Valencia vs Manchester United Champions League - December 12, 2018

Valencia vs Manchester United
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 12 December 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia 

 

Valencia team cannot improve on a third place finish and are also four point clear of bottom side Young Boys, so they will follow the Eurpa League route next year. They have won just one of their five group games so far this season, with that coming at home against tournament debutants Young Boys last month. Los Che drew the reverse match at Old Trafford at the beginning of October. Their other home clash saw Marcelino's men suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Juventus, despite Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off early. Domestically, they lie in 15th spot, just 4 points above the relegation zone.
Jose Gaya is suspended for the hosts here, while the likes of Cristiano Piccini, Paulista, Kevin Gameiro, and Jeison Murillo are all injury doubts. Anyway, the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Denis Cheryshev and Geoffrey Kondogbia are all available to return to the starting XI. Mouctar Diakhaby hould start in Gabriel's place while 21-year-old Toni Lato could make just his second appearance of the season at left-back. Rodrigo Moreno will partner Batshuayi up front, while Dani Parejo and Gonçalo Guedes will start out wide. 

 

Man United team have already secured their place in the last 16 of the competition courtesy of a dramatic late winner against Young Boys last time out. They could progress as group winners if they win and Juventus fail to beat Young Boys. Jose Mourinho's men have won both their UCL games away from Old Trafford this season -  0:3 over Young Boys and 1:2 over Juventus. Manchester United enter this clash on the back of a display of rare attacking excitement as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday. That victory lifted them in 6th position in the Premier League table, 16 points shy of league leaders Liverpool and 8 behind 4th placed Arsenal and Chelsea FC.
Mourinho confirmed that Paul Pogba will start the match, having only made the bench for United's last two outings. Other changes could see Sergio Romero, Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay featuring from the off. Juan Mata will be hopeful of starting against his former club having impressed last weekend, while Romelu Lukaku and Rashford look sure starters up front given that Alexis Sanchez is ruled out. In defense, the likes of Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling are all injured, though, while Eric Bailly is a doubt with a muscle problem. 

 

Valencia last 5 matches:

24/11/18 Valencia 3 – 0 Rayo Vallecano
27/11/18 Juventus 1 – 0 Valencia
01/12/18 Real Madrid 2 – 0 Valencia
04/12/18 Valencia 1 – 0 Ebro
08/12/18 Valencia 1 – 1 Sevilla

Manchester United last 5 matches:

24/11/18 Manchester United 0 – 0 Crystal Palace
27/11/18 Manchester United 1 – 0 Young Boys
01/12/18 Southampton 2 – 2 Manchester United
05/12/18 Manchester United 2 – 2 Arsenal
08/12/18 Manchester United 4 – 1 Fulham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lyon vs Manchester City Champions League 27-11-2018

Lyon vs Manchester City - Competition: UEFA Champions League (Group F)

Olympique Lyon team are still unbeaten in UCL. After a surprising away win at Man City (1-2), the drew all the following three fixtures - 2-2 at home against Shakhtar Donetsk, 3-3 and 2-2 in the double challenge with Hoffenheim. Bruno Genesio's men will be disappointed they are not in a stronger position to progress already. Domestically, they lie second in Ligue 1 but are 15 points behind runaway leaders PSG. Lyon laboured to a 1-0 win over local rivals St Etienne in the league on Friday night and kept a clean sheet after conceding 9 goals in the last 5 outings.
There are concerns about Nabil Fekir’s physical condition, but Lyon’s top player should be fit to make the starting line-up here. Bruno Genesio is likely to start with Memphis Depay in attack, however Moussa Dembele is pushing for a start. Bertrand Traorè and Houssem Aouar are expected to complete the offensive midfield trio behind the Dutchman. Ex-City defender Jason Denayer is expected to retain his place in a four-man backline for this daunting test, alongside full back Kenny Tetè and Ferland Mendy, and centre back Marcelo. In midfield, Lucas Tousart should partner Tanguy Ndombele.

Man City team need need a point to progress to the next round with one game to spare as they lead the group with nine points from their opening four fixtures. They currently are six points clear of third placed Hoffenheim while Lyon trail them by three points. The Citizens lost the reverse fixture back in August, as Lyon upset the English champions at Etihad Stadium (1-2). Since then, Pep Guardiola's men have beaten Hoffenheim (2-1) and Shakhtar  twice (3-0 and 6-0). Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of West Ham in Premier League means that Manchetser City top the EPL standings with a 11W 2D 0L record. It was the eighth consecutive victory for Pep Guardiola’s machinery.
Kevin De Bruyne remains absent for City due to the ligament damage sustained few weeks ago. Bernardo Silva is a doubt after missing Saturday's game, meaning that Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are favourite to flank Gabriel Jesus upfront, since Sergio Aguero is likely to be benched this time. Leroy Sanè provide a further offensive option. Fernandinho and David Silva loo sure starters in the middle of the park, with Fabian Delph and youngster Phil Foden in contention for the remaining berth. Delph could be also used at left back as Benjamin Medy will miss 2-3 months due to injury. John Stones was rested over the weekend and he appears certain to reclaim his place in the heart of the back four, either alongside Aymeric Laporte or possible Vincent Kompany.

Date: 27 November 2018
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT - 8pm GMT - 3pm ET
Venue: Stade des Lumieres   

 

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Spartak Moscow vs Rangers 4-3 Highlights 2018 Europa League

Spartak Moskva vs Rangers - Competition: UEFA Europa League
Date: 8 November 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:55 GMT
Venue: Otkrytiye Arena, Moskva 

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers lose a seven goal thriller in Moscow against Spartak Moscow team in Europa League. 

Spartak Moscow 4-3 Rangers (EUROPA LEAGUE)

5' Roman Eremenko (o.g.) 0-1 // 22' Lorenzo Melgarejo 1-1 // 27' Daniel Candeias 1-2 // 35' Connor Goldson (o.g.) 2-2 // 41' Glenn Middleton 2-3 // 58' Luiz Adriano 3-3 // 59' Sofiane Hanni 4-3 

 

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Inter Milan v Barcelona Champions League - November 06, 2018

Inter vs Barcelona - Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 6 November 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT - 21:00 CET
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano

 

Inter team bounced back from a defeat to FC Barcelona (0-2) a fortnight ago with an astonishing display away at Lazio (0-3) and an impressive 5-0 victory over Genoa last Saturday. The Nerazzurri are on a 7 match winning streak in the Serie A and sit 2nd in the standings, 6 point below league leaders Juventus. Luciano Spalletti's men boast Europe's best defensive record, with only 6 goals conceded domestically in 11 matches. Anyway, Inter have failed to keep a clean sheet in UCL so far. They trail Barcelona by three points and will aim to go level with the Blaugrana. 
Joao Mario is ineligible in the Champions League along with Henrique Dalbert and Roberto Gagliardini. Hence, Matias Vecino will start in midfield alongside Marcelo Brozovic while Kwadwo Asamoah and Sime Vrsaljko will feature from the off as full backs. Radja Nainggolan made his comeback from an ankle problem against Genoa at the weekend, and the Belgium international is expected to return to the Inter XI for this match. Mauro Icardi was rested against Genoa and is expected to spearhead the attack, with Ivan Perisic and Matteo Politano out wide.

