Monthly Archives: October 2011

«Барселона» разгромит «Гранаду»!? «Валенсия» попытается обыграть «Сарагосу».

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Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Гранада – Барселона. Матч «Давида» и «Голиафа», если исходить только из теоретических возможностей команд,Messi scored 1 300x222 Барселона разгромит Гранаду!? Валенсия попытается обыграть Сарагосу. то шансов у «хозяев» нет никаких. Но как показывает практика, даже «Виктория Плезень» может попытаться навязать борьбу «Барсе» 1.12.

Хосеп Гвардилоа считает, что матч с «Гранадой» 17.00 станет хорошей проверкой для его команды.  По мнению тренера каталонцев, их будущий соперник занимает незаслуженно низкое место, так что матч не станет столь легким для его команды. После ничьи с «Севильей» на своем поле «гранатово-синие» пропустили на первое место «Леванте», которая пока творит маленькое чудо: потому что после восьми туров занимать первое место в Испании – это подвиг!

Последний матч каталонской команды дал много пищи для размышлений, даже если вынести за скобки ситуацию Кануте с Фабрегасом, после которой форвард «Севильи» был удален. Особняком стоит пенальти, который Леонель Месси не смог реализовать, и все бы было не так обидно, но это произошло на 93-й минуте, а это крайне неприятный момент.

Вратарь андалусийцев Хави Варес честно признался, что хорошо знал, куда будет бить Месси, еще до удара.
В сегодняшнем матче «Барселона» победит, и в этом сомневаться не приходится, вопрос только в количестве мячей.

Сарагоса – Валенсия. Парни из «Сарагосы» 3.30 не очень радостно начали сезон, да и как его начнешь хорошо, если к тебе приезжает мадридский «Реал» и забивает шесть безответных мячей? Но затем подопечные Хавьера Агирре пришли в себя и начали набирать очки. Как известно, середняки типа  «Сарагосы» в основном побеждают дома, а на выезде не столь сильны, так что легкой жизни «Валенсии» никто не обещает.

«Летучие мыши» 2.15 в этом сезоне сражаются на два фронта, а это очень тяжелое мероприятие. Если у вас нет «длинной скамейки», то «Лига Чемпионов» для вас может превратиться в тяжкое бремя, которое может очень сильно «измотать» вас по дистанции. Вот и Унаи Эмери ломает голову над тем, как, обладая всего одним ударным форвардом в лице Роберто Сольдадо, пытаться побеждать на всех фронтах. «Валенсия» реально «промучилась» на своем поле с «Атлетиком» из Бельбао, и лишь на последних минутах смогла уйти от поражения. Так что большой феерии в Сарагосе я от нее не жду.

Related posts:

  1. «Реал Мадрид» едет в Каталонию за победой, но «Барселона» сдаваться не намерена. Футбол. Испания. Суперкубок Барселона – Реал Мадрид (счет первого матча…
  2. «Эль Классико» – «Барселона» и «Реал» снова вместе! Футбол. Суперкубок Испании. Реал Мадрид – Барселона. Не уверен, но…
  3. «Реал» с «Барселоной» играют сегодня, а думают об «Эль Классико»! Футбол. Испания. Примера. Валенсия – Реал. «Сливочным» предстоит выйти на…

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Celtic to come through Hibs test

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It’s been a difficult campaign for Neil Lennon and Celtic (8/15 in the match betting) so far, but things could be looking up and they should see off Hibernian (5/1) on Wednesday to book their place in the last four of the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Lennon’s Bhoys sit 10 points behind Old Firm rivals Rangers in the SPL with the 4-2 defeat at Ibrox in September the low point of the season so far. They do have a game in hand and will hope to claw back that deficit as the season goes on but they can forget about their league woes in midweek when they travel to Edinburgh for the Hibs clash.

