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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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Osasuna vs Mallorca Predictions

Mallorca will look to keep chasing for the top spot. Will Osasuna get in their way. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Osasuna Preview

Osasuna sits at the bottom of the standins with an 0-3 record with a loss to Celta Vigo 1-0(A) , Barcelona 1-2(H) and in their opener against Deportivo 0-2(H). Their shots on goal were held to a minimal 7(4) to Celta Vigo 12(4) but, what really stood out was their fouls 15 to Celtas 5. Osasuna is really bad they lack scoring and on the defense side of things they are not any better.

Mallorca Preview

Mallorca comes into this game standing in 2nd place undefeated with a 2 and 1 draw record. They came off of a win last Sunday against R Sociedad(H) 1-0 and a draw against Malaga. It took the 75th minute for Mallorca to finally score against the stingy defense of Sociedad. It was a well fought game that could have anyones way the time of possession belonged to Sociedad controlling the game 53% to Mallorcas 47%. Mallorca controlled the shots 15(5) to 11(3) Sociedad. Mallorcas Vctor Casadess scored the only goal of the game with a header in the 75th minute.

Osasuna vs Mallorca Predictions: 1-1

Yes Osasuna will make a game out this playing at home against the 2nd rank team. With their home team behind them this will give them the boost that they certainly need. I see an equalizer coming out of this match not quite the win Osasuna needs but, then again its not a loss either.

Original Source Osasuna vs Mallorca

 

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

Real Sociedad and Real Zaragoza will be a battle this weekend in La Liga. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Real Sociedad Preview

Real Sociedad comes off of a 1-0 loss to Mallorca (A) but a 2-1 win at home against Celta Vigo. Their 1-2 record puts them towards the bottom of the standings. Though against their match against Mallorca, they conceded only one goal the beauty of it was that it took Mallorca the 75th minute for them to score. Real Sociedad proved that they have a decent defense the only problem since their opener they have yet to put up more than 2 goals a match. They also controlled the time of possession having it 53% to Mallorcas 47%.

Real Zaragoza Preview

Real Zargoza like Real Sociedad sits towards the bottom of the standings with an identical record of 1-2. Just coming off of a loss against Malaga(H) 1-0 an away win against Espanyol 2-1 but, lost their home opener against Valladolid 1-0. In their recent match against Malaga it was even throughout the stats 11 shots on goal(4) for Zaragoza and 11(3) for Malaga. Time of possession was 51% Malaga and 49% Real Zaragoza.

Real Sociedad vs Real Zaragoza Predictions: 2-1

These are much needed wins for either teams. They cant afford to slip anymore . With Real Sociedad playing in front of their home crowd they have the advantage. These are 2 very sound teams on defense and their last matches proved that. This will definitely be a great match to watch. I look for Real Sociedad to pull this out at home.

Original Source Real Sociedad vs Real Zaragoza

 

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

Let's which Real team will come out to fight in this week as both teams clash in the La liga League. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Real Valladolid Preview

Real Valladolid starts the young season with a 2-1 record just recently losing to Athletic (A) 2-0. Athletic Bilbao dominated and doubled the output of the shots on goal 16(3) to Real Valladolid 8(1) and time of possession 52% to 48%.Real came off of 2 shut out wins to start their season against Levante 2-0 and Zaragoza 1-0 so, it was odd to see them struggle against Athletic to put some points up. Let’s see if they can put their offense back together for this upcoming game.

Real Betis Preview

Real Betis comes into this match with a 1-1-1 record with their recent loss against Rayo. Probably, most impressive was their scoring out against Athletic when they won their match 5-3 all of their goals coming from the second have after giving up 3 goals in the 1st. Real Betis has moments when they look brilliant but, then they go into a lull where they are nowhere to be found.

Real Valladolid vs Real Betis Predictions: 2-1

Real Valladolid is for real and their record proves it other then their recent loss what makes them a great team is the fact they don’t give up point. I see this being a dog fight for both teams but, in the end the home team Real Valladolid takes this one.

Original Source Real Valladolid vs Real Betis

 

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions

Can Atletico's Falcao run another hat trick? Let's see what Rayo Vallecano has to say about that. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Atletico Madrid Preview

Atletico starts La Liga with a 1-1 record but, even more impressive is their high scoring output in their last 2 matches. 4-1(A) against Chelsea and 4-0 against Athletic Bilbao (4). In their last match, against Chelsea Atletico mid fielder Radamel Falcao had a field day with them going for the hat trick scoring in the 6, 19,45 min of the match. Falcaos second hat trick in 4 days out gunning Fernando Torres. Atletico has a talented core group and can put run the score at any given time.

