UEFA Champions League 2012 Previews and Predictions

The first and second qualifying round draws were made in Nyon last Monday, June 25.

Among the clubs who were able to learn their initial opponents were FC Basel 1893, who were able to reach the knockout stage last season.

The Swiss club, who lost against FC Bayern Munchen in the round of 16 last February, will be starting this season facing the Estonian FC Flora Tallinn, scheduled in the second qualifying round.

Before that, six teams are to face each other on first qualifying round ties on the 3rd and 10th of July, including a tie between Valletta FC and FC Lusitans with the winners due to meet FK Partizan.

FC Dynamo Kyiv, Panathinaikos FC and RSC Anderlecht will be showing up in the third qualifying round.

UEFA Champions League 2012 Preview: Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Predictions

Linfield and Torshavn will meet head to head on the 3 July 2012. Catch real time updates on your favorite UEFA Champions League 2012 Match

Linfield FC Preview

Belfast, North Ireland based club Linfield won their 51st Irish Premiership title by a massive 14-point margin last season with 85 points followed by Portadown at 71.Linfield FC dominated again as they took the league title by beating the Crusaders FC in the Irish Cup final to complete a sixth double in seven years.

On the 3rd of July they will face B36 Torshavn from the Faroe Island during the first leg of the Champions League.When compared to the opposing team, Linfield has a much richer history with a considerable amount of achievements. Mostly, however, the championsips were domestic and restricted within the Irish League. Nevertheless, the North Ireland outfit has a strong attack formation thus overwhelming the opposing teams.

B36 Torshavn Preview

Founded in 1936 in the Faroe Island and based in its capital with the same name, B36 Torshavn has several achievements but pale in comparison against Linfield. Their recent triumphs include winning the Faroe Islands Premier League in 2011, The Antlantic Cup in 2006, and the Faroe Island Super Cup in 2006.

B36 were drawn against AvenirBeggenin the Champions League Qualifying round in 1992. They went close but didn't make it through to the first round after a 1-0 loss and a 1-1 at home in the second leg. During the 2005-2006 Champions, the team reached the second round after defeating BV Vestmannaeyar of Iceland 3-2 on aggregate. In the second round they narrowly lost to Danish Superliga-club FC Midtjylland 1-2 in the away leg and drew 2-2 at home. The team reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA ChampionsLeague in 2006-2007season after defeating Birkirkara FC of Malta5-2 on aggregate and were eliminated in second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, losing both matches to Fenerbahe 4-0 and 5-0.

Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Predictions: F91 Dudelange 2-0

Both teams demonstrate talent and power in their own right. It is difficult to predict the winner of the first leg for the records show an equality in strength. We will just have to wait and see on 3 July 2012.

Original Source Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Previews and Predictions

 

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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions

Real Salt Lake square off with Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado on the 4th of August. Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

Colorado Rapids Preview

The season is pretty much over for the Colorado Rapids after dropping every single point in July, almost all of said points were against their Western Conference competition.The Rapids have already been knocked out of every cup competition except for the MLS Cup, and the playoffs seem like it’s a thousand years away as well. So it’s not an overstatement to say that this upcoming match-up with Real Salt Lake may just be the most important game of the season for the Colorado team. The Rocky Mountain Cup is pretty much the only thing that the Rapids can accomplish this season and they will be going against the second best team in the league. It’s like pitting a pinscher against a pit bull.

Basically, to keep themselves in the RMC they'll need to get at least a point out of Salt Lake. Maybe using the diamond 4-4-2 formation will be effective against RSL. It sure did the Rapids some good against Portland.

Real Salt Lake Preview

Salt Lake remains in contention for the MLS Supporters' Shield, which goes to the year's best regular-season team. They have the second highest ranking in the league and that’s with both the Western and the Eastern Conference combined. In the West alone, Real Salt Lake stands at number two with just two points behind the San Jose Earthquakes. Racking in a total of 42 point with just twenty games played so far this season, RSL is a force to be reckoned with.

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions: Real Salt Lake 4-0

There’s really no need to explain this prediction. Every proof is already written in paper.