FC Barcelona team dispatched Inter easier than expected two weeks ago at Camp Nou a fortnight ago (2-0) and top the group with 9 points after three fixtures. Ernesto Valverde's side beat PSV 4-0 on opening night before winning 4-2 at Tottenham in the first two fixtures. Their away record in Europe is not so impressive - 6 wins, 5 draw and 6 defeats in the last 17 matches. As for La Liga, three straight La Liga wins has taken Barcelona to the top of the table, with a 4-2 win over Sevilla followed by a 5-1 success over Real in El Clasico and a 3-2 away win at Rayo Vallecano over the weekend. 

Messi is dealing with a fractured arm and remains a doubt for this trip. As a result, Ousmane Dembelè and Rafinha Alcantara are in contention to partner Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez up front. No changes are expected in midfield, where Sergio Busquets will be the playmaker between Arthur and Ivan Rakitic. In defense, Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are sidelined, meaning that Clement Lenglet will partner Gerard Piquè at the heart of the back, with Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto on their flanks.

Probable lineups:

Inter Milan: Handanovic – Vrsaljko, de Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah – Vecino, Brozovic – Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic – Icardi

Barcelona: ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur – Rafinha, Suarez, Coutinho.

Inter Milan last 5 matches:

07/10/18 SPAL 1 – 2 Inter
21/10/18 Inter 1 – 0 Milan
24/10/18 Barcelona 2 – 0 Inter
29/10/18 Lazio 0 – 3 Inter
03/11/18 Inter 5 – 0 Genoa

Barcelona last 5 matches:

20/10/18 Barcelona 4 – 2 Sevilla
24/10/18 Barcelona 2 – 0 Inter
28/10/18 Barcelona 5 – 1 Real Madrid
31/10/18 Cultural Leonesa 0 – 1 Barcelona
03/11/18 Rayo Vallecano 2 – 3 Barcelona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid La Liga 28-10-2018

Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Competition: Spanish Primera Division

 

Barcelona team returned to the top of the table last weekend with a thrilling 4-2 win over Sevilla, despite making their worst start to a season in 13 years. A 2-0 win over Inter on Wednesday ensured that the Blaugrana maintained a 100% winning start in the UCL. Anyway, Ernesto Valverde's men were not at their best until the international break, as they dropped points at home to Girona and Bilbao, drew at Valencia and suffered a defeat away to Leganes. This corresponding fixture last season finished 2-2 while Barca were 3-0 winners at the Bernabeu in last season's other league match. Messi is out through injury: the Argentine has only missed two games against Real Madrid since his first taste of this fixture, and Barcelona haven't won either (D1 L1).
With Messi unlikely to return to action until the middle of November, Rafinha Alcantara will probably complete the front trio with Philippe Coutinho and Lis Suarez. As alternative, Ernesto Valverde could give Ousmane Dembelè a rare start. In midfield, Arthur has been hugely impressive since arriving in the summer and is expected to partner Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic once again. At the back, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are the only available senior centre-backs. The pair will be flanked by Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto, with Nelson Semedo as back up option.

Real Madrid team sits seventh in La Liga table with just 14 points from nine games, four behind league-leading Barça. It's the sides worse start to a season in 17 years. The Galacticos got back to winning ways in midfield as they narrowly beat Viktoria Plzen at home (2-1) in Champions League but pressure is mounting on former Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui after recent defeats against the likes of CSKA, Deportivo Alaves and Levante. Defensive laxity and an inability to control games had long been a problem.

The visitors are in the middle of a defensive crisis as Dani Carvajal is carrying a calf injury and Marcelo is also not fully fit. Alvaro Odriozola is on stand-by to step up and start El Clasico. Raphaël Varane is likely to return to the XI despite recent slip-ups. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are expected to play in front of Casemiro in midfield while the 'tridente' should be formed by Karim Benzema, Bale and Isco. The likes of Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Federico Valverde could start if Lopetegui rotates his side while Vinicio Junior is out through suspension.
 

Probable lineups:

FC Barcelona: ter Stegen – S.Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, J.Alba – Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur – Rafinha, Coutinho – L.Suarez.

Real Madrid: Courtois – Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo – Casemiro, T.Kroos, Modric, Isco – Asensio, Bale.

 

Date: 28 October 2018
Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST - 16:15 CET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Everton vs Crystal Palace 21-10-2018 Premier League

Everton vs Crystal Palace - Competition: Premier League

Date: 21 October 2018 - Kick-off Time: 16:00 BST

Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool

After recording just one win through their first six top-flight fixtures, Everton (3-3-2) have won back-to-back matches in the top-flight and now sit 11th in the EPL table. The Toffees beat Fulham (3-0) and Leicester City (1-2 away) before the international break. Anyway, betwen those two games, Marco Silva's men were knocked out from the EFL Cup, losing on penalties against Southampton. As to direct encounters, these two teams drew 2-2 at Selhurst Park last season but the Toffees rolled to a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park.

Marco Silva revealed that Andre Gomes (hamstring), Yerry Mina (foot) and James McCarthy could all feature for the first time this season. Idrissa Gueye picked up up a knock on international duty and will be assessed ahead of this clash. Morgan Schneiderlin is the most likely to step in for him. Up front, Richarlison is expected to play as lone striker, with the likes of Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Theo Walcott supporting the Brazilian. With Seamus Coleman set to miss out, Jonjoe Kenny will continue at right-back. Michael Keane, Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne will complete the four man backline.

Crystal Palace team are below Everton in 14th position, but they only have seven points after two wins, one draw and five defeats. Both of Palace's wins this term have come away from home but the Eagles have recorded consecutive league defeats at Bournemouth and Wolves this month.  After eight games Roy Hodgson's men have just five goals to their name, scoring just two from their last five games. Furthermore, they have not beaten the Toffees in the last 7 h2h meetings.

Wilfried Zaha remains a doubt as he had not trained since picking up a muscle strain. Connor Wickam stepped up his recovery from long-term injury and provides cover up-front.  Jeffrey Schlupp is another option to replace Zaha on the left flank if the Ivorian international is not passed fit. Jordan Ayew and Andros Townsend look sure starters. In midfield, Luka Milivojevic will be flanked by Cheikh Kouyate and James McArthur. Joel Ward picked up a muscular injury in training and will be unavailable for the match. Jonny Williams has also picked up an injury while Max Meyer and Alexander Sørloth are in doubt currently due to illness.