Rayo Vallecano Preview

Rayo comes in with an impressive 2-0-1 to start the young season. Just coming off of a draw against Sevilla. Rayo can count themselves lucky because if it werent for the fact that Sevilla missed 2 penalties it could have easily meant a loss for Rayo. Sevilla had more shots on goal against Rayo 18(3) to Rayos 13(4) and time of possession went dead even to both clubs 50% each.

Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions: 3-1

Atletico will be at home against Rayo Vallecano with their crowd behind them and their potent offense I see a blow out coming in favor of the home team. Atletico is a much faster team who knows how to turn it on at any given time. Theyll dominate this match from start to finish.

Original Source Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Norwich City Predictions

Norwich City is still looking for their 1st win in the Barclays can They do it against an injured Newcastle United. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Newcastle United Preview

Bad news comes at the wrong time for Newcastle. Goalkeeper Tim Krul (Strined Muscle) and Team Captain Fabricio Coloccini (ankle injury) will have to sit out against Everton on the 17th. It hurts Newcastle because as it is the team is also suffering key losses for Pardew who walk into the match without four first-team players, with Cheick Tiote and Danny Simpson will also be unavailable for journey to Everton.

Norwich City Preview

Norwich City came into the match looking for their 1st win in the Barclays. It looks like they’ll have to wait another week. Norwich City was only able to come out with an equalizer today against West Ham 0-0 (H). Norwich City was able to get more attempts at the goal 25(10) to West Ham’s 14(3). The match was a complete lull as both teams looked loss and was without a strategy. West Ham had their opportunities to win as well but just couldn’t put it together. Norwich City’s offense once again was nowhere to be found.

Newcastle United Predictions: 3-1

Despite the key injuries for Newcastle the fact that they are at home and also that they are playing a dismal Norwich City is enough for Newcastle to pull a win out. The fact is Norwich City is horrible so, it allows Newcastle United some breathing room.

Original Source Newcastle United vs Norwich City

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Chelsea vs Stoke City Predictions

Can Chelsea get back in form? or will Stoke City claim their 1st win?. We'll see as the Premier League moves forward into the season. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Chelsea Preview

Chelsea comes into this match after a long rest (last match played August 31) against Atletico Madrid (H). That match was one for Chelsea to forget after suffering an embarrassing loss 1-4 in front of their home crowd and Super Cup on the line. The Blues looked like they forgot what got them their looking completely loss in that match. Hopefully, we’ll see a much more lively team when they face Stoke City.

Stoke City Preview

In a much needed win Stoke City will look to get their 1st win of the premier league. They come into this match with 3 equalizers(Yes! 3 draws) recently coming off of a 2-2 draw against Wigan Athletic. Stoke City is looking to get some offense going from anywhere 3 of their midfielders are tied with only 1 goal apiece. On a positive note Stoke City newly signed Charlie Adam will look to provide the offensive spark that is greatly needed for Stoke City.

Chelsea vs Stoke City Predictions: 3-1

Chelsea playing at home will get them back on track especially matching up with a poor Stoke City team. Stoke City will not have enough time to groom Charlie Adam in their offense. More of a concern is that Stoke City on defense can’t hold a glass of water. Look for Chelsea to dominate this game from start to finish.

Original Source Chelsea vs Stoke City

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Swansea City vs Everton Predictions

Both teams look to advance in the Premier League . Will it be Swansea City or Everton? Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Swansea City Preview

Swansea City’s 2-0-1 record is respectable enough to earn them a second place standing in the English Premier League. Despite coming off of the draw at home. Swansea’s previous matches were offensive explosions. An impressive win at home against Barnsley 3-1 and their opening match against West Ham (H) enjoying a 3-0 trouncing. Swansea City primarily relies on the scoring of mid fielder Michu who currently leads the team with 4 goals in 3 games.

Everton Preview

Everton enters the match with a 2-1-0 record that earns them a 6th place standing in the Premier League. Like Swansea City, Everton packs a good offensive punch shown in their previous games most recently against L. Orient defeating them 5-0 and their opening match 3-1 against Aston Villa (A).Marouane Fellaini currently leads the team with 2 goals. There are high expectations from their fans this year at worse they are expecting at least a 6th place finish and that’s where they are today.

Swansea City vs Everton Predictions: 2-1

This is an important match for both squads especially for Everton . Everton needs this to advance and keep up with the league leaders. Unfortunately, Swansea City is playing at home and they to will look to advanced in their own right. It will definitely be a fight but, Swansea City will prevail with a close home win.