Original Source Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake

 

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wheng I think you should do a thread per league, like that be more organized, for example one thread french soccer, one thread mls soccer, etc so people who only follows one league know where to go

good job wheng

but mr.rouge im too shy to make a new thread again to organize those games xD

 

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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Predictions

The Fire and TFC square off at Bridgeview, Illinois Toyota Park on the 5th of August. Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

Chicago Preview

The Fire has seen better days, with their five last games bringing in only one victory, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The rest is three losses and one draw. Nevertheless, Chicago Fire has maintained a standing in the Eastern Conference with in the top five circle, #5 to be exact. They have accumulated a total of 32 points out of twenty one games with nine wins, five draws, and seven losses.

The Fire returns home after earning a point against the league-leading San Jose Earthquakes in a 1-1 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium last July 28. Chicago holds a 5-3-2 all-time regular season advantage over Toronto FC.

Toronto Preview

Toronto FC has recently dropped their last game 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo last Saturday, July 28.With a current Eastern Conference ranking at number nine racking in a total of 23 points out of twenty one games including a season record of six wins, ten defeats, and five draws, the TFC has a long way to go especially against the Chicago Fire who has never lost to TFC at home with a 2-0-3 record in matches played at Toyota Park.

However, Toronto has seen better of recent when compared to the Chicago Fire. Their five previous games racked in three victories with only one loss and one draw. This is better than the Fires recent five games.

Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Predictions: Chicago 2-1

Although Chicago is a favourite in this match-up, we got to give TFCatleast a point. They are after all fighting for consistency.

Original Source Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC

 

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Mexico U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Mexico U23 Preview

The Mexico soccer team flexed their muscles in a one-sided 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday in the final match for both teams in Group B play at the 2012 Olympics

Mexico will advance to the knockout round for the first time since 1996 after registering seven points in Group B.

There was no question who the better team was throughout this match. Mexico dominated the time of possession battle and at times seemed almost too patient. They were seeking the perfect opportunity to strike and found it in the 69th minute on a beautiful goal by Oribe Peralta Morones.With rain steadily pouring for large stretches of the match, the field was a tad sloppy, and the passing of both teams wasn’t crisp. It certainly won’t go down as one of the most thrilling matches ever, but Mexico did what they had to do.

Japan U23 Preview

Japan is showing the world why they belong in the semis. They came off of a stunning victory over powerhouse Spain defeating them 1-0 . Japan ran out shock a 1-0 winner over 10-man Spain in the Olympic Group D fixture at Hampden Park in Glasgow, courtesy of a goal in the 34th minute from Yuki Otsu following some questionable defending from Martin Montoya.

Kensuke Nagai and Hiroshi Kiyotake could have made it a more comfortable win for Takashi Sekizuka's side as both wasted good chances either side of halftime, but Spain struggled to trouble Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal, particularly after Inigo Martinez's sending-off at the end of the first half. Despite Spain's dominance of possession in the first 25 minutes, Japan looked dangerous on the break and grew in confidence as the half wore on, with lone front-man Kensuke Nagai in particular proving a handful for the La Roja defense.

Mexico U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Mexico 2-0 Over Japan

Japan’s Cindrella story ends here. Mexico’s attack will be too much for team Japan to hold with their brilliant defense it’s just going to be to tough for Japan. I see Mexico controlling most of the time during the game

Original Source Mexico U23 vs Japan U23

 

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23 Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Korea Republic U23 Preview

Korea Republic looks to prove to the world why they belong with the elite. Mexico and South Korea may have ended their opening Olympic game knotted in a 0-0 tie, but the game certainly wasn't lacking for intrigue.

The Koreans were relentless, pressing Mexico high up the pitch and dominating the early play. But Mexico played solid defense of its own and started developing some creativity in the attack when star player Giovani Dos Santos finally made an appearance in the second half.

South Korea probably deserved the win, but give Mexico credit for keeping them off the score sheet.

Brazil U23 Preview

Brazil narrowly escaped with a 3-2 victory over 10-man Honduras on Saturday, twice coming from behind to advance to the semifinals of the men's Olympic soccer tournament.