A 2-0 win over Ross County in the last round has set up the Easter Road meeting and, while Lennon is expected to make changes for the game, the Northern Irishman insists he is taking the competition seriously and is focused on securing a semi-final spot.

Lennon’s side got a much-needed 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday thanks to Charlie Mulgrew’s winner. He has been a rock at the back and is expected to play in Edinburgh alongside first-team regulars Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley, who all featured against County in September in the last round.

Kayal, in particular, was impressive in the win over the Dons after it was announced last week he had agreed a new, long-term contract at Celtic Park. He has yet to score this season but might be worth a a punt at 4/1 to score anytime in this one.

Looking at the goalscorer markets more closely, Gary Hooper is the 7/2 favourite to score first – as he looks to repeat the feat he managed against Ross County – but better value can be had elsewhere. Ivan Sproule (Hibs) looks tempting at 10/1 to open the scoring while Ledley at 9/1 is attractive for the visitors.

Hibernian will be without on-loan Richie Towell as he can’t face his parent club so that means manager Colin Calderwood must change the side which beat St Mirren 3-2 in the SPL on Saturday.

Mark Brown should start in place of Graham Stack, continuing as goalkeeper for the League Cup campaign, while Calum Booth could return.

Calderwood’s side will be revved up for the clash and will fancy their chances of at least taking the game to extra time but we expect Celtic to come through without too many problems – with the draw/Celtic – HT/FT at 10/3 well worth a bet.

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Potters to rock Reds again

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The round of last-16 of the Carling Cup continues on Wednesday night with four all-Premier League ties. Stoke play host to Liverpool in what could turn out to be a torrid night for the Reds, while Everton will be out for revenge against Chelsea. Wolves face Man City and Blackburn host Newcastle to complete the night.

Stoke v Liverpool 7:45pm

The Potters have had a mixed season thus far, enjoying great success in the Europa League but struggling somewhat in the Premier League. Their best result to date came in the league meeting against the Reds when a Jonathan Walters penalty secured victory for Stoke.

Since being promoted back to the top flight Stoke have not lost to Liverpool at home, picking up two wins and two draws in the four meetings. However, the last time they played host to Liverpool in the League Cup Stoke were hammered 8-0, although that was 11 years ago.

Both managers are likely to makes changes for the clash and while Liverpool’s team might have a few more stars in it on the night, Tony Pulis has recruited wisely and should field a side capable of challenging Kenny Dalglish’s team. Stoke are 11/5 for the win, a great price given Liverpool’s recent form and record in Staffordshire, with the Reds 5/4 and the draw 23/10.

Everton v Chelsea

Up until two weeks ago Everton had a very good recent record against the Blues, avoiding defeat in the last six encounters, a run which included dumping them out of the FA Cup last season on penalties. However, a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago brought an end to that positive sequence, although Wednesday’s meeting gives them a quick chance for revenge.

While Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas has the option of rotating his squad David Moyes finds his hands are tied to a certain extent and will be forced to field a strong team. While the Toffees were somewhat fortunate to get to this stage of the competition, the chance to take the scalp of Chelsea should certainly help to raise their game. Villas-Boas will have a tough job to pick his team up after Sunday, when they played so well with nine men but got nothing from the trip to QPR.

While Everton have never beaten Chelsea in the Carling Cup Wednesday’s game will be as good a chance as any to break that duck. Everton are 9/4 in the match betting, with Chelsea 6/5 and the draw 12/5.

Elsewhere, you’d expect Man City to have a comfortable night at the office when they face Wolves, with Wanderes boss Mick McCarthy having made it clear he doesn’t think the Carling Cup is a priority. The Wolves manager is likely to field a second string and that should be no match for whoever Roberto Mancini sends out. City’s squad will be on a huge high after the weekend and Wednesday could be a long night for the Molineux faithful.

