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UEFA Champions League 2012 Previews and Predictions

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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
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions

The two teams meet again for the first time since last 2010 on August 20 of this year. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Real Zaragoza Preview

Real Zaragoza has a long battle ahead especially at being on the bottom of the totem pole. An upward battle is inevitable as team is scheduled to meet with Valladolid, who isn’t too far ahead this coming Monday. But this season show’s a good track record for Zaragoza with their five previous games having four wins and one loss. Defense is somewhat better for Zaragoza than last year. Now, the team is averaging at one goal against. They average at 1.5 goals made per game giving them an edge against up coming opponents, Valladolid.

To top it off Ivory Coast powerhouse Romaric is set to join so there are things to look forward to with the team.

Real Valladolid Preview

Real Valladolid has not seen the top half of the table being at number 19 just ahead of Zaragoza by one step. Their last five matches saw one draw, one loss, and three wins, one win including a 3-0 smash against Cordoba CF last June 6. The team is what you can informally categorize as one of the inconsistent. Some games are really bad and some games are really good. This is one of the teams that change their formation as often as Arsenal changes it’s players.

Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions: Zaragoza 1-0

With a strong defense and satisfactory attack added with a slightly better and more consistent track record for the current year, Zaragoza would have to be the favorites. But one dilemma has got to be Valladolid’s unpredictable nature so anything can happen.

Original Source Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions

La Coruna and Osasuna meet for the first time since 2011 this Monday, August 20. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Deportivo La Coruna Preview

Despite a number five slot in the La Liga table, Deportivo La Coruna has fared better than their five previous games. Their last five matches saw only one victory against three losses and one draw. Having won none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. Having won almost none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. They have almost no goal scoring capacity and receive just too many goals, especially when playing away.

Osasuna Preview

For the coming match up against La Coruna, manager Camacho wants to rotate some of his players and he is expected to field only four players of his usual starting line-up. With an interest to giving rest to some of the players than winning this match, we will be seeing a much weaker team than usual. So far, Osasuna has fared much better when compared to La Coruna. This is probably due to their best attribute which is their defense. But it contrasts a great deal with their goal making capacity.

Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions: Draw 0-0

Both teams have dont seem to have that much interest in winning the match. Osasuna will be fielding a sub team and Deportivo will be trying new things. It seems that both teams have their interests more set in defence than attack.

Original Source Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Royo Vallecano vs Granada Predictions

Vallecano and Granada square off this August 18 at the EstadiodelRayoVallecano in Madrid. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Royo Vallecano Preview

Being at home court should an advantage for Vallecano or at least be taken advantage of by the aforementioned team. Their five previous match ups were short of disasters mostly on the fact that four losses came in one after another. The most significant losses for this year happened last April 29 against Barcelona when the opposing team scored a whopping 7 points without even once letting Vallecano come in with a goal and the other was against Sevilla last May 5 where Sevilla scored five points but Vallecano however, had managed to get in 2 points during the game.

Head Coach Ramon Sandoval has led a campaign against Granada since their first match up this season last May 13. The game led to a 1-0 victory against Granada and this game was an important factor which can lead to a significant standing for the team in the La Liga table.

Granada Preview

At number eight in the La Liga table, Granada is obviously within the top ten and has proven to be a force against, well at least the lower place teams within the Spanish League. Now this coming August 21 on Tuesday, they will once again meet up with rivals RayoVallecano. The last match up went to the Vallecano side with a 0-1 loss for Granada.

But the defense of Granada is one thing to look at, Granada defense is strong and that can very well be Vallecanosbrickwall.

Royo Vallecano vs Granada Predictions: Rayo Vallecano 1-0

Sometimes offense can overcome good defense once it finds that opening and thats just what team RayoVallecano needs to do.

Original Source Royo Vallecano vs Granada
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions

Fulham will bring in their high octane offense against West Ham in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Ham United Preview

Sam Allardyce's West Ham Unitedwho also got off to a winning start by beating a poor AstonVilla side 1-0.

