PSG vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 18/09/2019

PSG vs Real Madrid - Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 18 September 2019 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Parc des Princes

PSG have enjoyed a typically promising start to the new season in France. Thomas Tuchel's men have won 6 and lost 1 of their 7 competitive games so far, building up a 2 point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table in the process. They only beat lowly visitors Strasbourg at the weekend with a 92nd-minute Neymar goal. Les Parisiens were knocking out in unbelievable fashion once again last year. 2-0 up after the first leg at Old Trafford and heavy favourites to go through against an unproven Manchester UTD side, they slumped out with a 3-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes sealed by a last-gasp penalty for the Red Devils. Two seasons ago, these two sides collided in the UCL round of 16, which saw Los Blancos winning 5-2 on aggregate on their way to the title. PSG have not lost a home group stage clash in the Champions League since 2004 with that run stretching over 21 matches.
Thomas Tuchel is also missing Neymar, with the Brazilian carrying over a three-game ban after his post-match reaction following PSG’s defeat to Manchester United in the round of 16 last season. Strikers Kylian Mbappe and Edison Cavani are sidelined. The German manager will also be without Julian Draxler, Thilo Kehrer and Colin Dagba, so new signing Mauro Icardi could make his debut from the off for the French side. The Inter Milan loanee should be supported by a trio of offensive midfielders - Angel Di Maria, Pablo Sarabia and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The likes of Idrissa Gueye and Marco Verratti are likely to start in midfield, with Ander Herrera and Marquinhos viable alternatives. In defense, Abdou Diallo and Presnel Kimpembe are in contention for a starting berth as centre-back.

Real have remained unbeaten so far in their La Liga campaign. After winning their opening match, the Blancos recorded two consecutive draws. Valladolid denied them three points with an 88th-minute equaliser to cancel out Karim Benzema's late opener, and they were twice behind at Villarreal before grabbing a 2-2 draw. After the international break, Zinedine Zidane's men returned last weekend with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Levante at home. The Galacticos also exited the Champions League in disastrous fashion last season. Returning to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Amsterdam, Zinedine Zidane watched his side capitulate against Ajax's young pretenders, who beat them 4-1.
Real Madrid team captain Sergio Ramos and Nacho, are suspended for the Paris match, meaning that Eder Militao will partner Raphael Varane at the heart of the back. Isco, Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, and Luka Modric will also miss the match because of injuries. As a result, James Rodriguez should be safe to start for Zinedine Zidane's side. Up front, Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale are not 100% fit, meaning that Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez are favoruite to flank Karim Benzema. Thibaut Courtois will hope to fend off competition from summer signing Alphonse Areola to start in goal.

PSG last 5 matches:

11/08/19 PSG 3 – 0 Nimes
18/08/19 Rennes 2 – 1 PSG
25/08/19 PSG 4 – 0 Toulouse
30/08/19 Metz 0 – 2 PSG
14/09/19 PSG 1 – 0 Strasbourg

Real Madrid last 5 matches:

11/08/19 Roma P 2 – 2 Real Madrid
17/08/19 Celta Vigo 1 – 3 Real Madrid
24/08/19 Real Madrid 1 – 1 Real Valladolid
01/09/19 Villarreal 2 – 2 Real Madrid
14/09/19 Real Madrid 3 – 2 Levante

PSG vs Real Madrid Starting Lineups

PSG (4-2-3-1): Navas; Meunier, Thiago Silva, Diallo, Kurzawa; Verratti, Gueye; Di Maria, Sarabia, Choupo-Moting; Icardi
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Eder Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Rodriguez, Kroos; Vazquez, Vinicius, Benzema

 

Read More

Tottenham vs Liverpool UEFA Champions League 01-06-2019

Tottenham vs Liverpool - Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 1 June 2019 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid

Tottenham team produced a remarkable comeback in the semi-final of the UCL. They were trailing 2-0 against Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena and 3-0 on aggregate before Lucas Moura sealed a last-gasp hat-trick to eliminate the Eredivisie champions, with the third goal scored in the 95th minute. They escaped the stage group because of goal difference, and only managed to earn one point from their first three group games. Spurs' recent form is really poor as Mauricio Pochettino's men have lost 5 of their last 8 outings and only kept one clean sheet in the proces (a narrow win over Brighton).
Tottenham will be hoping that Kane is fit to play in this final, if only as a substitute. Son Heung Min is expected to lead the line, supported by three offensive midfielders - Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura. With Harry Winks out through injury and Eric Dier not 100% fit, Moussa Sissoko and Victor Wanyama are likely to anchor the midfield. Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are expected to form the central pair in a 4-2-3-1 starting system. while Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose should be the full backs. Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez are other options at the back, while Serge Aurier remain out through injury.

Liverpool also produced a miracle to reach this UCL final in Madrid. The Reds were 3-0 down against FC Barcelona after the first leg in Spain but they hammered 4-0 the Catalans at Anfield despite playing without Salah and Firmino. As to the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp's men were narrowly pipped by Manchester City in the race for the title, although they lose just once in the entire campaign. The Reds' last match ended in a 2-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the season, meaning that Jurgen Klopp's men finished the league with 9 straight wins. As to direct encounters, the Reds have only lost one of their last 14 games played against Tottenham.
Roberto Firmino missed the final games of the season but is expected to be fit for this game. The Brazilian should complete the usual attacking trio along with Sadio Manè and Mo Salah, with the unexpected hero Divock Origi likely to play at some stage. The three man midfield will be formed by Fabinho (favourite over James Milner), Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum since Naby Keita is still injured. No changes are expected at the back, where Joel Matip should get the nod over Dejan Lovren and join the likes of Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Sissoko, Wanyama; Eriksen, Lucas Moura, Alli; Son.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Tottenham last 5 matches:

27/04/19 Tottenham 0 – 1 West Ham
30/04/19 Tottenham 0 – 1 Ajax
04/05/19 Bournemouth 1 – 0 Tottenham
08/05/19 Ajax 2 – 3 Tottenham
12/05/19 Tottenham 2 – 2 Everton

Liverpool last 5 matches:

26/04/19 Liverpool 5 – 0 Huddersfield
01/05/19 Barcelona 3 – 0 Liverpool
04/05/19 Newcastle 2 – 3 Liverpool
07/05/19 Liverpool 4 – 0 Barcelona
12/05/19 Liverpool 2 – 0 Wolverhampton

Read More

Bayern Munich vs Liverpool Champions League - 13-03-2019

Bayern Munich vs Liverpool - Competition: UEFA Champions League
 

Bayern team have retaken top spot in the German Bundesliga on goal difference for the first time since September, winning their last two games against M'Gladbach and Wolfsburg by 5-1 and 6-0 scorelines respectively. The Bavarians are on a 7 match winning streak at the Allianz Arena and also boast a dominant record on home turf in this competition, winning 21 of 26 matches since 2014/15. This year, in a potentially tricky Champions League group, Kovacs men were twice held to draws by Ajax but picked up four wins in their other four games to finish top of the group.
The Bavarians are still without two suspended players: Thomas Muller - sent off for a poor tackle on Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico in the final round of group matches - and right-back Joshua Kimmich. Rafinha will come in at right-back, while Serge Gnabry may play as right winger to enable Franck Ribery to replace Muller. Of course, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line. Hummels and Niklas Sule should be the starting centre backs, while Thiago  and Javi Martinez are likely to anchor the midfield. The likes of Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman remain out through injury while Arjen Robben is a major doubt.

 

Liverpool's EPL title charge has stuttered over the course of the past few weeks. They played out successive away draws against Manchester United and Everton, both finishing 0-0, and beat Watford (5-0) and Burnley (4-2 last weekend) in the last two home fixtures. The Reds have not been quite as ruthless going forwards in recent games. Salah & Co have only scored one away goal in this season’s UCL, and hit the net just three times in their last six on the road. The Reds may have been lacking for output in recent matches, but knowing how crucial an away goal could be decisive. On the other side of the pitch, Jurgen Klopp's men have the best defensive record in the Premier League (17 goals), and they haven't conceded more than one goal in an away game since a 2-1 English FA Cup defeat at Wolves in early January.
James Milner and Trent Alexander-Arnold should be available for selection on Wednesday despite suffering muscle tightness last time out. The former should complete the four man backline alongside Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Andre Robertson while the latter should be benched as the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are expected to start in the middle of the park. No changes are expected up front with Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Manè spearheading the attack. Adam Lallana is a viable option in midfield after a good performance last weekend. Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge could also play at some stage in case of need. Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are the only injury absentees.

 

Bayern (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Rafinha, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Thiago, Martinez; Gnabry, James, Ribery; Lewandowski
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane

 

Date: 13 March 2019
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munchen

Read More

Manchester United vs PSG Champions League 12-02-2019

Manchester United vs PSG - Competition: UEFA Champions League
 

Man Utd have won 10 of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first 11 unbeaten matches in charge, including a 3-0 away win at Fulham last weekend. That result saw the Red Devils climb into the top 4, meaning that they have enjoyed a 12-point swing - in less than two months - which now leaves them one point above both Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League standings. Solskjaer's men engineered victories away to Tottenham and Arsenal and scored a whopping 28 goals in the process. As to the Champions League, Manchetser United finished as runners up to Juventus in Group H and 2 of their 3 wins came home and away against Young Boys.
Victor Lindelof is set to return after missing Saturday’s league game with a slight knock but may face a battle to win his place back from Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence. Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard will also return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend while Anthony Martial has cemented a starting berth in the front trio following his stunning performance against Fulham. No changes are expected in midfield with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba flanking Nemanja Matic. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are long-term absentees, while Marcos Rojo is the major doubt for the hosts.

PSG team may be flying clear at the top of Ligue 1, but they have had a few difficulties recently. They sit at the top the table with a 13-point lead over their nearest opponent but they went out of the League Cup at home to struggling Guingamp (1-2), suffered their first league defeat of the season earlier this month away to Lyon, and French minnows Villefranche shockingly managed to take them to extra time in the Coupe de France. As to the Champions League, Tuchel's men came though a highly competitive Group C, finishing 2 points clear of Liverpool with SSC Napoli missing out from a qualification race which went right to the wire.
Neymar is a longer-term absentee while Cavani is a major doubt and unlikely to recover from a hip injury in time to feature in this match. With Thomas Meunier also picking up a knock in that contest, PSG are likely to be depleted in a number of areas. Plus, Adrien Rabiot has been marginalised following his dispute over a contract, while January signing Leandro Paredes is still finding his feet. As a result, Marquinhos should partner the now fit Marco Verratti in the middle of the park. Dani Alves may be forced to battle for a place at right-back with Thilo Kehrer while Gianluigi Buffon may get the gloves ahead of Alphonse Areola. 

 

Manchester UTD (4-3-3): De Gea; Young, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford, Martial
PSG (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Kehrer, Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat; Marquinhos, Verratti; Nkunku, Di Maria, Draxler; Mbappe

 

Date: 12 February 2019
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

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   

 

Read More

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 

 

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

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.

 

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

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 

Read More

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

Read More

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 

Read More

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

Read More

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.

 

Read More

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.

 

Read More

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 

Read More

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

 

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More