The final match pits struggling Blackburn against high-flying Newcastle in a tough-to-call encounter. The Toon are unbeaten so far this season but showed signs on Saturday that maybe their remarkable start might be coming to a close. Rovers boss Steve Kean could look at this game as a distraction or as a chance for his players to play without the pressure of battling against relegation. Rovers played well against Tottenham on Sunday and it shouldn’t come as a big surprise if they manage to end Newcastle’s unbeaten start.

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Fringe men to lead response

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The Carling Cup last-16 games get underway with four matches taking place on Tuesday evening with the pick being League Two Aldershot attempting to heap more misery on Manchester United just two days after their 6-1 Old Trafford thumping against Manchester City.

A rejuvenated Arsenal face Premier League strugglers Bolton at the Emirates Stadium, while there are two all Championship encounters as Cardiff host Burnley and Crystal Palace face Southampton at Selhurst Park.

However, we will start Tuesday’s preview at the EBB Stadium – also known as the Recreation Ground.

ALDERSHOT v MAN UNITED (7.45pm)

Sir Alex Ferguson will take his shell-shocked side down to face Dean Holdsworth’s League Two outfit looking for an immediate response to Sunday’s derby massacre.

However, the chances are that not many of the players who were battered by City will be on the pitch as the Red Devils (7/2 Favourites Outright) look to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

United eased to a 3-0 win at Leeds in the previous round and Fergie is likely to resort to using his fringe players and youngsters in front of the Sky TV cameras.

Ben Amos could get the nod in goal, while Fabio, Zeki Fryers, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs, Ji-Sung Park, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov could all feature having missed the City debacle.

Paul Pogba is in line for a start, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf will hope to be involved while youngsters Michael Keane, Reece Brown and Tom Thorpe should be in the squad too.

Holdsworth faces a selection dilemma as the Shots ended a four-match losing streak in the league with a 5-2 win at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

That side saw five changes made to the usual starting XI as Anthony Pulis, Bradley Bubb, Jermaine McGlashan, Aaron Brown and Adam Smith came in and they will all feel they deserve a crack at facing United.

It should be a moral boosting win for United, but it might not be a stroll in the park if the Shots can find their ‘A’ game in front of a small, but vociferous support at their 7,300-capacity home.

Prediction: Man United Away 90 Minutes @ 1/4
Value Bet: Man United 3-1 Correct Score @ 10/1

ARSENAL V BOLTON (7.45pm)

The only all-Premier League encounter on Tuesday will see changes made by both managers as the bread and butter of league football remains a priority in both camps.

Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has witnessed an up-turn in fortunes from his side following a poor start to the campaign and they moved up to seventh in the table thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 win against Stoke.

They go into the game with a psychological edge over the Trotters having defeated them 3-0 at the Emirates last month.

Wenger is set to bring Sebastien Squillaci into the Gunners’ starting XI, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yossi Benayoun should feature having both been on target in the third round victory against Shrewsbury, although Robin van Persie will be rested following his two-goal heroics on Sunday.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle, whose side won at Aston Villa in the last round, will ring the changes as the likes of Adam Bogdan, Zat Knight, Gretar Steinsson, Fabrice Muamba, Mark Davies, Ricardo Gardner, Gael Kakuta, Ivan Klasnic and Tuncay Sanli are set to come into the team, while youngster Joe Riley will feature in the squad.

The Trotters have lost seven of their nine league games this season so will look to get a confidence boost with a win in north London, but they will have their work cut out.

Prediction: Arsenal Home 90 Minutes @ 8/15
Value Bet: Oxlade-Chamberlain First Goalscorer @ 13/2

Elsewhere, Championship leaders Southampton travel to face high-flying Crystal Palace with changes planned by both managers given the hectic run of league matches the sides are embroiled in.

Saints chief Nigel Adkins will shuffle his pack given that they have a top-of-the-table clash against Middlesbrough coming on Saturday, while Eagles chief Dougie Freedman has used his squad to the full in previous rounds.