Big Sam's team come into this game still on the lookout for a striker to lead the line but in the process of providing the foundations for such a move by further strengthening with a 10 million transfer for Wolves' Matt Jarvis expected to go through in the next couple of days.

Should Jarvis sign in time for Saturday he will almost instantly go into a team who have proved extremely hard to break down on their travels. West Ham are unbeaten away from home since last February, but have also struggled in terms of creativity.

Fulham Preview

Fulham enjoyed their best ever start to a Premiership season with a 5-0 trouncing of Norwich City but they travel to Old Trafford in trepidation rather than in temerarious form.

The main reason for this is that Fulham have lost 19 of their last 20 visits to Old Trafford and overall they have only beaten United three times since 1935.

To beat United this weekend, they will need Feguson to make similar selection mistakes and attack across midfield where they can expose United's lack of pace.

They will also need Mladen Petric, Kacaniklic and Damien Duff to continue where they left off last week. Petric scored twice on his debut while Duff became only the second Irish player, after Robbie Keane, to score in 13 Premier League seasons.

West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions: 3-1 Fulham over West Ham

Make no mistake about it Fulham is not Aston Villa. Fulham will once again come in with that high octane offense and dominate this game

Original Source West Ham United vs Fulham
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions

Norwich City looks to bounce back from their loss. Can they do it against Tottenham. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Tottenham Hotspur Preview

This game is Tottenham's to win or lose, and that will seemingly all come down to whether or not they can get their attack going. If they can start to "gel," you'd have to think that West Brom don't really have much of a chance in this one.

Tottenham have made big signings over the summer transfer window up frontnamely Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City and Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheimwhich will help their attack throughout the season.

However, for mine, the biggest move they made was keeping both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart at White Hart Laneagreeing on new contracts with both of them. If Bale can get going down the wings, Spurs are always a tough team to beat.

Norwich City Preview

Norwich, it is the first time that new manager Chris Hughton will present his squad in front of the home fans.

Hughton put an emphasis on defense in the offseason by bringing in Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker. In the wake of Norwich's defeat, Hughton has done what any manager whose club gets beaten by five goals in their opener would do, and that is to bring in more defenders.

Former Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong was signed this week and Lazio left-back Javier Garrido should join the club on loan in the next few days.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions: Tottenham 1-1 Draw Norwich City

This game will be evenly balanced. Norwich is looking to bounce back from a tough loss last week. So, Ill expect to see a much different team

Original Source Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions

Sunderland will depend on the signing of mid fielder Steven Fletcher to aid their offensive attack against Swansea City . Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Swansea City Preview

Michael Laudrup stepped into some tough shoes to fill after Brendan Rodgers vacated his office at the Liberty Stadium for the greener grass of Anfield.

But to give credit where it is due, Laudrup has come in and has carried on using the same philosophy and system as Rodgers but has added his own greater knowledge of Spanish football to the mix. Namely in the acquisition of Michu who impressed from central midfield with two goals on his debut as the Swans won 5-0 over QPR.

Sunderland Preview

O'Neill has one of the most underrated defences in the Premier League with converted left back Kieran Richardson, ex-Manchester United star John O'Shea, new signing Carlos Cuellar and Phil Bardsley are all providing cover for one of the best keepers in the league, Simon Mignolet.

Their midfield is typically hardworking, whether O'Neill uses four or five, and it is of little surprise to see the club linked with Steven Fletcher due to their toothless attack.

If he can come in before Saturday, then this game will take a turn on its head as without a recognised striker, despite having the injury prone Louis Saha on their books, the Black Cats will struggle to convert chances.

Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions: Sunderland wins Over Swansea City 1-2

Sunderland’s defense will not allow Swansea to go buck wild. The pace will be controlled by a sound offense attack hopefully with Steven Fletcher tied in to the mix

Original Source Swansea City vs Sunderland
 
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions

Queens Park will look to see if they can bounce back from their defeat last week let's see what Manchester City will have to say about that. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Manchester City Preview

Manchester City's engine room has been imperious for the club for the last two seasons, and this year isn't likely to be any different. The defensive midfielder's ball distribution will be important if City are to release their more attacking players, and his ability to break up play is vital to preventing QPR from even creating chances.

