We preview Arsenal v Aston Villa ahead of their FA Cup fourth round tie this Sunday. The analysis highlights Andrei Arshavin’s fall from grace, a comparison between Mikel Arteta and Stilian Petrov as well as looking at Darren Bent’s threat for Aston Villa.

ARSHAVIN’S FALL FROM GRACE SHOWS NO SIGN OF COMING TO A HALT

According to Castrol EDGE Performance analysis, Andrei Arshavin has seen his form nosedive over the past 12 months, with the Arsenal schemer dropping from 22^ndto 779^th in the Castrol Rankings.

The former Zenit St Petersburg star was at the centre of some controversy in Arsenal’s recent defeat against Manchester United, when the decision to bring him on as a sub for the impressive Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was roundly booed by an Emirates crowd frustrated by the dramatic fall from grace of their diminutive attacker. Indeed, since his first season in England, in 2008/09, he has seen his scoring rate, shooting accuracy rate and chance conversion figures all drop, season by season.

His creative influence has also dropped from last season, with the 30-year-old creating fewer chances on average. While interestingly, the stats also back up a feeling amongst many other fans that Arshavin’s work-rate could be better, with the Russian captain challenging for far less tackles this season.

But the question remains, can the playmaker revive his flagging career in north London or is he destined to leave the Premier League before the beginning of next season?

Andrey Arshavin – Premier League

CLASH OF MASTERMINDS AS ARTETA FACES PETROV

According to Castrol EDGE Performance analysis, Mikel Arteta has completed 85% of his passes into the final third of the pitch, which is the second-highest percentage in the Premier League this season, only after Manchester City’s Samir Nasri.

Arteta v Petrov – Premier League 2011/12

*Only games played for Arsenal

The former Everton player, who has never been capped for Spain, surpasses Stilian Petrov in terms of shooting accuracy, passing and dribble completion, however, the Bulgarian’s powerful shots make him one of the most dangerous players from long range, having already netted three goals from outside the box this term in the Premier League – only England and Man Utd star Wayne Rooney has been more lethal (five).

DARREN BENT A THREAT ON THE COUNTER

When these teams last met at the Emirates in the PL, Aston Villa emerged with a 2-1 victory thanks to a first-half brace from Darren Bent.

The England forward has 8 Premier League goals to his name this season and in tandem with the pacey Gabriel Agbonlahor could present Villa’s biggest threat when they attempt to counter Arsenal’s possession based game plan.

Bent’s finishing is his main attribute and he showed that at the Emirates last season.

The England forward had 45 touches during the encounter (of which only 9 in his own half) but still managed to convert 50% of his shots (2 out of 4).

Darren Bent touches v Arsenal (PL 29.05.2011)

DARREN BENT’S MOST TOUCHES PER GAME FOR VILLA AWAY FROM HOME PL 2010/11

Surprisingly his 45 touches during that game represented his second highest tally in a league game for Villa last season; demonstrating his ability to stay on the margins of a match, but still score vital goals.

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

We preview Liverpool v Manchester United ahead of their match this Saturday in the FA Cup. The analysis highlights Craig Bellamy and his striking rivals, as well as comparing José Enrique and Patrice Evra.

BELLAMY DESERVES HIS CHANCE IN ABSENCE OF SUAREZ

Manchester United and Liverpool resume their fierce rivalry in the 4^th Round of the FA Cup this weekend, with Castrol EDGE Performance data showing that Craig Bellamy deserves to continue leading the Liverpool attack following strong performance this season.

Bellamy’s appearances have been limited compared to goal-shy Dirk Kuyt and the Manchester United attacking duo of Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney. However, of the quartet Bellamy has the best chance conversion rate (29% for his 5 goals), pass completion (86%) and is the most creative, laying on a chance for a teammate once every 27 minutes, by far the highest rate.

In addition he sits only just behind Rooney with a goal every 128 minutes scored (compared with Rooney’s 126) and is second to Welbeck with a 59% shooting accuracy. Somewhat surprisingly Bellamy’s dribbling ability seems to have deserted him this season, with a 29% completion rate, whereas Rooney boasts an impressive 66%.

Robin van Persie vs Wayne Rooney in Premier League 2011-12

ADVENTUROUS EVRA AND ENRIQUE LOCK HORNS

Two of the Premier League’s leading left-backs will be on show at Anfield, with Castrol EDGE Performance data revealing that José Enrique and Patrice Evra are performing to a similar level this season.

While Enrique has the edge with tackles won (80%), it is Evra who has a far superior clearance rate with 4.93 per 90 minutes compared to Enrique’s 0.95 (156 total versus 30), perhaps reflecting the pressure the United defence has come under this season.