Original Source Swansea City vs Everton

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Southampton vs Aston Villa Predictions

Can Southampton redeem themselves after the bloodbath they took? Let's see what Aston Villa has to say about this. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Southampton Preview

Southampton took a bad beating from Arsenal losing 6-1(Yes! That was the score in yesterdays match) as Southampton remains at the bottom of the pack. Arsenal jumped out to a 4-0 lead and then finished off with 2 goals in the second half. The visiting Southampton looked like a deer caught looking at the headlights just completely lost. Southampton plays no defense what so ever and I don’t wonder why they are at the bottom of the standings.

Aston Villa Preview

Manager Paul Lambert couldn’t find a better time to get his 1st win then yesterday as Aston Villa shut out Swansea City making it their 1st win in 13 tries going back to March 10th 2012. Their scores came from newly signed Matthew Lowton and Christian Benteke. Benteke just recently transferred from Genk. Aston Villa definitely looks like a new team also well prepared to really compete in the Barclay’s Premier League.

Southampton vs Aston Villa Predictions: 2-1

Southampton playing at home will comeback from their embarrassing loss yesterday. I see this match close but well fought out. This is a match that Southampton must win to get out of the doghouse.

Original Source Southampton vs Aston Villa

 

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

Can West Bron Bounce Back From Their Humiliating Match? We'll See If Reading Can Put Them To The Test. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

W.B.A Preview

West Brom visited Fulham only to get bloviated 3-0. Fulhams striker Dimitar Berbatov scored on a pair of goals made it a great debut for the Bulgarian. Fulham completely dominated WBA from start to finish never giving the visitors a chance. Fulham dominated WBA on the shots on goal 23(10) to WBA 10(5). Fulhams time of possession vs. WBAs 37%. This was a match that West Brom wish they could take back.

Reading Preview

Reading is set to play Tottenham tonight which should be a very entertaining match. Reading comes off of their last win against Peterborough 3-2 in the Capital One Cup. Reading is looking for their 1st win in the Premier League and they just might have their best opportunity against West Brom. Reading sits 2nd to last and they know this is a much needed win for them.

W.B.A vs Reading Predictions: 3-2

Playing at home will make all the difference in the world. West Brom is looking for payback after suffering their mental lapse from Fulham. I can see this though being a close match as Reading cant afford to laydown. WBA currently sits at 5th place in the standings and with this match they will look to advance.

Original Source W.B.A vs Reading

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Sunderland Predictions

West Ham and Sunderland both come off of equalizers last week. Let's See who'll prevail in the next match. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Ham United Preview

West Ham did themselves no justice by locking up a draw against Norwich City. West Ham had an opportunity to move up in the rankings in the Premier League instead they stand right in the middle of the pack. The crazy thing is it should have been an easy win against Norwich who has yet to get a win in Barclays. West Ham had fewer shots on goal 14(3) to Norwich’s 25(10) but West Ham controlled the time of possession 51% to Norwich’s 49%. Next up for West Ham will be Sunderland.

Sunderland Preview

Sunderland also comes off of a draw 1-1 against Liverpool thanks to Liverpool’s Luis Suarez who caused the equalizer denying Sunderland. Sunderland could have taken the lead as they were awarded at the 20 min mark but Sebastian Larsson curled it off the box just a bit wide of the post. Liverpool dominated the shots on goal 23(6) to Sunderland’s 7(1) time of possession was also gobbled up by Liverpool 66% to 33%. Sunderland was more efficient unfortunately it wasn’t their day.

West Ham United vs Sunderland Predictions: 3-0

West Ham will look to make a statement in this game after coming off of a draw. They’ll look to punish Sunderland in front of their home crowd and as I see it it will be an opportune time to do so. Look for West Ham to dominate from start to finish.

Original Source West Ham United vs Sunderland

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Fulham Predictions

This is a needed win for Wigan Athletic. Lets see if Fulham can play Spoiler away. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Wigan Athletic Preview

At first Wigans match looked like it was going it to be a stale mate until Manchester United opened up in the second half and scored 4 goals. This match was a blood bath after the 45 minute mark when United took it into over drive. Wigan just looked completely lost in the 2nd half giving up 20(5) shots on goal to their own 7(1). Time of possession was relatively close 52% to 48% for Wigan. In a nutshell, Wigan couldnt hold a glass of water.

Fulham Preview

Fulham comes into this match with a great win over West Ham (h) blanking them 3-0. Fulhams Berbatov celebrated in high fashion scoring 2 goals in his debut while mid fielder Steve Sewell added the 3rd. Fulham was in complete control of this match controlling the time of possession 63% to and the 37% shots on goal 23(10) to West Hams 10(5).

Wigan Athletic vs Fulham Predictions: 2-1

Wigan Athletic playing at home will have an impact on them let alone the beat down they took from Man U should be enough fire to beat Fulham though this match will be very close. I believe the home field will play a major role in the win for Wigan. Look for an exciting match in this one.