Probable lineups:

Crystal Palace: Hennessey – Wan- Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt –Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Schlupp – J. Ayew, Zaha.

Everton: Pickford – Kenny, Keane, Zouma, Digne– Davies, Schneiderlin – Walcott, Sigurdsson, Bernard – Richarlison.

 

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Tottenham vs Barcelona Champions League - 03 October 2018

Tottenham vs Barcelona - Competition: UEFA Champions League
 

Tottenham suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Inter a fortnight ago, conceding two goals in the final five minutes. That was their third in a row in all competitions, following on the back of losses to Watford and Liverpool in the Premier League. Anyway, the Lilywhites have racked up three consecutive wins since then, beating Brighton and Huddersfield Town on their travels, and recording a penalty-shootout victory over Watford in the EFL Cup last week. The Spurs have won all three of their group stage home games last season, and they have only lost four competitive home games in the last 12 months.
Dele Alli remains out for Spurs, who are also without the services of Dembele and Jan Vertonghen, as they were both taken off at half-time last weekend. Christian Eriksen and Serge Aurier are the other two notable absences while Hugo Lloris has recovered and will probably start between the posts.  Danny Rose was used at wing-back at the weekend, but Pochettino likes to rotat in that department so Ben Davies could feature from the off. Harry Kane will start as lone striker, with Son Heung Min and Lamela as offensive midfielders. Lucas Moura provide a further offensive alternative.

Barcelona team recorded an impressive 4-0 win over PSV in their first UCL outing. Anyway, they have failed to win any of their last three encounters since brushing aside the Dutch outfit. Ernesto Valverde's men required a late equaliser from Munir to claim a point at home to Bilbao last time out, and that followed a shock 2-1 defeat at Leganes in midweek. Prior to that they only managed to draw at home to Girona. Furthermore, the Blaugrana have won just one of their last seven away games in Europe and have scored just twice in that time.
The Catalans will be without Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti, with the latter suspended after seeing red against PSV. Nelson Semedo is expected to deputise as left back, completing the four man backline with Jordi Alba, Gerard Piquè and Clement Lenglet. Up front, Ousmane Dembele should be benched, and this could see Arturo Vidal start in a three man midfield alongside Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Busquets. The likes of Leo Messi and Suarez will lead the line, with Philippe Coutinho tucked behind them.

 

Date: 3 October 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Inter Milan vs Tottenham 18-09-2018 Champions League

Inter vs Tottenham - Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 18 September 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:55 BST - 18:55 CET
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano

Inter Milan team managed just 1 win from the four Serie A games so far and suffered the second defeat of the season last weekend, as Parma upset them at San Siro (1-0). The Nerazzurri are struggling to convert chances despite keeping possession with easy and already trail league leader Juventus by a whopping 8 points. Inter Milan have won 10 of their 15 previous home matches against English clubs in European competitions, drawing three and losing two (to Liverpool and Arsenal)

Spalletti will be forced to play with a three man defense, since all his full backs (Danilo D'Ambrosio, Sime Vrsaljko and Dalbert) are out through injury or ineligible to play in Champions League. As a result, Kwadwo Asamoah and Antonio Candreva will play as wing backs, with Milan Skriniar, Stefan De Brij and Joao Miranda as centre backs. The likes of Matias Vecino and Marcelo Brozovic will start in midfield, while Radja Nainggolan and Ivan Perisic will support Mauro Icardi up front. Lautaro Martinez will miss the game through injury, Robert Gagliardini and Joao Mario have been left out of Inter's Champions League squad.

Tottenham were riding high after a 3-0 away win at Man United, but suffered back-to-back defeats against Watford and Liverpool in Premier League on either side of the international break. Away from home they have failed to win four of their last six competitive games, losing three times. After failing to make a single summer signing, depth could be a concern for Spurs fans willing the team to mount a serious challenge in Europe too. This will be the fifth meeting in European competition between Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, with both sides winning two matches each of the previous four. In 2010 a 4-3 defeat at S.Siro was overshadowed by a miraculous late hat-trick from Gareth Bale.
Hugo Lloris and Dele Alli are both ruled out while Juan Foyth, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Vincent Janssen are all out of the UEFA Champions League list. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to play with a 4-2-3-1 system, allowing Son Heung min to join Eriksen and Lucas Moura in the trio behind the lone striker Harry Kane. Erik Lamela provides a further option up front. Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier are favourite over Ben Davies and Serge Aurier for the full back berths. In midfield, Eric Dier and Mousa Dembelè are the likely starters as Sissoko is a doubt and could miss out here. Michel Vorm will continue to start between the posts.

Inter last 5 matches:

11/08/18 Atletico Madrid 0 – 1 Inter
19/08/18 Sassuolo 1 – 0 Inter
26/08/18 Inter 2 – 2 Torino
01/09/18 Bologna 0 – 3 Inter
15/09/18 Inter Milan 0 – 1 Parma 

Tottenham last 5 matches:

11/08/18 Newcastle 1 – 2 Tottenham
18/08/18 Tottenham 3 – 1 Fulham
27/08/18 Man United 0 – 3 Tottenham
02/09/18 Watford 2 – 1 Tottenham
15/09/18 Tottenham 1 – 2 Liverpool 

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Barcelona vs Huesca 8-2 Highlights 02-09-2018 La Liga

Barcelona vs Huesca - Competition: Spanish Primera Division
Date: 2 September 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:30 BST
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Messi and Luis Suarez score two goals apiece as Barcelona team demolish Huesca 8-2 in La Liga.

FC Barcelona 8-2 SD Huesca

3' Juan Camilo Hernandez 0-1 // 16' Lionel Messi 1-1 // 24' Jorge Pulido (o.g.) 2-1 // 39' Luis Suarez 3-1 // 42' Alex Gallar 3-2 // 48' Ousmane Dembele 4-2 // 52' Ivan Rakitic 5-2 // 61' Lionel Messi 6-2 // 81' Jordi Alba 7-2 // 90' Luis Suarez (pen.) 8-2

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PSG vs Caen 12-08-2018 Highlights 3-0 French League 1

PSG vs Caen - Competition: French League 1
Date: 12 August 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris

Neymar and Timothy Weah are among the scorers as Paris Saint Germain team begin their league campaign with a 3-0 win over Caen in Ligue 1.