With Palace strong on home turf and the Saints on a great run it is difficult to pick a winner and this tie could go the distance (Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5).

Meanwhile, at the Cardiff City Stadium the hosts will face Burnley looking for a place in the last eight.

The Bluebirds won 5-3 against Barnsley on Saturday, while Eddie Howe’s Clarets ended a poor run of form with a 2-1 win at struggling Coventry so both teams will be in a positive frame of mind.

However, with home advantage, expect the Welshmen to come out on top in this one (4/5 Cardiff Home 90 Minutes).

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Hammers set for Seagulls test

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West Ham United have had to learn the hard way that they will not be walking away with the Championship title this season and the London outfit face another tough test as they go on the road again to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday (Brighton 15/8, draw 12/5, West Ham 11/8 in the match betting).

The Hammers will have spent plenty of time on the south coast in recent days, after they were beaten 1-0 in a hard-fought contest against high flying Southampton in their last outing.

Manager Sam Allardyce and his men came away from St Mary’s Stadium with not a point to their name, after Jos Hooiveld headed home from a simple set-piece for Southampton, leaving West Ham in fourth place in the Championship table.

A win over Brighton on Monday would push the Hammers (2/1 Championship outright) up into the automatic promotion places just behind the Saints, who were held by Reading to a 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Considering the injury problems at Upton Park this term, it has been a credit to Allardyce’s men for sticking to their task and continuing to pick up points.

James Tomkins, Carlton Cole, Guy Demel, Gary O’Neil and keeper Robert Green have been joined by Henri Lansbury and Matt Taylor on the extensive injury list that the Hammer’s boss has had to deal with.

A trip to the AMEX Stadium has been no easy task as many sides have found in the Championship so far, and with West Ham struggling for personnel, it poses a big challenge for the Londoners.

After a storming start to their campaign in England’s second tier, when the Seagulls were continuing their impressive form from last season, they have gone off the boil in recent outings.

Brighton have failed to pick up a win in their last six matches and now find themselves out of the playoff places in 12th position.

The south coast outfit only lost two games at home last season and have tasted defeat just once at the AMEX Stadium this term, while they have played some attractive football in front of their fans.

Scotland international striker Craig Mackail-Smith (6/1 first goalscorer) has carried on where he left off last season with Peterborough and has proved to be an exciting player to watch.

With five league goals to his name so far, the gifted forward will be someone the West Ham defence will have to look out for if they want to head back to the capital with any points.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet could be tempted to give a debut to Gonzalo Jara Reyes, who has joined the club on loan from Premier League outfit West Brom and may add some extra quality into the starting XI.

The Seagulls may have struggled in recent weeks but, at home and with West Ham struggling with injuries, Brighton might just edge this one and push up the Championship table.

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Sunday Premier League Preview

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While much of the attention this week has been on a certain local tussle at Old Trafford, thanks to Thursday’s Europa League encounters there are also four other Premier League games to entertain us on Sunday, featuring teams from the top, middle and bottom of the table.

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal will be looking to arrest an alarming trend of European hangovers when they clash with Stoke at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. The Gunners have lost all four of their games that have immediately followed Champions League matches this season.

Stoke were in European action of their own, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv 3-0 at the Britannia Stadium, and know a win in north London could take them into the top six. Arsenal’s worries this season have mainly been restricted to matches on the road and after winning their last five home games in all competitions, they should sneak this one.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Stoke @ 7/1

Fulham v Everton

Fulham boss Martin Jol was left frustrated on Thursday after a controversial red card for Moussa Dembele hampered their attempts to beat Wisla Krakow, David Biton’s second-half goal eventually condemning the Cottagers to a 1-0 defeat.