However, Evra invites a degree of this pressure by conceding more than double the fouls of Enrique.

José Enrique’s key strength though is going forward, completing the most number of dribbles of any defender in the Premier League with 39 this season. Evra is second with 28, showing that both will be a key source of their team’s attacking ambitions this weekend.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Don’t miss Real Madrid v Barcelona, live on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, December 10 at 4PM ET.

The first El Clasico of the 2011-12 season sees Barcelona’s Spanish dominance over the last three seasons set to be thoroughly challenged by Real Madrid. The quality, passion and electric atmosphere of a contest between Spain’s top two teams will be present as always when the duo meet, but this fixture has the potential to swing the balance of power in the country and the continent.

Barcelona have been untouchable, mesmerizing and victorious at home and abroad over the last three years, but are showing signs of inconsistency and have not been at their menacing best this term, whilst Madrid are top of the standings and ready to wrestle the crown back from their bitter rivals. A mouth-watering match in the offing, football doesn’t get much better anywhere in the world than this.

The hosts are looking as dangerous and on-form as a Madrid team have over the last ten years, and sit top of La Liga with 12 wins from 14 games; Los Blancos are three points ahead of Barca and have played a game less. A 3-0 win over Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday night made it a club record 15 victories in a row for the Santiago Bernabeu giants, and Jose Mourinho’s men go into the game more prepared, motivated and ready than in any Clasico fixture in the recent memory. The Portuguese coach’s winning mentality and inability to accept second best has rubbed off on his team, as ‘The Special One’ looks to replicate his dominant track record with Porto, Chelsea and Inter in the Spanish capital.

Mourinho’s countryman Cristiano Ronaldo will continue his personal battle with Lionel Messi on Saturday, as the debate to whom the best footballer on the planet is rages on. Both players are in the offing for the 2011 Ballon d’Or, and the ex-Manchester United attacker will look to stake his claim by leading the hosts to victory. Midfield lynchpin Xabi Alonso will return from suspension in a massive boost for the home team, whilst Mourinho has a tough decision to make in deciding whether to go for the combative Lassana Diarra alongside the Spain international, or the more creative and attacking minded Mesut Ozil. If Madrid win they will increase their lead at the top of the Primera Division to six points with a game in hand, and receive a massive boost going into the new year.

With three consecutive La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs in three years, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team will go down in history as one of the greats. However, Guardiola’s genius is set to best tested, as the game on Saturday is arguably the biggest challenge the former midfielder has faced in his coaching career to date. With a world-class opponent and a hostile reception guaranteed, Barcelona will need to be at their best to leave the Spanish capital with three points. With Madrid’s current ruthless streak, the Blaugrana will know that they can ill-afford to let their age-old rivals get too far ahead in the race for the title, as even though it is early in the season they may not be caught.

Despite drawing more games than they would like this season, Barcelona have the same personnel and winning mentality that has made them deserved champions over recent campaigns. Madrid will need to breach the tightest rearguard in the Spanish top flight; Barca have only conceded seven goals in 15 La Liga games this season, and will be boosted by the inclusion of pivotal centre back Gerard Pique. The usual midfield suspects such as Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and the third Ballon d’Or contender Xavi, will look to dominate possession and starve their amped-up opponents of the ball, whilst feeding their sprightly forward line. Guardiola has a decision to make in terms of whether to play 2010-11 mainstay David Villa or exciting summer signing Alexis Sanchez, whilst all eyes, as usual will be on Lionel Messi.

Madrid go into the game as slight favourites, but small margins will settle what should be a scintillating game of football. Barcelona will be asked to prove their mantle of champions in the most daunting environment, whilst Real Madrid have to state their case that they are ready to eclipse a team of a generation in the form of their most bitter rivals.

Don’t miss Real Madrid v Barcelona, live on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, December 10 at 4PM ET.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Nine teams are through from the group stage but 16 other sides can still dream of joining them this week. Here’s a look at the the key deciding matches of today and tomorrow.

Seven places remain to be filled in the 16 December round of 16 draw.

Group winners FC Bayern München, FC Internazionale Milano, Real Madrid CF, Arsenal FC and holders FC Barcelona plus fellow qualifiers SL Benfica, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, APOEL FC and AC Milan are already confirmed in the knockout phase but 16 other sides are still competing to join them. Eight clubs will transfer to the UEFA Europa League round of 32 for finishing third in their sections.

For our US-based readers – you can win signed UEFA Champions League gear and other prizes just by watching this week’s Champions League games, courtesy of Heineken.