Paris Saint Germain 3-0 Caen: 

10' Neymar 1-0 // 35' Adrien Rabiot 2-0 // 89' Timothy Weah 3-0 

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Arsenal vs Chelsea 2018 Highlights - International Champions Cup

Arsenal vs Chelsea - Competition: International Champions Cup
Date: 1 August 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:05 BST
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Arsenal team beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties in front of over 46,000 fans in Aviva Stadium (Dublin)

Arsenal 1-1 (6-5 PEN.) Chelsea (CHAMPIONS CUP)

5' Antonio Ruediger 0-1 // 90' Alexandre Lacazette 1-1

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France vs Croatia World Cup Final - July 15, 2018

France vs Croatia - Competition: World Cup (Finale)
Date: 15 July 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:00 CET
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium

France team have reached a second consecutive major tournament final, after they lost to Portugal at Euro 2016. Les Bleus are aiming to bring him the trophy they previously won in 1998, having also lost the 2006 final on penalties to Italy. Deschamps' men reached the World Cup final by beating Belgium 1-0 in the semifinals, courtesy of a Samuel Umtiti header. They have also beaten Argentina (4-3) and Uruguay (2-0) in the knockout stage. In the group stage, France beat Australia (2-1) and Peru (1-0), and recorded a goalless draw against Denmark (0-0). As a result, they have kept 4 clean sheet in 6 games. 

Deschamps can name an unchanged side from the semi-final win over Belgium as Blaise Matuidi should be fit to start despite going off injured last time out. Olivier Giroud should keep his place up front despite he is yet to break the duck. The Chelsea striker will be supported by Kylian Mbappè and Antoine Griezmann, with Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kantè anchoring the midfield. Djibril Sidibe is still a doubt for les Bleus but Benjamin Pavard is safe to start at right-back, forming an unchanged backline alongside Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane and Lucas Hernandez.

Croatia denied England's bid to reach the final for the first time since 1966, knocking off the Three Lions 2-1 in extra time. They are the first team in World Cup history to go to extra-time in all three of their knockout matches en route to the final, with two of them decided by penalty shootouts (against Russia and Denmark). That leaves doubt as to whether they have the energy to endure another marathon matchup. Interestingly, all three of their knockout games have finished 1-1. Hence, after two victories without conceding - 2:0 over Nigeria and 3:0 over Argentina - the Blazers have failed to keep a clean sheet in the last four matches. Croatia have never beaten France in five previous meetings, although the last two encounters have ended in a draw.

Mandzukic should also ready despite going off with cramp in extra-time against England. Ivan Strinic is also likely to recover after limping off in that match. Marcelo Brozovic should retain his spot as pivot in the middle of the park, while Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic will feature from the off as offensive midfielders behind Mandzukic. Milan Badelj and Mateo Kovacic provide useful midfield options, Andrej Kramaric is a viable alternative upfront. Sime Vrsaljko remarkably recovered from a knee injury in time to start against England and will continue at right-back here, forming a four man backline with Dejan Lovren, Damagoj Vida and Ivan Strinic.

Probable lineups:

France: Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez – Pogba, Kante – Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi – Giroud.

Croatia: Subasic – Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic – Rakitic, Brozovic – Rebic, Modric, Perisic – Mandzukic.

 

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France vs Belgium World Cup Semifinals - 10-07-2018

France vs Belgium - Competition: World Cup
Date: 10 July 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:00 BST - 20:00 CET
Venue: Saint-Petersburg Stadium

 

France team secured their route through with hard-fought and narrow wins over Peru and Australia in their opening two matches. Les Blues drew 0-0 with Denmark in the final group stage match. Their first knock-out game saw them defeat Argentina in a thrilling 4-3 triumph as Lionel Messi was knocked out of the competition. Then Deschamps' men reached their sixth World Cup Semi Final with their solid 2-0 victory over Uruguay. Doubts should remain about a defence who conceded three times against Argentina but in France's other four matches, a goal has not been conceded from open play. Excluding shootouts, France have lost just one of their last 13 games in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make sweeping changes. Sidibe is a doubt for Les Blues, but he is their only injury concern here. Suspended Blaise Matuidi gave place to Corentin Tolisso in midfield, but Juve’s man is expected to return to the starting XI here. Olivier Giroud should spearhead the attack once again, with Kylian Mbappè and Antoine Girezmann behind him. No changes are expected in defense where Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti wil lbe flanked by Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard.

Belgium won all three of their group stage clashes - 3:0 over Panama, 5-2 over Tunisia and 1-0 over England. The Red Devils survived a scare in the last 16 round by beating Japan 3-2 courtesy of a last gasp goal, after they were 2 goals down in the second half. Roberto Martinez's men came through a heavyweight clash in the quarter-finals as they knocked joint-favourites Brazil out (2-1) in a pulsating match. They were dominated, but they managed to score two goals from only three attempts on target in the game. Belgium are now unbeaten in their last 24 games under manager Roberto Martinez, winning 19 and drawing five.
Yannick Carrasco and Dries Mertens were victims of the tactics change last time out and could be benched once again. Thomas Meunier is suspended after he received his second yellow of the World Cup last time out. Martinez has tipped Chadli and Adnan Januzaj are both options to fill the void on the right. He is expected to switch to a 4-3-3 formation with Jan Vertonghen playing as left back. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne should flank Romelu Lukaku up front, while Marouane Fellaini should join Mousa Dembele and Axel Witsel in a very strong midfield.

Probable lineups:

France: Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez – Pogba, Kante– Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi – Giroud.

Belgium: Courtois – Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen – Tielemans, Fellaini, Witsel, Chadli – de Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard.

 

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Russia vs Croatia Highlights - World Cup 2018

Russia vs Croatia - Competition: World Cup
Date: 7 July 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:00 BST
Venue: Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht, Sochi

Croatia defeated Russia yesterday in the quarter final. The match ended in penalties and Croatia is going to face England in the semifinal of this world cup. 

Russia 2-2 (3-4 PEN.) Croatia (WORLD CUP 2018)

31' Denis Cheryshev 1-0 // 39' Andrej Kramaric 1-1 // 101' Domagoj Vida 1-2 // 115' Mario Fernandes 2-2 

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Belgium vs Japan 3-2 Goals 04-07-2018 World Cup

Belgium vs Japan - Competition: World Cup 2018
Date: 2 July 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:00 BST
Venue: Rostov Arena

Belgium team produce a fantastic second half comeback to beat Japan in Rostov Arena.