They do, however, have fond memories of their last home league match – a 6-0 romp against QPR. Everton will be desperate to arrest of run of three straight defeats but have a poor record by the Thames – they have won just one of their last 10 league matches away at Fulham.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Everton @ 11/2

Blackburn v Tottenham

The natives are restless at Ewood Park. A run of just one win in eight league games has left the Lancashire club bottom of the pile and a supporter protest is planned for the third home game in succession.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark between Rovers and Sunday’s opponents Spurs. Only a late Newcastle equaliser prevented Harry Redknapp’s men from winning a fifth league game on the bounce last weekend and they once again find themselves within touching distance of the top four with a game hand.

Prediction: Blackburn 1-3 Tottenham @ 14/1

QPR v Chelsea

The lack of a home victory is spoiling what has otherwise been a solid return to the Premier League for QPR. But how the fans would dearly love to break that particular duck against their west London rivals Chelsea.

However, they will be taking on a Blues side in fine form having won six of their last seven league games, scoring 23 goals in the process. The Stamford Bridge outfit have also lost just one of their last 14 league and cup games against QPR and that statistic won’t be changing on Sunday.

Prediction: QPR 0-3 Chelsea @ 8/1

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United to edge City thriller

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It has been described as the most eagerly anticipated Manchester derby for many years, with the top two in the Premier League going head-to-head with both sides undefeated so far in the league.

Regardless of the opposition, it is not often you get odds against on Manchester United at Old Trafford, so we are going to take advantage by going with the home side to prevail against their city rivals at 21/20.

United have been ruthless so far, scoring 25 goals in eight games. Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the way his summer purchases have settled into the side. Phil Jones looks like he has over 500 league appearances under his belt, whilst goalkeeper David De Gea is getting better with every game and was excellent in United’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

There is no question that this will be the Reds’ biggest challenge of the season so far, but they are likely to respond to the big-game status, as they have done so often in the past. They are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home fixtures, with 19 victories coming in those games.

City have almost been as impressive. They do currently sit two points above their rivals at the top of the table and have scored 27 goals in their opening eight games.

Nobody can question that Roberto Mancini’s side are genuine title challengers this season, but their league charge may depend on their progression in Europe though.

The big difference between these two sides is the unity they have inside their camps.

Ferguson is a genius at creating a family at Manchester United, where every player plays for each other – if they don’t he is quick to show them the door.

However, on the other hand, Mancini has had problems dealing with morale amongst his squad this season. Carlos Tevez apparently refused to come off the bench against Bayern Munich last month, whilst both Edin Dzeko and Adam Johnson showed dissent recently after being substituted.

Usually in these types of fixtures it takes one star player to light up the game with a special piece of play, let’s not forget it was this fixture last season where Wayne Rooney scored the goal of the season with his spectacular overhead kick to win the match.

We are going with Rooney once again to score the opening goal of the game at 4/1. He was left out against Liverpool last week and will feel he has a point to prove on his return. The 25-year-old thrives on these kind of games and often saves his best form for the big fixtures.

It is unlikely that both sides will be able to keep clean sheets, considering the attacking quality that is on show in both line-ups.

Take Manchester United to edge the game by 2-1 at odds of 7/1 to lift them back to the top of the Premier League and inflict City’s first league defeat of the season.

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Юрий Жирков против ЦСКА! «Реал» Мадрид проверит «Малагу» на прочность. «Юнайтед» и «Сити» – кто в Манчестере сильнейший?

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Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер Лига

Анжи – ПФК ЦСКА. Ну вот и настало то время, когда бывший армеец Юрий Жирков выйдет в форме махачкалинского «Анжи» 2.60 против своего бывшего клуба. Наверняка Юрий будет испытывать смешанные чувства,Carlos ball 1 300x237 Юрий Жирков против ЦСКА! Реал Мадрид проверит Малагу на прочность. Юнайтед и Сити кто в Манчестере сильнейший? но что поделать таков современный футбол, в котором возможны любые «повороты».

В последнее время слухи вокруг команды Сулеймана Керимова ходят разнообразные, вплоть до приобретения последним Романа Павлюченко и Андрея Аршавина. Если это произойдет, то  «Анжи» можно будет переквалифицировать в «базовый клуб сборной». Хотя я бы не стал делать прогнозы  до момента назначения нового главного тренера махачкалинцев.

После победы над «Трабзонспором» настроение «армейцев» 2.60 улучшилось, но разговоры об отставке Леонида Слуцкого продолжаются. При этом все отмечают фантастическую игру Вагнер Лава и Сейду Думбия, последний оформил дубль в ворота турецкой команды.

Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Малага – Реал Мадрид. Команда с песочного берега Андалусии декларировала, что с этого сезона начинает становиться третьим грандом испанского футбола. Для этого в межсезонье были сделаны неплохие покупки. Один из приобретенных игроков сам Руд ван Нистелрой, а как мы помним, в недавнем прошлом голландец был ударным форвардом именно мадридского «Реала». Игры против бывших одноклубников никого не оставляют без эмоций, так что можно ожидать успехов от нападающего.

«Реал» 1.40, что можно еще сказать про команду, которая на своем поле может натурально «размазать» по газону почти любой клуб, и ладно, когда речь идет о середняках своей родной «Примеры», но в рамках «Лиги Чемпионов» 4:0 был обыгран французский «Лион», который несколько лет подряд  считался «грозой» фаворитов.

Жозе Моуринью в этом сезоне, похоже, создал достойного оппонента для «Барселоны», так что главное сражение Роналду против Месси мы будем ожидать с особым нетерпением.

Победа в этом матче практически в кармане у «гостей», если не произойдет какого-то чуда.

Футбол. Чемпионат Англии.

Манчестер Юнайтед – Манчестер Сити. Наверно очень забавно быть одновременно второй командой в стране и второй командой у себя в городе. Именно так себя сейчас ощущают подопечные Алекса Фергюсона. Вложения шейха Мансура в этом сезоне начали давать плоды. Достаточно просто посмотреть на таблицу бомбардиров «Премьер-Лиги», на первом месте идет Руни, но буквально по пятам идут Серхио Агуэро и Эдин Джеко. Ну а если вспомнить, что Карлос Тевес сейчас отстранен от игры, то про голевой потенциал «горожан» 3.50 беспокоиться не стоит.

Предсказать, что будет в этом матче практически невозможно мало того, что результат может быть любым, я вот лично склоняюсь к ничье, но и понять, как сложится игра с точки зрения забитых голов тоже непонятно. Победа в этом матче не принесет чемпионства, но даст серьезный психологический заряд.

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Saints to go marching on

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Once again Southampton are proving that sides with momentum are the ones to fear and it’s up to Reading to try and halt the marching Saints on Saturday (Reading 7/4, draw 12/5, Southampton 6/4 in the match betting).

Manager Nigel Adkins has kept the positivity going around St Mary’s following promotion from League One last term, and now the south coast outfit sit five points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Southampton battled hard for a 1-0 victory over much fancied West Ham United in midweek and will be full of confidence going into this away trip to face the Royals.

Reading continue to struggle without their former striker Shane Long, who decided to move to the Premier League with West Brom in the summer.

There has been some improvements at the Madejski Stadium in recent weeks and the Royals were able to hold a strong Derby County outfit in midweek to a 2-2 draw.

However with the Saints full of confidence and their striker Ricky Lambert continuing to score goals, the visitors should come away with the three points.

Another clash at the top of the table sees third-placed Middlesbrough take on Derby, who currently hold fourth spot in a competitive Championship table (Middlesbrough 8/11, draw 5/2, Derby 4/1 in the match betting).

The Rams have made an impressive start to the season and will be boosted by the news in midweek that their manager Nigel Clough has signed a new deal at Pride Park.

With far less expectation than last season, Boro have thrived under Tony Mowbray and have looked like a competitive outfit this term, despite struggling to score enough goals.