Tuesday 6 December

Group E

Chelsea FC v Valencia CF
KRC Genk v Bayer 04 Leverkusen

• Leverkusen are through even if they lose and Chelsea and Valencia draw to join them on nine points; in that scenario the German club would come top. A win against already eliminated Genk would secure first place.
• Whoever prevails at Stamford Bridge progresses with the losing side finishing third. A score draw will be enough for Valencia while a goalless result will take Chelsea through unless Leverkusen lose.

Group F

Olympiacos CF v Arsenal FC
Borussia Dortmund v Olympique de Marseille

• Arsenal have clinched qualification as group winners but any of the other three teams could still end up second, third or fourth.
• Marseille are second so a victory in Germany would be sufficient, or a draw if Olympiacos fail to win.
• Olympiacos must win and hope Marseille do not. If Olympiacos draw they will still advance if Dortmund triumph 2-0 or by a margin of three or four goals. Any other two-goal or a one-goal margin of Dortmund victory would take Marseille through.
• Dortmund need to beat Marseille by four goals or more and hope Olympiacos lose, or by five goals or more should Olympiacos draw.

Group G

APOEL FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk
FC Porto v FC Zenit St Petersburg

• APOEL are confirmed as the first Cypriot outfit to get past the group stage and will finish top if they overcome eliminated Shakhtar, or if they draw and Zenit fail to win.
• Porto have to win to pip Zenit to the other qualifying berth.

Group H

FC Barcelona v FC BATE Borisov
FC Viktoria Plzeň v AC Milan

• Barcelona will come first and Milan second.
• Third-placed Plzeň are two points ahead of BATE and the Czech club will only be denied a UEFA Europa League berth should they lose to Milan and Borisov win in Barcelona.

Wednesday 7 December

Group A

Manchester City FC v FC Bayern München
Villarreal CF v SSC Napoli

• Bayern have clinched the group and Villarreal will finish fourth.
• Napoli, in second, are a point above City. To overtake the Italian team, City must win against Bayern and hope Villarreal avoid defeat.

Group B

FC Internazionale Milano v PFC CSKA Moskva
LOSC Lille Métropole v Trabzonspor AŞ

• Inter Milan have topped the group yet a single point separates the other three sides, with Trabzonspor a point clear of Lille and CSKA.
• Lille or Trabzonspor will end up second should they win their encounter in France.
• If that match is drawn, CSKA can pip Trabzonspor to the runners-up spot with victory in Milan. If CSKA do not triumph in those circumstances, Trabzonspor would go through on seven points, the joint-lowest tally since it became three for a win.
• CSKA will come fourth if they lose; however, a draw will give them third place unless the other game also finishes level.

Group C

FC Basel 1893 v Manchester United FC
SL Benfica v FC Oţelul Galaţi

• Benfica, level with United and a point ahead of Basel but boasting a superior head-to-head against both clubs, are through. They will seal pole position with a success against Oţelul, who will be fourth regardless of their result.
• The encounter in Switzerland will decide the other qualifying place with Basel requiring a victory to overtake United, who last missed the knockout phase in 2005/06. If Benfica do not win, Basel or United will claim top spot with a victory.

Group D

AFC Ajax v Real Madrid CF
GNK Dinamo Zagreb v Olympique Lyonnais

• Madrid have won the section to make it past the group stage for a record 15th year running. Three points in Amsterdam will make them only the fifth team to register a perfect record in a UEFA Champions League group, and the first since Barcelona in 2002/03. None of the previous four have gone on to lift the trophy.
• With Dinamo finishing fourth, second and third positions are between Ajax and Lyon. Ajax are three points ahead and have a goal difference advantage of seven having drawn both games against Lyon 0-0. Therefore Lyon must win, hope Ajax lose, and overhaul their goal difference.

For our US-based readers – you can win signed Champions League gear and other prizes just by watching this week’s Champions League games, courtesy of Heineken.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The last round of the Champions League group stages sees a number of mouthwatering and do-or-die ties. If you’re going to be betting on football, you should be very careful where you put your money.

For some teams the last 16 and knockout stages await; others will have to make do with the Europa League. Chelsea know their fate is in their hands, whilst Manchester City must hope for a win and a favour at El Madrigal.

Chelsea vs Valencia

Roman Abramovich has held UEFA Champions League triumph as his holy grail since buying Chelsea in June 2003, and the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti have seen their stints at Stamford Bride cut short, as despite delivering the Premier League they have failed to win Europe’s top club tournament.