A patchy display by Joleon Lescott against Southampton last weekend will have to be improved upon if Manchester City are to be confident of their chances against Liverpool. Lescott has formed one of the soundest centre-back partnerships in the league with Vincent Kompany, and the 30-year-old's understanding with his defensive partner is an integral part of City's success.

Queens Park Rangers Preview

The Rangers have several veteran players capable of filling the traditional striking role. Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson will all see time in a position that they know extremely well.

Surrounding the strikers, Junior Hoilett and Park Ji-Sung's versatility will greatly benefit the team. Both players can play on the wing or sit in behind the strikers and pressure the opposing team's centre-backs.

Out of the wing, the team will be looking to Adel Taarabt to have a strong season, and to Jamie Mackie to turn in quality performances.

Mark Hughes has several talented attackers, who excel at exposing different parts of team's defense. This will give the ability to tailor his lineups for each opponent, and he will always have a substitute ready to make an impact.

Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions: Manchester City 3-0 QPR

Man City is the obvious favorite, but QPR has been proven as resilient prey. Man City can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance QPR might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.

Original Source Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions

Stoke City will look to bring the noise against Wigan Athletic. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Wigan Athletic Preview

After watching the opening day match against Chelsea, it is clear that no matter who Wigan is playing, they seem bound and determined to deliver the most exciting matches of the Premier League season.

Even if their crowd could be confused for the guest list at a funeral parlor, Wigan play an attacking style of football that no one else is currently brave enough to attempt in the EPL.

Roberto Martinez has his 3-4-3 system implemented well already this season. It has its ups and certainly its downsides, as the Chelsea match showed in full.

Within the opening seven minutes, the Blues were already two goals to the good after Eden Hazard had run fellow debutant Ivan Ramis into a tizzy.

But after Frank Lampards penalty, Wigan began to settle down and boss the match. Part of this was due to Chelsea beginning to back off, but at least part of it had to do with Wigans concept of attacking play.

Stoke City Preview

Debutant Michael Kightly opened the scoring on 35 minutes after some poor goalkeeping from Adam Federici saw his deflected shot squirm through the Australian's hands and came out with a 1-1 draw against Reading

Stoke dominated for large periods of the game, but when the lively Garath McCleary was clumsily brought down by Dean Whitehead, who was sent off for the challenge, Adam Le Fondre coolly slotted home his first Premier League goal to snatch an unlikely point for the Royals a minute from time. Stoke were keen to build on their one-goal cushion as they pressed on, and Walters went close again. Begovic had launched a free kick far up the field, and after receiving a flick on, the former Ipswich striker fired from a tight angle, but this time Federici was equal to it.

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions: Stoke City 2-1 over Wigan Athletic

Stoke City will have an advantage in the sense of their disciplined defense. I see this being close but, Stoke City pulling this one out.

Original Source Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions

West Bromwich will come in this game with their balanced attack against a banged up Everton. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Bromwich Albion Preview

Steven Clarke formerly Denny Dalglish's assistant a tLiverpool, has taken the helm.

Given Albion's first performance under their new bossa 3-0 waxing of that Liverpool side that finished two spots above them in the league standings last seasonfans have every right to consider a charge toward a top-eight finish a very feasible possibility.

The win marked the first time the side, in the top flight for three years running now, had ever won its EPL opener.

I spent all week telling the players to believe in themselves and be confident coming into this game because they had no reason not to be,"

The new manager wants his team to play attractive football, and his team formation to start Saturday's matcha 4-2-1-3 formation with plucky Irish striker Shane Long up top, and the midfield anchored by Youssouf Mulumbu (both of whom were fantastic against the Reds)showed certain vestigial imprints of Hodgson's tenure, while integrating some sublime passing movements Clarke is sure to have worked on this preseason.