A 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in midweek may have brought the side back to earth but they may well take the three points on offer at the Riverside, where visitors have struggled to pick up wins this season.

Leeds United make the trip south to face Peterborough United following a less than convincing performance against Coventry City at Elland Road (Peterborough 6/4, draw 12/5, Leeds 7/4 in the match betting).

The Whites dominated the first half put could not put the game to bed and conceded in the third minute of stoppage time to record a 1-1 draw with the Sky Blues.

Peterborough, like Southampton, have made a positive start to life in the second tier of English football and they proved their credentials with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Cardiff in midweek.

Saturday’s game against Leeds should have plenty of goals and Whites boss Simon Grayson and his men may make the journey back to West Yorkshire with a point.

After Forest got their first win under manager Steve Cotterill against Boro, they will be confident of going to Blackpool with the chance of taking all three points (Blackpool Evs, draw 5/2, Forest 13/5 in the match betting).

The two sides have had some thrilling encounters in the past, especially when they met in the Championship play-off semi-finals two seasons ago.

Blackpool came out on top over the two legs, but it is a relatively new look Tangerines side without the likes of DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam.

Forest look like they have turned a corner and should pick up a rare away victory at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

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Spanish giants face stern tests

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The Primera Division might well be a two-horse race when it comes to the top prize but there are certainly plenty of clubs eager to take Real Madrid and Barcelona down a peg or two on any given day. Two of those clubs are Malaga and Sevilla, both of who will get their chance to show Spain what they are capable of on Saturday night. We preview what should be an intriguing night’s action.

Malaga v Real Madrid 7pm

When you think about Malaga you think about sun, sea, the Costa del Sol and fights over sun loungers. What doesn’t spring to mind is a football club looking to become the biggest in Spain. However, that is exactly what Malaga CF are looking to do following the takeover of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani last season.

The Andalusian outfit are now one of the richest clubs in the world and flexed their financial muscle in the summer by bringing in the likes of Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Santi Cazorla. With a star-studded squad at his disposal former Real boss Manuel Pellegrini will now look to overthrow the club his current employers are desperate to emulate.

Malaga are 11/2 to get the win, with Real 4/9 and the draw 7/2 in the match betting. You might expect Real to be shorter given the way they have been playing since a 1-0 defeat to surprise package Levante in September. The longer the season goes the better Jose Mourinho’s men look, scoring over three goals in each of their last five matches.

The ‘Special One’ has got the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema all singing from the same hymn sheet finally and they look capable of challenging Barcelona this season. Both Ronaldo and Higuain have got seven goals in as many games and Real look capable of matching Barcelona’s deadliness in front of goal.

However, the most improved aspect of the team has been the defence. Whereas it use to be a case of outscoring the opposition, Mourinho has instilled into his players the need to keep it tight at the back.

With both of those aspects in mind Real to win at 11/10 with a minus one handicap looks a cracking bet. Malaga will be a force to be reckoned with soon enough but this will be a valuable lesson they’ll need to learn if they are to get to that level.

Barcelona v Sevilla 9pm

What can be said about Barcelona that hasn’t been done so already? The 2-0 win over Viktoria Plzen might not look much on paper but it contained another classic goal scored by Andres Iniesta which is well worth digging out. At the Nou Camp this season they have been unstoppable, winning their four La Liga matches by a combined scoreline of 21-0. Sevilla should be the next victims but they won’t be pushovers.

New manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has hit the ground running with Sevilla and they are just one of three unbeaten sides left in the division. Their water-tight defensive unit has been their strength thus far with Toral’s men letting just one goal in during the past five matches.

That backline is likely to be sorely test on Saturday night but it shouldn’t be the kind of lop-sided result we are used to seeing at Barcelona. Totals goals between 2-3 could be a good bet at 6/5, with Barcelona’s odds of 1/6 to win the match offering no value. Barcelona will win but there could be some money to be made if Sevilla keep the scoreline down.

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