Andre Villas Boas is under increasing pressure to deliver in his first season in England, and a shaky month has seen his side fall 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City. In Europe, a disappointing draw in Belgium against Genk and a last minute winner for Bayer Leverkusen against The Blues at the BayArena sees the London club needing to win Tuesday’s game or draw 0-0 with Valencia to progress.

Unai Emery’s team have impressed recently in La Liga and on the continent, and a 7-0 win over Genk in their last European outing shows that the side from the Mestalla will be no pushovers. Seasoned at this level, Valencia house a number of players capable of winning the tie in England, none more-so than Roberto Soldado, who backed up a first half hat-trick against the Belgian champions with the winner against Espanyol at the weekend.

Chelsea will need to be at their best to get the result they need and the inclusion of former Valencia attacker Juan Mata in their side will provide added motivation for the visitors; Betfair have the home side as favourites however at odds of 1.79 to get a victory.

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

Not many teams have outplayed big spending Manchester City this season, but Bayern Munich deserved their 2-0 win over Roberto Mancini’s side at the Allianz Arena back in September. The current Premier League leaders are unbeaten this season domestically, but a draw at home and defeat away to Napoli threatens the club’s Champions League status.

City need to beat Jupp Heynckes’ men on Wednesday and hope that Villarreal can stop Edinson Cavani and Napoli from getting three points in Spain to make the last 32. Despite naturally having one eye on events at El Madrigal, the hosts must focus on beating what is a rounded and dangerous Bavarian visitor.

Former City defender Jerome Boateng will get a frosty reception at the Etihad Stadium, but has solidified the Germans’ rearguard since is summer move. The likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller and Mario Gomez need no introduction, and despite the fact that Bayern are already assured to top the group, the visitors will want to complete their group stage with a win.

City are favourites with the bookies, but so are Napoli; Betfair have City at odds of 1.64 to beat Bayern, but at 3.45 to qualify.

Ajax vs Real Madrid

The current Eredivisie champions have a fine tradition and history in Europe, but their 1-0 triumph over AC Milan in the Champions League final back in 1995 will feel like a lifetime ago for the Amsterdam Arena faithful.

Despite the fact that Ajax are three points and seven goals better off than third placed Group D team Lyon, Frank de Boer’s men are not yet through to the knockout stages. With the French outfit facing pointless and hapless Dinamo Zagreb, and the Dutch side locking horns the form team in Europe, Ajax must be careful not to let the balance swing.

Jose Mourinho’s men have the first El Clasico match of the season against Barcelona next weekend, and the Portuguese coach will want a positive result in Amsterdam to continue momentum going into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos are the only side with a perfect group stage record this season, have scored the most goals and conceded the least – Ajax beware.

Ajax should qualify despite the calibre of their Wednesday opponents; Betfair have the Dutch side at odds of 3.1 to beat the Spaniards.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Man United is in danger of slipping to third as Spurs step up their game as Newcastle and Chelsea face-off for the UEFA Champions League spot. The Gunners are expected to cruise to victory in their visit to 19th place Wigan.

Newcastle United v Chelsea

Premiership surprise package Newcastle United take on Chelsea in the big game of the weekend (12.45pm KO Sat, Live on Sky Sports 2) and the draw looks he most likely outcome at odds of 3.4.

Alan Pardew’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last 16 English Premier League games to give them the best start to a season since 1996-97.

They were fortunate to get a share of the spoils at Old Trafford last week after they were awarded a controversial penalty, but they are proving tough nuts to crack and it won’t be easy for Andre Villas-Boas’ side to come away with all three points in the cauldron that is St James’.

I find it surprising that the bookies make Chelsea clear favourites at around 2.1 to bag all three points, as Andre Villas-Boas’ side have been really struggling of late and didn’t have to be at their best to register a much needed 3-0 success over Wolves last weekend.

The stats do however slightly favour Chelsea and that’s probably why the bookies have come down on their side.

The Magpies have won none of the last eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea (D4, L4) and have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last 9 PL matches.

However do have a red-hot striker in the shape of Demba Ba who has netted 16 goals so far this season and snuffing him out will not be easy given the frailties of the Chelsea defence which have been exposed so many times so far this season.

I think Newcastle are good enough to get a share of the spoils here, and at 3.4 with bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power the draw looks a fair bet.

1-1 is my idea of the outcome of what promises to be a fiercely fought battle, and you can get 7 about that scoreline with Boylesports.