Belgium 3-2 Japan (WORLD CUP 2018)

48' Genki Haraguchi 0-1 // 52' Takashi Inui 0-2 // 69' Jan Vertonghen 1-2 // 74' Marouane Fellaini 2-2 // 90' Nacer Chadli 3-2

 

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France vs Argentina World Cup - Last 16 - 30-06-2018

France vs Argentina Competition: World Cup
Date: 30 June 2018 - Kick-off Time: 15:00 BST
Venue: Kazan’ Arena

 

France team have enjoyed a smooth passage into the last sixteen of the WC with two wins and a draw to their name. They beat 2-1 Australia in their opening game, 1-0 Peru in the second match and managed to earn a goalless draw against Denmark last time out. They had scored in 11 consecutive internationals before the dead rubber against. Les Blues haven’t been convincing in the final third despite they are considered one of the most talented squad. France conceded just once – a penalty – in the process. Didier Deschamps' men probabley face their first real test of the competition so far and they need to get out of first gear.
Didier Deschamps is likely to play with his usual 4-2-3-1 system. Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann are in contention to start as striker. Should Giroud get the nod, Griezmann will play out wide. Otherwise, the likes of Kylian Mbappè, Paul Pogba and Nabil Fekir will play as offensive midfielders. Blaise Matuidi is expected to partner N'Golo Kantè in the middle of the park. Samuel Umtiti remains a doubt, but is expected to be fit in time to join Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard in the four man backline. Hugo Lloris will return in goal.

Argentina team have survived a major scare and got through to the knock-out stages with a 2-1 win over Nigeria last time out, a match in which Messi finally opened his account for the tournament with a goal. Prior to that, they were hold by Iceland (1-1) and suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Croatia team. The defense is their main concern - the Albiceleste have kept just 1 clean sheet in their last 5 (a friendly vs Haiti). Anyway, with Messi starting to fire all cylinders, this could be a very open contest.
Jorge Sampaoli could name the same XI that started against Nigeria on Tuesday night, meanign that Ever Banega will retain his starting berth as midfielder, joining Javier Mascherano. Up front, Gonzalo Higuain should partner Leo Messi once again, despite a poor performance last time out. Juv team Perez and ANgel Di Maria will be the preferred wingers. No changes are expected in midfield with Mercado, Rojo, Otamendi and Tagliafico retaining their berth.
 

France last 5 matches:

01/06/18 France 3 – 1 Italy
09/06/18 France 1 – 1 United States
16/06/18 France 2 – 1 Australia
21/06/18 France 1 – 0 Peru
26/06/18 Denmark 0 – 0 France

Argentina last 5 matches:

27/03/18 Spain 6 – 1 Argentina
30/05/18 Argentina 4 – 0 Haiti
16/06/18 Argentina 1 – 1 Iceland
21/06/18 Argentina 0 – 3 Croatia
26/06/18 Nigeria 1 – 2 Argentina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Group B: Portugal vs Morocco World Cup - June 20, 2018

Portugal vs Morocco - Competition: World Cup

Ronaldo was the hero for Portugal team in their opening game by scoring his first ever World Cup hat-trick in the 3-3 draw against Spain. CR7 became the first ever player to score at eight consecutive major international tournaments. The European champions have lost just one competitive game in four years but their defense is a major concern: the Iberians have conceded 3 golas to Spain and Netherlands, two to Tunisia this year.
No changes are expected from the side that drew 3-3 with Spain on Friday night. Andre Silva will be hoping to replace Gonçalo Guedes as Cristiano Ronaldo's strike partner, but the AC Milan striker is likely to be benched again. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes will play out wide with Joao Moutinho and William Carvalho anchoring the midfield. The four man backline will be formed by Raphael Guerreiro, Pepe, Josè Fonte and Cedric Soares. New Wolves' goalkeeper Rui Patricio will start between the sticks.

Morocco team  lost 1-0 to Iran in their opening WC match. The African nation wasted a whole host of chances to put away Iran in their Group B match and they were punished deep into added time when Aziz Bouhaddouz headed the ball into his own net. Picking up points against Portugal and Spain will not come easily for them, but Morocco only conceded three goals in qualifying and will try to frustrate their opponents. Portugal’s ageing defence were exposed far too much against Spain, and Morocco will have every chance of getting on the scoresheet here.
Morocco aren't expected to make any major changes to their squad. They will be without winger Nordin Amrabat, who had to go off with concussion against Iran. Nabil Dirar is a doubt and could miss out here, with Hamza Mendyl in line to start at left-back and Achraf Hakimi set to switch to right-back. The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Amine Harit and Youned Belhanda are expected to retain their starting berth behind the lone striker Ayoub El Kaabi.

Probable lineups:

Portugal: RuiPatricio – Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro – Moutinho, W.Carvalho – B.Silva, B.Fernandes, Guedes – Ronaldo.

Morocco: Munir – Dirar, Saiss, Benatia, Hakimi – El Ahmadi, Boussoufa – Ziyech, Belhanda, Harit – El Kaabi.

Date: 20 June 2018 - Kick-off Time: 13:00 BST
Venue: Stadion Luzhniki, Moskva

 

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Russia vs Saudi Arabia World Cup - Group A - 14-06-2018

Russia vs Saudi Arabia - Competition: World Cup 2018 (Group A)
Date: 14 June 2018 - Kick-off Time: 16:00 BST
Venue: Stadion Luzhniki, Moskva

 

Russia team come into their home World Cup as the lowest ranked side in the FIFA, 70th, and three positions lower than the next lowest ranked side, who happen to be Saudi Arabia. They have won just two of their last 11 games, failing to beat the likes Austria (0-1) and Turkey (1-1) in their most recent friendlies. The last time the Russians won an international match was in October of last year when they fended off a late rally from South Korea to win 4-2. They failed to record a victory in Russia four years ago and have not won a match at a major finals since Euro 2012. They conceded three goals in successive matches against Russia and France last March.
Krasnodar forward Fyodor Smolov is expected to lead the line alongside ALeksei Miranchuk as Aleksandr Kokorin is not a part of the team, as he is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Artem Dzyuba provide a further option in attack. In midfield, Erokhin, Golovin and Glushakov are likely to play in the middle of the park while Yuri Zhirkov and Aleksander Samedov should be the starting wing backs in a 3-5-2 system. At the back, Kutepov, Granat, Kudryashov should form the three man defense with veteran goalkeeper Akinfeev between the posts.

Saudi Arabia stepped up their World Cup preparations in an international friendly with Italy, losing 2-1 with Yahya Al Shehri scoring their only goal. Since then, they lost 3-0 at the hands of Peru but limted a full strength Germany side to a 2-1 win on 8th June. The former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi is the third head-coach in the space of 10 months and he got little time to settle with the squad. Anyway, ten of their 23 man squad play for the same club, Al-Hilal, and this could be a massive advantage.
Top scorer Al-Sahlawi is likely to start up front. He should be supported by Al Shehri, Al Jassim, Al Dawsari as offensive midfielders. The likes of Otayf and Al Khaibri are expected to feature from the off in the middle of the park. In defense, Pizzi is likely to choose Al Shahrani, Om. Hawsawi, Os. Hawsawi and Al-Harbi while Al Mosailem should get the nod over Al Maiouf as starting goalkeeper.