Honduras got goals early in each half but couldn't hold on as the Brazilians played with an extra man from the 33rd minute after defender Wilmer Crisanto was sent off with two yellow cards just a minute apart.

Leandro Damiao scored the winner in the 60th minute after clearing a defender near the penalty spot after a pass from Neymar.

Earlier, Mario Martinez put Honduras ahead in the 12th minute before Damiao equalized in the 38th. Roger Espinoza then gave Honduras the lead again in the 48th, but Neymar evened the score by converting a penalty kick in the 50th and Damiao kept Brazil on track for its first Olympic gold medal 10 minutes later.

Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23 Predictions: Korea Republic Over Brazil 2-1

Yes, This North Korean team is legit and will do the unthinkable by beating powerhouse Brazil. North Korea has a solid balance attack on offense and will really keep Brazil on their heels. This will be a thriller

Original Source Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview : Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions

Arsenal look to unleash new pick up Santi Cazorla against Sunderland FC. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal have strengthened their midfield with the acquisition of Spaniard Santi Cazorla from troubled La Liga side Malaga, the latest player from the world and European champions to make the move to the English Premier League. "Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Spain international Santi Cazorla has joined the club on a long-term contract," Arsenal said on their website. All this did was beef up Arsenal. They now posses possibly the best core of mid fielders in the Premier League.

Sunderland Preview

Martin O'Neill will step up his striker search this week after watching his Sunderland side draw another pre-season blank.

Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat against Swedish champions Helsingborgs marked the third time in four friendly outings that the Wearsiders have failed to find the net.

And it showed just why O’Neill is so desperate to bring in more firepower before the big Premier League kick-off in a fortnight’s time.

Teenager Connor Wickham joined Sunderland last summer but is yet to live up to his 8m pricetag, and he wasted the Black Cats’ best chance against the Swedes.

The half-time sub had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he collected a clever pass from Fraizer Campbell inside the box, but he took an extra touch when he had only the goalkeeper to beat and that allowed defender Emil Krafth to get in a vital block.

Helsingborgs had already proved a threat in the first half, with Sunderland keeper Keiran Westwood working overtime to keep out efforts from Kaka and Krafth, while Kieran Richardson also made a goalline clearance.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions: Arsenal 2-0 over Sunderland

With the combination of a strong offensive attack from Arsenal and the lack of scoring from Sunderland this is a no brainer. Arsenal will control this game from beginning to end. New pick up Cazorli will make an impact on this game.

Original Source Arsenal vs Sunderland

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions

Fulham FC looks to continue their streak in the Premier League against Norwich. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Fulham Preview

Fulham goes into the Premier League coming off of a 1-0 win over the Dons.Fulham though forced the first save of the game when Marcello Trotta twisted and turned in the box before firing a low effort on goal, which David Martin could only throw a leg at to keep out. Hugo Rodallega couldn’t direct his header from the resulting corner.

From there though, it was fairly one-way traffic, as the Premier League boys began to flex their muscles, dominating possession and pinning Dons back into their own half. Hugo Rodallega made an immediate impact for Fulham by notching a late winner in their penultimate pre-season friendly at MK Dons.

Norwich City Preview

The Canaries’ penultimate warm-up match, against Championship side Hull City at the KC Stadium, ended goalless, as did their trip to Milton Keynes four days earlier.

While there has been a reassuringly solid look about the defence in City’s domestic friendlies, with just one goal conceded in five matches, they have not found the net since Anthony Pilkington’s seventh-minute free-kick against Ajax at Carrow Road, a total of 263 minutes without scoring.

Five different strikers took the field for the Canaries against the Tigers, but four of them played only the final 20 minutes as part of the mass substitutions so frequent in pre-season friendlies.

Skipper Grant Holt had a couple of half-chances in the opening period, but there were few openings for either side and both goalkeepers could have taken a good book with them for the quieter moments, of which there were many.

Manager Chris Hughton made nine changes from the team that started the goalless draw at MK Dons.

Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions: Fulham Over Norwich 1-0

Fulham FC is the bottom line better team with a much more solid attack on offense and good enough defense to hold off Norwich.

Original Source Fulham vs Norwich City

 

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

Japan will now play South Korea to try to match the bronze medal from 1968 in Mexico City. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Korea Preview

Korea put up a heck of a fight in the semis against Brazil. But the Brazilians who struggled early against South Korea at Old Trafford before taking control of the match after defensive midfielder Romulo opened the scoring with a low shot from inside the area following a pass by playmaker Oscar in the 38th minute.

Damiao scored twice in the 57th and 64th to seal the victory and become the tournament's leading goal scorer with six goals, surpassing Senegal's Moussa Konate.

"We had difficulties in the beginning of the match but the goal came at the right moment and we were able to slowly regain control," Menezes said. "What matters the most is that we got our fifth straight win and reached our goal to make it to the final."

Japan Preview

Japan came out swinging against powerhouse and heavily favored Mexico.Mexico escaped and got the win on Tuesday thanks to a swerving long-rage strike by Oribe Peralta in the 65th, breaking a deadlock after Japan opened the scoring with a shot by Yuki Otsu in the 12th and Marco Fabian headed in a corner for Mexico's equalizer in the 31st. Javier Cortes scored the third goal deep in second-half injury time. In the final minute Peralta then released Javier Cortes down the right with a clever backheel and the substitute held off the defence before squeezing his shot beneath Shuichi Gonda in the Japanese goal.

"That's just it, we are 90 minutes away from history," Mexico defender Carlos Salcido said. "That is the way we are looking at it."

Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Japan 2-1 Over Korea

Japan though they lost proved to the world that they are a team to reckon with .They have a fast offensive attack that Korea will have a hard time with.

Original Source Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23

 

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions

QPR and Swansea City look for a much needed win in the Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Brazil Preview

Brazil edged closer to their dream of an Olympic football title yesterday, easing into a final showdown with Mexico after a comfortable 3-0 victory over South Korea.

The Brazilians, bronze medallists in Beijing four years ago, booked their place in Saturdays showpiece match at Wembley after two goals from Leandro and Romulo ended the South Koreans involvement in the tournament. The opening goal came for Brazil on 38 minutes from Vasco Da Gama defender Romulo after South Koreas Ki Sung-Yueng was dispossessed in midfield.

Oscar surged forward deep into South Korean territory before feeding Romulo whose shot at the near post slipped under goalkeeper Lee Bum-Young.

Brazil all but made the game safe 12 minutes into the second half with a cleverly worked goal.

Marcelo suddenly quickened Brazils tempo and found Neymar inside the area, cutting the ball back to Leandro who drilled his low shot beyond Lee.

Leandro then bagged his second of the night seven minutes later, deftly toe-poking his effort into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Mexico Preview

Mexico has been stellar since this whole tournament began not just on their offensive attack but more important on their defense. At one point, Mexico went 300 minutes without conceding a goal in the Olympics until Senegal broke that streak last weekend. Against Japan, Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1.

Japan, who had helped eliminate highly rated Spain in the first round, appeared set to emulate their female counterparts by reaching the final after Yuki Otsu fired them into a Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1. Mexico will continue its stifling defense in the finally against Brazil .

Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions: Mexico 3-2

This will be a classic of a high powered offense that comes from Brazil against Mexico stifling defense. They say defense wins championships and thats why Im going with Mexico in this one.

Original Source Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview : Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City Predictions

QPR and Swansea City look for a much needed win in the Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Queens Park Preview

Queens Park starts the Premier League with some new faces. QPR vice chairman Amit Bhatia has revealed that the club's board has discussed the possibility of signing Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy. Bellamy, 33, made a surprise return to Anfield last summer and was one of the few players to emerge with any credit from one of the most difficult seasons in the Reds' recent history also Steve Kean is expecting Junior Hoilett to join QPR but is unsure if Blackburn will receive an offer for his signature or whether the transfer will go to a tribunal. Hoilett, 22, has been expected to seal a switch away from Blackburn this summer after he demonstrated impressive form despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season.