Aston Villa v Manchester United

Manchester United may not have had the best of weeks but they are still odds-on at a top price of 1.73 to bounce back and notch an away victory over Aston Villa.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s young guns were frustrated in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle last weekend, as Javier Hernandez’s opener was cancelled out by Demba Ba following a controversial penalty decision that the gaffer described as “shocking”.

They then slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday to bow out of the Carling Cup at the quarter-final stage, after which Ferguson apologised to supporters for the performance having rested several senior players and relied on inexperienced young blood to deliver the goods.

It will be back to the first-choice starting XI for the trip to Villa, and that should be enough for United to land odds of 1.73 with bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power and bag all three points.

The stats are certainly in United’s favour as far as this clash is concerned.

Villa have won none of their last 15 Premiership home games against United, drawing six and losing nine, and overall they have won just one of 31 meetings between the two sides.

United have also won 11 times at Villa Park in the PL, and with Wayne Rooney, Chicharito, Nani and Nemanja Vidic all expected to start it would take a brave man to back against them not notching another win over Alex McLeish’s men.

I certainly expect them to prove too strong for the Villans, who have made their worst start to the season since 2005/06 and were very poor in their 0-0 draw at Swansea last weekend.

With Villa struggling to score I fancy United to win this to nil, and the 2.8 on offer with Paddy Power about that outcome looks huge.

Wigan v Arsenal

Arsenal are a top priced 1.57 to beat Wigan at the DW Stadium, and at those odds I rate them the banker bet of the whole weekend.

Wigan have won only one of their 12 Premier League meetings with the Gunners and have the worst conversion rate in the top flight having scored with just 9% of their shots.

Prior to their 2-1 away win against struggling Sunderland last weekend they had looked in dire straits, and it will be a major surprise if Arsene Wenger’s boys do not put them to the sword.

What is a surprise however is that Arsenal are 1.57 for victory given that they were 1.5 in the same fixture last season and come into the game on a terrific unbeaten league run which has seen them climb into seventh and put themselves in contention for a top four finish.

They are going for their third successive away win on the bounce, and goal scoring exploits of Robin van Persie have been nothing short of phenomenal.

I can see the Dutchman, who has done us bags of favours in the goal scorer markets this season, wreaking havoc and at 3.75 to net the opener with bet365 he looks worth another investment.

In the last four meetings between the Latics and the Gunners where both sides have scored, so the 1.67 with Betfred and Paddy Power about both teams netting also looks worth a wager for those that like to play at odds-on.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There’s only one more month left in 2011, and it looks like the year will go out with a real bang from a football standpoint.

December features several must-see matches, with a few that will have title implications on top of deciding bragging rights between fierce rivals.

Watch the best of Premier League action this Christmas with Sky HD. Already have Sky? Upgrade to Sky Sports online and save £5. Get Sky HD or upgrade to Sky Sports now.

La Liga: Real Madrid v Barcelona

Few matches on the calendar from here to May will match the anticipation and importance of the two Clasicos.

The importance of the first showdown, which kicks off at 9:00 pm BST on the 10th, may have been amped up even further with Barcelona’s weekend defeat at Getafe, which, combined with Real’s 4-1 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid, sees Real Madrid with a six-point lead at the top through 13 rounds.

Due to their participation in the Club World Cup, Barcelona have two league matches before their visit to the Bernabeu, while Real have one, with their game in hand being on the 17th, a home tie against Espanyol. Provided results go as expected in those matches, a win over Barca could position Real to have a nine-point lead when La Liga play resumes in January.

And though there will be more than 20 rounds left in the season, it’s very difficult to see Barca being able to overcome such a deficit.

On the other hand, if Barca are able to continue their recent dominance of Real, they will at worst be three points back if the other results go as expected, and that’s a far less daunting deficit.

At this point, however, you’d have to favor Real to triumph if there’s a winner in next month’s clash. Not only are the Galacticos in blistering form at the moment, Barcelona have struggled away from home this season, with two wins in six away league matches to date.

Saturday, 10th December 8:30pm on Sky Sports 4 and Sky Sports HD4.

English Premier League: Chelsea v Manchester City

All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for a massive Monday night match-up, and a lot will be at stake when these two sides face off on 12/12, with the action getting underway at 8:00 pm BST.

Chelsea are currently 10 points behind Manchester City in the English Premier League table, but a win could kick-start a push to get back in the thick of the title mix. A draw, while it would not help their own cause, could help Manchester United, who are currently five back, and in-form Tottenham, who are seven back with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, a win for City would beef up their title credentials, even if the three points doesn’t see them put more distance between themselves and their closest challengers.

Monday, 12th December 7:00pm on Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1 and Sky 3D.