 

Russia last 5 matches:

14/11/17 Russia 3 – 3 Spain
23/03/18 Russia 0 – 3 Brazil
27/03/18 Russia 1 – 3 France
30/05/18 Austria 1 – 0 Russia
05/06/18 Russia 1 – 1 Turkey

Saudi Arabia last 5 matches:

09/05/18 Saudi Arabia 2 – 0 Algeria
15/05/18 Saudi Arabia 2 – 0 Greece
28/05/18 Italy 2 – 1 Saudi Arabia
03/06/18 Saudi Arabia 0 – 3 Peru
08/06/18 Germany 2 – 1 Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Portugal vs Algeria 3-0 Highlights 07-06-2018 Friendly

Portugal vs Algeria - Competition: Friendly
Date: 7 June 2018 - Kick-off Time: 20:15 BST
Venue: Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Goncalo Guedes nets twice for Portugal as they beat Algeria team 3-0 in this friendly in Estadio do Sport Lisboa (Benfica).

Portugal 3-0 Algeria (FRIENDLY)

17' Goncalo Guedes 1-0 // 37' Bruno Fernandes 2-0 // 55' Goncalo Guedes 3-0

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Real Madrid vs Liverpool Champions League Final - 26-05-2018

Real Madrid vs Liverpool - Competition: UEFA Champions League Final
Date: 26 May 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: NSK Olimpijs’kyj, Kiev

 

Real Madrid team came through the semi finals with a 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern. They bat the Bavarians 2-1 away from home in the first leg and held on at the death in Madrid to draw 2-2 in the return match. Prior to that they survived a scare against Juventus altough they beat the Italian champions 3-0 in Turin. They are currently on a 27 match scoring streak in European games. Los Blancos have bagged 3 UCL title over the past 4 campaigns and now look to break another record, amid a very disappointing La Liga campaign under Zidane – where they failed to cope with pace-setters Barcelona.
Real Madrid are expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from with Zinedine Zidane revealing Ronaldo would be 100% fit for this clash. Dani Carvajal returned from injury against Villarreal and will start as right back, with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Marcelo completing the back four. Isco and Lucas Vazquez are in contention for the third berth in attack alongside Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. No changes are expected in midfield where Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are likely to retain their starting berth.

Liverpool team beat AS Roma in the semi-finals to advance to this showpiece clash. The Reds overcame the Giallorossi 7-6 on aggregate, courtesy of a 5-2 win at Anfield in the first leg match. Prior to that, Jurgen Klopp's men beat Manchester City home (3-0) and away (2-1) while in the first knockout round they delivered a 5-0 aggregate win over Porto with all the goals coming in the first leg in Portugal. They were unbeaten in 11 UCL games before to lose 4-2 at the Olimpico. In the Premier League Liverpool finished in fourth place, 25 points adrift of Man City, 6 behind Manchester United and 2 shy of Tottenham.
The Reds will also take an almost fully fit squad to Ukraine, with Emre Can and James Milner both returning to training this week. Jurgen Klopp, who will be only without long-term absentees Chamberlain and Joe Gomez for the final, will keep faith in his usual 4-3-3 formation in which Sadio Manè, Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah will lead the line. At the back, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold should get the nod over Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno as full back, with Virgil Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren confirmed as centre-backs. Milner, Georginj Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson should form the midfield trio.

Probable lineups:

Real Madrid: Navas – Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo – Casemiro, T.Kroos, Modric – Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Liverpool: Karius – Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson – Wijnaldum, Henderson, Milner – S.Mane, M.Salah, R.Firmino.

 

Real Madrid last 5 matches:

01/05/18 Real Madrid 2 – 2 Bayern Munchen
06/05/18 Barcelona 2 – 2 Real Madrid
09/05/18 Sevilla 3 – 2 Real Madrid
12/05/18 Real Madrid 6 – 0 Celta
19/05/18 Villarreal 2 – 2 Real Madrid

Liverpool last 5 matches:

24/04/18 Liverpool 5 – 2 Roma
28/04/18 Liverpool 0 – 0 Stoke City
02/05/18 Roma 4 – 2 Liverpool
06/05/18 Chelsea 1 – 0 Liverpool
13/05/18 Liverpool 4 – 0 Brighton

 

 

 

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Villarreal vs Real Madrid 2-2 Highlights 19-05-2018 La Liga

Villarreal vs Real Madrid
Competition: Spanish Primera Division
Date: 19 May 2018
Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal

Villarreal team score twice in the final quarter to come from behind and draw with Real Madrid in their final game of the season in La Liga.

Goals:

Real Madrid: 11' Gareth Bale 0-1 // 32' Cristiano Ronaldo 0-2 // 

Villarreal: 71' Roger Martinez 1-2 // 85' Samuel Castillejo 2-2 

 

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Newcastle vs Chelsea 13-05-2018 Goals 3-0 Premier League

Newcastle United vs Chelsea - Competition: Premier League
Date: 13 May 2018 - Kick-off Time: 15:00 BST
Venue: St. James’ Park 

Chelsea team have to settle for a UEL spot following a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United on the final day of the season In English Premier League.

Newcastle United 3-0 Chelsea:

23' Dwight Gayle 1-0 // 59' Ayoze Perez 2-0 // 63' Ayoze Perez 3-0 

 

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El Clasico Barcelona vs Real Madrid Liga - 06-05-2018

Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Competition: Spanish La Liga
Date: 6 May 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

Barcelona have already wrapped up the La Liga BBVA title with a 4-2 win over Deportivo last weekend. They have won 26 of their last 28 home matches and can now become the first team in La Liga history to go unbeaten throughout the entire season. Plus, the Blaugrana have failed to score only once in their last 29 home league games. They have recently beaten Valencia (2-1) and Sevilla (0-5 in Copa del Rey Final) and held Celta Vigo (2-2) to a draw with ten men.
Ernesto Valverde has no injury concerns ahead of the Clasico and is expected to name his best starting XI. That would see Leo Messi and Luis Suarez spearheading the attack, supported by Philippe Coutinho and Andres Iniesta on the flanks. The likes of Sergi Busquets and Ivan Rakitic will anchor the midfield. Sergi Roberto should slot in at right-back, with the likes of Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Piquè completing the four man backline.
Fresh from securing their third UCL final spot in a row - and fourth in five seasons - Real Madrid team enter the Clasico in good form as they are unbeaten in their last eight La Liga games. They have struggled for consistency and have failed to make an impact this campaign. Plus, their Champions League performance against Juv and Bayern were severley conditioned by referees' mistakes. The Blancos are undefeated in 23 of their last 25 away matches. Anyway, Zidane's side suffered a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of their eternal rivals back in December.
Dani Carvajal and Isco both missed Real Madrid's midweek Champions League semifinal and are major doubts here. Nacho should fill in at centre-back, with Raphael Varane struggling midweek due to injury. As a result, Lucas Vazquez could play once again as right back, with Marcelo retaining his berth on the other flank. No suprises are expected in midfield and up front. Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos should start in the middle of the park, with Isco supporting Karim Benzema and Ronaldo upfront. Gareth Bale and Marcos Asensio provide viable alternatives.

