England vs Croatia

Wednesday 9 September 2009,

Wembley Stadium

Kick-Off: 20:00

England

England will enter their match with Croatia on Wednesday knowing that a win will send them on their way to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. The situation, however, is one rather familiar to a majority of players in Fabio Capello’s squad.

Less than two years ago, England found themselves up against the same opposition playing for a birth into the European Championships (Euro 2008). A win would have sealed the deal for England, but instead, Croatia came to England and left 3-2 winners, ending England’s journey before it could even get started.

This time, England will have the comfort of knowing that a loss against Croatia would not seriously damage their ambitions of reaching South Africa as Capello’s men enter the match with the maximum 21 points from seven matches played. England also boast a phenomenal goal difference of 26-4 from the seven matches.

Jermain Defoe continues to find his way onto the scoresheet for club and country. He has netted in three straight matches for England as a substitute and will certainly be hoping for a chance to start.

Capello has opted to partner Emile Heskey with Wayne Rooney in attack in recent matches, but Defoe’s form will certainly be in the back of his mind when he makes the final selections on Wednesday.

In spite of coming under some criticism after England conceded their goal on Saturday night, Glen Johnson continues to generally impress at right back and should receive another start against Croatia.

Robert Green should be considered odds on to continue between the posts for Capello, in spite of a couple of unwanted, eventful moments on his part in the victory too.

Croatia

Croatia enter the match against England after a slightly more uncomfortable affair with Belarus in group qualifications.

Croatia shook off a relatively unconvincing performance and an 80th minute dismissal of Vedran Corluka to hold onto a 1-0 lead and secure three points at home for Slaven Bilic.

The win has Croatia on 17 points after eight games played but feeling the heat from the Ukraine who are on 14 points with a game in hand.

Luka Modric will miss the match due to injury and Corluka will be suspended, leaving Bilic with a headache ahead of the trip to Wembley. However, with the return of Eduardo from long term injury, he will probably look to line up with an attacking minded side.

Ivan Rakitic of Schalke 04 scored the lone goal for Croatia in the win over Belarus and will continue to have an increased role in the absence of Modric.

Harry Redknapp’s latest signing for Tottenham, Niko Kranjcar, has the ability to play magnificent football from time to time. Should he be allowed time on the ball and an inch to create, he could cause serious problems for England’s defence.

Prediction

In the first England vs Croatia World Cup qualification match, England pummelled Croatia 4-1. This convincing beating came as a rather shocking result to most observers, as Croatia have built a reputation on their solid play at home.

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick in the match, but will miss Wednesday’s encounter through injury. Nevertheless, England should come in a confident bunch based on their run of good form. Having lost 3-2 in the last match played between the sides in England, expect a fully concentrated effort from Capello’s men.

Whether Croatia look to hold down the fort or come at England with everything they’ve got, the Three Lions should have the upper hand. And if all goes well, England should have successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup by the end of the night.

England vs Croatia Prediction: England 3-1 Croatia

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Argentina vs Brazil

Saturday 5 September 2009,

Estadio de Rosario Central

Kick-Off: 21:30 (1:30 UK time)

Argentina

Diego Maradona will be looking for his side to rise to the occasion as he prepares for his biggest test as Argentina manager.

Argentina are in desperate need of a result considering they sit fourth in the table for South American World Cup Qualifications.

The match has been moved to a more intimate surrounding in Rosario as Maradona will be looking to involve the passionate Argentinian fans.

Nicolas Burdisso will miss the match through injury, while Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini has been called up and could figure in his place.

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will be a key player for Argentina’s attack and Maradona will have the luxury of choosing between Diego Milito, Sergio Kun Aguero and Carlos Tevez to join him in attack. Veteran Martin Palermo has also been called up by Maradona but is unlikely to start.

Juan Sebastian Veron has recently announced he will retire from international football following the 2010 World Cup and will be itching to have an impact against Brazil.

Brazil

Dunga’s men will enter the match in a much more comfortable position as Brazil sit top of the table in World Cup Qualifications for South America.

Brazil have so far dominated proceedings as their +19 goal difference (25-6) indicates. Dunga’s side have lost only one of the first fourteen matches in qualifying, having won seven and drawn six.

Adriano has been recalled for the match and the big striker will look to use his muscle to cause havoc to the Argentina defence.

Kleberson will miss the match through a shoulder injury, but Real Madrid new boy Kaká will enter the match with his confidence at its peak.