English Premier League: Manchester City v Arsenal

This match will be one to watch no matter what happens in the above match, but if Chelsea down the league leaders at home, City’s visit from Arsenal the following Sunday will be made all the more important.

Arsenal missed a chance to make up some ground on City and United this past weekend, as they surprisingly drew at home against Fulham. However, the Gunners had won five Premier League matches in a row prior to that stumble, including a 5-3 win at Chelsea in October, so their chances of getting a result at City can’t dismissed.

If City lose at Chelsea, or even draw, more dropped points against Arsenal could see things tighten quite a bit at the top. However, if City win at Chelsea, following it up with a home win over the Gunners could cement their status as title favorites, especially since they will have United, Spurs, Chelsea, and Liverpool all at home in the second half of the season.

Sunday, 18th December 4:00pm on Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1 and Sky 3D.

English Premier League: Tottenham v Chelsea

In a rare Thursday night tie, the Premier League’s pre-Christmas slate will wrap up on the 22nd when London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea square off at White Hart Lane.

This is a vital match for both sides, as they are both trying to stay in the title conversation heading into the new year. Many still may not be taking Spurs too seriously, but continuing their current hot streak to and through this match could start convincing some of the skeptics that they are more contender than pretender.

For Chelsea, wins over City and Spurs could not only help them as far as the title race is concerned, but it will also take some pressure off of manager Andre Villas-Boas, who’s been under some heat in the first few months of his tenure at the club. At the same time, defeats in both of those matches will only turn up the pressure on AVB and leave Chelsea needing to make a big run in the second half of the season to come close to reaching Roman Abramovich’s minimum expectations.

Thursday, 22nd December 7:30pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD1.

Scottish Premier League: Celtic v Rangers

As is the case every season, Rangers and Celtic are battling it out for the Scottish Premier League title, and the latest Old Firm derby could see momentum move definitively towards either side heading into the new year.

Only a little over a week ago, Rangers, the three-time defending champions, had a 12-point lead over Celtic. But with Rangers drawing at home against St. Johnstone and losing at Kilmarnock and Celtic scoring wins three wins in that span, at Inverness Caley Thistle and at home against Dunfermline and St. Mirren, the lead has been cut to four in a flash.

Both sides have four matches, two home and two away, before they meet on the 28th, and if the deficit remains the same going into the derby, Celtic could close the gap to one with a win, which could be quite a blow to Rangers’ confidence after having a sizable lead only a short time ago. But if Rangers can win at Hampden, it’d help restore some of the lead that they gave up, and it’d also be huge for their confidence going forward.

Wednesday, 28th December 7:00pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD1.

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Liverpool once again take centre stage this weekend when they play host to Premiership leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday (4pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 1), and they look decent value at 2.63 with bet365 to emerge victorious.

Liverpool v Manchester City

Kenny Dalglish’s side continued their unbeaten run with a good solid performance to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last weekend and ran out easy 3-0 winners over the Citizens when the two sides met in this fixture back in April.

It was a tactical triumph for Dalglish at The Bridge, and Craig Bellamy, Maxi Rodriguez and Luis Suarez linked together well and always looked capable of scoring.

There must be a chance however that he will change things around a bit for this one and give Andy Carroll a start given that he netted two in the aforementioned 3-0 win over City. He is an 8.5 shot with Boylesports and Paddy Power to open the scoring and that looks a bit of value as does the 3.5 on offer with Boylesports for him to score anytime in the 90 minutes.

This does look like a game that has goals written all over it, and City are sure to be keen to bounce back from their 2-1 midweek defeat at Napoli in the Champions League where Roberto Mancini admitted they let in “two stupid goals”.

However for the first time this season they looked to run out of ideas when things didn’t go according to plan, and if Liverpool can keep it tight early doors and frustrate them a similar scenario could be on the cards.

Betfred go a standout 1.67 about both teams scoring and that looks a really solid bet for those that like to play odds-on.

Manchester United v Newcastle United

Manchester United have an unbelievable record against Newcastle, so it’s no surprise to see then chalked up at a top priced a top priced 1.4 to beat the magpies and bag another three points to keep the pressure on league leaders City.

The visitors have never won at Old Trafford in the English Premier League, losing 11 of their 17 visits.

It’s a similar story overall, with United having won 13 and lost none of their last 17 matches against Alan Pardew’s side.

Those are ominous stats indeed and makes Sir Alex’s side look a solid bet at the odds on offer despite the fact that the visitors have lost just on of their last 15 matches in the PL.

However for those that don’t like to play odds-on, Wayne Rooney makes plenty of appeal in the goals scorer markets.