Mulumbu was excellent in central midfield for Albion. Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mulumbu was terrific in a holding midfield role, and while Albion were subjugated to an attacking deluge from Liverpool in the first halfLuis Suarez ran riot for the first 45 minutesthey never broke

Everton Preview

Kevin Sheedy returned to the football consciousness this week, with the sad news the former Everton midfielder has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Sheedy's plight reminds us that life is unpredictable and sickness indiscriminate. It also reminds us just how fine and imaginative a footballer he was, and how much those who knew his talent miss watching his left foot paint pictures on the pitch.

Sheedy played the game you wanted to on the playground. He could pick a pass, beat a player and finishand do it all with style. He was also a masterful free-kick specialistable to opt for the subtle or savage, and capable of putting the ball anywhere he wanted to.

West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions: West Bromwich 2-0 Everton

West Bromich new formation will definitely make them a team to deal with. I see West Bromich dominate this game from start to finish

Original Source West Bromwich Albion vs Everton
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions

Look for Liverpool to bounce back from their last week's loss and put a lot of pressure on Arsenal this week. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Liverpool Preview

Despite huge levels of preseason expectation and hope, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool FC's season has begun in the worst way possible after West Brom inflicted a 3-0 defeat upon the Reds in the opening game of the season.

Going into the game the ex-Swansea boss would have wanted a minimum of a draw to start his campaign in earnest. However, lethargic play, naive player selection and an opponent who did not read the script all combined to leave Rodgers and Liverpool under severe pressure right from the off and facing a huge uphill battle to finish in the top six come May.

The resultLiverpool's worst opening day defeat since 1937, a 6-1 defeat to Chelseacame thanks to defensive errors through undisciplined marking, lackadaisical play across midfield and defence, questionable team selection from Rodgers and poor finishing from Luis Suarez.

Arsenal Preview

So often the metronome in midfield for Arsenal last season, Mikel Arteta was strangely silent on Saturday.

That has to do in part with the ubiquitous display from Cazorla, who ran this way and thatparticularly during the first half, when the former Malaga man was positively sublime.

Whether or not that affected Arteta's own contribution to the game is difficult to say, but like Diaby, Arteta will need to rediscover his ability to impact games in the coming weeks.

LiverpoolArsenal's next opponentare likely to adopt the defensive approach employed by Sunderland. Should the Gunners hope to crack those hardy opponents, they'll need far better play from their other two central midfielders.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions: Liverpool 2-1 over Arsenal

This time we will see Liverpool bounce back and play a livelier game against Arsenal. I see them controlling more of the tempo in this one.

Original Source Liverpool vs Arsenal
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions

Newcastle comes into this match against Aston Villa on a high note. Let's see if they can dominate them from the start. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Newcastle United Preview

Should Newcastle be happy with a draw? Absolutely. But I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the club's return to European football, considering it was a reasonably flat 1-1 draw

The purpose of this game was nullification, not dominance. The best result they could have achieved was to balance removing Atromitos's home advantage with arriving in London with all guns loaded.

While a draw isn't an ideal result, the away goal gives United a clear advantage. Atromitos keeper Charles Itandje didn't look particularly confident, so there's no reason the English club can't score at home.

Imagine if one or two of the starting XI are used in the return leg. You'd back United to win comfortably and still have enough energy left to be competitive against Aston Villa

Aston Villa Preview

Aston Villa opened their season of promise with a drab 1-0 loss to newly promoted West Hamnot exactly what the doctor ordered.

Some predict Villa will go down this season and this result only lays credence to that theory, yet all signs during the game point to progress made by the claret and blue side.

Two players from Villa's central midfield absolutely ran the game. Forgotten man Fabian Delph recorded 72 successful passes from 78 attempts (94 percent), while Karim El-Ahmadi made 77 from 91 (85 percent).

While few were of cutting edge, the control exercised by these two was Barcelona-esque. Delph was deployed in a quarterback role in front of Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark, while El-Ahmadi roamed just in front of him.

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions: Newcastle United 2-0 over Aston Villa

Newcastle comes into this game on a positive note while Aston Villa really needs to find their identity. I see Newcastle dominating this game from start to finish

Original Source Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
 
English Premier League 2012 Preview: Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions

Southampton and Manchester United will look to slug it out next Saturday in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Southampton Preview

Jos Hooiveld insists Saints will improve with every top-flight game they play following their 2-0 defeat to Wigan this afternoon.

