Barcelona forward Lionel Messi picked up a “small strain” against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday while Jordi Alba has been ruled out for 10 days with a hamstring injury.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique allayed fears about Messi’s fitness by insisting he took the Ballon d’Or winner off at half-time only as a precaution.
The Barcelona coach withdrew Messi, who scored the first of Barca’s six goals against the Basques by netting from the penalty spot, for Arda Turan at the end of the first half with a right hamstring strain, but he hinted that the forward could still feature against Athletic Bilbao in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarter final first leg at San Mamés stadium.
“Messi will have tests tomorrow, he has a small strain and had a little discomfort so we preferred not to take any risks,” Luis Enrique said in a news conference.
“We spoke about it at half-time and with the scoreline as it was we did not want to take risks. I don’t like taking risks with any player, so imagine what it’s like with Messi.”
However, Barcelona confirmed on their official website that Jordi Alba, who pulled his hamstring in the 69th minute against Athletic Bilbao, is expected to be sidelined for 10 days.
Bookies Corner returns this weekend after an eventful week that has seen the sack of an influential Gaffer in England. We bring to you tips for your betting accumulators which our Punters have carefully picked 10 games all from the top 5 leagues in Europe.
Tobi Olubiyi’s (@tobipreety) predictions:
French Ligue 1
TROYES VS MONACO: MONACO WIN- 3rd place Monaco are playing against 20th Troyes who haven’t won a game all season and have lost 11 games from 18 matches played so far. Monaco are level on points with 2nd placed Angers and would like to keep pressure on their pursuit of the 2nd spot. I don’t expect this to be a tough game for Leandro Jardim’s men who will want to bounce back after a shock 3-0 defeat at Bordeaux in the French Cup. Monaco are undefeated in their last 5 league games so I see them getting a win at Troyes.
ST ETIENNE VS ANGERS – ANGERS WIN OR DRAW: Angers have been the surprise package of the league this season and very few would have envisaged their incredible performance this season which has taken them up to 2nd place only bettered by power house PSG. Saint-Etienne have not won in their last 5 games in all competitions and thier poor form would affect them against high flying Angers. Moulin’s men are in form and are yet to be defeated in their last 5 games in all competitions which included games against Lille, PSG, Lyon and Bordeaux. I expect Angers to get at least a draw in this game.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS NORWICH CITY- MAN UTD WIN: The Red Devils will be hosting Norwich who have been on a bad run all season with 7 losses from their last 11 matches winning just once during that time. LVG’s men haven’t been fantastic of late themselves without a single win in their last 5 matches in all competitions. This is their chance to end their bad run and they can do that infront of their home fans against 18th placed Norwich. This should be an easy victory for Manchester United and I don’t expect any upsets.
ARSENAL VS MAN CITY – ARSENAL WIN OR DRAW : This has always been an exciting fixture in recent years and it is also a top of the table clash as the 2nd and 3rd placed teams face off at the Emirates. Both teams are in form and neither will want to drop points at this stage, and Arsenal are unbeaten in the last 5 games. I expect Arsene Wenger’s men to get a result at the Emirates.
INTER MILAN VS LAZIO – INTER MILAN WIN : Mancini’s revolution continues at Inter Milan as their form of just 1 defeat in 11 games has seen them leap to the top of the table. Lazio will have a mountain to climb when they travel to the San Siro as they have won only once in 7 games in all competition. I expect Inter Milan to continue their fine form with a win against Lazio.
ATLANTA VS NAPOLI – NAPOLI WIN OR DRAW: Napoli are 4 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and a trip to 8th placed Atlanta could hinder chase for top spot. Napoli have only lost one of their last 5 games in all competition but their only defeat in that time was away from home. It was also their first defeat in 10 away matches. With the form of Higuain and Insigne, I expect Napoli to get something out of this game at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia
Spanish La Liga
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS LEVANTE – ATHLETIC BILBAO WIN : Bilbao will be hosting 20th placed Levante after a run of just 2 defeats in their last 15 matches has seen them rise to 9th place. They will be heading into this game in high spirit while Levante have not won in their last 5 matches. I see Bilbao getting a win in this game against relegation threatened Levante.
REAL SOCEIDAD VS VILLARREAL – BOTH TEAMS SCORE: Although Real Sociedad have not been so fantastic this season with just 4 wins from 15matches, they do score in matches. They have scored at least a goal in 5 of their last 6 matches and only failed to score against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. 5th placed Villarreal have scored 19 goals so far, 2 points more than their opponents. I expect both teams to get at least a goal each in this match.
German Bundesliga
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH VS DARMSTADT – MONCHENGLADBACH WIN – Monchengladbach are currently having a slight dip in form after a run of 3 straight defeats in all competitions albeit against Manchester City in the Champions league, a 5-0 demolition from Bayern Leverkusen and a close 4-3 defeat against Werder Bremen. They will aim to bounce back against newly promoted Darmstadt who have surpassed all expectations as they lie in 12th place after 16 games . I see the home side getting a much needed victory as they look to push for a place in Europe next season.
HAMBURGER VS AUGSBURG – BOTH TEAMS SCORE – 13th placed AUGSBURG will face a tricky tie at 9th placed Hamburg who have only 1 defeat in their last 5 matches. It’s difficult to separate both teams going into this encounter but I believe both teams would get onto the score sheet. Both teams have already scored at least 19 goals this season so it’s safe to say they are not shy infront of goal.
This is Game week 15 of our Bookies corner where we help Punters forecast on the best matches to put their money on.
Tobi Olubiyi’s (@tobipreety) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Bologna Vs Napoli – Napoli win:
Napoli have been impressive this season with just 1 defeat in 14games and currently the table toppers after their latest feat which was a win against Scudetto favourites Inter Milan at the Stadio San Paolo to extend their run of straight wins to 5 in all competition.
Bologna will have it tough albeit on their home turf against high flying Napoli who have not lost in 18 matches. Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is in the form of his life scoring 12goals in 14 games.
I see Napoli getting the victory in this game against 18th placed Bologna.
Inter Milan Vs Genoa – Inter Milan win :
Genoa will be travelling to the San Siro stadium where they have not been able to get a victory since 1994 and on the back of just one win from their last 5 games. It’s also worth noting Mancini’s Inter are wounded lions at the moment after loosing their last game to League Leaders Napoli which was their first defeat in 8 matches.
The Nerazzurri will be looking to get inspiration up front from Mauro Icardi and Jovetic to get them the victory.
French Ligue 1
Bastia Vs Monaco – Monaco Win or draw:
Monaco have not been as dominating as they have been in recent years in the Ligue Un. With a fringe squad and a bunch of average players they would be lucky to make the Champions league place at the end of the season. A trip to Bastia could prove tricky as they have won only 1 of their last 5 games which included a hard-fought 3-all draw at the Stade Velodrome against Marseille.
I expect Monaco to get something out of this game and put a dent to Bastia’s current run of only defeat in their last 5 games.
St Etienne Vs Rennes – St Etienne Win:
The perennial Dark horses of the Ligue Un in recent years, St Etienne will host 9th placed Rennes who are 3 points behind them. St Etienne have recently been on a bad run with just a win in 5 matches in all competitions but to be fair to them they have come against relatively tough opposition facing Lyon, Marseille, Rosenborg, and Lille during this period. I expect Christophe Galtier’s men to get back to winning ways and get all 3 points at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
English Premier League
Arsenal Vs Sunderland – Arsenal win :
The Gunners are having their usual mid- season injury crisis with key players picking up injuries at the same time. Sanchez, Koscienly,Carzola, Walcott, Rosicky, Coquelin, Welbeck and a couple more players are injured for arsenal. There has been very few good news coming from the arsenal medical department and the Physio’s treatment table of late but there has been indications Koscienly and Walcott could play a part in this fixture against Sunderland. Arsenal will depend on the fine form of their assist-master Ozil who has been linking up well with their attackers and creating goals therby creating a new premier League record of assists in consecutive games.
The Black cats have currently jumped out of relegation waters with an impressive back to back wins under new manager Sam Allardyce. I see Arsenal getting the win at the Emirates staking their claim for their title push.
West Brom Vs Tottenham – Tottenham win :
Tony Pulis would be fired up for this one after back to back games against London clubs, winning against Arsenal and getting a point at West Ham. He will be looking on to spur his team to a victory against Spurs another London club,Pochettino’s men haven’t lost in 13 league games since the opening day and made Chelsea labour for a goalless draw last game. I believe this new look Tottenham with Harry Kane back in form will be too strong for West Brom and they will get the victory against the baggies.
Spanish La Liga
Gary Neville photo credit, pixgood.com
Valencia Vs Barcelona – Barcelona win:
This would be the first game after the Neville brothers re-United at Valencia since after their playing days together at Manchester United. They couldn’t have wished for a tougher opposition to kickstart thier la liga campaign as the catalans will come visiting at the Mestalla. Barcelona have been scoring goals without remorse and even put 6 past their King’s Cup opponents without needing the services of Neymar, Messi or Suarez who are the most inform trio in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Valencia would have their work cut out against Luis Enrique’s team who they have managed to defeat only once in their last 6 games together. I expect Barcelona to get maximum points away from home.
Athletic Bilbao Vs Malaga – Athletic Bilbao Win:
In form Bilbao will finally return to play infront of their home fans at the San Mames after playing 4 consecutive away games in all competitions and winning their last 3 consecutively. They would need goal scoring veteran Aduriz to kill off Malaga after his run of 10goals in 13 matches this season.
18th place Malaga are still wallowing in relegation waters after a bad run of 4 consecutive defeats in their last 5 matches. The Lions of San Mames led by coach Ernesto Valverde should be able to get a win in front of their home fans.
German Bundesliga
Wolfsburg Vs Dortmund – Both Teams score (BTTS):
An exciting game at the Volkswagen arena as the 2nd placed Dortmund will be battling 3rd placed Wolfsburg. The home team would be hoping to close the wide gap of 7points in between them. There has been goals from both teams in 5 of their last 6 games against each other and I expect that to continue on saturday. Wolfsburg have been scoring a lot of goals this season, finding the net 40 times in 13 Bundesliga matches. Especially with the form of Gabonese Striker Aubameyang who has 17goals in 14games and the best shot conversion ratio in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
These two teams are difficult to separate but I expect a lot of goals and I see both teams getting on the score sheet.
Borussia Dortmund
Ingolstadt Vs Hoffenheim – Under 2.5goal:
It’s been a dream start to life in Bundesliga for newly-promoted Ingolstadt who are currently 11th on the log after an impressive 5 wins and 4 draws in their 14games so far. Hoffenheim are rooted to the bottom of the table after picking up 1 win all season. These 2 teams are not fond of scoring a lot of goals as the home team have scored a dire 10 goals in 14 games, the lowest in the league while the visitors have scored 15 goals in 14 games. I don’t expect an explosive end to end game with lots of goals, I believe both teams will score less than a total of 3 goals in this game.
Paul Ayorinde’s (@el_pauleta) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Lazio V Juventus- Double chance on Juventus:
Lazio continued their bad form last weekend when they lost to by a lone goal to Empoli while Juventus continue their resurgent as they trashed Palermo 3-0 away from home. I expect Lazio to be fired up for this match but I tip Juventus to get at least a point at Stadio Olimpico on Friday night.
Inter Milan V Genoa- Inter win:
10-man Inter Milan lost 2-1 against Napoli on Monday night in an unlucky fashion while Genoa snatched a draw at home against newcomers Carpi. I am expect Mancini’s men to get back to winning ways this weekend. I tip Inter Milan to win at the San Siro on Saturday night.
English Premier League
Swansea City V Leicester City- Double chance on Leicester:
Swansea continued their poor form last weekend losing by a lone goal against Liverpool while Leicester got a well-deserved draw against Manchester United. Swansea have picked up just 1 point in their last four premier league games, so I don’t expect them to be much of a threat against Leicester on Saturday. I tip Leicester City to get at least a point at the Liberty stadium.
West Bromwich Albion V Tottenham- Double chance on Tottenham:
West Brom picked up a point at West Ham on Sunday while Tottenham played out a goalless draw against Chelsea at the weekend to extend their unbeaten run to 13 Premier League matches. West Brom are on a good run of form, so i expect this match to tough for Tottenham. I tip Tottenham to get a point at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
Newcastle V Liverpool- Liverpool win:
Newcastle continued their abysmal form losing 5-1 against Crystal Palace in Game week 14 while Liverpool defeated Swansea 1-0 at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men are in rich-vein of form after defeating Southampton 6-1 in the League Cup. I tip Liverpool to win convincingly at St James’ park on Sunday.