 

Probable lineups:

FC Barcelona: ter Stegen – S.Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, J.Alba – Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Coutinho – Messi, L.Suarez.

Real Madrid: Navas – Vazquez, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo – Casemiro, T.Kroos, Modrić – Asensio, Benzema, Ronaldo.

 

Barcelona last 5 matches:

10/04/18 Roma 3 – 0 Barcelona
14/04/18 Barcelona 2 – 1 Valencia
17/04/18 Celta 2 – 2 Barcelona
21/04/18 Sevilla 0 – 5 Barcelona
29/04/18 Deportivo 2 – 4 Barcelona

Real Madrid last 5 matches:

15/04/18 Malaga 1 – 2 Real Madrid
18/04/18 Real Madrid 1 – 1 Athletic Club
25/04/18 Bayern Munchen 1 – 2 Real Madrid
28/04/18 Real Madrid 2 – 1 Leganes
01/05/18 Real Madrid 2 – 2 Bayern Munchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Champions League - 01-05-2018

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munchen - Competition: UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid team are in the driving seat in this UCL semi-final having won the first leg in Germany with a 2-1 scoreline. Anyway, the current holders cannot afford to be complacent about getting the job done because they were pegged back from a 3-0 advantage by Italian giants Juventus in the previous round before being awarded a last-gasp penalty which Ronaldo tucked away to seal it. Furthermore, their domestic season has been underwhelming as FC Barcelona have secured the title with four games left in La Liga BBVA. Since 2011-12, these clubs have met in two previous semi-finals and one quarter-final of the UCL and Los Blancos have recorded six consecutive wins over the Bavarians.
Dani Carvajal has been been ruled out for Real through injury. Isco both picked up a knock at the Allianz Arena, and he could be replaced by Marcos Asensio. Spanish defender Nacho returned to training at the start of the week after a long spell on the sidelines. As a result, Lucas Vazquez may have to fill in again at right back. Young Moroccan Achraf Hakimi is a viable  alternative. Cristiano Ronaldo has been rested last weekend and will be restored upfront alongside Karim Benzema, who was named on the bench in the first leg. No changes are expected in midfield, where the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro are expected to retain their starting berth.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat at home, despite being the better team, Bayern Munchen  now must come from behind and defeat Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jupp Heynckes' men need to avoid to waste as many chances as they did in the first leg. They are in a similar position to when the two sides clashed in last season's competition, Bayern won 2-1 at the Bernabeu to level the tie on aggregate but lost out to two goals from Ronaldo and one from Marco Asensio in extra time. No team has ever overturned a 2-1 home first-leg defeat in the Champions League. The Bavarians cruised to a 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, altough they have already locked up the Bundesliga title and played with several fringe players.
Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng were forced off during the opening half of the first leg and are major doubts. Javi Martinez also faces last-minute fitness test in a race to make the teamsheet though David Alaba could return. Niklas Süle will partner Mats Hummels at the heart of the back four. Jupp Heynckes is expected to play with a 4-3-3 system in which Robert Lewandowski will be flanked by Franck Ribery and Thomas muller upfront. James Rodriguez and Thiago Alcantara appear sure starters in midfield. The likes of Kingsley Coman, Manuel Neuer and Arturo Vidal remain sidelined for the away side.

Probable lineups:

Real Madrid: Navas – Vazquez, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo – Casemiro, T. Kroos, Modric , Kovacic – Ronaldo, Asensio.

Bayern Munich: Ulreich – Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba – J. Martinez – Alcantara, J. Rodriguez – T. Muller, Robery – Lewandowski.

Date: 1 May 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

 

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Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid 2018 Highlights Champions League

Bayern Munchen vs Real Madrid - Competition: UEFA Champions League

Bayern Munchen team missed multiple chances as Real Madrid come from behind to register a 2-1 win in the first leg of their semifinal at Allianz Arena stadium.

Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE):

28' Joshua Kimmich 1-0 // 44' Marcelo 1-1 // 57' Marco Asensio 1-2

Date: 25 April 2018
Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munchen

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Manchester City vs Swansea 5-0 Goals 22-04-2018 Premier League

Manchester City vs Swansea City
Competition: Premier League
Date: 22 April 2018
Kick-off Time: 16:30 BST
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Five different scorers for Pep Guardiola’s Man City as they thump Swansea City team 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City 5-0 Swansea City:

12' David Silva 1-0 // 16' Raheem Sterling 2-0 // 54' Kevin De Bruyne 3-0 // 64' Bernardo Silva 4-0 // 88' Gabriel Jesus 5-0 

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Juventus vs Sampdoria 3-0 Highlights 15-04-2018 Serie A

Juventus vs Sampdoria - Competition: Italian Serie A
Date: 15 April 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:00 BST
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Torino

Juventus team extend their lead in Italy to six points as they beat Sampadoria 3-0 in Italian Serie A.

Goals:

Juventus: 45' Mario Mandzukic 1-0 // 60' Benedikt Hoewedes 2-0 // 75' Sami Khedira 3-0

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Manchester City vs Liverpool 2nd leg Champions League - April 10, 2018

Manchester City vs Liverpool - Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 10 April 2018 - Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST - 20:45 CET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

 

Man City team face an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at Anfield Road in last week's first leg match. Since then, the Citizens suffered a further blow, losing a Premier League match 3-2 at home to Manchester United on Saturday, a game they led 2-0 at half time. It means that Man City have lost successive matches for the first time under Pep Guardiola and conceded three goals in each game. Anyway, Man City have scored three or more goals in over half of their 23 home games so far and have already beaten Liverpool 5-0 earlier this season.
Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker will return to the starting XI after being rested in the Manchester Derby. Sergio Aguero returned from his knee injury at the end of that match and is expected to lead the line, with Leroy Sanè and Raheem Sterling on his flanks. In defense, Fabian Delph and Danilo are in contention to start after Aymeric Laporte failed to impress in the first-leg. Kevin De Bruyne will replace Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, despite the German scored a goal in the derby. David Silva and Fernandinho will retain their starting berth in the middle of the park.