He is due a goal and has scored 9 goals in 12 games against the Magpies. Paddy Power go a standout 4.5 about him netting first looks a massive price as does the 1.83 with the same firm about him scoring anytime.

Also, given the fact that Newcastle have scored just two goals and failed to score on five of their last seven visits to Old Trafford backing United to win to nil seems a logical punt.

bet365 and Paddy Power both offer 2.2 about that outcome and that looks a fair in my eyes.

Chelsea v Wolves

Chelsea desperately need a win to get their season back on track, and face the perfect opponents this weekend in the shape of woeful Wolves to do just that and land odds of 1.25.

The Blues may have lost their last two at the Bridge, but Mick McCarthy’s men are in total disarray and look cherry ripe for a thrashing by Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

Wolves 2-1 defeat against Everton last weekend was their fourth loss in six away games and they have scored less on their travels than either Bolton or Blackburn who currently sit in the bottom three.

They have also won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches and face a Chelsea side who will be desperate to give their under pressure manager a much needed boost and three vital points.

Bookmakers understandably make Chelsea worthy long-odds favs but rather than back them at 1.25 I would much rather play them at the 1.67 on offer with Paddy Power in the HT/FT market.

Wolves have only managed to keep one clean sheet in the opening 45 minutes in their last 8 league games, and Chelsea are sure to be quick out of the blocks and piling relentless pressure on the McCarthy’s men.

They also have a whole host of players capable of getting on the score sheet – most notably Drogba, Sturridge and Lampard to name but three.

Drogba looked much more like his old sharp, terrorising self when scoring in their midweek Champions League defeat at Bayer Leverkusen and makes plenty of appeal at the 5 on offer with bet365 to score first and fire his side to a comfortable wide margin win.

I am expecting plenty of goals in this encounter, so AVB’s men to win 3-0 or 4-0 is my idea of the outcome and split stakes on both score lines should hopefully net some decent profit.

The former can be backed at a top priced 8 with Boylesports and Paddy Power, while the latter is a juicy looking 12 shot with Paddy Power.

Arsenal v Fulham

Arsenal are long odds-on at 1.44 to maintain their fantastic run of form by beating Fulham at the Emirates this weekend, and the stats suggest that they will have little difficulty in disposing of their London rivals.

Fulham have never won away against Arsenal in any competition in 25 attempts, losing on 22 occasions, and the have won just one of their last nine PL games against the Gunners.

The Cottagers have also won just three out of 45 Premier League London derbies away from home and none of the last 34 since they beat Tottenham in August 2003.

No surprise then that Arsenal are considered bankers by the bookies to secure another 3 points and continue their ascent up the table.

It really is impossible to envisage anything other than a comfortable victory for Arsene Wenger’s men – particularly given the unbelievable form of Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has done Arsenal plenty of favours in recent weeks thanks to his goal scoring exploits and has now scored 31 goals in 29 Premier League games in 2011 and seven in his last four appearances at the Emirates.

He has also scored in five of his seven Premier League starts against Fulham, and backing him to score anytime at 1.67 with bet365, Boylesports, Betfred and Paddy Power is arguably better value than backing the Gunners in the outright market.

I certainly wouldn’t want to desert a winning formula by not backing him to net, and also fancy a small punt on him to score first as well at a rather large looking 4 with bet365 and Paddy Power.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The two best defences in this season’s English Premier League will meet at Anfield this Sunday with both Liverpool and Manchester City having conceded 11 goals.

City’s weakness has been in the last half hour of PL matches, a period in which they have conceded 8 out their 11 goals this season. However, this is also the time when they are usually winning games, and a goal conceded only has a marginal effect on the final result.

The last half our is not so prolific for Liverpool, especially at home as they have found the back of the net only once at Anfield in between the 61st and 90th minutes of PL matches.

So, the Reds will have to weather the early storm and also find the energy for a late assault on Joe Hart’s goal.

MIDFIELD HUSTLING THE KEY FOR LIVERPOOL

When these teams last met, Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners and the reason for such an emphatic victory was that they harried Man City’s midfield and did not concede shots on goal.

In that match Man City only placed two shots on target, only twice have they recorded a lower total since the start of the 2010/11 season – away to Arsenal (0-0) and Chelsea (0-2).

Since 2010/11 City have averaged 5.32 shots on target per match, whilst this season a frightening 7.42.

During their 2-0 victory in the CL this season Bayern Munich adopted a similar strategy to Liverpool’s last season – a 4-2-3-1 formation that nullified Man City’s threat with the graft of two defensive midfielders and three attacking midfielders harrying the opposition, and big front men as an outlet supported by touchline hugging full backs.

