– Gary Cahill is reportedly planning to leave Chelsea, the defender is concerned about his chances of playing at Euro 2016 having been dropped by manager Guus Hiddink.
– Fiorentina are expected to sell Mario Suarez to Watford on Thursday for £4.1million.
– According to Sky Sport Italia, Swansea City have agreed an £8million fee with Chievo for striker Alberto Paloschi.
– Chelsea are lining up a shock move for former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie if Alexandre Pato’s deal falls through, according to reports in England.
– Genoa are reportedly in negotiations with Manchester United to take Guillermo Varela on loan.
– Alex Teixeira has said that Shakhtar Donetsk turned down a €32 million offer from Liverpool for his services, while adding that he is desperate for a move to the Premier League club.
– Borussia Dortmund are in negotiations with Atletico Madrid over Oliver Torres, according to report in Germany.
– Wolfsburg have confirmed that Basel have turned down a “serious offer” for Breel Embolo.
– U.S. international and New York Red Bulls defender Matt Maizga is set to join Chelsea within the next 24 hours, according to ESPN soccernet sources.
VINA DEL MAR, CHILE – NOVEMBER 08: Kelechi Nwakali (R) of Nigeria poses with the adidas bronze boot and team mate Victor Osimhen of Nigeria poses with the adidas golden boot after the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup 2015 final match between Mali and Nigeria at Estadio Sausalito on November 8, 2015 in Vina del Mar, Chile. (Photo by Martin Rose – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
– Wolfsburg are set to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The 17-year-old already is in Wolfsburg for contract talks, but will not join the club before 2017.
– Mainz will not sell reported Manchester United target Yoshinori Muto, the Bundesliga club have said. “We’ve put that to bed,” coach Martin Schmidt said.
– Borussia Dortmund have rejected a €10 million offer for Adrian Ramos from Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan FC, according to reports in Germany.
– Empoli sporting director Marcello Carli says Lorenzo Tonelli “is not for sale”
– Liverpool are interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach’s Granit Xhaka after Jurgen Klopp met with the player’s agent in December, according to reports.
– Sporting director Carlo Osti says Sampdoria will “definitely” discuss Eder with Inter tomorrow.
– Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira is worth €50million and can be even better than Angel Di Maria, the player’s current coach Mircea Lucescu said.
Golden Eaglets
– Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has blocked the loan departure of Andreas Periera, according to reports.
– Marco Borriello is reportedly on the verge of leaving Carpi for Atalanta.
– Bordeaux want to sign Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from Malaga before the transfer window closes, according to reports.
– According to reports in the United States, MLS side Colorado Rapids are negotiating with Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.
– Juventus and Chelsea have reportedly opened talks for Juan Cuadrado’s future, as the Bianconeri want him permanently for less than the agreed €20million.
– LA Galaxy are keen on AC Milan midfielder Nigel De Jong, according to reports.
– Lorient have accepted a bid from Sunderland for defender Lamine Kone.
Alexandre Pato photo credit: .lemeilleurdupsg.com
– Alexandre Pato has arrived in London ahead of his proposed loan move to Chelsea.
– Swiss defender Philippe Senderos leaves Aston Villa after having contract terminated.
– Ogenyi Onazi’s agent confirms “there’s interest from Werder Bremen” for the Lazio midfielder.
Football tit bits:
– Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta insists Max Allegri won’t be tempted by Chelsea. “It’s not easy to find a better club than Juventus.”
– According to reports, Louis van Gaal is set to remain in charge for Manchester United’s FA Cup tie at Derby County on Friday, although the manager’s job is being reviewed on a match-by-match basis.
– A Chinese company that agreed to sponsor the Portuguese second division has been forced to row back on its demands that 10 Chinese players be included in the starting line-ups of the top teams following a national outcry.
– The Spanish Professional Football League (LFP) has reported offensive chanting last weekend by Málaga fans against Barcelona and Atlético fans against Sevilla to the Anti-violence Commission.
– Steve Sidwell has joined Brighton on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season.
– Mainz have completed the signing of defender Guilio Donati from Bayer Leverkusen.
– Atalanta have confirmed the loan signing of striker Serge Gakpe from Genoa until the end of the season.
– Porto have announced the signing of forward Moussa Marega and goalkeeper Jose Sa from Maritimo.
– Chelsea winger Christian Atsu has signed on loan for Malaga until the end of the season.
Today’s reports and rumours:
– A decision over Fenerbahce striker and West Ham target, Emmanuel Emenike’s future is expected in the next 48 hours, according to reports.
– Antoine Griezmann has responded to speculation linking him with a move away from Atletico Madrid by insisting he is very happy at the club.
– Watford and Newcastle are still interested in Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, according to reports.
– According to L’Équipe, Stade de Reims have made an enquiry concerning the availability of St Étienne striker Nolan Roux.
– Leicester City have submitted a £10million bid for Sampdoria striker Eder, according to SkySports Italia.
– Watford are finalising a deal with Fiorentina for Mario Suarez that would see him join the Premier League side on a permanent four-year deal, according to reports.
– Real Madrid have a buy-back clause in their transfer agreement with Arsenal for Mesut Ozil, according to leaked transfer documents.
– Sampdoria sporting director Carlo Osti confirms Inter “asked for” Roberto Soriano and Eder.
– Bordeaux are reportedly interested in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.
– Chelsea midfielder Ramires is close to joining Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning, according to Sky Sports sources.
– Southampton are in no rush to commence new contract talks with Graziano Pelle despite speculation surrounding the striker’s future,according to ESPN Soccernet.
Mario Balotelli, photo credit liverpoolfc.com
– West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool striker Mario Ballotelli.
– Stephan El Shaarawy describes Roma as “a great opportunity” as he prepares to move on loan from Milan.
– St Étienne’s defensive midfielder Ismaël Diomandé is set to join Caen on loan until the end of the season tomorrow, according to L’Équipe.
– Chelsea striker Loïc Rémy still has a desire to leave the club this month, according to reports.
– Scouts from several English clubs including West Ham, Manchester United and Liverpool attended Marseille’s’s 1-1
draw with Lyon on Sunday night to watch 20-year-old winger Georges-Kévin N’Koudou.
– According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco.
– Tottenham have enquired about Juventus striker Alvaro Morata’s availability for a January move, according to reports.
Alexandre Pato photo credit: .lemeilleurdupsg.com
– Chelsea are set to sign Alexandre Pato on loan, according to reports.
– Gregory van der Wiel has stalled on signing a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, according to talksport.
– Hull City are interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell on loan, according to reports.
– According to L’Equipe, Arsenal scout Giles Grimandi has been sent to Monaco to scout 17-year-old Kylian Mbappe.
– La Liga has extended the transfer deadline to February 1st.
Football tit bits:
– Italy & Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he plans on retiring from football after the 2018 World Cup.
– Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent kick at Francisco Molinero on Sunday has been labelled an “ugly gesture” by the Real Betis defender.
– Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham faces a three-match ban after being charged by the FA with violent conduct over an incident involving Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen.
– Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross is set to be out of action for up to a month with a back injury.
– West Ham do not have the power to veto a groundshare at the Olympic Stadium and such an agreement is still possible, according to the London Legacy Development Corporation.
– Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has reportedly spoken to a number of players and senior figures at
Old Trafford about Louis van Gaal, following their defeat to Southampton.
– Roma terminate Ashley Cole’s contract by mutual consent.
– According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot is edging closer to a loan switch to Marseille.
– According to Marca, Atletico Madrid have turned down a €30million offer from Tottenham for striker Jackson Martinez.
– West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that terms have been agreed with Leeds United for the signing of Sam Byram.
– Newcastle will not allow Florian Thauvin’s proposed loan deal to Marseille untill they reach an agreement with Spurs over the signing of Andros Townsend, according to reports.
– Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has been reassured over his future by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
– Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has signed a new long-term contract.
– Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka says he will not leave the Bundesliga club simply to sit on another side’s bench.
– Diego Perotti’s agent reveals only “final details” are missing for a transfer from Genoa to Roma.
– Atalanta want to sign Anderlecht striker Idrissa Sylla, according to Sky Sports Italia.
– Lille are interested in signing Chelsea attacker Charly Musonda on loan this month, according to reports.
– AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata is reportedly not keen on VfB Stuttgart or Hoffenheim offers.
– Werder Bremen chief executive Thomas Eichin has told Bild: “We are in negotiations.” over a loan move for Chelsea defender Papy Djilobodji.
– An intermediary for Wolfsburg claims Juventus rejected an offer from the German club for Simone Zaza.
– Roma’s hopes of signing Barcelona’s Adriano this month have taken a hit after his agent said: “Adriano won’t leave in January.”
– According to Le Parisien, Ligue 1 high-flyers Angers are considering a loan deal for PSG youngster Jean-Kevin Augustin.
– Roma and AC Milan are said to be interested in Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Oliver Torres.
– Marseille midfielder Alaixys Romao has confirmed in a press conference that he will remain at the club until the end of the season, dismissing speculation about a possible move to Sunderland.
– Spanish sources claim Roma have asked Real Madrid for defender Nacho Fernandez.
– Inter director Piero Ausilio confirms Fredy Guarin “is in negotiations” with Jiangsu Suning
– Jurgen Klopp insists he has the final say on transfers at Liverpool despite his predecessor suggesting he had been compromised by a transfer committee.
– According to reports, West Ham are preparing a £18million bid for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
– According to reports, Manchester City have joined the race for Athletic Bilbao attacker Inaki Wiliams and are looking to activate his £15.3 million release clause, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool also interested.
– According to reports, Swansea and Bournemouth are both weighing up moves for Lazio midfielder Ravel Morrison.
– According to reports, Hajduk Split goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is set to sign for Aston Villa after a £5million fee was agreed.
– According to Goal, Barcelona have turned down a loan move from Real Betis for striker Sandro Ramirez and hope to sell the 20-year-old to a premier league team before the end of the January transfer window.
Football tit bits:
– Gianni Infantino, the UEFA general secretary who is bidding to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, has proposed staging an expanded World Cup across several countries as part of his manifesto.
– André Villas-Boas found Chelsea’s sacking of José Mourinho “quite incredible”, saying the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, “has sacked basically every coach that he’s had”.
– The Dutch FA (KNVB) has said it would have supported Ajax’s Riechedly Bazoer if the midfielder had walked off the
pitch after he was subjected to racist chants from opposition supporters over the weekend.
– Real Madrid have confirmed that Gareth Bale has picked up another calf muscle injury, with reports in Spain saying the Wales international is likely to miss three weeks of action.
– The father of Manuel Godoy believes Real Madrid tried to hide their involvement with his son during FIFA’s investigation into the club.
– Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi will decide if he is fit enough to play in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg tie at Athletic Bilbao.
– Jorge Sampaoli has stepped down as coach of Chile in the wake of a disagreement with newly elected Football Federation of Chile (ANFP) president Arturo Salah.
– Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Chelsea midfielder Ramires.
– Arsenal have ended their interest in Dinamo Moscow forward Aleksandr Kokorin, according to the Russian club’s former sporting director.
– Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl has said he has no plan to leave amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester City.
– According to reports, Chelsea are considering a quick Alexandre Pato swoop after Diego Costa injury.
– Juventus striker Alvaro Morata will not be sold to Real Madrid, according to the Italian club’s director general Giuseppe Marotta.
Football tit bits:
– Chris Smalling feels Wayne Rooney’s revival at Manchester United owes much to Louis van Gaal’s decision to drop him against Stoke City.
– Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness is to be released from jail on February 29, 21 months into a three- and-a-half-year prison sentence for tax evasion.
Lionel Messi credit: hy.wikipedia.org
– Barcelona have said tests on Lionel Messi’s injury he sustained at the weekend have come back with “great
news” regarding his fitness.
Barca said in a statement on Monday: “Medical tests on striker Lionel Messi this Monday morning have revealed great news. It turns out that the Argentinian has not got a hamstring injury and has just taken a bit of a knock. It is uncertain whether or not he will be available for future matches, but there is nothing major to worry about.”
– Colin Kazim-Richards has been suspended for two weeks by Feyenoord for threatening a journalist.
– Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates has condemned those Stoke City supporters who subjected Aaron Ramsey to shameful chants in relation to the broken leg the Arsenal midfielder suffered at the Britannia Stadium six years ago.
– St.Etienne have completed the signing of Oussama Tannane from Heracles on a four and a half year deal.
– Basel have completed the signing of Renato Steffen from Young Boys.
– Atalanta have signed Alessandro Diamanti from Watford on loan until the end of the season.
– Palermo have completed the signing of Hungarian forward Norbert Balogh from Debrecen.
– Juan Camilo Zuniga has joined Bologna on a six-month loan from Napoli.
Today’s reports and rumours:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund and Dante of Munich compete for the ball photo credit ar.fifa.com
– Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he wants to stay and win trophies at Borussia Dortmund.
– Manchester United are preparing a €40 million summer offer for AC Milan’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to reports in Italy.
– Schalke defender Joel Matip is set to join Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer, according to reports in England.
– West Brom have had their £7.5million bid for Angers’ Cheikh N’Doye rejected, according to reports.
– According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are close to signing Celta Vigo forward Nolito.
– The father of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez says his son is happy where he is at the moment despite links with Manchester United.
– Bordeaux want to use some of the money they received from the sale of Henri Saivet to Newcastle in order to buy Red Star Belgrade centre back Vukasin Jovanovic.
– Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Veratti’s agent says his client is more likely to join Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern Munich than move to Spain.
– Manchester United are pursuing Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes after their move for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez was blocked, according to reports.
– Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs says Nicklas Bendtner is still in the club’s plans.
– Paris Saint-Germain are keeping an eye on Partizan Belgrade winger Andrija Zivkovic, according to L’Equipe.
– Bournemouth will attempt to “hijack” West Brom’s £8m move for QPR winger Matt Phillips, according to reports.
Louis Van Gaal
– Austrian centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic is set to become Manchester United’s first signing of the January transfer window, according to reports.
– One of Ezequiel Lavezzi’s agents, Alessandro Moggi is not sure the player will leave PSG in January, but indicated Inter Milan are interested and talks could be held with Chelsea.
– Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sweden international Emil Forsberg ahead of a possible bid this summer, according to
reports.
– Abdul Baba Rahman admits he is frustrated about the lack of first team playing time he has received since moving to Chelsea.
– New Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane wants to bring French midfielder Paul Pogba to Madrid to be his first Galatico signing, according to reports in Spain.
– AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirms the Luiz Adriano will move to China, Stephan El Shaarawy could stay and Gigio Donnarumma offers will be rejected.
– Genoa face competition from Spanish sides Levante and Getafe to loan Fiorentina forward Giuseppe Rossi, according to reports.
– Adriano’s agent confirmed “Roma and Barcelona are discussing a loan deal, but there is nothing completed yet.”
Football tit bits:
– Valencia have reappointed Jesus Garcia Pitarch as sporting director in a bid to help turn around the club’s fortunes.
– Andy Carroll is anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on the hamstring injury he suffered at Bournemouth on Tuesday but the early indication is the West Ham United striker will be out for between four and six weeks.
– FIFA has fined the football associations of Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay for homophobic chants by fans.
– Spain’s national court has ordered Neymar to testify in an investigation into alleged irregularities involving his transfer to Barcelona. The Brazil striker is set to testify on the 2nd of February.
– Chelsea have had their ticket allocation for their Champions League last-16 match with Paris Saint-Germain cut because of the heightened security level in the French capital and the behaviour of their fans last year.
– Roma have parted company with their head coach Rudi Garcia and are expected to appoint Luciano Spalletti as his replacement.
– World football’s governing body FIFA has dismissed suspended secretary general Jerome Valcke with immediate effect.
Bookies corner returns for week 14 action after some teams have participated in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League Competitions. Some teams however have been on break during this period and it could be an advantage as the various league actions resume in the top 5 leagues.
Tobi Olubiyi’s (@tobipreety) predictions:
French Ligue 1
PSG VS TROYES – PSG WIN: Runaway league leaders PSG have been tearing apart opponents as the matches come by, a 5 nil away win against Swedish team Malmo was the latest of their onslaught as the attacking force of Ibrahimović, Cavani, Lucas Moura and Di Maria have been unstoppable so far this season. They are yet to taste defeat in the league this season, a record shared with Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich in the top 5 leagues.
This would be a comfortable home win for the Parisians at the Parc des Princes where they have not lost a league game since May 2014.
ANGERS VS LILLE – UNDER 2.5 GOALS: There have been less than 3 goals scored in 13 of the last 14 games involving Lille this season. Having scored just 8 league goals in 14 games they also don’t give away so many goals as they have only conceded 9 goals so far. Their opponents Angers also don’t score much as they have scored just 12 goals in 14 games conceding 9 goals in the same time. Both teams are joint second on the least goals conceded so far this season with table toppers PSG conceding a mere 7 goals.
I see this as a low scoring game, though the result could go either way and I predict a total of less than 3 goals would be scored in this match.
TOTTENHAM VS CHELSEA- TOTTENHAM WIN/DRAW: Only one team has defeated Spurs so far this season, it was a 1 nil defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day courtesy of an own goal. Since then Pochettino’s men have been unbeatable playing 12 matches without loosing including a 4-1 win against Man City . Chelsea on the other hand have had a season to forget as they languish in 15th place and holding the record of the worst start by a defending champion. They have only won 4 matches all season loosing 7 matches and have spent most of the season battling relegation rather than fighting to retain the league title. I don’t see Chelsea getting a win at White Hart Lane as a resurgent Harry Kane who is a nemesis to the Chelsea defence would pose a lot of threat going forward for Tottenham
MANCHESTER CITY VS SOUTHAMPTON- MANCHESTER CITY WIN: Pellegrini’s men have had a blip in form recently, failing to win in any of their last 3 matches collapsing like a pack of cards in front of their home fans against Liverpool last time out thus leaving them 2 places away from the top of the table. Southampton have had a rollercoaster season winning 5 matches in 13 games, a trip to the Etihad stadium would be coming at a wrong time when they are just gathering momentum having lost just 1 game in their last 5 matches. I see Manchester City with a fit Sergio Aguero grinding out a win and putting pressure on the league leaders Leicester City.
Italian Serie A
ROMA VS ATALANTA – ROMA WIN: 4th placed Roma have not done much wrong in the Serie A this season and the Scudetto favourites are just 3 points away from top spot. Rudi Garcia’s men never look like loosing in front of their home fans and they are yet to loose at the Stadio Olimpico this season despite playing tough oppositions like Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Leverkusen and arch rivals Lazio. Atalanta has only 1 away win all season, so a trip to the Stadio Olimpico which has become a fortress would be an uphill task. I tip Roma to get a win inspired by the good form of Salah, Iturbe, Dzeko and Pjanic who have played well for them this season.
PALERMO VS JUVENTUS WIN- JUVENTUS WIN: The old ladies had a night mare start to their scudetto defence this season but they seem to have gotten their season on an upward thrust as they are unbeaten in their last 5 matches in all competitions including a win against English Giants Manchester City in a crucial top of the table clash in the Champions League. Star striker Dyabala would be returning to face his old side and eyes would be on him if he would be able to sting his former team. Palermo haven’t been in the best for this season with just 4 wins from 13 games, they have also failed to win against Juventus in their last 6 matches. I believe Juventus will do enough to get a win away from home, their firepower will be too much for Palermo to contain.
BARCELONA VS REAL SOCIEDAD – BARCELONA WIN: Barcelona are the most inform team in Europe’s top 5 leagues at the moment putting different clubs to the sword and scoring a lot of goals even during the absence of star player Lionel Messi. Suarez and Neymar have carried the burden of leading the club to glory as they have not lost in their last 9 games scoring 32 goals in the process including 4 goals against Real Madrid and 6 goals against Roma. Sociedad have just parted ways with Coach David Moyes and have lost 3 of their last 5 games. The deadly trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar will all be available for selection in this match and I expect them to inspire Barcelona to another dominating victory at the Camp nou where Soceidad have not won in 14 matches.
SEVILLA VS VALENCIA- BOTH TEAMS SCORE: This is a game where both teams usually score each other as they are known to attack. In the last 6 matches between these two sides both teams have failed to score only on one occasion. Unai Emery’s men are in a very bad form at the moment winning just 1 of their last 5 matches which was surprisingly against Real Madrid. Valencia have not been too fantastic themselves, currently sitting 7th on the log 4 points and 4 places above their opponents Sevilla. This is a difficult game to call, but I see both teams getting on the score sheet.
Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga
BORUSSIA DORTMUND VS STUTTGART- DORTMUND WIN: After 7 straight victories, 2nd placed Dortmund suffered a shock defeat in their last league game away at Hamburg in a game many felt they would get a result. The yellow submarines would be playing against relegation strugglers Stuttgart at the Segunde Igunda Park in front of their ever present and loud supporters. I expect them to get back into winning ways with an emphatic victory and putting pressure on Bayern Munich. Stuttgart are facing a team they are yet to win against in 6 league meetings.
With the form of attackers Reus, Aubameyang and Kagawa, I expect the BVB to get a solid win in this fixture.
BAYERN LEVERKUSEN VS SCHALKE 04- DRAW: Bayern Leverkusen played out a shambolic and disappointing draw against BATE Borisov in the Champions League and it would be a tough ask for them to quickly get such a horrid game behind them quite quickly. They still have a chance to progress from their group albeit against “Almighty Barcelona” in their last group game at home, so that could influence their performances in other competitions prior to that match. Schalke are currently sitting 7th on the log just behind their opponents with both teams on 20 points. It is difficult to tear these two teams apart so I would be going for a brave draw.
The bookies corner returns with match forecasts on league games after the UEFA fixtures at mid-week. Some teams had their fine form dented, some regained their scoring ability while some teams picked up wins that could turn around their season.
Manchester United Vs West Brom – Manchester United win:
Manchester United have been on a “yoyo run” recently, with their first win in 5 games coming on Tuesday night against Russian club CSKA Moscow. They drew the other 4 games including a shocking goalless draw against 2nd tier Middlesbrough in the league cup where they were eventually knocked out on penalties. I see them turning their fortunes around after this recent win and Tony Pulis’ West Brom would not be able to stop the Red Devils at old Trafford especially on a run of 3 defeats from their last 5 games.
Liverpool Vs Crystal Palace – Liverpool win:
New manager Jurgen Klopp has brought in the attitude and effectiveness of a German team into this Liverpool side and it has been obvious in all his games in charge. His philosophy of gegen pressing (counter-pressing) was also evident as he made a statement with a rousing win at Stamford Bridge against a troubled Chelsea side where they haven’t won in 6 previous attempts. I see the Reds following up their good run with another win against Crystal Palace under manager Jurgen Klopp who is yet to taste defeat after 5 games.
Italian Serie A
Sampdoria Vs Fiorentina – Both teams to score:
The viola have been in impressive form this season currently topping the Serie A table scoring 22 goals in 11 games. It would be a difficult game travelling to 9th placed Sampdoria who have only lost 3 league games so far this season. I believe both teams would get on the score sheet in this match.
AC Milan Vs Atalanta – AC Milan win :
Milan coach Mihajlovic still has a lot to prove at the San Siro in his first season, but it’s safe to say he isn’t far from the summit, currently 6th placed on the table and 5 points away from the top spot. The San Siro is without doubt a fortress and will be an advantage for the Rossoneri against Atalanta who have failed to win in their last 3 away games. Milan are also on a good run of form winning their last three matches ,they will come out with maximum points in this game.
Spanish La Liga
Celta Vs Valencia – Both teams to score:
Celta have been the surprise package of the season currently 3rd on the table behind Real Madrid and Barcelona with just 3 points separating them from 1st position. They have had a good season with surprise wins against Barcelona and their only defeat in the last 5 games was against league leaders Real Madrid. Celta have scored 21 goals in 10 games while host Valencia have scored 11 goals, with Valencia’s attacking threat of Rodrigo, Negredo and Alcacer. I believe both teams will get on the score sheet in this game.
Luis Enrique’s men have easily survived life without injured super star Messi. Neymar, Suarez and wonder kid Sergio Roberto have led the team to superb form with 4 wins in their last 5 games. Villarreal have been impressive so far this season as well but a trip to Camp Nou at a time when Barcelona are trying to displace Real Madrid from the top of the table before the El Classico would be too much to handle for the Yellow Submarines. I expect Barcelona to keep up their winning form as the El Classico draws closer.
German Bundesliga
Bayern Munich Vs Stuttgart – Bayern Munich Win both Halves:
Bayern suffered a shocking goalless draw away at Frankfurt in their last league match which ended their perfect run into the new season. The result however didn’t loosen their tight grasp on the Bundesliga as they are still on top of the log with 5 points ahead of 2nd placed Dortmund. Pep Guardiola and his men showed signs of their strength and dominance with a resounding 5-1 victory over Arsenal. I believe Stuttgart who are just above the relegation zone on goal difference stands no chance of stopping a barrage from the Bavarians as I expect Bayern to win the first half and the second half.
Bayern Leverkusen Vs Cologne – Bayern Leverkusen win :
Schmidt’s Leverkusen have showed so much resilience in the last 5 games scoring a lot of goals but conceding too, they have scored 17 goals in the last 5 games in all competitions conceding 12 goals. A 4-4 draw and 3-2 defeat to Roma, a 4-3 win against Stuttgart and a 6-0 win against second-tier Viktoria Koln in the DFP Pokal were among the games. The addition of Mexican striker Chicharito has been a bargain so far this season and Leverkusen would be better off if they can just shut it at the back. I see Bayern Leverkusen winning against Koln who have only won 4 games so far this season.
French Ligue 1
Caen Vs Guingamp – Under 2.5 goals: Guingamp have only scored 2 goals or more in only two of their last 5 games. While Caen have not scored more than 1 goal in any of their last 5 games. This stat isn’t uncommon in the French league as the fans are used to lack of goals when the smaller teams play each other. I expcect this to be a cagey game with less than 3 goals from both teams but the result can swing either way.
Lyon Vs St Etienne – Lyon win or draw(Double chance):
Lyon were treated to a lacklustre home defeat in the Champions league when they played Russian Champions Zenit. They can keep up the push for the Ligue Un with a win against top 4 contender St Etienne. Lyon currently sit in 2nd place and 10 points behind run away leaders PSG and they need to prove their title challenging credentials against an highly rated opponent. I give Lyon win or draw at home on Sunday.
Paul Ayorinde’s (@el_pauleta) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Roma V Lazio- Double chance on Roma:
Both sides were involved in shock results last weekend as Roma were unable to unlock a stubborn Inter Milan defence, while Lazio were humiliated in front
of their home fans by AC Milan. I expect the Rome Derby to be an open and entertaining match,but I tip Roma to get at least a point at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
Napoli V Udinese- Napoli win:
Napoli were held when they visited Genoa on Sunday afternoon, while Udinese also held an in-form Sassuolo side to a goalless draw. I am tipping Napoli to get back to winning ways this weekend.
English Premier League
Leicester City V Watford- Double chance on Leicester:
Leicester City continued their Blistering form when they defeated West Brom at the Hawthorns in Gameweek 11. Watford also got a win against high-flying West Ham last weekend. Both sides are in
excellent form and i expect this match to be exciting all through. I am tipping Leicester City to get at least a point at home on Saturday.
Arsenal V Tottenham- Both teams to score(BTTS):
Arsenal picked up an excellent win away at Swansea in Gameweek 11 while Spurs
picked up a comfortable win against Aston Villa on Monday night. Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Laurent Koscielny are both doubtful for the North London Derby,so i expect Arsenal to struggle defensively and Tottenham are unbeaten in the league since Game Week 1. I am tipping both teams to score in an entertaining derby at the Emirates on Sunday.
Aston Villa lost 3-1 against Tottenham on Monday night while Manchester City defeated Norwich last weekend. It will be Remi Garde’s first match as Aston Villa manager but I expect the attacking prowess of Pellegrini’s men to be too much for the the Villians. I am tipping Manchester City to get an away win on Sunday.
German Bundesliga
Borussia Monchengladbach V Ingolstadt- Monchengladbach win:
Monchengladbach continue their excellent form when they defeated Hertha Berlin away from home last week while Ingolstadt held Schalke 04 to a 1-1 draw away from home. Ingolstadt are very strong defensively but I expect Monchengladbach’s attack to be too strong for them. I am tipping Borussia Monchengladbach to win convincingly on Saturday.
Bayern Munich V Stuttgart- Bayern Munich win and Over 2.5 goals:
Bayern Munich’s 100% winning run in the league ended last week against Eintracht Frankfurt while Stuttgart picked up an home win against Darmstadt. I am tipping Bayern Munich to win convincingly at Allianz Arena on Saturday.
French Ligue 1
Lille V Bastia- Under 2.5 goals:
Lille played a goalless draw against Nice last weekend while Bastia won at home against Caen 1-0. Lille has scored 4 goals at home this season while Bastia have scored just 3 goals away from home. I expect this match to be a low-scoring encounter. I tip both sides to score less than 3 goals in this match.
Spanish Liga BBVA
Atletico Madrid V Sporting Gijon- Atletico Madrid win:
Diego Simeone’s men played a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna last weekend while Sporting Gijon defeated Malaga 1-0 at home. I expect Atletico Madrid to get back to winning ways this weekend, so i am tipping them to get a slim home win on Sunday.
Barcelona defeated Getafe 2-0 last weekend while Villarreal defeated Sevilla 2-1 at home. This match promises to be an entertaining encounter with lots of goals but i tip Barcelona to get a slim home win at Camp Nou on Sunday.
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