Since the first leg Liverpool team drew a league game 0-0 away at Everton and they remain third in the standings, 10 points clear of fifth placed Chelsea. The Reds have won three and lost none of their five away matches in Champions League this year. Jurgen Klopp's men have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 European matches. Furthermore, only four teams have stopped the Reds scoring away from home so far. Manchester City need to win by 4 goals should Liverpool find the back of the net at Etihad Stadium.
Adam Lallana and Emre Can are out through injury while Jordan Henderson is suspended. As a result, Jurgen Klopp can only rely upon Georgino Wijnaldum, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield. Mohammed Salah was not risked in the Merseyside derby but the Egyptian is expected to recover in time from a groin injury suffered in last week's first leg. Sadio Manè and Roberto Firmino will complete the front trio, with Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings as backup options. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also return to the starting defensive pack, play at each side of the central pair formed by Dejan Lovren and Virgil Van Dijk. The likes of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are sidelined while Alberto Moreno is a major doubt.

 

Probable lineups:

Manchester City: Ederson – Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph – de Bruyne, Fernandinho, D. Silva – Sterling, Aguero, Sane.

Probable lineups Liverpool: Karius – Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Wijnaldum – Salah, Firmino, Mane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid La Liga - 08-04-2018

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid - Competition: Spanish Primera Division
 

Real Madrid team come from  two consecutive 3-0 victories, overcoming both Las Palmas in Spanish La Liga last weekend and Juventus in the Champions League in midweek. While they already have one foot in the UCL semifinals, the Blancos sit 3rd in La Liga standings, trailing league leaders FC Barcelona by a whopping 13 points. The Galacticos have rediscovered form at the right time, having won 11 of their last 12 competitive games. The reverse match at the Wanda Metropolitano back in November ended goalless as the two sides managed just four shots on target between them. Zidane declared to the Spanish media he has no new injury concerns ahead of the derby. The Frenchman remain without the injured Nacho Fernandez and may also choose to rest Raphael Varane, giving Jesus Vallejo a rare start as centre-back. Lucas Vazquez, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are likely to come into the starting XI for Real Madrid. Mateo Kovacic is also tipped to feature from the off, alongside Casemiro in a 4-4-2 starting system.

Atletico team  go into the game in second place in the table and four points clear of their local rivals. After a bloody 2-1 defeat at the hands of Villarreal in the league, the Colchoneros returned to winning ways by beating Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 in front of their own fans and managed to win their Europa League quarter final match over Sporting CP on Thursday (2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano). Atleti possess La Liga’s strongest defence whilst Real are the joint top scorers. As to direct matches, Diego Simeone's men have won three and drawn one of their last four league visits to Bernabeu.
Jose Gimenez and Sime Vrsaljko are both expected to miss the game through injury while Filipe Luis is out of the rest of the season for the visitors. The likes of Juanfran, Godin, Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez are the only four fully fit defenders and are expected to form the four man backline. Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann should lead the line with Koke and Saul Niguez out wide. Thomas Partey and veteran Gabi should anchor the midfield. 

Real Madrid last 5 matches:

06/03/18 PSG 1 – 2 Real Madrid
10/03/18 Eibar 1 – 2 Real Madrid
18/03/18 Real Madrid 6 – 3 Girona
31/03/18 Las Palmas 0 – 3 Real Madrid
03/04/18 Juventus 0 – 3 Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid last 5 matches:

11/03/18 Atletico Madrid 3 – 0 Celta
15/03/18 Lokomotiv Moskva 1 – 5 Atletico Madrid
18/03/18 Villarreal 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid
01/04/18 Atletico Madrid 1 – 0 Deportivo
05/04/18 Atletico Madrid 2 – 0 Sporting CP

 

Date: 8 April 2018
Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Juventus vs Real Madrid 03-04-2018 Champions League

Juventus vs Real Madrid - Champions League 2017-18
Date: Tuesday, April 03 2018
Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy

Juventus team booked their quarter final ticket with a 4-3 aggregate win over Tottenham. They drew the first leg 2-2 in Turin, but managed to beat Spurs 2-1 in the reverse match at Wembley. In Serie A, the Bianconeri top the table with a 4 point gap over second placed Napoli. They beat AC Milan 3-1 in an entertaining match last Saturday. Massimiliano Allegri's men have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 13 home matches in all competitions. Juventus last met Real in UCL final at the Millennium Stadium in Wales last May, when the Old Lady suffered a 4-1 defeat against the Spanish Giants, altough they took an early lead. Juventus have not lost at home in the Champions League since a 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich five years ago.

Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira and Alex Sandro are not 100% fit but they are expected to feature from the off while Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic will miss the match due to suspension. Juan Cuadrado, who scored the 2-1 goal agains AC Milan last weekend, is likely to join Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa i nthe offensive midfield trio behind the lone striker Gonzalo Higuain. Few chances to make the starting XI for Federico Bernardeschi and Mario Mandzukic, who both missed out last match.

In the last-16 round of the UCL, Real Madrid team won both legs against PSG, taking a 3-1 first leg lead in Madrid and finishing the job with a 2-1 victory in Paris. The Blancos warmed up for this match with a 3-0 win away at Las Palmas. Zinedine Zidane's men have won 11 of their last 13 in all competitions but remain 13 points below FC Barcelona in La Liga table.  They have won 9 of their 15 league road trips, drawing 4 and losing 2 with 32 goals and 16 conceded. Real Madrid have a worse record in the head-to-head with Juventus, having lost six of the previous 12 meetings, drawing two and winning four.
Cristiano will return to first-team action after being rested at the weekend. Benzema is likely to partner the Portuguese up front wit Isco playing as number 10. Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale provide further attacking options. In midfield, the like of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will flank Casemiro. In defense, Sergio Ramos will be partnered by Raphael Varane at the heart of the back with Marcelo and Dani Carvajal as left and right back respectively. Nacho is a major doubt after coming off in the first half on Saturday. 

Probable lineups:

Juventus: Buffon – de Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro – Khedira, Matuidi – Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa – Higuain.

Real Madrid: Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos – Isco – Benzema, Ronaldo.

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Chile 2-1 Sweden 24-03-2018 Highlights Friendly

Sweden vs Chile - Competition: Friendly
Date: 24 March 2018 - Kick-off Time: 17:00 GMT
Venue: Friends Arena, Solna

Ola Toivonen finishes off a great team goal from Sweden team but Chile run out winners thanks to Marcos Bolados’ late strike.

Sweden 1-2 Chile (FRIENDLY):

22' Arturo Vidal 0-1 // 23' Ola Toivonen 1-1 // 90' Marcos Bolados 1-2

 

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