Average Player Positions:

Liverpool (v Man City) 2010/11 | Bayern v (Man City) CL 2011/12

The extent to which Liverpool closed Man City down and swarmed at them is shown by the 35 tackles they won during the encounter.

Only against Wigan (home and away) in the 2010/11 Premier League did Liverpool win more tackles than the 35 during their 3-0 victory over Manchester City.

LIVERPOOL NEED A QUICK START

Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Manchester City’s three competitive defeats this season have all come after conceding the first goal.

Liverpool may have to get off the mark early as they did last season at Anfield, when they won 3-0 after scoring three goals in the first 35 minutes of the encounter.

The first goal is crucial as it can unsettle City; Napoli (twice) and Bayern in the CL have damaged City’s machine by opening the scoring and this is when Roberto Mancini’s men have struggled the most.

Despite eventually beating Villarreal and QPR after going behind, Bayern and Napoli have remained undefeated after opening the scoring against the Citizens.

Once ahead away from home Man City tend to despatch opponents who open up in pursuit of an equaliser.

Only Fulham have avoided defeat to Manchester City at home in the PL after conceding the first goal, but Tottenham, Blackburn and Manchester United have been thrashed.

However, Liverpool have yet to concede a first half goal at Anfield in the PL this season and have yet to concede the first goal as well, so the Merseysiders must keep this record intact to stand a chance against Man City.

So all Liverpool need to do is to score early, nullify City’s midfield to deny them scoring opportunities and then score again near the end, just to make it safe. Easier said than done, but City are not unbeatable, as Bayern Munich and Napoli have shown this season.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

If you’re a football fan, there’s a lot to look forward to in the remainder of November, as we will see some of the game’s biggest names go head-to-head on multiple fronts over the next week-plus.

Watch the best of Premier League action this Christmas with Sky HD. Already have Sky? Upgrade to Sky Sports online and save £5. Get Sky HD or upgrade to Sky Sports now.

English Premier League: Liverpool v Manchester City

The big match-up of the weekend takes place at Anfield, as Liverpool host Manchester City on Sunday at 4:00 pm BST in a clash that shouldn’t be short on action.

City currently sit top of the English Premier League, whereas Liverpool are sixth, a whopping 12 points behind City. However, Liverpool are coming off of a vital 2-1 win at Chelsea, so their confidence should be very high. That’s not Liverpool first’s noteworthy win of the season, as they won at Arsenal in August, so they’re certainly capable of not only hanging with City but defeating them as well.

Sunday, 27th November 3:30pm on Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD 1 and Sky 3D.

Spanish La Liga: Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid will host local rivals Atletico MAdrid on Saturday at the Santiago Benabeu. Real will hope to maintain the three point lead and Atletico will hope to take a step towards getting out of the middle of the table.

Despite featuring talented players like Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan in the past, they have failed to beat their rivals as a vast gap of funds has come between them. If things are ever going to change in this rivalry, this is certainly not the time.

Real Madrid will be and should be able to maintain their three point lead ahead of the mighty Barcelona as the Catalans will lock horns with Getafe later in the same day.

Angel Di Maria is expected to return after he has been out since early November when he suffered an injury in the 7-1 stomping of Osasuna. Brazilian midfielder Diego will have to play a key role if Atletico wants to unsettle the Galacticos.

Saturday, 26th November 7:00pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.

Carling Cup: Arsenal v Manchester City

Next week marks the return of the Carling Cup, with the four quarterfinal matches set to take place on 29th and 30th November.

After their tough test at Liverpool, it doesn’t get any easier for Manchester City, as they must visit Arsenal in a Carling Cup quarterfinal, with the match kicking off at 8:00 pm BST. City haven’t won at Arsenal since a 3-2 win in October 1975, but if there’s ever a time and situation to do it, this is it.

But after a slow start, Arsenal have been one of the hottest teams in the Premier League, and they’ve been a strong team at home this season. And after falling agonizingly short of the trophy last season, you can be sure Arsenal won’t let the chance slip by this season, so the Gunners will certainly be gunning for the win at home.

Being that it’s the Carling Cup, we may not see either team put out the strongest starting XI possible, but we should still see quite a few notable names out there, so this should prove to be an exciting encounter.

Tuesday, 29th November 7:30pm on Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD 2 and Sky 3D.

Watch Live Football On Sky HD

Don’t miss out on any live Premier League games over the holidays – with Sky Go, you can watch live football wherever you are over the holiday season, on your iPad, iPhone or laptop. Get Sky Go.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News