Southampton dominated the opening stages but fell foul to two clinical Latics finishes in what was a disappointing second half.

And defender Hooiveld says the squad will take plenty of lessons out of the way in which they were beaten in the first top-flight game at St Mary's since 2005.

"You think you're in control of the game, then one break and it's a goal," he told Saints players.

"That is something we have to be very careful of and concentrate about. As a unit, we have to make progress on that.

"Technically we didn't do enough. We were very sloppy in ball possession sometimes - we lost the ball a lot in ways that we shouldn't have, and that cost us the game.

"I hit the crossbar, so it would have been great if that was 10cm lower. We have to tighten the screws a little bit on those little things.

"This is the kind of club that doesn't panic easily, so it's a process," he continued.

Manchester United Preview

In a tense but thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United ran out 3-2 winners over a spirited Fulham side.

Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat at the hands of Everton on Monday, a positive result was needed for the Red Devils.

An early Damien Duff strike and a Nemanja Vidic own goal had United fans biting their fingernails at certain points in the game, but goals from new signings Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, as well as from Brazilian full-back Rafael, were enough to secure a valuable first win of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions: Manchester United 2-1 Over Southhampton

This will be the game to watch this week. Manchester will come out as their standard selves with their high octane attack. Southhampton will have something to say and come in on a high not of their own. Unfortunately, there can be only one winner and Man U takes it.

Original Source Southampton vs Manchester United
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Real Zaragoza vs Malaga Predictions

Can Malaga be the team team we expect them to be? We'll see as they match up against Real Zaragoza. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Real Zaragoza Preview

Real Zargoza was stunned 1-0 by Newly promoted Real Valladolid at La Romareda. Midfielder Oscar, who spent four years with Zaragoza before joining Olympiacos in 2008, was the match-winner, scoring towards the end of the first half to earn the visitors the three points.

They could even afford to miss a second half penalty, with Victor Perez Alonso missing the target.

The hosts survived the drop by just two points last season and look like they could be in for a similarly tough campaign after failing to create many chances.

Neither side imposed themselves on the game early on with Helder Postiga's tame 15th-minute effort the first on target, easily saved by Jaime, with the goalkeeper denying Apono two minutes later.

Oscar had the visitors' best chance of the early stages but from 12 yards out shot over.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and should have taken the lead after 35 minutes but Javi Guerra's volley from six yards went wide of the left post.

Malaga Preview

Malaga could be in a position to truly turn Spanish football into a top three competition, rather than just a top two. It would be a great move if Malaga could really have an effect on the dynamics of the league over the next few years and force the issue of another genuine big team.

Those aspirations may be a little further into the future. But what is certain is that Malaga have the ability and ambition to compete.

Above all, it will be about being smart and consistent. Malaga's 1-1 draw against Real Madrid toward the end of last season might have been a victory to them on a much smaller scale. But there is a platform now for them to make a much bigger impression on Spanish football.

Real Zaragoza vs Malaga Predictions: Real Zaragoza 1-0 Malaga

Malaga has the team to really excel in the new season. I see them totally dominating this game from start to finish. They have shown what they can do against the bigger teams I know that they will show out against Real Zaragoza

Original Source Real Zaragoza vs Malaga
 
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna Predictions

Let's see if club Celta De Vigo can bounce back from their home opener loss. This will be a thriller. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Celta de Vigo Preview

Celta lost their home opener against Malaga in a 1-0 defeat . Celta has a good sound balance scoring attack and has shown they are solid on defense. Celta could have been ahead on the half-hour mark when defender Javi Tunez was presented with an unmarked header inside the box, but he put his effort wide.

The hosts came within inches of taking the lead less than 10 minutes into the second half when Qunique de Luca struck the woodwork after a quick break.

Malaga responded by coming just as close with 15 minutes left, this time Isco firing a powerful shot that came back off the upright.