Prediction

Argentina’s home support will serve as a major advantage coming into the match, although Brazil will have the comfort of playing a relaxed game due to their position in the table. The latter could prove a deciding factor if Argentina are unable to jump on top of their opponents early.

Historically, there isn’t much to choose between the sides as Brazil have beaten Argentina 35 times, while Argentina have won 34. Should Maradona succeed in levelling things up at 35 a piece, Argentina would ease their worries of having to qualify by way of a playoff.

Argentina were successful in holding Brazil to 0-0 in the first match between the sides in Brazil, but Maradona will know that one point is less than adequate.

Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world, will have to show his worth in the match as his country will be relying on him.

Expect an entertaining affair in what is easily the match of the weekend!

Argentina vs Brazil Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Brazil

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England vs Slovenia

Saturday 5 September 2009,

Wembley Stadium

Kick-Off: 17:30

England

Fabio Capello’s England will enter the friendly match with Slovenia with one eye on the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

England would qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a win on Wednesday and Capello will be looking to utilise the friendly against Slovenia as preparation.

The England boss will also be pleased to know that there are no new injury worries ahead of the match. Matthew Upson will likely continue in defence alongside John Terry, while either Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips will add pace to the right side of Capello’s midfield.

Jermain Defoe’s recent form could be enough for the Tottenham striker to force his way into the starting eleven. His two goals in England’s most recent performance against Holland came as a substitute.

Slovenia

Slovenia have been impressive in their bid to reach the 2010 World Cup. Sitting third in group three, they will believe they have a very realistic chance of reaching the finals.

They do, however, have a competitive group with both Poland and the Czech Republic behind them in the table with a game in hand on the Slovenians.

Zlatko Dedic and Milivoje Novakovic, both of whom play their club football in Germany, will likely spearhead the Slovenian attack.

Robert Koren of West Bromwich Albion and Mirnes Sisic of Olympiakos are gifted midfielders in a relatively unknown Slovenian side.

Prediction

On paper, England will be heavy favourites to win, but with the Croatia match looming in the near future, Capello will probably be more concerned about keeping his players healthy.

Slovenia will likely be content to defend and could be successful in their tactics as their most recent result against the Czech Republic in qualification ended 0-0.

Still, expect England to go about business as they normally do. Losing is not an option for Capello in any match, competitive or friendly, and England have looked more comfortable disposing of weaker opposition under his leadership. Something they so often lacked in the past.

England vs Slovenia Prediction: England 2-0 Slovenia

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Everton vs Wigan

Sunday 30 August 2009,

Goodison Park

Kick-Off: 15:00

Everton

In the wake of Joleon Lescott’s messy transfer to Manchester City, David Moyes will look to restore a sense of calm to his Everton side.

After starting the season on the worst possible note (a 6-1 loss to Arsenal at Goodison Park), Everton responded to put four past Sigma Olomouc in Europa Cup qualifications, only to drop their second successive Premier League match against Burnley.

The second half performance against Burnley was promising from an Everton perspective, although the missed chances cost the Blues dearly.

Louis Saha, who has otherwise been in fantastic form, missed from the spot in what would have levelled things up for Everton at the Turf Moor.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni could return from a lengthy injury after having scored for the reserves in midweek.

New signing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will likely not be eligible until the second week of September.

Wigan

Wigan Athletic enter Sunday’s match with Everton after a horrible 4-1 defeat at the hands of Blackpool in the Carling Cup.

The defeat comes only four days after the 5-0 thrashing they received against Manchester United at the JB Stadium and Roberto Martinez will have to consider juggling his team around if they are to re-discover their form.

Hugo Rodallega has been a bright spot for Martinez so far this campaign and has looked dangerous when coming forward. Wigan will have to provide him with better service, however, if they are to puncture the Everton defence.

Jason Koumas and Titus Bramble will also be looking to find a way back to their best as both are key players for Martinez’s Wigan.

Prediction

Both clubs are in desperate need of a win. Last season's Everton vs Wigan meetings saw the Toffees win 4-0 at Goodison Park, but stumble to a 1-0 defeat at the JJB Stadium earlier in the season.

The return of Yakubu is a huge injection for Moyes’ attacking options and he will be called upon to produce instantly. If he can shake off the rust of nearly a year away form the game, Everton will have a good chance of taking three points.

Everton vs Wigan Prediction: Everton 3 - Wigan 1

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Roma vs Juventus

Sunday 30 August 2009,

Stadio Olimpico

Kick-Off: 17:00

Roma

A.S. Roma come into an important match against Juventus after a week to forget.