Swansea City Preview

Swansea full-back Neil Taylor could return to fitness in time for QPR's visit to the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Wales international picked up an injury in the 1-0 defeat at Everton last week. Angel Rangel would start in his place if he does not recover, however.

The Swans will be without some of their most prolific figures when QPR make the trip to south Wales. Nathan Dyer is a doubt with an ankle niggle, Alan Tate is still recovering from a broken leg and Ferrie Bodde is still battling with a knee injury.

Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City Predictions: Queens Park 1-1 Draw Swansea City

Both of these teams are struggling. QPR have won only one game in their last eight and have lost their last three on the trot. The Swans have only won one of their last seven league games. This game will be nothing to write home about except a good ol tie.

Original Source Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: W.B.A vs Liverpool Predictions

West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool will look to snap visiting losing streaks as they open up in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

W.B.A Preview

West Brom have been flying high under Roy Hodgson recently but it will be tough for Clarke to keep the club at that level in his first season with the top job.

Signing Ben Foster permanently was a good move and he has also added Belgium international winger Yassine El Ghanassy alsoSteve Clarke joins new signings Ben Foster, Markus Rosenberg, Yassine El Ghanassy and Claudio Yacob as they are officially unveiled to the media.

Liverpool Preview

Rodgers will be looking to get his Liverpool squad playing his brand of football straight out of the blocks. Liverpool produced a convincing display to ensure new manager Brendan Rodgers celebrated his first match at Anfield with victory 3-0 over FC Gomel of Belarus.

To achieve this he has signed Fabio Borini from Roma while Fulham's Clint Dempsey has been strongly linked to the clubto the club after they missed out on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

W.B.A vs Liverpool Predictions: WBA 2-1 Over Liverpool

Last season both teams lost their home games against each other and I expect that trend to continue with Liverpool coming out on top at The Hawthorns.

Original Source W.B.A vs Liverpool

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview : Reading vs Stoke City Predictions

Reading looks to fire it up in the opener against Stoke City in the English Premier. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Reading Preview

Reading is definitely a team on the rise making some great off season acquisitions most notable goalkeeper Adam Federici has signed a new contract, keeping him at the newly-promoted club until 2015.Federici, 27, joined the Royals in 2004 and has made 163 appearances. His new deal is the latest development in a busy close season that has already seen Reading sign six new players as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

Here some other key transfers for Reading

08/06Michail Antonio Sheffield WednesdayUndisclosed08/06
Karl Shephard AccringtonStanleyLoan07/30
Angus MacDonald AFC WimbledonLoan07/24
Michael HectorShrewsburyTownLoan07/19
Gozie Ugwu Yeovil TownLoan07/18
Joseph MillsBurnleyLoan

Stoke City Preview

Stoke City made some key moves themselves Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is hoping his retirement from international football will aid his club career at Stoke City. Sorensen, 36, received 101 caps for his country, but has decided to call it day at international level, in order to focus on doing his best for Tony Pulis at Stoke.

The experienced goalkeeper is hoping that quitting his country will allow him to play on for another four years in domestic football.

Stoke City Recent Transfers

8/08Michael Kightly Wolverhampton WanderersUndisclosed07/20
Jamie NessRangers Free

Reading vs Stoke City Predictions: Reading 1-0 over Stoke City

Reading will come out strong in their home opener against Stoke City. Pavel Pogrebnyak who scored six goals in 12 games last season for Fulham and could be a key man for Reading if they are to stay in the division.

Original Source Reading vs Stoke City

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Newcastle Preview

This is probably harsh on Newcastle but it will be tough for them to repeat their fifth-place finish of last season.

With the outstanding development of striker Papiss Cisse, fellow forward Demba Ba seemed to tail off after a wonderful start to the campaign in 2011.

Ba's relatively low 7 million contractual release clause has been subject to much transfer speculation this offseason but even if Ba stays, he will have to learn to play alongside Cisse and start scoring goals again.

Newcastle's season will hinge on their performances in early 2013 as both Ba and Cisse should be in South Africa for the African Cup of Nations, pending qualification and selection.

A series of strong defensive displays early in the year that sparked a long run of clean sheets saw Newcastle maintain their form throughout the year.

Their defense will have to be as good this year if the Magpies want to emulate their success of last term.

Tottenham Preview

While the management situation at White Hart Lane is still uncertain, Spurs have been able to persuade star winger Gareth Bale to sign a new four-year with the club.

Luka Modric's future with the club looks a little more uncertain with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea sniffing around the Croatian playmaker.

Spurs are no stranger to Modric rumours though and chairman Daniel Levy was able to keep hold of his prized midfielder even after the player himself asked to leave the club.

Once a manager is appointedat the moment the favourite is Andre Villas-BoasSpurs' chances in the Premier League will become

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions: Tottenham over Newcastle 2-1

Tottenham has a strong offensive attack and will have Newcastle on their heels all afternoon.I see this being a great game to watch but, in the end Tottenham will be the victor.

Original Source Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Ham United Preview

West Ham had an up-and-down season under Sam Allardyce last year and their home form wasn't brilliant. Four defeats and eight draws last season suggest that they could be vulnerable in front of their own fans.

West Ham will be looking to impress on their return to the league but these two teams could end up cancelling each other out. A draw should satisfy both sets of fans but Villa could just nick it.

Aston Villa Preview

Villa has been dealt with a major set back winger Marc Albrighton will miss several weeks of the new Premier League season because of a foot injury. Villa made the announcement on their official website on Friday, revealing that the 22-year-old will be out of all footballing action until at least October. This is a big loss for Villa as most of their offense starts and finishes with Albrighton.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions: West Ham over Villa 1-0

West Ham needs to get off on the right foot with a win in front of their home crowd with the minus of Villas Albrighton this might be a great way to start off the Premier League

Original Source West Ham United vs Aston Villa

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea Predictions

Wigan Athletics will look to see if they can continue their roll against Chelsea. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Wigan Athletic Preview

Wigan Athletic dazzled at the end of last season, winning seven of its final nine matches to avoid relegation. If the team is forced into a similar situation this year, will Roberto Martinez be able to pull off another magical run?

The Latics have narrowly avoided relegation three times since joining the English Premier League in 2005-06. None of there escapes were more dramatic than in 2011-12, when they defeated Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle during the final seven weeks of the season.

But the team would do their supporters a favor if they would secure a spot in next year's Premiership a little earlier this season.

Chelsea Preview

It is hard to imagine Chelsea struggling to score goals considering the hundreds of millions of euros spent to strengthen the attack, but that is exactly what could happen again this season.

Fernando Torres will now be the clear starter with Drogba gone, so there will be immense pressure on the Spaniard to regain his top form of years past.

With Daniel Sturridge and maybe Romelu Lukaku the only options behind Torres, there is no top-class, consistent striker to be called upon if Torres slumps again.

One would imagine that he would find it much easier to score with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard behind him, but as he showed at the Euros this summer, a lot of his worries are not overcome by world-class teammates.

Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea Predictions: Wigan Athletic 3-1 Over Chelsea

Chelsea forked out the big bucks this off season but, I dont think it will be enough time for this team to gel. Wigan on the other hand will continue their roll and sound attack to take their opening game against Chelsea.

Original Source Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea

 

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Celta Vigo vs Malaga Predictions

Celta de Vigo and Malaga go Head to Head on August 18 at the Stadium Balaidos. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Celta Vigo Preview

The team from Vigo, Galicia have currently been hanging in strong with their five previous matches resulting in four wins and one draw. Theyve already fared well having done satisfactorily in 9 games since their last loss. Not bad for a team known for not being a strong offensive. But what they lack in attack, they make up in their defense. Celta de Vigos average goal record is only 0.9 goals conceding on average.

For this team to go far in the league, they need to step up their attack mode, especially against bull players like Real Madrid or Barcelona. But nevertheless they seem to be a much stronger team when being compared to Malaga with a slightly better track record.

Malaga Preview

Coming out of Andalusia, Malaga CF in their last six matches, has lost three games, one against Atletico Madrid another with Villareal, and with Barcelona when they were smashed 4-1. They have two wins and two draws as well.

Not much difference in track record with Celta de Vigo regarding things such as goal average, but Celta has more win in their belt so far this season. Malaga looks to be the underdogs in this up-coming match so they need to step up their offense as well as defense. One sure way to beat Celta is to take possession of the game during the onset and maintain that authority throughout. But Celta has a pretty good defense line so Malaga needs to step up and play the aggressor.

Celta Vigo vs Malaga Predictions: Celta De Vigo 3-1

Overall favorites in this match up. Celta has proven to be the more consistent of the two with more win under them. Though both teams goal average is roughly about the same, Celta has better defense.

Original Source Celta Vigo vs Malaga

 

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions

Both Teams Go Head Up as the La Liga Race Gets More Congested on August 18, at the Son Moix Stadium. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Mallorca Preview

Mallorca, during their last five games has won twice, tied up twice, and lost once. They currently hold the number 11 spot in the Spanish Primera Division. Mallorca holds an average of two goals per game. Despite their previous match against Real Madrid last May where they lost 1-4, they seem to be at a steady pace towards the top ten and are in better form now than earlier in the year.

One thing that this team needs to do is maintain consistency. Of course it is understood why they lost to Real Madrid, the boys from Madrid have been packing fire power for some time now. Their next match against Espanyol, who stands at sixth in the tables can be a prelude to their rise.

RCD Espanyol Preview

The boys from Espanyol has truly seen better days. Their last game ended in a draw with Zaragoza and the one before that saw a victory against Montpellier. The team has been pretty slow on trying to gain the momentum that they possessed early on. Nevertheless, Espanyol managed to maintain their standing the Spanish Primera. Going up against teams that are fighting for higher standings may be a challenge for the Espanyols. Mallorca seem very determined and with an average of 2 goals against, the Espanyols need to tighten their defences.

Espanyol also has an average of only 0.8 goals per away game signifying a weakness in the offensive side. Their last match up against Barcelona showed no scores while the opposing team gained 4 ended the game with a 4-0 defeat for the Espanyol.

Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions: Draw 1-1

Both the teams’ track record by far barely differs and while Espanyol has somewhat gained more accomplishments early in the year, Mallorca seem determined to take this game. Well, atleast they should be, this is a turning point for the team as previously mentioned.

Original Source Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol

 

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Sevilla vs Getafe Predictions

Sevilla and Getafe meet this Saturday, August 18 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Sevilla Preview

In their last five games, Sevilla has gotten only two wins with two losses and two draws. Not much to be optimistic about with a track record like Sevilla’s. But if look at their victories, it’s pretty impressive. Their last win was against RayoVallecano with five goals to Rayo’s two. Considering the losses, Sevilla has managed to tally up an average of three goals a game, but this is mostly due to their dramatic victories. But against more powerful teams such as Real Madrid, whose defense is strong, they do not stand a chance. Last April, they lost to Madrid 3-1.

For a team as inconsistent as Sevilla, there’s really no telling what can happen. They have their bad days and they have their awesome ones too. A victory over Getafe will see them overtake Malaga in fifth place at the La Liga table so this is a deciding factor for the team. Last April, they were overrun by Getafe with a loss of 1-5. Coach Marcelino Garcia look to compensate last April’s embarrassment.

Getafe Preview

Ever since pouncing on Sevilla last April with a victory of 5-1, Getafe seems to head in a downhill trend. Their last five matches saw three losses and two draws. On August 18, Getafe will head to enemy territory visiting Sevilla’s home turf. On average, the team has only 0.8 goals scored per away game.

Against a team like Sevilla, whose inconsistencies seem like a fixture, Getafe might a have a chance at a much need victory. They would just need to choose the right formation and step up their attack.

Sevilla vs Getafe Predictions: Sevilla 1-0

As of right now, Sevilla seems to be in better form. They have significantly more victories and a better track record than Getafe ever since their previous meeting.

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