season, 470 more than any other player, at an 88% success rate.

Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Alex Song will incur a ban with their next bookings.

Prediction
Barcelona are no great shakes away from home, but Messi's return will give them hope they can oust a formidable Bayern side. The newly-crowned Bundesliga champions are in exceptional form and they will look to put the visitors' understrength rearguard under pressure whenever possible. Bayern are favourites, however slight.

Editor's Prediction
Bayern 2-1 Barcelona

Champions League Opta Facts: SF First Legs

Bayern Munich - Barcelona
Barcelona have only won one of their six competitive encounters with Bayern Munich (two draws, three defeats).
Barcelona have never won away against Bayern Munich (two draws, one defeat).
Barcelona have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the sixth consecutive season, a record in the history of the competition.
Meanwhile, this is the third time in the last four seasons that Bayern Munich have reached the last four of the competition.
Bayern Munich have won 17 of their last 20 Champions League games played at the Allianz Arena (includes the 2012 final).
Bayern Munich have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 Champions League games at home against Spanish opposition.
However, Bayern have always scored at home in the Champions League against Spanish opposition (13 games), scoring 25 goals in total.
Barcelona have won only one of their last five Champions League games (three draws, one defeat).
Barcelona have only won three of their last 15 away games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Barcelona have had 56 shots on target in the Champions League this season, the lowest tally among the four semi-finalists. Bayern Munich have had 66.
Barcelona have completed 7,220 passes, that's 2,555 more than the second placed side in that department, Bayern Munich (4,665).
Bayern Munich have had 202 crosses from open play (20.2 per game), the highest tally in the Champions League this season.
Lionel Messi has been directly involved in six of Barcelona's eight away goals in the Champions League this season (four goals, two assists).
Philipp Lahm and Xavi have both delivered four assists. Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done better in the Champions League this season (7).

Borussia Dortmund - Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund have only won one of their six competitive encounters with Real Madrid (three draws, two defeats).
However, Dortmund are unbeaten in their last three encounters with Real Madrid (one win, two draws). They have met twice in the Champions League this season with Dortmund winning 2-1 at home before drawing at the Bernabeu (2-2).
Borussia Dortmund last reached the semi-finals of the Champions League back in 1997/98. They were eventually knocked out by Real Madrid (2-0 on aggregate).
This is the third consecutive season that Real Madrid have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. The last time they reached the final though was back in 2002.
Borussia Dortmund are the only team unbeaten in the Champions League this season (six wins, four draws).
Dortmund have won all five of their home games in the Champions League this season (10 goals for, three against).
Real Madrid have only won one of their 24 away games in Germany in European competition. It was in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in September 2000.
Real Madrid have lost all of their last five away games in Germany in European competition.
Real Madrid have scored in each of their last 17 Champions League games away from home. The last time they failed to find the net on the road was in February 2010 against Lyon.
Real Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Champions League this season (five games).
Real Madrid's games have produced 37 goals (23 for, 14 against), the most in the Champions League this season.
Real Madrid have had more shots (including blocked) than any other team in the Champions League this season: 200, an average of 20 per game. They have the best attacking record with 23 goals.
Jose Mourinho has reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the seventh time in the last 10 seasons.
Mesut Ozil was directly involved in all three of Real Madrid's goals in their group stage encounters earlier this season (one goal, two assists).
Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 11 goals. It beats his previous best tally in the competition (10 goals in 2011/12).
Ronaldo has scored in each of his last five Champions League games - if he scores in this game, he will equal Marouane Chamakh and Burak Yilmaz's record of scoring in six straight CL games.
Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 42% of Dortmund's goals in the Champions League this season, eight out of 19 (six goals, two assists).

Bitka za Britaniju „Rat“ Nemačkih i Španskih velikana u polufinalnim mečevima Lige šampiona

“Fudbal je jednostavna igra, u kojoj 22 igrača trče za loptom 90 minuta, a na kraju uvek pobede Nemci.” Ova duhovita opaska proslavljenog engleskog reprezentativca Garija Linekera, pre bezmalo 25 godina, mogla pi ponovo da se aktuelizuje. Okršajima španskih i nemačkih velikana otpočeće „Treći svetski rat” u okviru polufinala najprestižnijeg fudbalskog nadmetanja na planeti. U utorak se na „Alianc areni“ sastaju Bajern i Barselona, a dan kasnije na „Signal Iduna Parku“ (bivši „Vestfalen“) Dortmund i madridski Real.
Bavarski gigant Bajern, ugostiće najvredniji tim današnjice, Barselonu, u duelu četvorostrukih osvajača „ušatog” pehara. Minhenski sastav je, sudeći po kladionicama, u prednosti, a da li će uspeti da
progutaju krupan zalogaj u vidu najboljeg tima svih vremena, pitaju se i Lionel Mesi i drugovi.

UTORAK
BAJERN (Nem) - BARSELONA (Špa)
Međusobni susreti 6 3 2 1 8-9
Bajern - Španci 43 20 12 11 67-55
Nemci - Barselona 51 9 11 31 50-97

KVOTE ZA PRVAKA
Real M. 3.00
Barselona 3.00
Bajern 3.50
Dortmund 7.00

22.04. (Mon) 21:00 Manchester United - Aston Villa

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra
Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa
Rooney, Van Persie

ASTON VILLA
Guzan
Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett
Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia
Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor

Sir Alex Ferguson may look to reshuffle his pack slightly ahead of the visit of Aston Villa.

Jonny Evans may come in for either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, who have now played two games in a row, while the likes of Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs and Nani are all pushing for recalls in midfield. Ashley Young (ankle) and Paul Scholes (knee) remain out.

For the visitors, Paul Lambert may look to name an unchanged side from the one that has impressed against Stoke and Fulham in recent weeks.

Ciaran Clark is available but Nathan Baker may still be preferred in central defence. Senior striker Gabriel Agbonlahor may recover from a thigh injury to take his place in attack, with Jordan Browery dropping to the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United have only lost one of their last 40 meetings with Aston Villa in all competitions.

Villa's only victory during that run in December 2009 under Martin O'Neill was when Gabriel Agbonlahor (pictured) scored in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

From that matchday squad, only Agbonlahor, Richard Dunne and Brad Guzan remain at the club.

United, on the other hand still retain eight of their starting XI.

Only Arsenal have scored more goals (42) than United have scored (40) at home this season.

Villa have the joint-worst defensive record in the league, conceding 35 along with Norwich and Newcastle.

Christian Benteke needs one more goal to become the first Aston Villa player since Juan Pablo Angel in 2003-04 to score 20 goals in a season.

Wayne Rooney has scored twice in each of Aston Villa's last two visits to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are 9/1 with bet365 to beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Monday.

Prediction
The visitors do look capable of causing United problems in defence, particularly with the pace and power of Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Charles N'Zogbia. However, at the back they can still be rather naive and the extra nous and quality of Van Persie and Rooney will ensure the Red Devils will still come away with a comfortable victory.

Editor's Prediction
Man Utd. 3-1 Aston Villa

21.04. (Sun) 21:00 Paris Saint Germain - Nice

PROBABLE LINEUPS

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Douchez
Van der Wiel, Thiago Silva, Alex, Maxwell
Lucas Moura, Verratti, Matuidi, Pastore
Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi

OGC NICE
Ospina
Genevois, Civelli, Pecjinovic, Kolodziecak
Traore, Digard
Bahoken, Meriem, Pied
Cvitanich

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has no pressing injury issues ahead of the visit of high-flyers Nice to the Parc des Princes, but is set to field his strongest side after Wednesday's shock Coupe de France exit to Evian.

The Italian trainer slammed his "self-important" players following the penalty shootout defeat, with the aim now being to seal the Ligue 1 title at the earliest possible opportunity.

Both Marco Verratti and Maxwell should return to the fray, replacing Thiago Motta and Sylvain Armand.

Nice coach Claude Puel, meanwhile, sees a handful of important players suspended for the trip to the capital, though top goalscorer Dario Cvitanich makes the trip.

Alexy Bosetti and Eric Bautheac are both suspended, with Valentin Eysseric - scorer in the reverse fixture earlier this season - serving a rest-of-the-season ban. Neal Maupay is out for six months with a knee injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paris Saint-Germain sit top of Ligue 1 with 67 points, nine clear of Marseille and with the best tally at this stage since Lyon five years ago.

The hosts have won their last three league games without conceding a goal.

Les Parisiens were knocked out of the Coupe de France by relegation-threatened Evian on Wednesday going down 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Nice have lost just three of their last 15 encounters against PSG.

Dario Cvitanich is the club's top scorer with 14. One more would see him surpass the club's best tally in their current spell in Ligue 1 - held by Bakary Kone and Loic Remy.

Sunday's visitors have scored seven goals in their last two encounters.

Prediction
A tough game on paper for the hosts, with Nice posing a significant threat this season, especially from counterattacks. But nevertheless, the visitors are depleted, with their most creative players suspended from the encounter. PSG should win narrowly, as they frequently have of late.

Editor's Prediction
PSG 1-0 OGC Nice

21.04. (Sun) 20:45 Juventus - Milan

PROBABLE LINEUPS

JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso
L'steiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah
Marchisio
Vucinic

AC MILAN
Abbiati
De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Constant
Ambrosini, Montolivo, Muntari
Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is set to miss out on Sunday's clash after the stopper's failure to recover in time from a knock he picked up in training last Friday. It is the second consecutive game the 28-year-old will be out of contention for having missed the Bianconeri's 2-0 victory over Lazio on Monday.

Nicolas Anelka's Juventus nightmare continues with the striker having only featured in 35 minutes of action for the Serie A league leaders since joining in January and the 34-year-old will be sidelined for this clash with a calf muscle injury.

Bianconeri striker Sebastian Giovinco is also ruled out while Simone Pepe is the other absentee for the hosts. There are no suspension concerns for coach Antonio Conte.

Mario Balotelli is suspended for the visitors, despite seeing his three-match ban reduced on appeal. The Italy international picked up an automatic one-match ban against Fiorentina in the 2-2 draw at the Artemio Franchi, though this was initially increased to three games following his verbal abuse of the match officials.

Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini turned from hero to zero after he put his side in front against Napoli only to see himself sent off for a reckless lunge on Juan Zuniga. The 29-year-old is suspended for this match, while Nigel de Jong is the only injury concern for the visitors.

DID YOU KNOW?

Juventus have recorded five straight victories in Serie A.

The Bianconeri lost the last league meeting between the sides 1-0 after Robinho converted for Milan from the penalty spot.

Juventus last beat the Rossoneri in Serie A back in October 2011 where two late Claudio Marchisio goals earned the Old Lady the three points.

A resurgent AC Milan have turned their season around. A team that look destined to finish mid-table before Christmas have gone their last 14 games unbeaten.

The club's top goalscorer Stephan El Shaarawy has 16 goals in Italy's top flight but has only found the net twice in his last 14 league games.

Milan's away form in Serie A reads W6, D7, L3 and they are undefeated in their last seven fixtures away from San Siro.

Prediction
There may be a 15-point gap between the teams before kick-off but it would be foolish to think this will be anything other than a tightly-contested encounter between two giants of Italian football. It has the makings of an enthralling clash with two teams in fine form. Milan may suffer from Balotelli's absence, while the midfield battle could be key to the outcome of this match but Juve are a difficult side to break down and may just have the edge in this one.

Editor's Prediction
Juventus 2-1 Milan

21.04. (Sun) 17.00 Liverpool - Chelsea

PROBABLE LINEUPS

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

CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand
Ramires, Lampard
Mata, Oscar, Hazard
Torres

Liverpool remain without Fabio Borini (shoulder), Joe Allen (shoulder) and Martin Kelly (knee), who are all ruled out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (thigh) faces a late fitness test after missing Liverpool's last two games.

As for Chelsea, they face no fresh injury concerns, and with both Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill on the verge of returning to the first team after spells on the sideline through injury, manager Rafael Benitez may well be able to include them in what is certain to be a strong side.

Oriol Romeu (knee) remains Chelsea's only long-term absentee.

DID YOU KNOW?

The last time these two sides met at Anfield, Liverpool won in emphatic fashion, beating the Blues 4-1 after going 3-0 in the opening half-hour.

The Reds also have history on their side, winning five of the last 10 meetings between the two clubs, with Chelsea winning three games and two ending in draws.

Luis Suarez (pictured) has been on fine form all season and leads the Premier League top goalscorers table with 22 goals, double the amount he managed last campaign.

The Reds have had the most attempts at goal in Europe this season with 639, leading Real Madrid in second place by 43 shots.

Despite scoring five goals in all competitions since the new year, Fernando Torres hasn't scored in a Premier League game since he netted a double against Sunderland at the start of December. He is 14/1 to score two of more on Sunday.

The importance of the clash might spur Torres on to score, however, as the Spaniard faces the club he spent four years at, scoring 81 goals in 142 appearances.

Chelsea's victory in midweek against Fulham was only their second away win in the league in 2013, and before that game they were on a three game losing streak away from Stamford Bridge.

Prediction
With both teams desperate to win for different reasons, it's certainly going to be a very close game. Anfield is a difficult place for any side to visit, and the atmosphere will be electric from start to finish.

This could benefit Liverpool and give them the edge over Chelsea, especially when the visitors' current mediocre form away from home is taken into account.

However, when Chelsea play at their full potential they can be unstoppable, and their need for victories to stay in front of Arsenal and Tottenham in the battle for third place could give them the edge over their hosts.

Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea