Newfanzone Bookies Corner (Game Week 23)

Finally our 10-game accumulator series returns this week for the first time since December when most Leagues observed the winter break. This weekend will be the first time all top five leagues in Europe will be playing concurrently in 2016 and football fans will be treated to some scintillating displays in the various matches played. Punters alike have various options of matches and outcomes to select from this time.

We at Newfanzone have done our best to select 10 possible outcomes in our accumulators.

Good luck with your bets.

Tobi Olubiyi’s (@tobipreety) predictions:

English Premier league

Arsenal Vs Chelsea – Arsenal win or draw : The gooners have had an impressive campaign so far and going into this match in week 22 as league leaders, they will undoubtedly be the favourites. Though the Arsene Wenger led side have failed to get a Premier League win against the Blues since 29th October 2011 which was a 3-5 away win at Stamford Bridge. 14th placed Chelsea have already got one over Arsenal this season when they won the reverse fixture earlier in the season under former Manager Jose Mourinho. I believe this is an in form arsenal and going against an uninspired Chelsea who have been shown no respect by the smaller teams this season, Arsenal should get at least a point from this game.

Arsenal Vs Chelsea
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Everton Vs Swansea – Everton win : Everton Manager Roberto Martinez would still have the 3-3 draw of last match on his mind after what looked like a win against the defending Champions Chelsea ended in a draw after a last minute equaliser. The toffees must build on such a wonderful performance and this is the best time to face a relegation threatened Swansea who are bereft of ideas lately. A new head coach has since been brought in from Italy to assist the manager and this match will be his first time in the Dug out. The swans will have an uphill task travelling to Goodison Park on the back of just 1 win in their last 5 games. Everton will get a win to complement their fine form as they are unbeaten in their last 5 matches.

French Ligue 1

Olympique Lyon Vs Olympique Marsielle -Both Teams To Score: This battle is between the 8th placed and 9th placed on the table with both teams on 29points after 21 matches. In their last 6 matches against each other there has been 3 draws with 16 goals scored by both teams and both teams scored in 4 of those matches. It promises to be an interesting encounter as both teams are expected to be chasing runaway league leaders PSG who are currently leading both teams with 28 points although they are both 7 points behind 2nd place.
It is difficult to tilt towards a winner but I believe both teams would get on the score sheet

Monaco Vs Toulouse : MONACO win – Monaco have recently hit form and are unbeaten in their last 5 matches winning 3 of them. This form has shot them straight into 2nd place while Toulouse have lost their last 2 matches. Although both were against PSG with one being the French Cup. Toulouse face a difficult trip to the Stade Louis on the back of 2 straight defeats when their next 2 matches are against Monaco and PSG for another cup game. Monaco will tear apart 19th placed Toulouse who have won only 4 games all season.

Italian Serie A

Inter Milan Vs Carpi : Inter Milan Win – Both teams have already met twice this season one in the Cup and the other in the league and Inter won on both occasion. Inter Milan will be hosting Serie A new comers Carpi who are sitting at 18th spot. Mancini’s Nerrazurri are hungry for success and also desperate to bring back the glory days to the San Siro and with just 4 points behing 1st place they will keep up the pressure if the get a win at home in this match.
I expect 3rd placed Inter who are overwhelming favourites to do enough to get maximum points. Coming into this game on the back of an impressive 2-0 away win over Napoli in the Coppa Italia.

Juventus Vs Roma : Juventus win or Draw – Defending Champions and Serie A Favourites Juventus will be involved in a tricky tie against arch rivals AS Roma. Though Roma have been on the decline lately ,languishing in 5th place after a poor run of results which led to the sack of Rudi Garcia , we have learnt over time that in games like this form is thrown out of the window. Juventus have only lost once in the last 15 matches as their form has seen them the most inform team in Europe’s top 5 leagues . Roma’s new gaffer Luciano Spaletti is familiar with the Serie A and matches of this nature so this could be a potential banana skin for Juventus. ‎This also promises to be a fiercy clash as usual, there has been 7 red cards in the last 6 matches between these two teams. It could be tough but Juventus will get something out of this game.

