Birmingham vs Arsenal Preview & Prediction

Arsenal travel to Birmingham in Premier League tie to face Blues, standing just two points behind the leaders.

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City vs Arsenal
Ground: St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham, march 27th 2010

It’s a very important game for Gunners who could move up to second or even first with a win and if Chelsea and Man United lose. Arsene Wenger's men have won their last six matches and gained appreciable progress in the title race. They have been signed out several times this season but each time the they bounces back.

Birmingham has had a great season and is in nineth position with 44 points. They don’t have to disturb about relegation and still have a chance at a Europa League spot. They are seven points back of Aston Villa heading into the match. Unfortunately, City’s form has falled in recent matches after two defeats and a draw in their last three games.

A success at St Andrews Stadium will put the Gunners in great position as they have a game in hand. Birmingham have been a great story but are still lacking a few players to compete with the top-four teams in Premier League.

Verdict: Birmingham City vs Arsenal 0-2

West Ham vs Stoke Preview & Prediction

Stoke City travel to London in Premier League tie to face West Ham United after terrible Hammers performance lately.

Barclays Premier League
West Ham vs Stoke City
Ground: Upton Park, London, march 27th 2010

Gianfranco Zola has seen his place fall under threat of late, with five consecutive defeats suffered in the Premier League.

That shoing slump has left the Hammers uncertainly squated only three points ahead of bottom three.

From the othe hand, the Hammers have won five of their last six meetings with the Potters in all competitions.

But worryingly, they have only managed to take one point from games in which they have conceded first this season and must secure they keep things tight.

Stoke will travel to Upton Park on the back of a run which has brought just a single success from seven visits.

Verdict: West Ham vs Stoke City 2-1

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview & Prediction

Chelsea welcome Aston Villa in Premier League tie at Stamford Bridge after disapponting period for both teams.

Barclays Premier League
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Ground: Stamford Bridge, London, march 27th 2010

Chelsea disappointment start with knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Inter Milan this month, and travel to Ewood Park in Premier League clash finished with 1-1 draw with Blackburn.

The Blues get back to winning road with a 5-0 success of Portsmouth on Wednesday and the Italian boss expexting his team have turned a corner after suffering a blip in recent times.

Aston Villa, missed the chance to close in on the much coveted fourth-place as Wolves and Sunderland travelled to Villa Park and walked away with not empty hands, sharing the points.

Martin O'Neill's team is still undefeated in the league in 2010, but seven draws in their last 10 games has seriously injury the Villains chances of gaining the last Champions League qualification spot.

Verdict: Chelsea vs Aston Villa 2-1

Napoli vs Juventus Preview & Prediction

Alberto Zaccheroni and Juventus face another tough game away in Serie A to face European challengers Napoli.

Serie A
Napoli vs Juventus
Ground: Stadio San Paolo, Napoli, march 25th 2010

The Bianconeri have undergo a sad week as they fall out of the Europa League in a misery 4-1 loss at Craven Cottage before loosing 1-0 to Sampdoria, that further broken their effort for Champions League football next season.

Defeat to Napoli, who are currently seventh, could see the two clubs swop positions depending on the scoreline, as Napoli would move level on points.

Regardless of their high standing in the table, Napoli might not be so bad opponent for the Bianconeri at the moment, as they dont have a success since January 24.

Five draws and three defeats in the last eight games have seen them drop out the pace at a far more alarming rate than Juve.

A long list of injuries for Juve remains, with Gianluigi Buffon, Martín Caceres, Antonio Chimenti, Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Hasan Salihamidzic all injured, while Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended.

Verdict: Napoli vs Juventus 0-1

Portsmouth vs Chelsea Preview & Prediction

Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea travel to Fratton Park in Premier League tie to face in administration Portsmouth after huge disappointment in both UEFA Champions League and domestic League.

Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
Ground: Fratton Park, Portsmouth, march 24th 2010

Chelsea desperately need to recover from Sunday’s disappointment after draw at Ewood Park with Blackburn which blew them away four points back of Sir Alex Ferguson men in the title race.

Pompey, standing at bottom in the Premier League table, and who were deducted nine points for entering into administration, surprised Hull City at Fratton Park on Saturday, will definitely not give up without a fight.

It’s a determinative tie for Chelsea who will need a success to stay in title race chase.

Verdict: Portsmouth vs Chelsea 0-3

Aston Villa vs Sunderland Preview & Prediction

Sunderland travel to Birmingham in Premier League mid-week tie to face Aston Villa where the hosts are fighting for top-four spot and place in UEFA Champions League.

Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Ground: Villa Park, Birmingham, march 24th 2010

Martin O'Neill men dropped two important points at home ground to Wolverhampton on Saturday and still missing Gabriel Agbonlahor with a foot injury. But John Carew two goals on Saturday and has done enough to hold up his place as Villans looking to continue their unbeaten run in the League.

The Black Cats arrive on the back of a four games without a loss but with just a single success away during whole season. Captain Lorik Cana is available after his latest ban while Kenwyne Jones could be also available for the clash.

Regardless of Steve Bruce men awful away performance, they have reached some impresive results lately, ending a 14 games series without victory by smashing Bolton Wanderers 4-0 and success over Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Aston Villa have lost just a game from their last 14 league clashes at home ground and have one of the in-form strikers - John Carew, who scored seven times in his last six appearances in all competitions, including two goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Verdict: Aston Villa vs Sunderland 3-1

Manchester City vs Everton Preview & Prediction

Everton travel to Eastlands in Premier League mid-week tie to face Manchester City where the hosts are fighting for top-four spot and place in UEFA Champions League.

Barclays Premier League
Manchester City vs Everton
Ground: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, Eastlands, march 24th 2010

Man. City have the get back fourth place with a win after a six games unbeaten League run. However, they have lost only four matches during the season, which is the fewest in the Premier League. Joleon Lescott, Martin Petrov, Wayne Bridge and Michael Johnson all missing with injuries while Emmanuel Adebayor finish his four-match ban.

Everton have won 12 matches but just three away from Goodison Park. Striker Victor Anichebe, who played only 15 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Bolton before injuring, passes a test but Louis Saha could start. Marouane Fellaini is also missing for Toffees.

While Tottenham are involved in an FA Cup sixth-round replay against Fulham, Man. City could leapfrog Harry Redknapp's team and move up to fourth place in the table. But this could be possible only if they can take all three points from this mid-week fixture.

From the other hand, Everon revitalize his Europen dreams and will be chasing seventh spot in the standings.

Verdict: Man City vs Everton 1-1

West Ham vs Wolverhampton Preview & Prediction

Wolverhampton travel to London in Premier League tie to face West Ham United in six points battle of surviving.

Barclays Premier League
West Ham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ground: Upton Park, London, march 23th 2010

Wolves have the possibility to move out even further away from the drop zone when they travel to London at Upton Park to face Hammers who have lost their last four clashes.

West Ham United, who looked to escape relegation zone after success over Birmingham City and Hull City last month, have dropped to 17th place after defeats to Man. United, Bolton, Chelsea and Arsenal.

pompey are almost certain to be relegated, while the performance of Hull City and Burnley is terrible lately as they appear to be joining them the Championship next season. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will be despairing to provide a full success against Wolverhampton Wanderers which will gave his side a breath ahead bottom three.

There are several injuries and for both teams. Wolves are without Kightly, while Hammers are missing Boa Morte and Hines. Da Costa is unavailable for the West Ham due to suspension and Faubert is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Verdict: West Ham vs Wolverhampton 3-2

Blackburn vs Chelsea Preview & Prediction

Chelsea travel to Lancashire in Premier League to face Blackburn after huge disappointment in UEFA Champions League.

Barclays Premier League
Blackburn vs Chelsea
Ground: Ewood Park, Blackburn, Lancashire, march 21th 2010

Blackburn have an impressive performance at Ewood Park this season, losing only two matches in Premiership, as their home form has kept them away from the relegation zone.

Rovers are currently ten points away of the bottom three as they can shove into the top half of the table if they perform a forceful finish to the campaign.

Chelsea crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in midweek after 1-0 defeat at home ground from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan.

But Ancelotti should now concentrate on domestic championship as Chelsea chasing Premier League title and FA Cup trophy.

Chelsea are currently two points behind leaders Manchester United but with a game in hand.

Verdict: Blackburn vs Chelsea 1-2

Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview & Prediction

The most intresting Premier League tie for the weekend face Manchester United, currently on top of the table, and Liverpool, currently standing 5th, Old trafford , Manchester , kicks off at 13:30 21 March 2010.

Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns on Sunday with the outcome of such a saliva-inducing fixture set to affect both the title race and the battle for a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Liverpool enter the game after two victories including a success in the Europa League against Lille and Premier League win over Portsmouth.

Manchester United comes into the clash after a 3-0 clear success over Fulham last Sunday and ipressive 4-0 victory over Milan in UEFA Champions League. The both clubs are the most successful in England, each having 18 domestic titles including Premier League and First Division.

Ryan Giggs will be available for the Red Devils, while Nemanja Vidic will be hoping to stay clear of sending off after being booked the last three times he has faced the Reds.

Liverpool is chasing the last place entitling participation in te Champions League, while a victory over rivals Man Utd will keep their hopes alive.

Verdict: Manchester United vs Liverpool 2-1

Real Madrid vs Sporting Gijon Preview & Prediction

In La Liga, Real Madrid welcome Sporting de Gijon at Santiago Bernabeu in an attempt to extend their unbeaten home record.

La Liga Primeria Division
Real Madrid vs Sporting Gijon
Ground: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, march 20th 2010

Real Madrid must be without one of his big-money summer signings Kaka, while Karim Benzema also missing for the La Liga tie with Sporting Gijon, where the Primera Division leaders will be looking to continue their home ground record.

A win against Gijon would see "el Clasico" temporarily three points clear of Barcelona, who travel to Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

El Clasico smashed Sporting Gijon 7-1 in last year fixture, but were held to a goaless draw away at El Molinon earlier this season.

Sporting have lost only once in their last five matches since suffering four defeats in a row, and they travel to Bernabeu standing 12th in the table, nine points above the relegation zone.

Verdict: Real Madrid vs Sporting Gijon 3-0

Palermo vs Inter Milan Preview & Prediction

Italian Serie A tie face Palermo, standing 4th, and Inter Milan, standing 1st, on Stadio Renzo Barbera, kicks off at 20:45 CET 20 March 2010.

Italian "Calcio" Serie A
Palermo vs Inter Milan
Ground: Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo, march 20th 2010

Jose Mourinho's men gave magnificient performance in the Champions League clash in London as beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Stamford Bridge to reach quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Inter Milan shown solid defense and dangerous counter-attacks. The success over ex-Mourinho club gave the Nerazzurri more confidence ahead of their away league fixture against Palermo tonight.

Meanwhile, Palermo are still unbeaten at home ground this season and Inter must expect a tough game, even the fact that "Special One" is back on the bench after ban.

All in all, its a very difficult clash to predict, as the draw seems to be most equitable.

Verdict: Palermo vs Inter Milan 1-1

Everton vs Bolton Preview & Prediction

Everton will try to resuscitate their European hopes as they welcome Bolton on Saturday.

Barclays Premier League
Everton vs Bolton Wanderers
Ground: Goodison Park, Liverpool, march 20th 2010

Everton were 16th in the table before their derby defeat by Liverpool at the end of November but since then David Moyes' men conceded only two league defeats in 15 matches witch saw them fighting for Europa League place.