Spanish LIGA BBVA
Valencia V Barcelona- Barcelona win:
Valencia lost away from home last weekend to struggling Sevilla in a match that ended the reign of Nuno Espirito Santo while Barcelona continue their winning run defeating Real Sociedad 4-0 at Camp Nou. I expect Barcelona to be too strong for Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. I tip Barcelona to win in an entertaining match.
Deportivo La Coruna V Sevilla- Double chance on Deportivo:
Deportivo defeated Las Palmas away from home in Game week 13 while Sevilla got a lone goal victory against Valencia. Deportivo have lost just one game in their last five Liga BBVA matches, so i tip them to get at least a point at home on Saturday.
German Bundesliga
Cologne V Augsburg- Double chance on Cologne:
Cologne played a goalless draw against Darmstadt last weekend while Augsburg also played a goalless draw against Wolfsburg. I expect the match to be tight because both teams give extra details to defending. I tip Cologne to get at least a point at home on Saturday.
Wolfsburg V Borussia Dortmund- Both teams to score(BTTS):
Wolfsburg played a goalless draw with Augsburg last weekend while Dortmund defeated Stuttgart 4-1. In the last 3 Bundesliga meetings between Wolfsburg and Dortmund at the Volkswagen Arena both teams got on the score sheet, so I expect the trend to continue this weekend. I tip Both teams to score at Volkswagen Arena on Saturday night.
French Ligue 1
Ajaccio V Nantes- Double chance on Ajaccio:
Ajaccio continued their impressive form with an away win at Montpellier on Wednesday while Nantes held Olympique Lyon to a goalless draw on Tuesday night. I tip Ajaccio to get at least a point at home on Saturday.
This is Game week 7 of our Bookies corner where we help Punters forecast on the best accumulators to put their money on.
Tobi Olubiyi’s (@Tobipreety) predictions:
English Premier League
Tottenham Vs Man City -Both teams to score (BTTS): This is a mouth watering fixture between two teams who naturally score a lot of goals. This fixture is coming at a time where the sky blues are conceding a lot of goals due to the absence of their gallant center back Kompany. His replacements Otamendi, Mangala and Demichelis haven’t been able to prevent them from shipping in goals as they have conceded 5 goals in their last 3 games in all competition.
I see both teams scoring in this game.
Manchester United Vs Sunderland- Manchester United win : The Red Devils are in superb form at the moment winning their last 2 League games against Liverpool and Southampton scoring 3 goals each in both matches. New boy Martial has also scored 4 goals so far and his confidence in front of goal is astonishing. Sunderland however have struggled for form this season and they have only drawn 2 in 6 games losing the remaining. Manager Advocaat’s job is in danger and if he is to rescue the black cats this season I don’t think it will start at Old trafford.
Spanish La Liga
Barcelona Vs Las Palmas – Barcelona to win both half: Barcelona are wounded lions right now after loosing 4-1 at Celta which was their heaviest defeat since march 2008 to end their perfect start to the season. They will look to bounce back immediately by getting a win against newly promoted Las Palmas who have only won once this season. Luis Enrique will set up his team to attack from the blast of the whistle till the end. I see Barcelona winning the first half and second half of the game.
Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Bilbao – Draw: David Moyes’ men finally got their first win of the season in their last game at Granada. The team is under a lot of pressure and the coach is trying to save his job, he would do everything to avoid their 3rd defeat of the season especially in front of the home fans. Bilbao also lost their last game albeit narrowly to star studded Real Madrid. I see this as a tight game and could end in a draw.
German Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund Vs Darmstadt – Dortmund win: BVB have been a totally different team this season compared to last season and they have come out blazing. Winning all matches this season in all competitions except the draw against a defensively determined Hoffenheim in their last game which ended their perfect record going into the season. I expect them to get back to winning ways against Darmstadt at the Signal Iduna Park.
Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen -Both teams to score (BTTS) : These two teams are evenly matched with both teams struggling this season. Bremen are 13th on the log with 7 goals while Leverkusen are 11th with just 4 goals scored. Schmidt’s men are not good travelers and have only won away on one occasion this season. I expect both teams to score in this game.
French Ligue 1
St Etienne Vs Nice – St Etienne win: St Ettiene are 2nd place on the table and have lost just once in 7 games this season. They are in form after winning their last 5 games. Nice how ever are picking up slowly and are growing into the season which was obvious in their 6 goal annihilation of a traditionally defensive Bordeaux last match day. I see St Etienne continuing their fine form at the Stade Geoffroy against Nice.
Bordeaux Vs Lyon – Lyon Win : Bordeaux were surprise 6-1 losers against Nice which further plummeted their woeful season leaving them 16th place on the the log and desperately looking for inspiration. Willy Sagnol’s bordeaux have been known to be defensively astute but that has not been evident this campaign as they have conceded 12 goals already which is the 3rd worse defense in the league behind Troyes and Bastia. Lyon were unlucky not to win against Marseille and Toulouse and I believe they will push harder in this game to get maximum points.
Italian Serie A
Napoli Vs Juventus – Any team win (Double chance): both teams started the season slowly but they have grown into the competition. It will be shocking to find Napoli and Juventus 12th and 13th place respectively. I see either team winning this game so i’m giving them double chance.
Genoa Vs AC Milan – Milan win : Mihajlovic’s Milan have had a roller coaster season so far winning 3 and loosing 2 games. Genoa have been far worse winning just one and loosing 4 games. Milan have a strong attacking force with Luiz Adriano, Balotelli,Carlos Bacca and Honda. This attacking threat would bee too much for Genoa to handle and I see Milan winning.
Paul Ayorinde’s (@El_pauleta) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Roma V Carpi– Roma win: Roma will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Sampdoria while Carpi are still delighted with their hard fought draw with Napoli. I expect Roma’s attacking prowess to be strong for Serie A newcomers Carpi. I tip Roma to win at the Olimpico.
Napoli V Juventus– Both teams to score (BTTS): it is the match of the weekend in the Serie A, both teams recorded disappointing draws against Serie A newcomers during the week. I expect the match to be an entertaining one with lots of goals. I tip both teams to score at the San Paolo stadium.
German Bundesliga
Mainz V Bayern Munich– Bayern Munich with over 2.5 goals: Bayern Munich are still basking in the euphoria of Robert Lewandoski’s five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg during the week. I expect them to get an easy win against Mainz at the Coface Arena on Saturday.
Hamburg V Schalke 04– Double chance(Win or draw) on Schalke: Both teams are in a rich-vein of form, so this match guarantees to be an exciting one. I tip Schalke to get at least a draw away from home on Saturday, so am going with a win or draw for Schalke 04 at HSH Nordbank Arena.
Spanish BBVA Liga
Real Madrid V Malaga– Real Madrid win with over 2.5 goals: Real Madrid are joint leaders of the league at the moment and I expect them to continue their winning form against Malaga on Saturday. I tip Real Madrid to win convincingly at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Villarreal V Atletico Madrid– Both teams to score(BTTS): Villarreal continued their good form this season with an away win at Malaga on Wednesday while Atletico Madrid won at home during the week as well. This match is going to be exciting and I expect both sides to get on the score sheet, so am tipping both teams to score at the El Madrigal on Saturday.
French Ligue 1
Nantes V Paris Saint-Germain- PSG win: Nantes have been struggling this season losing their last 3 league matches. PSG have not be exceptional this season but I expect them to be too strong for Nantes, so i am tipping PSG to get an easy win at the La Beaujoire-Louis-Fonteneau on Saturday.
Leicester V Arsenal– Both teams to score (BTTS): Leicester are the only unbeaten team left in the league this season and I expect the game against Arsenal to be cracker. It will be difficult to predict if there is a winner in this one but am sticking my neck out to predict that both teams will get on the score sheet on Saturday.
Manchester United V Sunderland- Man Utd win: Manchester United have enjoyed a good start to the season and are just two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City while Sunderland are rooted to the bottom of the league. I expect the trio of Rooney,Memphis and Martial to be too strong for Sunderland’s defence, so I tip Manchester United to get a win at home on Saturday.
Tottenham V Manchester City– Double chance(win or draw) on Manchester City: Tottenham made it two consecutive 1-0 wins in the league when they defeated Crystal Palace last weekend while league leaders Manchester City were beaten by West Ham in Gameweek 6 and will look to bounce back immediately. I expect Manchester City to get at least a point at White Hart lane on Saturday, so am going with a win or draw on Manchester City.
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