German Bundesliga

Borussia Monchengladbach Vs Borussia Dortmund : Both teams to score : Dortmund have been deadly infront of goal this season scoring 47 goals in as little as 17 matches which is more than league leaders Bayern Munich. Dortmund attack is led by African Player of the year Aubumeyang who has scored 18 goals so far which is more than the number of goals Bundesliga clubs Ingolstadt ,Darmstadt , Werder bremen and hoffenheim have scored this season. His goal scoring prowess makes him the deadliest attacker in Europe’s top 5 league on basis of conversion rate and goal/game Ratio. Fourth placed Monchengladbach are also an attacking side having scored 34 goals this season making them the 3rd highest scoring side in the Bundesliga so far. There will be goals in this game as both teams are known to attack, I expect both teams to get at least a goal each.

Schalke 04 Vs Werder Bremen – Schalke 04 win :‎ In the last 6 matches between the two, Bremen are yet to win while Schalke has won 4 drawing the other 2. Schalke are favourites and playing at the Veltings Arena infront of their home fans , it will be an added advantage against the visitors who have not won in their last 5 Bundesliga matches and are currently 16th on the league table.
I expect Schalke to get a win with their attacking trio of Choupo Moting, Huntelaar and Franco Di Santo.

Spanish La Liga

Atletico Madrid Vs Sevilla – Atletico Madrid win : League Leaders Atletico Madrid are clear favourites going into this clash. They have only lost one of their last 23 matches in all competitions. After 6 Previous meetings with Sevilla, Athletico Madrid have won 4 and drawn 2. Diego Simeone’s men will look to extend that fantastic record when Sevilla come visiting on sunday. Sevilla have also picked form as they have won their last 4 matches but a trip to the Vicente Calderón will be too much ask for Unai Emery and his team. I see Atletico extending their lead at the summit with a victory against Sevilla

Real Betis Vs Real Madrid – Real Madrid win : Spanish power house Real Madrid have experienced a resurgence since club Legend Zidane has been brought in to replace Rafa Benitez. Madrid have not lost to Real Betis in the last 6 meetings against each other. With just 3 points between 3rd placed Real Madrid and 1st place Atletico Madrid, a win against Betis will be the least result expected to put pressure on the leaders. Poor Real Betis are currently 15th on the table and are yet to win in 15 matches in all competitions.
I expect nothing less than a Real Madrid win against minnows Real Betis as they look to push for the La Liga title this season.

Arsenal Vs Chelsea
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Paul Ayorinde’s (@el_pauleta) predictions:

Italian Serie A

Hellas Verona V Genoa- Double chance on Genoa:

Hellas Verona are one of the few sides in Europe without a win to their name and don’t expect that to change against an in-form Genoa side. I tip Gasperini’s men to get at least a point away from home on Sunday.

Sassuolo V Bologna- Double chance on Sassuolo:

Sassuolo were held to 1-1 draw against Torino on Wednesday night while Bologna played a 2-2 draw against Lazio last weekend. I expect Sassuolo to get at least a point at home on Sunday.

Jonjo Shelvey

English Premier League

Everton V Swansea- Both team to score (BTTS):

Everton played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon while Swansea got a rare win when they defeated Watford on Monday night. The match promises to be entertaining with a couple of goals. So i am tipping both teams to score at Goodison park on Sunday afternoon.

Crystal Palace V Tottenham- Double chance on Tottenham:

Crystal Palace were defeated 4-0 when
they visited Manchester City on last weekend while Tottenham “hammered” Sunderland 4-1 at White Hart Lane. Alan Pardew’s men are without a win in five Premier League matches and have lost
three straight fixtures, so i tip Tottenham to get at least a draw at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Leicester City V Stoke City- Double chance on Leicester:

Leicester played a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last weekend while Stoke City played an entertaining goalless draw with league leaders Arsenal. This match should be a cracker between two teams on a good run of form. I tip Leicester City to get at least a point at home.

Spanish Liga BBVA

Real Betis V Real Madrid- Real Madrid win and Over 2.5 goals:

Real Betis played a goalless draw against Villarreal last weekend while Real Madrid mauled Sporting Gijon 5-1 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Betis are without a win in their last five matches and I don’t expect that to change against Zinedine Zidane’s men on Sunday. I tip Real Madrid to win in an high scoring match at the Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.

Deportivo La Coruna V Valencia- Double chance on Valencia:

Deportivo played a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad last weekend while Gary Neville’s men continued their poor league form playing a 2-2 draw at Rayo Vallecano at the Mestalla. Both teams have not won in their last four league matches. I tip Valencia to get a draw away from home on Sunday.

French Ligue 1

AS Monaco V Toulouse- Double chance on Monaco:

Monaco defeated Lorient 2-0 away from home last weekend while Toulouse lost 0-1 at home to league champions PSG. I tip Monaco to get at least a point at home on Sunday.

German Bundesliga

Cologne V Stuttgart- Double chance on Cologne:

Cologne will be looking to improve on their form as the second round of matches kick off this weekend while Stuttgart will be hoping they can continue from where they stopped last year when they defeated Wolfsburg 3-1 at home. I tip Cologne to get a least a point at home on Saturday.

Borussia Monchengladbach V Borussia Dortmund- Both teams to score (BTTS):

This is definitely the match of the week in the Bundesliga and it promises to be an entertaining match between second and fourth on the league standing. I tip both teams to score in a thrilling encounter at Borussia-Park on Saturday evening.

Transfer Round Up For January 21st 2016

Done deals:

– Werder Bremen have signed Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea on loan until the end of the season.

– Swansea defender Franck Tabanou has joined St Etienne on loan for the rest of the season.

– Sampdoria have signed Inter Milan full-back Dodo on loan for the rest of the season.

– Fiorentina have completed the signing of Tino Costa on loan from Spartak Moscow with an option to buy.

– Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has agreed a new one-year contract with an option of a further year, according to Sky Sports sources.

Branislav Ivanovic, photo credit: CFCUnofficial
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Today’s reports and rumours:

– Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has penned a new long-term deal with the La Liga club.

– “The coaches are working on the topic of Fernando Torres and they will be the ones who will decide his future in the coming days,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said

– Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia is reportedly very close to agreeing a move to Sampdoria.

– Chelsea are unlikely to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Ezequiel Lavezzi during the January transfer window despite their interest in the forward, According to ESPN Soccernet sources.

– Sime Vrsaljko’s agent says Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Milan want the Sassuolo full-back.

– Real Madrid have told Manchester United target James Rodriquez that he will be sold if his behaviour does not improve, according to reports.

– Marseille are planning to bolster their attack by trying to take Roma striker Seydou Doumbia on loan, according to L’Equipe.

– Ogenyi Onazi’s agent says ‘he wants to play and have space’ and that he is ‘considering’ a Lazio exit.

– West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied making a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.

– According to L’Equipe, Pep Guardiola met Manchester United officials last week

– According to Sky Sports News, West Brom haven’t received any bids for striker Saido Berahino during this transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino

– Tottenham manager Pochettino on Gareth Bale: “If we have the option to sign him, why not? He’s a great player and a player that can improve our squad. This is the kind of profile that we find.”

– Jiangsu Suning’s attempts to sign Inter’s Fredy Guarin and Roma’s Gervinho have fallen through, according to reports.

– Borussia Dortmund need to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, coach Thomas Tuchel has said.

– Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has said the club will not sell midfielder Kevin Kampl to Atletico Madrid.

– Inter Milan have reportedly offered Marseille €2.5million to bring Portuguese defender Rolando back to the club.

– Stoke City are ready to offer Porto €25million in order to purchase their summer signing Giannelli Imbula, according to L’Equipe.

– Claudio Ranieri wants to sign a new striker before the transfer window closes and the Leicester boss is “very confident” of doing so.

– According to reports, Genoa have made a fresh approach for Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy.

– Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target Alex Teixeira has suffered an injury which forced him out of a Shakhtar Donetsk game at the Florida Cup, according to coach Mircea Lucescu.

– Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he is considering a move for Wolfsburg forward Nicklas Bendtner.

– According to Sky Sports sources, West Ham have made a loan bid for Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike.

– Franck Tabanou says he was never “given a chance” at Swansea City after completing a loan return to St Etienne.

– Ronald Koeman has dismissed speculation linking striker Shane Long with a move away from Southampton, reiterating that nobody is for sale in January.

– According to reports, Chelsea are facing late competition from Sporting Lisbon for the signing of Alexandre Pato from Corinthians.

– According to reports, Fabio Borini is expected to remain at Sunderland beyond the January transfer window, despite speculation that he could be offered in a swap deal for Black Cats target Andre Ayew.

– Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has revealed there had been no contact with Swansea over a potential swap deal for strikers Dwight Gayle and Bafetimbi Gomis.

– The agent of Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez admits Italian clubs “have inquired about him”.

Victor Valdes

– According to reports, Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes is set to join Standard Liege on loan.

– Newcastle have reportedly made a £1million bid for Espanyol striker Mamadou Sylla.

– Liverpool have turned down an offer from Swansea to sign midfielder Joe Allen on loan, according to reports.

– Mauro Zarate sends a farewell message to West Ham United, as he’s on the verge of joining Fiorentina.

Football tit bits:

– Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri has been banned for two Coppa Italia matches and fined €20,000 for alleged homophobic remarks.

Mesut Ozil
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– Arsene Wenger has said Mesut Ozil will definitely be available for Arsenal’s game against Chelsea on Sunday, while he also expects Alexis Sanchez to make his return.

– Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano has been handed a one-year prison sentence for tax evasion in Spain but he is not expected to serve any time in jail.

– Gareth Bale’s agent has called for an investigation after a confidential document relating to his client’s world record £85million move to Real Madrid from Tottenham was leaked.

– Leyton Orient have appointed Kevin Nolan as their new player-manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

– The Football Association has criticised the head of UK Anti-Doping for wondering whether the game may have a hidden
performance-enhancing drugs problem.

Transfer Round Up for January 20th 2016

Done deals:

– Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric has joined Hoffenheim on loan until end of season.

– Werder Bremen have signed Laszlo Kleinheisler from Videoton.

– Besiktas have completed the signing of goalkeeper Denys Boyko from FC Dnipro.

– Jose Angel Crespo has joined Rayo Vallecano on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the 2015/16 season.

– Sassuolo have signed striker Marcello Trotta from Avellino.

– West Ham have signed defender Sam Byram from Leeds United on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Today’s reports and rumours:

Ezequiel Lavezzi
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– Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi is in London, with Chelsea interested in signing him according to Sky Sports Italia.

– Leicester are in a three way tussle with PSV and Malaga to close a loan deal for Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, according to reports in Brazil.

– Sunderland are set to offer Swansea £6m plus Fabio Borini for Andre Ayew, according to reports in England.

Lionel Messi
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– “I’d never play for another European club,” Messi told France Football “Barcelona is my home and I want to retire here.”

– West Ham United are lining up a move for Fenerbahce’s striker Emmanuel Emenike, according to ESPN soccernet sources.

– Watford have renewed their interest in Fiorentina midfielder Mario Suarez, according to Sky Sports sources.

– Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Alexandre Pato from Corinthians, according to reports.

– Swansea have been linked with a move with Southampton’s Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez, according to reports.

– According to reports in Germany, Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Hatem Ben Arfa and Stephan El Shaarawy.

– AC Milan striker Luiz Adriano has reportedly back out of a €14million move to the Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning FC.

Yaya Touré
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– Yaya Toure’s agent has suggested that the Manchester City midfielder is ready to listen to offers from other clubs when the Premier League season comes to an end.

– Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he rates Christian Benteke and scouted the striker when he was Borussia Dortmund boss.

– AC Milan’s hopes of signing Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi have taken a blow as the club announce: “He’s not for sale.”

– Reported Real Madrid target Rodrigo Bentancur is happy at Boca Juniors for the moment, according to his father.

– According to reports, Everton want to sign Chelsea midfielder Bertrand Traore on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season.

– Atalanta have reportedly received a €10millon offer from Napoli for Alberto Grassi.

– According to ESPN, Manchester United are seriously considering making an offer for PSG striker Edinson Cavani.

– Adriano Galliani confirms Stephan El Shaarawy “cannot return to Milan. He either stays at Monaco or finds another club.”

– Real Betis are interested in West Ham United striker Mauro Zarate, but his agent confirms “he wants Fiorentina.”

– Inter left-back Dodo is expected to undergo his medical for a loan move to Sampdoria tomorrow.

Wojciech Szczesny

– Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could extend his Roma loan by another season, according to reports.

– Giuseppe Rossi’s agent confirms interest from Levante in the Fiorentina striker is “real”.

– Aston Villa are in talks with Nemanja Vidic as Remi Garde looks to bolster his side’s defence, according to reports.

– Torino deny they are interested in PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

Football tit bits:

– Manchester United could eventually pay £61.5million to Monaco for Anthony Martial if all of the clauses in the deal are met, according to an alleged leaked document.

– FFF President Noël Le Graët has described Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema “as stupid as a donkey” for his role in the alleged blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena

– Patrick Vieira has been presented as the new head coach at New York City FC today, where he will lead the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and David Villa next season.

– Lionel Messi’s tax fraud trial in Spain has been set for May 31-June 3, conflicting with the start of the centennial Copa America in the United States.

– Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo says the moment he knew he was going to be a star came during his first training session at Sporting Lisbon when he was just 11 years old.

Daniel Amokachi

– Daniel Amokachi has signed a one year deal to manage Finish second division side JS Hercules.

Transfer Round Up For January 11th 2016 And FA Cup Fixtures…,

Done deals:

– Werder Bremen have signed Thanos Petsos from Rapid Vienna.

– Newcastle sign Senegalese midfielder Henry Saivet from Bordeaux on five-and-a-half-year deal.

– Bournemouth re-sign striker Lewis Grabban from Norwich on a three-and-a-half year deal.

– Bologna have confirmed the signing of striker Sergio Floccari from Sassuolo .

Today’s reports and rumours:

– Rio Ferdinard has urged Manchester United to do everything in their power to sign John Stones and Raphael Varane.

– Chelsea are preparing a £30million offer for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports.

– Southampton are interested in Palermo midfielder Oscar Hiljemark, according to reports in Italy.

Jurgen Klopp
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– Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a move for Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato.

– West Brom, Besiktas and AC Milan are all interested in Lyon’s Henri Bedimo, according to L’Equipe.

– Brazilian defender Dante has vowed to stay at Wolfsburg amid MLS links.

– Mauricio Pochetinno says Andros Townsend remains part of the squad and could be involved in the coming games.

– Steven Pienaar might leave Everton for Ajax Amsterdam, according to his business manager Rob Moore.

– Barcelona have opened talks with Ivan Rakitic over a new deal, the midfielder has revealed.

– Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel says he is not planning to sell reported Liverpool target Neven Subotic, calling him “an important part of the group” despite his lack of game time this season.

– According to reports, Federico Fazio is nearing a Tottenham exit having failed to impress at White Hart Lane, with former club Sevilla a likely destination.

– Zenit St Petersburg and Guangzhou Evergrande are preparing offers for Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, according to reports.

– Barcelona are interested in Manchester City target Leroy Sane, reports German publication Kicker.

Lionel Messi
credit: hy.wikipedia.org

– Chelsea defender Baba Rahman will remain at the club until at least the summer, his advisor has confirmed.

– Inter President Erick Thohir says they have ‘an ample squad’ but ‘it’s possible we’ll make some good buys in the market.’

– Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has insisted that he is not feeling any pressure to sign a new deal with the club.

– Tottenham have emerged as the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Fulham forward Moussa Dembele, ahead of Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

– Lyon have rejected a loan offer from Hellas Verona for the services of Lindsay Rose, according to L’Équipe.

– Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s agent assures it’s “too early” for his client to consider leaving Lazio.

– Fiorentina and Spartak Moscow have agreed terms for on-loan Genoa midfielder Tino Costa, according to reports.

– Torino have reportedly submitted a bid for Sevilla’s Ciro Immobile.

– PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi’s move to Inter in January ’is possible’ according to his agent’s associate.

– Swansea manager Alan Curtis has said the club are willing to listen to offers for Jonjo Shelvey.

– Acccording to reports, Aston Villa manager Remi Garde hopes to be handed a large transfer fund to turn around the club’s season after talks with the board.

Football tit bits:

Lionel Messi, FIFA Ballon d’Or

– Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United supporters should be happy their team are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and suggested that traffic around Old Trafford, rather than apathy, was one of the reasons why many supporters left before the end of the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

– Paris Saint-Germain have become embroiled in a row with the London-born rapper M.I.A after she wore a modified version of the club’s shirt in one of her music videos. Via Twitter, the 40-year-old has revealed a letter sent to her
record company, Universal Music, by Jean Claude Blanc, PSG’s deputy CEO, last month complaining about the fact she
can be seen in the video for Borders, a song about the global migrants crisis, wearing a white PSG shirt with the words ‘Fly Pirates’ across the middle, as opposed to ‘Fly Emirates’, the French club’s sponsor.

– Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for an unprecedented fifth time. The 28-year-old Argentine had 41.33% of the vote, with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76%)second and Barca’s Neymar (7.86%) third. “It’s a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage winning again, after being there in the audience watching as Cristiano won for two years “, Messi said after picking up the award.

– FA CUP FOURTH ROUND DRAW

Wycombe or Aston Villa v Man City

Northampton or MK Dons v Chelsea

Bury or Bradford v Hull City

Colchester v Tottenham or Leicester

Ipswich or Portsmouth v Bournemouth

Oxford v Newport or Blackburn

Crystal Palace v Stoke

Carlisle or Yeovil v Everton

Nottingham Forest v Watford

Shrewsbury v Sheffield Wednesday

Exeter or Liverpool v West Ham

Huddersfield or Reading v Walsall

Derby County v Man Utd

Arsenal v Burnley

Eastleigh or Bolton v Leeds

West Brom or Bristol City v Peterborough

Newfanzone Bookies Corner (Game week 9)

Finally the International break is over and football lovers can get back to enjoying the exciting club football that we love so much. Some key players have returned to their clubs with injuries, some with a low morale from their country’s poor performance or bad treatment from the coach during the series of fixtures. Some players have ended their goal droughts and some have travelled thousands of kilometres to represent their various countries which could result in fatigue. We have to be mindful of these factors as it could affect them and their teams either positively or negatively which will influence the outcome of the matches.

Paul Ayorinde’s (@El_pauleta) predictions:

English Premier League

Tottenham V Liverpool– Both teams to score(BTTS): Spurs sit 8th in the Premier League heading into their clash with Liverpool hoping to give Jurgen Klopp a debut to forget as Liverpool manager. I expect a tight match with both teams scoring a least goal at White Hart Lane.

Watford V Arsenal– Arsenal win with over 2.5 goals: Quique Sánchez Flores’ side host Arsenal on Saturday evening hoping to upset their more fancied opponent. Arsenal are in great form and brimming with confidence following their 3-0 win over Manchester United in Game Week 8. I expect Arsenal to get an easy win at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Manchester City V Bournemouth- Man City wins: Manchester City come back from the international break with what i will term an “injury crises”. Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure are all doubtful for Saturday’s game against injury ravaged Bournemouth. The Cherries have lost their last two Premier League games on the road and away trips don’t get much tougher than The Etihad. I tip Manchester City to win at home on Saturday.

Spanish BBVA Liga

Real Madrid V Levante- Real Madrid win with Under 4.5 goals: Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Game Week 7. Levante will be brimming with confidence after defeating table topping Villarreal in Game Week 7. I expect Real Madrid to get a low-scoring win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday afternoon.

Villarreal V Celta Vigo- Both teams to score(BTTS): it is the battle between first and second on the league table at the El Madrigal on Sunday. I expect the match to be an entertaining and tight match between two good sides. I tip both teams to score.

German Bundesliga

Werder Bremen V Bayern Munich– Bayern win with over 2.5 goals: Bayern Munich will be looking to continue their blistering form against Anthony Ujah’s Werder Bremen on Saturday. Bayern’s Mario Gotze is injured and Kingsley Coman is doubtful for the weekend game but I expect the Bavarians to be too strong for their opponent. I tip Bayern Munich to win convincingly at the Weserstadion.

Eintracht Frankfurt V Borussia Monchengladbach– Double chance on Monchengladbach: Borussia Monchengladbach will be hoping they can continue their recent progress in the Bundesliga against Frankfurt on Saturday. Monchengladbach have won their last three matches in the league and I expect them to get at least a draw away from home on Saturday evening.

French Ligue 1

Bastia V Paris Saint-Germain- PSG win: PSG will be looking to tighten their grip on first position as they travel to Stade Armand-Cesari-Furiani on Saturday. Paris Saint-Germain have won the last 3 ligue 1 at Bastia’s staduim, so i tip PSG to get a win on Saturday afternoon.

Italian Serie A

Inter V Juventus- Both teams to score(BTTS): it will be another installment of the Derby della Madonnina, as Inter Milan welcomes rivals Juventus to the San Siro on sunday. In the last six meetings between these sides, both teams have registered at least a goal against each other, so i don’t see that trend ending on Sunday. I expect both teams to score at Stadio Guiseppe Meazza on Sunday night.

Torino V AC Milan- Double chance on Torino: After a fantastic run Torino lost their second game of the season to new boys Carpi while AC Milan were humilated at home by Napoli. I expect Torino to bounce back from the defeat against Carpi and get at least a poiny at home on Saturday night.

Newfanzone Bookies Corner (Game week 7)

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.

English Premier League

Arsène Wenger
photo credit: Ronnie Macdonald
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

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.

Battle For Semi-Finals Holds…As Eko Talent Hunt 2 Tourney Continues…

Fame Feeders Team will today (Friday) take on the Eko Football Future Stars U-15 side in the last group game of both sides in the ongoing Eko Talent Hunt Season 2 tournament.

Victory for either of the two sides will ensure progression for the side having both lost one and won one in their first two matches of the tourney.

Poshey football Academy will also battle BRF Academy with both sides also eyeing qualification for the semi finals of the tournament put together by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Football Matters.

Cowbell Football Academy who are already sure of qualification having won first two matches beating Eko Football Future Stars by lone goal in their first match before beating Fame FA by the same score line yesterday at the Campos Mini Stadium venue of the tournament that has representatives of German Bundesliga side, Werder Bremen, Rudiger Degenhardt present.

Kenneth Eze, President of Africa Tomorrow Plus who is also in Lagos as part of the Werder Bremen partnership with the office of the SA on Football Matters expressed satisfaction with the standard of play in the tourney.

He stated that there is not doubt about the talents around but what is lacking coaching, saying that with good development Programmes such as the ongoing tournament can only help to develop the youngsters further.

However Farmers football academy yesterday defeated BRF Football Academy by three goals to one, while Eko football Future Stars stopped Greater Tomorrow Academy by four unreplied goals.

Cowbell Academy beat Fame Feeders by a lone goal to book a place in the semi-finals. Porshey Football Academy walked over Pepsi Football Academy who withdrew from the tournament at the last minute.