The Trotters bounced back from a 4-0 crash at Sunderland to 4-0 home success to Wigan last week, comfortably their biggest league win of the season.

That success for the Wanderers handed them some much-needed breathing space in their fight for surviving, with eight points now separating them and the struggling teams.

Everton will be without Louis Saha, Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and Philippe Senderos and Landon Donovan who has returned to LA Galaxy after loan expired.

Missing for Bolton are: Mark Davies, Chris Basham and Stuart Holden.

Verdict: Everton vs Bolton 2-0

Stoke vs Tottenham Preview & Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to keep their top-four dream alive by grabbing another three points at Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Barclays Premier League
Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Ground: Britannia Stadium, Staffordshire, march 20th 2010

Stoke City enter into the match without a win in their last three matches but still far away the relegation zone. They are in 11th place in the league table comfortable in the middle of the table. Tottenham are in 4th place and have won their last three league matches. There’s only three points separated fourth through seventh place so Spurs will need a strong finish to hold onto 4th place.

Harry Redknapp's men hold a single point advantage over fifth placed Liverpool and his side also have a telling game in hand.

Just one defeat in seven games has eased them into contention and three wins on the bounce has instilled further confidence.

A resounding 3-0 success at Wigan Athletic last month and home victories over Everton and Blackburn Rovers in recent times has given the north London outfit a real chance to grab Champions League qualification at the end of the season.

Verdict: Stoke vs Tottenham 2-2

Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Preview & Prediction

Aston Villa kick off the weekend's Premier League action as they meet local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers knowing history and even rock is on their side.

Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ground: Villa Park , Birmingham, march 20th 2010

The weekend's action starts on Saturday lunchtime when Aston Villa welcome Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Villa are well within the hunt for the much-coveted final Champions League berth as they sit three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.

While Martin O'Neill's men are unbeaten in eight league matches, that statistic somewhat masks the matter of just three games won from those outings. Wolves head into the fixture at Villa Pak boosted by their victory at Burnley, a game when finally Mick McCarthy's men found their shooting boots. Wolves have not coped favourably against their foes, with the club failing to beat Villa in their last 15 attempts in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Wolves have everything to fight for in their battle to avoid making an immediate return to the Championship and did their hopes a power of good last weekend with a crucial 2-1 success at relegation rivals Burnley.

Verdict: Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton 2-1

FC Koln vs Borussia Monchengladbach Preview & Prediction

Two teams in the middle of the Bundesliga table meet on Friday as FC Koln welcome Borussia Monchengladbach.

The German Bundesliga tie face FC Koln, standing 13nd, and Borussia Monchengladbach, standing 12th, on RheinEnergie Stadion, Cologne, kicks off at 20:30 CET 19 March 2010.

Both teams are just above the relegation zone in the Bundesliga. FC Koln is in 13th position with 27 points and four points away of dropping zone. Borussia Monchengladbach is in 12th position with 30 points and seven points away of the dropping three teams.

The hosts are on a tough chapter, without a victory in seven league games, but could leapfrog Monchengladbach after success on Friday. Monchengladbach has lost two matches in a row and if they seal a victory could move up to 11th place. Neither team is within Europe exit for next season but still not enough points to guarantee they are safe from relegation.

Cologne based team goalscorer is Milivoje Novakovic with five goals in the Bundesliga, while Monchengladbach is led by Roel Brouwers with six league goals. It will be a very tough evening for both sides.

Verdict: Koln vs Borussia Monchengladbach 2-2

Sporting Lisbon vs Atletico Madrid Preview & Prediction

Spanish La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid travel to Jose Alvalade Stadium following 0-0 draw at home ground to face Sporting Lisbon in the second leg tie on Thursday night.

