Greetings all,
Big weekend ahead - plenty of decisive, big games.
Here's my run through,
ITALY
Milan - Inter
When two teams share the same stadium, it's not often that home field advantage makes a difference. In the Champions' League semi finals in May 2003, Milan drew both games against their crosstown rivals yet went through on away goals. Having played to a 1-1 draw in the away second leg, Milan progressed after having held Inter to a goalless draw in the first leg. It just so happened that the 1-1 draw came in the match in which Milan was designated as the away team.
I doubt this match will have any such tension. Inter hold an 11 point advantage over their rivals. But Milan is the home team.
2 - 1
Stankovic to score off a header.
Fiorentina - Palermo
The Florentines are at home, upbeat after the latest points deduction reduction and the form team of Serie A so far. Palermo are top of the league, arguably more balanced than their opponents.
2 - 2 Toni to score the late equalizer.
Udinese - Roma
4th versus 3rd, one of the pre favorites against one of Serie A's most consistent teams. Both are playing well, both drew their last games. Roma have more match winners (Totti, De Rossi) but their talent is arguably more mercurial (once again, Totti, De Rossi). Udinese is playing at home, unbeaten since their opening day defeat away at Messina. Possessing one of Italian football's emerging talents in Antonio Di Natale, along with plucky striker Vicenzo Iaquinta, they could prove to be more than a match for Roma.
2 - 2 Expect to see both Perrotta and Iaquinta on the scoresheet.
SPAIN
Athletico - Zaragoza
Diego Milito is Primera Liga's hottest striker right now (David Villa may have something to say about that though) while Pablo Aimar is rediscovering the form and guile that once made him one of the world's highest rated playmakers. Athletico have had a mixed start so far - clinical yet underwhelming. Torres is still scoring but misses too many sitters, Aguero uses his hands and their defence seems remain static when confronted by a quick passing attack that keeps the ball on the ground. They play at home but will have trouble keeping up with Zaragoza.
1 - 2
Milito from Aimar.
Getafe - Deportivo
Lopo, Barragan and Capdevilla to hold firm against Real Madrid's conquerors.
0 - 1
Racing - Valencia
I only mention this because Nikola Zigic will line up for the home team. Should be an easy three points for the Ches.
1 - 2
Zigic - Villa, Joaquin.
Celta - Sevilla
Celta are better than their table position claims. Sevilla are hit or miss - capable of tearing apart Barcelona on one day and then losing to Watford on another.
2 - 2 Baiano to score for Celta.
Nope - Barcelona and Real aren't playing important, decisive matches - so no mention of them. If there's one thing you learn from reading my blog - I am all about the middle and little guys. I do mention the big teams but I am as interested by the lesser lights. 10th versus 11th is more important to me than 1st versus 8th - cause it's a more even, unpredictable contest.
ENGLAND
Only one really interesting match.
Bolton - Man U
3rd versus 2nd. The tightest defence against the most prolific attack. Can Anelka, Diouf, Speed and Davies top Rooney, Saha, Ronaldo and Scholes? This is going to be one ugly match - full of British grit, graft and little flair and even less craft. If Bolton can keep their shape and concentration they should beat Man U handily. If United get their first few tackles in right and win a few of the opening 50-50 balls, they themselves would win convincingly. It could also finish as a draw - it's THAT unpredictable. I'll plump for a draw - Fergie's too canny to risk going for a win at the Reebok.
1 - 1
Skipping through the rest - it's late and I need some sleep.
GERMANY
Nurnberg 2 - 1 Dortmund
Bayern 3 - 0 Frankfurt
Bochum 2 - 1 Wolfsburg
FRANCE
Nantes 2 - 1 Monaco
PSG 2 - 1 Rennes
We'll see how I'll do Sunday night.
Good night and have a good weekend.
Big weekend ahead - plenty of decisive, big games.
Here's my run through,
ITALY
Milan - Inter
When two teams share the same stadium, it's not often that home field advantage makes a difference. In the Champions' League semi finals in May 2003, Milan drew both games against their crosstown rivals yet went through on away goals. Having played to a 1-1 draw in the away second leg, Milan progressed after having held Inter to a goalless draw in the first leg. It just so happened that the 1-1 draw came in the match in which Milan was designated as the away team.
I doubt this match will have any such tension. Inter hold an 11 point advantage over their rivals. But Milan is the home team.
2 - 1
Stankovic to score off a header.
Fiorentina - Palermo
The Florentines are at home, upbeat after the latest points deduction reduction and the form team of Serie A so far. Palermo are top of the league, arguably more balanced than their opponents.
2 - 2 Toni to score the late equalizer.
Udinese - Roma
4th versus 3rd, one of the pre favorites against one of Serie A's most consistent teams. Both are playing well, both drew their last games. Roma have more match winners (Totti, De Rossi) but their talent is arguably more mercurial (once again, Totti, De Rossi). Udinese is playing at home, unbeaten since their opening day defeat away at Messina. Possessing one of Italian football's emerging talents in Antonio Di Natale, along with plucky striker Vicenzo Iaquinta, they could prove to be more than a match for Roma.
2 - 2 Expect to see both Perrotta and Iaquinta on the scoresheet.
SPAIN
Athletico - Zaragoza
Diego Milito is Primera Liga's hottest striker right now (David Villa may have something to say about that though) while Pablo Aimar is rediscovering the form and guile that once made him one of the world's highest rated playmakers. Athletico have had a mixed start so far - clinical yet underwhelming. Torres is still scoring but misses too many sitters, Aguero uses his hands and their defence seems remain static when confronted by a quick passing attack that keeps the ball on the ground. They play at home but will have trouble keeping up with Zaragoza.
1 - 2
Milito from Aimar.
Getafe - Deportivo
Lopo, Barragan and Capdevilla to hold firm against Real Madrid's conquerors.
0 - 1
Racing - Valencia
I only mention this because Nikola Zigic will line up for the home team. Should be an easy three points for the Ches.
1 - 2
Zigic - Villa, Joaquin.
Celta - Sevilla
Celta are better than their table position claims. Sevilla are hit or miss - capable of tearing apart Barcelona on one day and then losing to Watford on another.
2 - 2 Baiano to score for Celta.
Nope - Barcelona and Real aren't playing important, decisive matches - so no mention of them. If there's one thing you learn from reading my blog - I am all about the middle and little guys. I do mention the big teams but I am as interested by the lesser lights. 10th versus 11th is more important to me than 1st versus 8th - cause it's a more even, unpredictable contest.
ENGLAND
Only one really interesting match.
Bolton - Man U
3rd versus 2nd. The tightest defence against the most prolific attack. Can Anelka, Diouf, Speed and Davies top Rooney, Saha, Ronaldo and Scholes? This is going to be one ugly match - full of British grit, graft and little flair and even less craft. If Bolton can keep their shape and concentration they should beat Man U handily. If United get their first few tackles in right and win a few of the opening 50-50 balls, they themselves would win convincingly. It could also finish as a draw - it's THAT unpredictable. I'll plump for a draw - Fergie's too canny to risk going for a win at the Reebok.
1 - 1
Skipping through the rest - it's late and I need some sleep.
GERMANY
Nurnberg 2 - 1 Dortmund
Bayern 3 - 0 Frankfurt
Bochum 2 - 1 Wolfsburg
FRANCE
Nantes 2 - 1 Monaco
PSG 2 - 1 Rennes
We'll see how I'll do Sunday night.
Good night and have a good weekend.
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