On Thursday, August 20, after having gone 3-1 up away against MFK Kosice in the first leg of Europa League qualifications, they conceded two late goals to nullify what would have certainly been a guaranteed ticket to the group stage of the competition.

Then, on Sunday, they conceded an 83rd minute winner away against Genoa in their opening match of the 2009/10 Serie A campaign.

Roma’s attack has worked wonderfully in the past two games as they have scored five goals, three of which were scored by Francesco Totti. Their defence, however, will be under fire as Juventus will surely be looking to capitalise on every opportunity presented.

With Philippe Mexes and Juan still out, Luciano Spalletti will be looking to plug holes in the defence with anything that works. Changes in the back line that started against Genoa (Burdisso, Andreolli, Casetti, Motta) are likely to be made with John Arne Riise and Max Tonetto as possible replacements.

Juventus

Juventus manager Ciro Ferrara will be looking to add to a decent start to his managerial career with Juventus.

Ferrara, formerly the assistant manager of Italy, is off to a satisfactory start as Juventus beat Chievo 1-0 in their opening match of the 2009/10 season.

An early first half goal from in form striker Vincenzo Iaquinta was enough to seal the deal for Ferrara’s men. Amauri was selected ahead of David Trezeguet to partner Iaquinta in the absence of Alessandro Del Piero, a partnership Ferrara is said to favour ahead of the trip to Rome.

Diego, recently signed from Werder Bremen, is an exciting player that should turn some heads in Italy in the near future. He will be asked to fill the large shoes of Pavel Nedved after his illustrious career at Juventus reached its end.

Prediction

Both Juventus vs Roma meetings between the two clubs last season ended in Juventus wins (2-0 at home and 4-1 away), and Juve may feel they have the upper hand coming into the match.

Roma’s depleted back line will certainly be a concern for Spalletti, who will be trying to avoid the horrible start that plagued Roma’s 2008/09 season. He’ll most likely continue with his attacking minded football and rely on his captain Totti to continue his excellent goalscoring run.

If Juventus are able to neutralise Francesco Totti and Roma wingers Stefano Guberti and Jeremy Menez, they should come out victorious. Another fine performance from Iaquinta could provide all the attacking tools necessary to break down an undermanned Roma defence.

AS Roma – Juventus Prediction: Roma 1 - 2 Juventus

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Barcelona vs Sporting Gijon

Monday 31 August 2009,

Camp Nou

Kick-Off: 21:00

Barcelona

Barcelona enter Monday night’s match with Sporting Gijon on only three days rest. The Catalan club defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 after extra time in the UEFA Super Cup match on Friday evening, and will head home to take on Sporting Gijon on Monday.

Pep Guardiola’s side have the depth to deal with the short rest and expect him to rotate at least a few players in order to keep his team fresh at the start of the 2009/10 season.

Barcelona players were heavily decorated for their efforts in the 2008/09 Champions League on Thursday as Xabi Hernandez won the prize of Champions League midfielder of the year and Lionel Messi was named forward of the year.

Messi was also named as the UEFA Champions League player of the year. He will look to continue his dominant form in La Liga as Barcelona kick off their campaign at the Nou Camp on Monday.

Sporting Gijon

Sporting Gijon did well to avoid relegation from La Liga in their first season in the highest division after a ten year absence. Manuel Preciado has Gijon on a steady incline since his arrival in 2006 and will be looking to build on a fine 14th place finish from a season ago.

Sporting Gijon do not possess the financial capabilities that Barcelona have as evident in Preciado’s almost entirely Spanish squad. Only Gregory and Mate Bilic are of a nationality other than Spanish.

Bilic, who scored twelve goals for Sporting in the 2008/09, will be called on again to produce the lion’s share of the goals.

Midfielder Michel has been linked with a move to Birmingham after the pre-season friendly between the clubs, but so far nothing has been arranged. The loss of his presence in midfield would certainly be a setback.

Prediction

Barcelona won both matches between the clubs last season by the astonishing combined total of 9-2! They have also won the past six meetings between the clubs at the Nou Camp and it would be hard to believe Sporting Gijon could come away from this match with anything other than a good workout.

Barcelona vs Sporting Gijon Prediction: Barcelona 4 - Gijon 0

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Manchester United vs Arsenal

Saturday 29 August 2009,

Old Trafford

Kick-Off: 17:15

Manchester United

Manchester United come into the match on a real high. After a woeful loss against Burnley at Turf Moor, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men responded with class in a 5-0 thumping of Wigan on Saturday.