Europe League Knockout Stage Second Leg
Sporting Lisbon vs Atletico Madrid
Ground: Jose Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon, march 18th 2010

Sporting Lisbon started the league season badly but now standing fourth in the Portuguese Liga with 38 points from 23 matches. Meanwhile, they seems to have quite strong performance in the Europa League following 0-0 draw with Atletco Madrid at the Veicente Calderon in the first leg tie last week regardless of finishing the clash with just nine men.

Atletico Madrid do not have to travel so far for the second leg tie as Portugal is just around the corner, but for 'El Pupas' to gain the last eight of the Europe League must give more than usual performance.

Atletico Madrid alwayes looks unpredictable team furthermore with two of their first choice defenders is out, they could allow a goal. The Madrid based side must score at least one goal at Lisbon if want to go ahaed in competition.

Verdict: Sporting Lisbon vs Atletico Madrid 1-1

Werder Bremen vs Valencia Preview & Prediction

Spanish La Liga outfit Valencia travel to Weserstadion following 1-1 draw at home ground to face Werder Bremen in the second leg tie on Thursday night.

Europe League Knockout Stage Second Leg
Werder Bremen vs Valencia
Ground: Weserstadion, Bremen, march 18th 2010

The Bremen Musicians almost created a shock at La Mestalla with outstanding performance against Valencia in the first leg of Europe League knockout stage. Last week the clash finished in a 1-1 draw as Valencia were deductd to ten men in the middle of the second half when Ever Banega was sent off for violent conduct.

The Werder's away goal and the household factor make him favorite before the clash. German team, currently standing just a point away of Europa League spot in the Bundesliga, will be looking for a full success.

In fact, Werder Bremen have an awesome record, as they have won all their games at home in the Europa League so far. Bremen based club also have a good performance against Valencia so far, as they met in December 2004 in a Champions League group stage.

Verdict: Werder Bremen vs Valencia 2-0

Fulham vs Juventus Preview & Prediction

Italian Serie A outfit Juventus travel to Craven Cottage after 3-1 advantage at home ground to face Fulham in the second leg tie on Thursday night.

Europe League Knockout Stage Second Leg
Fulham vs Juventus
Ground: Craven Cottage, London, march 18th 2010

With a two goal deficit from the first leg, Fulham has a lot of work to do if wish to overcome Juventus. At home ground, Juventus scored three goals against on for Cottigers. Fulham has much better performance at home but there are two goals to be erased to advance to the last eight.

Juventus will be without several players for the tie due to injuries or suspension. Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Claudio Marchisio, Gianluigi Buffon, Alex Manninger, Amauri and Michele Paolucci all out with injuries while Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended.

Meanwhile, the london based side also has several players missing for the game including Danny Murphy and Jonathan Greening due to suspension. Andy Johnson, John Pantsil, David Elm and Bjorn Helge Riise all out with injuries.

The Old Lady just needs to keep the tie to a draw or one goal to advance without any risks. They will be led by veterans Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Cannavaro. If Juventus can produce performance from the first leg, then nothing to worry about for the way to the quarter-finals.

Verdict: Fulham vs Juventus 1-1

Liverpool vs Lille Preview & Prediction

The Europa League last 16 second leg oppose Premier League outfit Liverpool and Lille, as French side has advantage following 1-0 defeat in first leg.

Europe League Knockout Stage Second Leg
Liverpool vs Lille
Ground: Anfield, Liverpool, march 18th 2010

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is undaunted that Liverpool will not be concentrated on domestic championship as they desire is to go ahead trough Europa League.

Liverpools next Premier League game is against rivals Manchester United, but the Spaniard claims his players must think for the clash with the French outfit first.

Liverpool smashed "in administration" Portsmouth 4-1 on Monday evening to secure the perfect calmness in the team for the "must-win" tie against Lille, who has an 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Reds manager is encouraged about Liverpool's chances of go trough into the Europa League competition

Lille's success in the first leg means that a single goal for visitors at Anfield will leave the Reds needing three or more to go ahead.

Verdict: Liverpool vs Lille 3-1