Original Source Wigan Athletic vs Fulham

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United Predictions

Let's see if Liverpool can pull off the unmentionable against Manchester United. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Liverpool Preview

Liverpool survived a close call as striker Luis Suarez scored the tying goal with 19 minutes left to cause a 1-1 draw against Sunderland. The amazing thing was Liverpool was able to control the time of possession holding the ball 66% of the match oppose to Sunderland who help it 33% also the shots on goal for Liverpool was 23(10) to Sunderlands 7(1). Liverpool will have to play better against their next opponent Manchester United.

Manchester United Preview

It took Manchester one half of silence against Wigan Athletic to only open up a can of whip in the second half scoring 4 goals . The 4-0 win was their best thus far in the early season. Manchester United dominated on shots on goal 20(5) to Wigans 7(1). They looked like their usual self turning up the heat at anytime . Manchester sits in 2nd place in the Premier League standings.

Liverpool vs Manchester United Predictions: 2-1

This was a tough call but with Liverpool playing at home I think they can pull off the unthinkable and stun Manchester United. The home crowd will be a key factor in this match but, more important Liverpool has to bring their A game to tack the giant in Manchester.

Original Source Liverpool vs Manchester United

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Manchester City vs Arsenal Predictions

Manchester playing at home needs this win. Can they pull it off against Arsenal? Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Manchester City Preview

Manchester Citys match (A) 0-0 equalizer against Stoke City was a disappointment. It was Asmir Begovic late save from Ryan Shaw cross that just cleared the line. There was no reason for Manchester City not to win this match they dominated on shots on goal 15(8) to Stokes 4(2) and time off possession 66% to Stokes 34%. Manchester City walks away from this match knowing they needed this win to advance now they sit 2-0-2.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal came into Liverpool with one mind set and that was to destroy. Their 2-0 victory over the home team was no less than stellar. Arsenals 2 goals came from Lukas Podolski at the 31 min mark and from mid fielder Santi Cazorla at the 68 min mark. Arsenal looked just as good on the defensive side with Liverpool taking 19(4) shots on goal. Arsenal currently sits in 3rd place in the Barclays with a 2 win-2 Draw and no losses.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Predictions: 2-2

This is a much needed win for both teams. Manchester and Arsenal both have 2 draws already under their belts. Even more so, Manchester City needs this to stay abreast with the elites. I see this being a well-played and exciting match unfortunately these teams will walk away with a draw.

Original Source Manchester City vs Arsenal

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Manchester City vs Sunderland Predictions

Sunderland will attempt to halt Manchester City's home dominance in the English Premier League when the teams meet on Saturday. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Manchester City Preview

Roberto Mancini insists he will solve Manchester City's problems quickly as the Premier League champions head into a crucial clash against Sunderland on Saturday. Manchester City are undefeated in their past 32 league matches at Etihad Stadium and Roberto Mancini's squad has also won just one of their last five games against this weekend's opponents.

Manchester City have come a long way from being a relative unknown in third division English football to a club thats today a serious title contender in the Premier League. So what could be the reason behind Manchester Citys string of poor results in Europe? Its hard to explain why a coach of Mancinis calibre struggles to dominate in Europe. Lets face it throughout his managerial career, Mancini has had a dismal string of results in Europe.

Sunderland Preview

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill brings the Black Cats back to the Etihad on Saturday for the weekend's first match in the Premier League. "Do I despair? I must admit I do throw my hands up when I see some of them," ONeill said.

Sunderland's start to this season has been rather curious. They are unbeaten in five matches, but one win and four draws have yielded but seven points. Unbeaten is unbeaten, and coupled with Manchester City's worrisome defensive play shows this fixture to be a trouble spot for the home side. Sunderland will dearly miss captain Lee Cattermole's typically physical and chippy contribution in the midfield.

Original Source Manchester City vs Sunderland

 

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Chelsea vs Norwich City Predictions

Chelsea welcomes relegation-zone dwellers Norwich City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Chelsea Preview

Roberto Di Matteo has won over his critics. What must be a cause for worry though is that Chelsea are yet to hit their straps offensively. With the talent at Di Matteo's disposal, there is no doubt that this side should be more potent with their offense.

Norwich City Preview

After an explosive start to the season, Hazard has cooled down a little bit, but that can only be a worry for Chris Hughton's men. Chris is one troubled manager as his side have only managed to gather 3 points after 3 draws and 3 losses this season. The spirits in Norwich City will also be at their lowest. Norwich, who have made their worst-ever start in the league, were thrashed 5-3 by Liverpool last weekend. If Norwich do pull off the impossible, it could help stabilize their rocking ship as they now seem to be heading towards a relegation battle this season.

Original Source Chelsea vs Norwich City