The match was 0-0 heading into the break, but the defending champions came out like a wolf on the hunt in the second half to hammer five goals past a helpless Wigan.

The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer has left Sir Alex looking for attacking options, but the five goal display against Wigan will surely be encouraging for the United boss.

Michael Owen opened his goal scoring account against Wigan and he could ultimately play a key role in the success of United’s chances this season.

Wayne Rooney has stepped up his game in recent weeks and will be looking to continue his run of good form.

Nemanja Vidic, in the heart of the Manchester defence, is also a crucial piece to Sir Alex’s puzzle. When he is at his best, there are few better in the business, and the Serbian will indeed have to be at his best to stop a razor sharp Arsenal attack.

Arsenal

Arsenal have been on cruise control entering the titanic clash against Manchester United.

After an astonishing 6-1 victory away against Everton, Arsenal followed up the thrashing with another dominant performance over Portsmouth in a 4-1 win.

Entering the season, it was feared that Arsenal did little to bolster their chances of challenging for the title having lost Emanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to big spending Manchester City. However, the cries have quickly turned to cheers as Arsenal’s young squad has thoroughly impressed early in the season.

Arsene Wenger elected to rest Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, and Andrei Arshavin (barring the last twenty minutes) in Arsenal's 3-1 win against Celtic on Wednesday night in their Champions League qualification win, but all three should return for the match at Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas, recovering from a hamstring injury, was saved as a precaution while Tomas Rosicky, suffering from a similar injury, should also return for Wenger against Manchester United.

Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Johan Djourou and Lukasz Fabianski are still on the mend and will likely miss the match.

Prediction

There are few games more entertaining than when these two giants match up against each other. Expect flowing football with pace and everything one could ever desire from a match.

Last season, Manchester went toe-to-toe no less than four times with Arsenal (twice in the Premier League and twice in the Champions League) winning two, drawing one and losing the other. Both Man Utd vs Arsenal matches at Old Trafford ended in Man U victories, and the Red Devils generally do well against the North London club at home.

This match could paint a clearer picture as to both of these sides' chances of claiming silverware this year, and so the two teams will be eager to post a result in this epic encounter on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Prediction: Man Utd 2 - Arsenal 1

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Real Madrid vs Deportivo

Saturday 29 August 2009,

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Kick-Off: 19:00

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have opened up their wallet this transfer window and splurged on everything attractive in sight.

Not many clubs in the world have the funds available to afford one of the three major signings made by Real Madrid over the summer. Yet, as the opening day of La Liga is right around the corner, the Spanish giants have captured the service of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaká.

Apparently, Real Madrid are not only interested in challenging Barcelona for the title. No, they want to completely destroy all competition en route to becoming champions.

The rest of Europe must be shaking in their boots thinking about the prospect of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League. The powerhouse that Real Madrid have made themselves for the upcoming season is quite remarkable.

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to action against Rosenborg in a midweek friendly that Real Madrid thoroughly dominated. Rosenborg hardly had a sniff of goal as the Spanish giants triumphed 4-0.

Wesley Sneijder is rumoured to have signed for Inter and may not feature.

Deportivo

Deportivo de la Coruna will be looking to improve on their mid-table finish from last season.

Deportivo finished tenth in La Liga for the 2008/09 campaign and will face an uphill battle to accomplish a European Cup position this season.

Mista returns to the club rejuvenated ready to go after only playing 10 matches for the club last season, although the loss of a number of different players such as Omar Bravo, Cristian, Rodri, Pablo Amo and Fabricio could see the season become more of a transitional one for the La Coruna club.

Juca is an interesting new face arriving from Partizan Belgrad.

Prediction

Deportivo was successful in defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at home on opening day a year ago. Real Madrid, however, was able to get their revenge at the Santiago Bernabeu and won a close affair 1-0.

Real Madrid have the talent to win 90% of their matches this season. Their attack is second to none in the world and should control this match from the kickoff. If they don’t win by a sizeable margin, it would be considered a failure.

Real Madrid vs Deportivo Prediction: Real Madrid 4 - 0 Deportivo

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AC Milan vs Inter Milan

Saturday 29 August 2009,

San Siro

Kick-Off: 19:45

AC Milan

AC Milan come into the Derby after a solid 2-1 opening day win against Siena.

Pato linked up beautifully with Ronaldinho on two occasions to seal the three points for Leonardo’s side.

Leonardo opted to start with Marco Borriello up front in the absence of Filippo Inzaghi but may shake things up ahead of the derby on Saturday.

New boy Thiaguinho was impressive in his Milan debut and could figure in again against Jose Mourinho’s Inter. Playing against the likes of Samuel Eto’o would definitely be a different kind of a challenge for the Brazilian, but if first looks are an indication of Thiaguinho’s ability, Leonardo has a fantastic talent on his hands.

Mathieu Flamini has taken on a more involved role for Milan after the departure of Kaká and could be a very influential figure over the course of the season.

Inter Milan

José Mourinho will be unhappy with his Inter Milan side only managing a draw against newcomers Bari in their home opener.

Inter got the breakthrough in the second half through a Samuel Eto’o penalty but shortly conceded an equaliser. They chased a winner late in the game but could just as easily have conceded a second goal to Bari in the dying minutes of injury time.

Inter seemed to lack a cutting edge in the match which will certainly concern Mourinho ahead of the derby.

Mario Balotelli was caught numerous times trying to do too much with the ball and Diego Milito showed only glimpses of what made him such a valuable player at Real Zaragoza and Genoa. The attack gives the indication that it has not gelled just yet, but once they do, they will be a real force to be reckoned with.

Lucio made his Serie A debut in defence for Internazionale and should be selected against Milan. Esteban Cambiasso’s creativity and passing ability was missed dearly by Inter against Bari.

Prediction

Last season the clubs split the two meetings with one win a piece. AC Milan won the first meeting 1-0 and Inter won the second 2-1. There is seldom more than one goal between the sides and that trend is unlikely to be broken.

Inter will come in with a point to prove after faltering in their opener. Expect Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o to be more influential as they ease into their roles at Inter. Javier Zanetti has a tendency to elevate his play in games like this and Internazionale will turn to their captain to lead them.

This promises to be a fantastic and very tight match. Serie A clubs have a tendency to prioritise defence at all costs but hopefully the match will open up. An early goal would do the match a world of good.

AC Milan – Inter Milan Prediction: Milan 1 - Internazionale 1

Bolton vs Liverpool

Saturday 29 August 2009,

Reebok Stadium

Kick-Off: 15:00

Bolton

Bolton Wanderers are off to a shaky start in the 2009/10 Premier League. Having lost their first two matches of the season 1-0 against Sunderland and Hull, they will be looking to net not only their first points of the Premier League season, but their first goal as well.

Gary Megson will try to take the positives from a 1-0 midweek Carling Cup win over Tranmere Rovers and will be hoping that the winning trend continues against a struggling Liverpool side.

Megson will likely be without the trio of Ricardo Gardner, Joey O’Brien and Ricardo Vaz Te for the match against Liverpool, but Mark Davies, the lone goalscorer against Tranmere, should continue in midfield.

Bolton fans will be expecting more of Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies as they spearhead what has so far been a less-than-vicious Bolton

Liverpool

Liverpool will be coming into the match with problems of their own. After having lost only two matches the entire 2008/09 season, they find themselves equalling that number after only three matches played.

After a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday, Rafael Benitez will again be looking for someone to step up and respond.

Martin Skrtel retruned from a jaw injury against Aston Villa but was unable to stop Villa from hammering three past his keeper.

Liverpool owned most of possession and applied steady pressure to Martin O’Neill’s back line, but were unable to capitalise on their chances. Then, when Villa hit back on the counter attack through the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, the Reds were stood searching for answers.

It has become clear in recent weeks just how much Liverpool miss the service of Xabi Alonso. With his replacement Alberto Aquilani injured, Liverpool will need to raise their game in the midfield if they wish to break out of their current funk.

Daniel Agger is still a couple of weeks off in returning from injury.

Prediction

Last season's Liverpool vs Bolton meetings saw the Reds win both matches (3-0 at Anfield and 2-0 at the Reebok), and they will expect to win this match, as well.

Steven Gerrard has a tendency to raise his game when his club needs him most. Expect him and Fernando Torres to be key figures for Liverpool as they attempt to bounce back.

Bolton will be relying on tight defending and trying to nick a goal on the counter or through set pieces. Kevin Davies aerial abilities could prove a danger to the Liverpool defence.

Given both teams’ struggles, expect a tight, gritty match.

Bolton vs Liverpool Prediction: Bolton 0 -1 Liverpool