The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes from time as Diego Buonanotte crossed the ball into the danger area and substitute Fabrice bundled the ball home, making him the youngest scorer in La Liga history.

Celta were desperately unlucky not to grab an equaliser in the last minute on Gustavo Cabralheader once again rebounded off the woodwork.

Osasuna Preview

The hosts made a nice loan signing when they brought in Anthony Annan, but he is unlikely to feature against Lionel Messi and company.

Raul Garcia, one of the heroes from last season's upset, has returned to Atletico after completing his loan, and Javad Nekounam has also moved on.

The midfield will be significantly weaker without both players.

Here are the projected starters: : Fernandez; Bertran, Flano, Arribas, Damia; Cejudo, Punal, Sisi, Loe, Etxarri; Nino

Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna Predictions: Celta De Vigo 1-0 over Osasuna

This game can go either way I see Celta De Vigo dictating the and controlling most of this game. This will be a good one to watch

Original Source Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe Predictions

Deportivo La Coruna is coming off of a positive win after they cruised to an easy victory over Sevilla. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Deportivo La Coruna Preview

La Coruna won on return to La Liga Riki and Nelson Oliveira helped Deportivo la Coruna celebrate their return to La Liga in style with a 2-0 home win over Osasuna in their opening game of the new season. Deportivo coach Jose Luis Oltra believes attack will be his side's best form of defense and insists he and his players will not be overawed when playing away from home this season.

He told Marca: "We are not going to give up the three points at any ground, or against any rival."

"We have to compete well, adapt ourselves to the game and go there convinced that we can win.

"To take a point in the Mestalla you have to score at least a goal and to win, at least two.

"If this is my thinking I can't say to my players that we are going to defend, although it is another thing to say we have to start with the defensive work collectively."

Getafe Preview

Getafe are also looking to improve after a 2-1 loss to Sevilla in their La Liga opener, and Garcia knows they will have to do much better if they are to shut out their local rivals on Sunday.

"What I care about is my team, demonstrating that desire, that hope, that faith and that enjoyment of playing against the big teams," he told a press conference.

"We will try not to change things too much. We will try to be a strong team and aggressive.

"No one expects us to win, but we will try to beat Real Madrid. It won't make much difference to the standings but we want to win it for the team and for our fans.

"We will face one of the two best teams in the world and these things require a lot of concentration. To win we have to put on a performance and we can do that.

"I don't think the Supercopa will affect them but they will be on the alert after the draw with Valencia, because to win the league you have to be close to 100 points and if you lose one, you don't get it back."

Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe Predictions: 1-1 Draw

Both teams needs this win unfortunately these teams are so evenly matched from the offense and defensive stand point. This game will be a draw.

Original Source Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Check out a thriller as Mallorca and Real Sociedad will square up this weekend in La Liga. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Mallorca Preview

Teenage substitute Juanmi rescued a point for Malaga as they drew with Real Mallorca.

The forward had only been on the pitch for nine minutes before he cancelled out Tomer Hemed's 67th-minute strike.

Both sides went into the match in good form, with Malaga winning their La Liga opener against Celta Vigo before beating Panathinaikos in their Champions League play-off encounter, while Mallorca had registered victories over Espanyol in the league and AZ in the Europa League play-off.

However they cancelled each other out in what was largely dull affair at La Rosaleda.

The visitors had the first effort on goal as Javi Marquez forced a decent save from Willy Caballero in the home goal.

Five minutes later the hosts should have taken the lead but Seba Fernandez headed Duda's corner wide from six yards.

After a slow start to the second period Mallorca slowly began to take control and took the lead.

Emilio Nsue rampaged down the right before standing a cross up perfectly to the onrushing Hemed, who placed a header into the top corner, giving Caballero no chance.

That prompted boss Manuel Pellegrini to bring on Juanmi for Fernandez and the 19-year-old scored with almost his first touch from 12 yards.

There was late drama as Malaga's Eliseu was sent off in the 89th minute after seeming to strike Tomas Pina as the two challenged for a loose ball.

Real Sociedad Preview

Real Sociedad 2-1 Celta Vigo Imanol Agirretxe scored twice as Real Sociedad came from behind to secure their first three points of the season against Celta Vigo.

Kike de Lucas had given Celta the lead against the run of play four minutes into the second half but a fine jinking run from Antoine Griezmann set up Agirretxe to bring the Basques level just five minutes later.

The comeback was complete on the hour mark as Carlos Vela crossed for Agirretxe to prod home.

The hosts had by far the better of the opening period and could count themselves very unlucky not to be ahead at the break as they hit the woodwork three times.

Agirretxe was the first to trouble the frame of the goal as his header from Vela's corner came off the inside of the post and from the rebound Ion Ansotegi somehow smashed the ball off the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Sociedad continued to threaten and nice move just after the half-hour ought to have brought the opener as Vela put Griezmann through on goal but the Frenchman's casual finish came off the post.

Celta started the second period with more attacking intent and should have been ahead within three minutes of the restart as Iago Aspas shot straight at Claudio Bravo from six yards.

However, the striker made amends for his miss within a minute as he unselfishly teed up De Lucas to fire in Celta's first goal in La Liga for five years.

The lead lasted only five minutes though as Griezmann showed great skill and timed his pass to perfection to free Agirretxe inside the area and the big striker made no mistake with a powerful finish.

Mallorca vs Real Sociedad Predictions: Mallorca 2-1 over Real Sociedad

Mallorca comes into this match on a positive note but, I really see Mallorca being a force in the La Liga .That said, Real Sociedad they are sound but I don’t believe they have the caliber of team to over throw Mallorca.

Original Source Mallorca vs Real Sociedad
 
Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla Predictions

Lets see if Sevilla can remain dominate over Rayo Vallecano in their second meeting since May. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Rayo Vallencano Preview

Leo Baptistao scored his first senior goal for Rayo Vallecano as they continued their 100% start to the season with a 2-1 win at Real Betis.

The visitors went ahead within two minutes as Leo's cross was tapped home by Piti, but Betis responded immediately and Jorge Molina headed in his third goal of the campaign moments later.

However, despite withstanding an early Betis onslaught at the beginning of the second period, Rayo looked the more coordinated team throughout and deservedly got the winner on the hour mark when Lass Bangoura teed up Leo to rifle low past Fabricio in the Betis goal.

Both sides had got their campaign off to the perfect starts with wins in week one and both started quickly in this game too, with two goals arriving in the first four minutes.

Firstly, Leo burst down the left and after Fabricio failed to cut out his excellent ball into the middle Piti rolled the ball into the empty net.

Two minutes later though Betis were level when Benat's free-kick found Molina and his deflected effort looped over the helpless Ruben Martinez.

The end-to-end action continued shortly after as Piti's excellent strike from outside the box came off the bar before Benat headed against the bar from Juan Carlos' cross.

Sevilla Preview

Sevilla opened their Primera Division season with a deserved 2-1 over Getafe win in an occasionally scrappy game at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Goals by Federico Fazio and Alvaro Negredo, the latter from a disputed penalty, within five first-half minutes ultimately proved enough for the hosts.

Alexis, playing against the team from whom he is on loan, headed Getafe back into the game early in the second half but they could not find an equaliser and it was Sevilla who looked more likely to score again, with Ivan Rakitic hitting the crossbar.

The first clear sight of goal did not arrive until 15 minutes in, when Diego Lopez comfortably blocked away Miku's shot. Pedro Leon's corner was headed wide by Miku.

Defender David Abraham, still forward following another corner as the visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure, was unable to stretch far enough to steer an acrobatic effort on goal.

Sevilla's clearest chance to date, just after the half-hour mark, went begging when Rakitic and the better-placed Negredo both went for Jesus Navas' low cross and got in each other's way.

But they were ahead just two minutes later when Rakitic's corner was cleared back to him and the Croatian's second cross was glanced home by giant defender Fazio.

Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla Predictions: Sevilla 2-1 over Rayo Vallecano

The last time these 2 matched up was in May when Sevilla took it with ease 5-2. I see it being the same result with Sevilla dominating this match from start to finish

Original Source Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla