Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
This is a match-up that beats all rivalries on Earth. It is El Clasico and this only is expected to be the best one in history. These two teams are having a magnificent season. They are head to head, both with 77 points, 21 in front of 3rd placed Valencia. This is unprecedented.
It is expected as a Final and it should be, just for the fact that we will be entertained with the best players of the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. But also, with a lot of others world class footballers. It will be Casillas against Valdes, Xabi Alonso against Xavi, Ramos versus Pedro, Higuain against Pique, Van der Vaart versus Yaya Toure, Marcelo against Dani Alves and the list can continue.
Real Madrid has one goal advantage in the standings which is nothing. But the people around football claim this is arguably the hottest Real Madrid side ever when it comes to stats. Though it is not in everybody's eyes because of this formidable Barcelona team or Pep Team how it is called. The Catalans won the first leg by 1-0 and it is revenge time for the Merengues tonight. The Whites are also out of the UCL which was a huge blow, having in mind that the Final will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Barcelona will play Mourinho's Inter in the Semifinal stage.
Real Madrid are without Pepe and Kaka, while Barcelona have Abidal and Ibrahimovic on the sidelines for the most anticipated game of the Spring.
I tip Real Madrid to win it, at 3/2.

Poli Iasi 0:2 cfr

Pandurii 0:0 Dinamo

Pandurii vs Dinamo
Romanian Liga I, 19h30
Pandurii is a team that fights to avoid relegation. They have an experienced coach in Sorin Cirtu, an out-going human being with some similarities to Jose Mourinho. He was a very talented player instead, unlike the Special One.
Dinamo is going for the title and should win this one as they posses much more quality than today's counterparts. Also, the Red Dogs have a good recent history in matches at Pandurii.
I tip Dinamo to nick this, at 4/5.

Poli Iasi vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, 17h30
cfr is first in the standings and look for another 1-0 win to keep their good momentum. The guests have a good balanced squad and seem favourites for this game. Almost all their rivals lost points in midweek.
Poli Iasi is in the bottom half of the table. They have young talented players and a temperamental coach in Grigoras, a man much like Cirtu, but with an attacking mind set. This team did upset cfr last season and I expect another performance like that, even though with young teams you can't know.
I tip Poli Iasi not to lose, at 4/5.

Gloria 1:2 Steaua

Gloria vs Steaua
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Gloria have had a good start of the second part of the season, winning five from six matches. They have a new coach with a good youthful and positive approach and have climbed out of the relegation zone.
Steaua are aiming for the title but this is not a friendly venue to come to. Gloria has not lost at home since September.
I'm tipping the home side not to lose, at 3/5.

Cagliari 2:3 Milan

Cagliari vs Milan
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Milan are in the hunt for the title but have been not excellent in the last few games. They miss the edge in my opinion. Pato should be missing again and that is a big blow for Leonardo's men.
The reverse game produced 7 goals and I expect Cagliari to be a very good match for Milan again today. They have lost only once in 12 games at home.
I tip Cagliari not to lose, at 9/10.

FC Bayern 2:1 Manchester United

FC Bayern vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
The first fact that comes to my mind is that United have beaten Bayern just once in 7 European games and that was in the 98/99 season Final. Other than that, Michael Owen scored as many goals in Germany this season as tonight's host did, 3. And Owen is a substitute for United. Rooney is in a rich vein of form and he will try to keep the momentum going.
For the hosts Ribery and Robben will face late fitness tests. The Bavarians looked leaky in defense whenever they;ve played against important teams, but very expansive in attack.
I predict a high scoring game. Over 2 goals is valued at 7/10.

Gloria 1:0  Ceahlaul

Fiorentina 4:1 Udinese

Gloria vs Ceahlaul
Romanian Liga I, 14h00
This game will be full with ambition, as both sides try to avoid relegation. Both teams were in the relegation zone in winter. Ceahlaul are still there but have managed some good displays, winning 3-1 at Steaua in the process.
Gloria have won 4 out of seven games losing just once. They have a new and very talented coach. I believe the home side will stroll to victory today.
I tip Gloria to win, at 6/11.

Fiorentina vs Udinese
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Udinese are a team with lots of talent. But they've changed many coaches and find themselves just above the relegation zone. Even though they are leading 4-3 in the last 7 games against the Viola, Udinese have managed to gain only 5 points away from home this season, not winning a single match in the process.
Fiorentina were in a mess themselves after Mutu's suspension in January. Since then they've lost a lot of games, even 5 in succesion and were thrown out of the UCL by FC Bayern. There is some tension between the owners and coach Prandelli, but the sheer quality they have in the squad will be good enough today.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 7/10.

Astra 1:3 Timisoara

Astra vs Timisoara
Romanian Liga I, 16h00
Timisoara is fighting for the title and will try to give their best today. But their form away is bad. The guests have lost Bucur in January and have failed to find a replacement for their top goalscorer.
Astra have got very good results recently and especially at home. With coach Nicolo Napoli in charge they've beaten Rapid twice and Steaua also; before drawing against Dinamo.
I tip Astra not to lose, at 3/'5.

Cagliari 0:2 Lazio

Valencia 2:0 Almeria

Sampdoria 1:0 Juventus

Cagliari vs Lazio
Italian Serie Am 15h00
Cagliari are a very good team at Sant'Elia, having not lost in the last 11 games. Still they have only one point in the last 4 games and have lost the last game at home to Lazio. Cagliari have beaten Lazio only once in the last 10 between them.
Lazio have to concede they are in a big mess, having won only a point in the last 4 and standing just above the relegation zone. Lazio have won only once in the last ten games in Serie A.
I tip Cagliari to win, at 11/10.

Sampdoria vs Juventus
Italian Serie A, 20h45
Juventus have lost at Fulham 4-1 and failed to qualify further in the Europa League. The Bianconeri are just 1 point above Sampdoria in the standings. Sampdoria have won only one time in the last 17 games against Juventus, but the guests will have to cope with fatigue after Thursday's game.
Sampdoria have not lost at home for 22 games, which is big. Juventus has not lost at Marassi since 1995.
I tip Sampdoria to win, at 1/2.

Valencia vs Almeria
Spanish Primera Division, 19h00
Valencia take on Almeria after a thrilling game in the Europa League on Thursday; they've went through after a 4-4 draw at Bremen with David Villa in wonderful form. Even though last Sunday they were beaten soundly by Barcelona 3-0. Coach Emery has a lot of troubles in defence, but otherwise the attack will be at full thrust once again.
Almeria is in good form also having lost only to Sevilla since the new coach Lillo has arrived.
I tip Valencia to win, at 6/11.

Catania 3:1 Inter

Tottenham 3:1 Blackburn

Livorno 3:3 Roma

Livorno vs Roma
Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00
Livorno has beaten Roma only once in the last 9 games, but it was the last time they played at Olimpico in autumn, 1-0. Still, they are now as low as 18th, while Roma are 3rd, having seen a remarkable sequence where they did not lose. summing up to 17 outings. Livorno has drawn at home to Juventus and Milan but have lost their last 4 games in Serie A.
Roma are trying to close the gap on Inter, while revenging for the defeat suffered at home in the reverse fixture. Roma has won 17 points from a losing position, which is the highest in Italy this season. Look for Totti, Toni and Vucinic to provide the attacking prowess.
I tip Roma to win, at 9/10.

Catania vs Inter
Italian Serie A, Saturday 20h45
Catania have a good sequence mostly at home where they are unbeaten for 5 games, in which they've won 3. They have only conceded one goal in the process. Since Mihajlovic took over, they climbed out of the relegation zone.
Inter have won the last 8 games against Catania, in which they always scored at least twice. But the Nerazzurri have drawn 4 of the last 5 domestic games. Mourinho has to have in mind that he plays Chelsea on Tuesday, in a match which means make or break for Inter's season.
I expect Inter to win, at evens.

Tottenham vs Blackburn
English Premier League, Saturday 13h45
Blackburn are a decent side. They will win most of their points at home this season and eventually save themselves. They have good quality in each part of the field. They gave Liverpool a good game at Anfield last time around, losing by 2-1.
Tottenham have all to play for. They eye a four place finish and are the favourites to do so taking in consideration the recent drops in form of Manchester City and Liverpool. But it will be very tough, because it is very important to play in the elite European competition. Look for the likes of Modric and Crouch to make the difference.
I predict a home win, at 1/2.

Deportivo 3:1 Tenerife

Cagliari 2:2 Catania

Palermo 1:0 Livorno

Deportivo vs Tenerife
Spanish Primera Division, Saturday 18h00
Tenerife has lost 1-5 last week at home to Realmadrid and have lost 9 from 11 away games. They are in the relegation zone and concede lots of goals. I simply cannot see them escaping.
Deportivo are very strong at home. They are fighting for a European qualification spot. Deportivo has got some pedigree in the Uefa competitions, having enjoyed a Semifinal of the UCL in 2004, when beaten by Mourinho's Porto.
I tip Deportivo to win, at 3/4.

Cagliari vs Catania
Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00
 Catania has won three of the last 4 games versus Cagliari. Cagliari has lost the last 2 games in Serie A, which were away, but has won the last 2 at home against Bari and Parma. The Sards are in the Europa League zone of the table. Allegri was elected as the best coach in Italy last season.
Cagliari have not lost at home for 10 games, seven of those being wins. Catania have committed the most fouls in the Serie A, 576.
I tip Cagliari to win, at 11/10.

Palermo vs Livorno
Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00
Palermo have beaten Livorno in the last 5 head-to-head games. The home team is 4th in the standings, while Livorno are 18th. Palermo has not lost at home for a year. With the new coach  Delio Rossi, Palermo has won 6 from 6 at home.
Fabrizio Miccoli has scored 3 times in the last 3 games, having summed 9 seasonal goals as he is the teams best goalscorer  Livorno has lost the last 3 consecutive matches. The home team's coach has not won in 4 games against his counterpart.
I tip Palermo to win, at 6/11.

Chelsea 2:4 Manchester City

Chelsea vs Manchester City City have found it very tough away from home lately. The Sky Blues have managed only a win from the last eleven games. Roberto Mancini is under intense pressure these days. With the loss at Stoke on Wednesday, they have no chance at all of winning silverware this season. Chelsea have it all to play for. They are top of the standings and will also push all the way to win the UCL and the FA Cup. Chelsea have won all their games at home except for a 3-3 draw against Everton. Adebayor, Vieira, A. Cole and Essien will all miss today. I tip Chelsea to win, at 4/5.

Shakhtar 1:1 Fulham

Valencia 3:0 Bruges

Valencia vs Bruges
Europa League, 21h05
Valencia have lost the first leg 1-0 in Bruges plus David Silva sent off. Bruges are traveling without four men to Mestalla and will try to defend their small advantage.
Valencia will throw all at the guests and the likes of Villa and Mata are going to pull this off for the home side. It will be a packed stadium tonight as Marca reports.
I tip Valencia to win by more than a goal, valued at 2/3.

Shakhtar vs Fulhmam
Europa League, 19h00
In the first leg the Cottagers won by 2-1 in a match the Ukrainians had controlled by a mile. Fulham is dismal away from home, to say the least.
Shakhtar would have gained some match fitness in London and will now be more wary about their opponents. Expect the home side to win comfortably, even if Fulham is a very disciplined team.
I tip Shakhtar to win, at 6/11.

Dinamo 2:1 Universitatea Craiova

Gaz Metan 0:0 Vaslui

Fiorentina 2:1 Livorno

Roma 1:0 Catania

Fiorentina vs Livorno
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Livorno are in the relegation zone with only 23 points to their tally. They have lost the last for times they met Fiorentina.
The hosts have lost 5 from the last 6 games, including a wonderful game at bayern in midweek in which they made a very good performance only to be denied by bad refereeing in the end. Fiorentina will bounce back.
I tip the home side to win, at 2/3.

Roma vs Catania
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Catania have a good young coach in Mihajlovic. He managed a win last time he came to Rome, beating his former team Lazio 1-0.
Roma are unbeaten since November and are trying to make a decent title challenge. They can put pressure on Inter with 3 points today. That will take Ranieri's troops to -5.
I tip Roma to nick it, at 1/2.

Dinamo vs Universitatea Craiova
Romanian Liga I, 18h30
It is a big rivalry between these sides, mostly coming from the guests. Craiova have a talented side with a new Dutch coach. They are trying to avoid relegation this season.
Dinamo has beaten today's opponent in 8 of the last 10 home games. The home side is pushing for the title this season and will try to profit from other teams' mistakes.
I tip the home side to win, at 3/5.

Gaz Metan vs Vaslui
Romanian Liga I, 13h00
After some big surprises yesterday, I expect Vaslui to put pressure on the top sides. Gaz Metan play wonderful attacking football, but can be also very poor defensively.
Vaslui are tipped to be pushing for the European spots this season, maybe even the championship. In the previous 4 encounters between these two, Vaslui have won 3 times with the other match finishing level.
I predict an away win, at 23/20.

Everton 3:1 Manchester United

Everton vs Manchester United
English Premier League, Saturday 14h45

Everton has the poorest record in the PL when playing against United. The Toffees only managed 3 wins in 35 matches, being defeated in 27 of them. Fellaini is a long-time injury concern for the home side, who defeated Sporting 2-1 in mid-week, after beating Chelsea by the same score last weekend.
Manchester United has of course beaten Milan at San Siro 3-2 and will try to leapfrog Chelsea to the top of the standings.

I tip United to prevail, at 9/11.

Bayern Munich 2:1 Fiorentina

Porto 2:1 Arsenal

Bayern Munich vs Fiorentina

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Bayern have a host of stars like Robben, Ribery, Olic, Gomez. The Bavarian giants have won 12 games in a row in the Bundesliga. But they have scraped qualification from the group stage winning the last game in Turin against Juventus.
Fiorentina are on a disastrous run in the Serie A, where they've won only one point from 5 games. Gilardino has not scored for more than a month. And the Viola find themselves nearer the relegation zone rather than the places that provide UCL qualification. I think the Allianz Arena is a very inspiring stage and Fiorentina will get back on track. I have to remind you that Fiorentina have won the last 5 in a row in this competition, including a win at Anfield.
I tip the guests to score anytime, at 8/11.

Porto vs Arsenal

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Porto have a great record against British teams at Dragao. They've lost only to United once, and have beaten Chelsea and Liverpool; Arsenal lost there 2-0 in last year's group stage. The Gunners played that game with an understrength side being already qualified. Wenger will have to cope with the absencees of Van Persie, Vela, Eduardo, Arshavin, Gallas and Song.
Porto are not first in the domestic league, which is some news. But they will still poise a big threat to the Londoners tonight. Look for Falcao to deliver, but also for the hunger of Brazilian Hulk. Porto have created 128 scoring chances in the group stage to Arsenal's 101.
I tip Porto to score first, at 4/5.

Olympique Lyonnais 1:0 Real Madrid

Stoke 1:1 Manchester City

Olympique Lyon vs Real Madrid

Uefa Champions League 1st Knock-out stage 1st leg, 20h45

Lyon will face familiar faces when they take on Real Madrid. The French giants have played los Merengues 4 times beating them twice and drawing twice. They ousted Liverpool from the group stage, but are not in a good season at home, having conceded more than 1 goal per game.
Real Madrid has a battle with destiny tonight, as los Blancos have crashed out of this competition in every one of the last five years. Cristiano Ronaldo is the competition goalscorer.
I tip Real Madrid to win tonight, at 6/5.

Stoke vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 20h45

These two have met on Saturday in Eastlands where it finished 1-1 in the FA Cup. That means it will be replayed next Wednesday. For this match Stoke will be without Matthew Etherington, their best player in my eyes. The Potters have lost just one of their last 10 games at home.
City are not very good when they travel and will have to do without Tevez, Bellamy and Kompany. Still, the Sky Blues will have to win if they are to pose a great threat for Arsenal and Liverpool this season. It will be a high-tempo physical game, which I fancy. Manchester City have won 5 of their last 6 games against Stoke. Adebayor has netted in all of the last three games, after scoring just twice in the last previous four months.
I tip Manchester City to win, at 3/2.

Manchester City 2:0 Bolton

Manchester City vs Bolton

English Premier League, 20h45

Bolton have managed only one win in the last 7 encounters with City. Still, Adebayor made 8 appearances against Bolton without scoring. 
City are in pursuit of a top four finish, but Mancini has lost 3 of the last 6 in all competitions with the first four games all wins, more than his Mark Hughes did, 2 from 21. With the Italian in the dugout City concede far less goals though. The Sky Blues are unbeaten at Eastlands for 19 games, since last April. The hosts are in a 21 home games run in which they always scored.
I tip City to win tonight, at 1/2.

Chelsea 2:0 Arsenal

Birmingham 2:1 Wolves

Zaragoza 2:1 Sevilla

Chelsea vs Arsenal

English Premier League, 17h00

In November, Chelsea trounced Arsenal 3-0 at Emirates. The Blues are first in the standings, but Manchester United are right there behind them.
The likes of Lampard and Drogba will look forward to this match as they relish this derbies. They have a very good record against Arsenal, as the Ivorian captain has scored once per match against the Gunners.
Arsenal has put together some good results, but have lost 3-1 at home to United.
I tip Chelsea to win today, at 9/11.

Zaragoza vs Sevilla

Spanish Primera Division, 19h00

Zaragoza are 18th and will struggle to maintain their status as a top flight team. They won at lowly Tenerife last time around, but Sevilla is fearless mostly away this season.
Negredo is in a good vein of form and Luis Fabiano could be back. Look also for the likes of Jesus Navas and Perroti.
I tip Sevilla to win, at 5/4.

Hull 2:1 Manchester City

Birmingham vs Wolves

English Premier League, 14h30

Birmingham had a very good season so far. They are in the European zone and went on a 14 match unbeaten run. Birmingham have not lost against Wolves in 8 competitive games.
Wolves have scored only 19 goals this season, while Birmingham have scored only 22.
I tip Birmingham to win it, at evens.

Hull vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 16h00

Hull held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in midweek, but I expect them to struggle today against City. Hull have not won in their last 10 league games. Hull has the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 49 goals. The Tigers have also committed the highest number of fouls, 333.
Manchester City have won 5 of their last 6 league games. 
I tip City to win, at 4/5.

Egypt 1:0 Ghana

Atletico 0:2 Malaga

Egypt vs Ghana

African Cup of Nations, 17h00

Egypt has won two times in a row this competition. The Pharaohs have defeated their rivals Algeria 4-0 in the Semifinals, while Ghana are without Essien, Muntari, Mensah and Appiah. The Black Stars have very good youth talent as they won the U20 World Cup last year, but I will go for the much better tactical approach and knowledge of the North Africans.
I tip Egypt to win, at 4/5.

Atletico Madrid vs Malaga

Spanish Primera Division, 19h00

Malaga defeated Atletico 3-0 in autumn. That calls for revenge. With Forlan on form, the hosts can win tonight, to climb through the standings.
I tip Atletico to win, at 7/10.

Inter 2:1 Juventus

Inter vs Juventus

Coppa Italia Quarterfinals, 20h45

Eto'o will be back for Inter, while Del Piero is out for Juve.

Ferrara is holding on to his job. 

I tip Inter to win, at 9/10.

Manchester United 3:1 Manchester City

Manchester United vs Manchester City

English League Cup, 21h00

I will focus again on this derby, as I did last week. City won 2-1 at home, in a match that saw United better throughout the first half, but City responded so well after the break.

United face the same maybe more problems in defence than last week, as Vidic is out with injury and Rio Ferdinand may be facing a three match ban if he doesn't make an appeal. As for attack, United will once again put their faith in Rooney and provide him with all the support. Many say that United is dependent on Rooney at the moment.

In the other camp, Mancini will have Toure and Adebayor back from the African Cup of Nations, but they are expected to start the evening on the bench. Tevez will pose the main peril for the hosts, as Bellamy will have his way on the left. The Welsh made two stunning performances against United this season and he will give Sir Alex Ferguson a few headaches before and as the game develops. City were very frustrated when they lost 4-3 in autumn at Old Trafford courtesy of an 96th minute winner from Michael Owen.

It is very tight when we analyze head-to-head history as they have both won 3 times in the last 6 encounters.

Manchester City have not been in a Cup Final for 29 years.
I will go for City to go to Wembley, at 4/5.

Manchester City 2:1 Manchester United

Manchester City vs Manchester United

English League Cup Semifinal 1st leg, 21h00

The derby of Manchester has to welcome a new face, as Roberto Mancini took over as manager at Eastlands. He managed 4 wins in 5 games and has won the fans with good performances from the team. They kept three clean sheets in that span of games, but on Saturday at Everton they were simply not good enough and could not cope with the Toffees momentum. 
Manchester United are in a huge dip of form and will need this derby in order to gain some momentum. But with Ferdinand and Giggs out; Vidic and Berbatov highly questionable it will be hard to cope with the Sky Blues drive for success. Still United has won the last three meetings between these two, while City won the two before those.

I think Bellamy and Tevez will be instrumental in tonight's matchup and will win the game for the home side.
I tip Manchester City to win, at odds as high as 7/8.

Fiorentina 1:2 Bologna

Napoli 0:0 Palermo

Napoli vs Palermo

Italian Serie A, 20h30

These are two top ten teams, with Napoli 4th in the standings. Lavezzi and Santacroce will miss out for the Partenopei, which lost 3-0 at Juventus in midweeks Coppa Italia game. That was the first loss under new coach Mazzarri. Napoli are unbeaten in 12 Serie A games.
Palermo has some more injured players. While Liverani is extremely doubtful, Kjaer, Carozieri and Bresciano are definitely out.
The last 3 games between these two have finished with the same score, 2-1 for the hosts. The last win for Palermo away at Napoli goes back to 1952. Napoli has won its last 3 games in the Serie A without conceding. Goalscorer Marek Hamsik has scored in the each of the last three games against Napoli.
I tip Napoli to win, at 6/5.

Fiorentina vs Bologna

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Fiorentina is a team with good recent form. The Viola have won three on the trot, while the guest have lost 3 consecutive games. Also, the host are unbeaten in 6 against Bologna. The last win for Bologna goes back to 2001, while the last time Fiorentina lost at home to the Rossoblu was in 1990.
The last time Bologna won away in Serie A was a year ago. Since then they have played 17 games. Bologna has scored just once in the last 3 games. Prandelli has never lost against Colomba.
Mutu and Gilardino will once again lead the hosts attacks.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 1/2.

Athletic Bilbao 1:0 Real Madrid

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid

Spanish Primera Division, 20h00

Athletic are a good team this season. They have kept Barca to a draw at home and are fighting for a place in the European Cups. The Basc side plays a physical type of football.
We will see how can Real Madrid cope with that, because it will be also a hostile environment at San Mames Stadium given the rivalry between the sides. At Osasuna the Merengues stumbled, but now they have Kaka back from injury. Real Madrid has won the last five meeting with Bilbao, so they have some good recent history.
Higuain will miss out through injury, but Ramos is back after suspension.
I tip Real to win it, at 3/5.

Fiorentina 2:1 Bari

Napoli 1:0 Sampdoria

Palermo 1:0 Atalanta

Napoli vs Sampdoria

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Napoli is unbeaten in the last 11 games, all with new coach Walter Mazzarri. The Partenopei have not lost at home this season, with 6 wins and 3 draws to their name.
Sampdoria has lost its last 6 games away from home. Sampdoria has scored only 4 goals away from home in 8 games. Quagliarella has signed for Napoli from Sampdoria and has managed 4 goals in the last 4 outings. Napoli has scored the most goals after half time this season, 19.
I tip the home side to win, at 9/11.

Wolverhampton 0:3 Manchester City

Palermo vs Atalanta

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Palermo has not lost at home for 15 games and has conceded just twice in the last 6 games. Also, Palermo has beaten Milan away 2-0 last month. Atalanta has won only one point in the last 4 games, against Inter at home.

Atalanta has conceded the most goals in the first half, 15. The guests have lost 3 of the last 4 away games and coach Antonio Conte was sacked.
I tip Palermo to win, at 8/11.

Fiorentina vs Bari

Italian Serie A, 15h00

The two teams that will play against each other today are equal on points in the standings.
Fiorentina has not drawn any of its last 9 games in Serie A and has won only two of the last 5 games at home. Meanwhile, Bari has won 3 from the last 4 games, but have won only 1 point from their last 4 away games. Bari's Brazilian striker Barreto has scored in each of the last 3 games and has a total of 5 goals this season. Gilardino has scored 5 times in the last 5 games played.
Each team has a host of injuries with Fiorentina's Gamberini, Vargas and Bari's Kutuzov among the most important.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 8/11.

Tottenham 2:0 West Ham

Chelsea 2:1 Fulham

Wolverhampton vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 20h45

The Wolves are a side that will fight for avoiding relegation, while City with the appointment of Italian legend Mancini tried to send a message to the other title contenders.
In the first game in charge at Eastlands, Mancini masterminded a win without conceding, something City hadn't seen in a while. It is another feat that will be achieved tonight. Manchester City have not won away since August, despite they've only lost twice this season. It is thought Bellamy will step in for Robinho.
I tip City to win, at 9/11.

Chelsea vs Fulham

English Premier League, 16h00

Chelsea have won only once in December, but are still topping the standings. They will lose Drogba and Kalou to the African Cup of Nations and that is why a win today is so important.
Fulham are impressive at home; have beaten Manchester United 3-0, but away they struggle to go on the counter.
I tip Chelsea to win today, at 2/5.

Tottenham vs West Ham

English Premier League, 13h45

West Ham have not won in their last 8 away games and not won any of the last 7 London derbies they were involved in. Tottenham have conceded only once in the last 4 games against the Hammers. The Spurs are in a run of 4 clean sheets kept in a row.
Harry Redknapp's troops have managed a 0-0 draw at Fulham two days ago, while West Ham have beaten Portsmouth 2-0.
I tip Tottenham to win, at 5/11.

Birmingham 0:0 Chelsea

Birmingham vs Chelsea

English Premier League,13h45

It's the Boxing Day action in the Premier League and it all starts with two of the best teams. Birmingham are 7th while Chelsea sit on top of the standings. The hosts have kept 7 clean sheets while Chelsea are the only side to have kept more, 9. Birmingham won everyone of the 7 games in which they've scored first. The hosts are unbeaten in 9 games.
Chelsea is the only top flight team to have scored in every game of the season. The Blues have won only one of the last six. Drogba will play his last game ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 6/11.

West Ham 1:1 Chelsea

Sporting Gijon 0:1 Sevilla

Atalanta 1:1 Inter

West Ham vs Chelsea

English Premier League, 17h00

Chelsea has a 3-point cushion over second placed Manchester United with today's London derby in hand. The Red Devils were brushed aside 3-0 by Fulham on Saturday. Drogba returns to the line-up, while Carlton Cole and Valon Behrami will miss out for West Ham.
Chelsea have won their last 4 trips to Upton Park, scoring 12 and conceding only 2. West Ham have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games at home. The Blues have kept most clean sheets this season, 9.
Didier Drogba has already scored 18 goals this season in all competitions.
I expect Chelsea to win this one, at 5/11.

Sporting Gijon vs Sevilla

Spanish Primera Division, 21h00

The hosts' coach said that Sevilla and Chelsea are the most physical sides in Europe, having great strength, aerial proficiency and speed. Gijon is a good team mostly at home and will count on De las Cuevas to provide the magic again.
Sevilla will play without some injured players, including Luis Fabiano. but the likes of Perroti, Jesus Navas and Renato will provide the assists for Negredo and Kanoute. Sevilla must keep the pace with Real Madrid and Barcelona, after two home draws in the league and a 1-0 win in the midweek UCL action.
I tip Sevilla to win, at 6/5.

Atalanta vs Inter

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Atalanta are placed just above the drop zone. They have a young coach in Antonio Conte, ex Juventus captain. They have lost the last 3 games at home. 
Also Inter lost its last 2 away, at Barcelona and Juventus and will look to bounce back, as they want to keep second placed AC Milan at bay. Inter has won 6 of the last 8 against Atalanta. The Nerazzurri have the best attack in the league with 34 goals. Sneijder will play, as we should mention that Inter have lost only when he could not play.
I tip Inter to win, at 2/3.

Cagliari 3:3 Napoli

Manchester United 0:1 Aston Villa

Cagliari vs Napoli

Italian Serie A, Saturday 18h00

Cagliari are unbeaten in the last 8 matches against Napoli. But Napoli have not lost under new coach Mazzari, 4 wins and 4 draws. Cagliari has won its last 4 at home and has not conceded in the last 3.
Cagliari has lost to Palermo 2-1 in the last match, after defeating Juventus 2-0. Cagliari and Fiorentina are the teams with the most clean-sheets this season, seven. Napoli has scored more than a goal in an away match only once this season, in the 3-2 win at Juventus.
I tip Cagliari to win, at 4/3.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa

English Premier League, Saturday 18h30

In the last ten encounters between these two there have been nine wins for United and a draw. The Red Devils have gone to 27 games without defeat against tomorrow's opponents, this being the biggest mismatch in Premier League history. The last time the Villans avoided defeat at Old Trafford was in 2002. But, the guests are the only side to have not lost to a top ten team this season.
Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five starts against Aston Villa. United have scored 11 goals in their last 3 league outings. After a goalless draw in the opening day of the season, Martin O'Neill's men have scored in every match so far, summing up to 14. Aston VIlla have won 99 games away from home.
United seem to be a very lucky side and stroll against the teams outside the top four.

The home side will welcome back the likes of Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov and Vidic, while Aston Villa have no new injury wories.
I tip United to win it, at 1/2.

Olympiacos 1:0 Arsenal

Stuttgart 3:1 Unirea

Inter 2:0 Rubin

Lyon 4:0 Debrecen

Olympique Lyonnais vs Debrecen

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Debrecen has conceded the most goals in this competition 15 and the overall record is set at 19. Lyon defeated Debrecen away 4-0.
Lyon will finish top of the group if they win and Fiorentina loses at Liverpool or win by 2 or more goals and Fiorentina manages to draw. Lisandro Lopez has scored 7 goals in his last 6 games played.
I predict Lyon to win by more than a goal, at 6/11.

Inter vs Rubin

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Both teams have the same record in this group: 1 win, 3 draws and a loss. The reverse match finished 1-1 in Russia. Inter has not won at home in the last four games of this competition, drawing the last 3, while Rubin is undefeated in 4, the last two finishing goalless.
To assure qualification, each side must win because either of the four teams from this group has its faith in its own hands.
The big fact of this game is that Sneijder is back from injury and his presence will be essential for Inter tonight.
I tip Inter to win, at 7/11.

Vfb Stuttgart vs Unirea

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Stuttgart is one of the few teams that have scored in everyone of the five games played in this year's UCL. But, they've conceded in the last 6 played at home in the UCL. The Germans are 2 points behind Unirea in the standings and need to win in order to progress to the knock-out stage of the competition.
Unirea is a lowly team even in Romania. The team's central figure is coach Dan Petrescu, a Chelsea favourite. They have managed two wins in this competition, 4-1 at Rangers and 1-0 at home to Sevilla, and two home draws. It's players are hard working and will fight for every yard tonight.
I tip Unirea to qualify, at 13/10.

Olympiakos vs Arsenal

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Olympiakos have won both matches at home in this season's UCL. Still are yet to be sure of qualification. The Greek side still needs a point. Zico has some injury problems but can field an experienced team that can put down Arsenal's young guns.
Arsene Wenger has brought to Athens a very young squad, in which the most experienced are Walcott and Song. The Gunners are already qualified and assured of first position and will play Liverpool on Sunday.
I tip the home side to win, at 6/5.

Astra 1:1 Dinamo

Wolfsburg 1:3 Manchester United

Wolfsburg vs Manchester United

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Wolfsburg are for the first time in this competition, still they have a big chance of qualifying for the next round. They need to win against Manchester United tonight or to get at least the number of points CSKA Moscow manage to gain at Besiktas. Martins will be out, but the Wolfs have managed good results at home, beating CSKA 3-1 and drawing 0-0 with Besiktas; while they winning their match at United only for two late goals from Giggs and Fletcher to deny them collecting points.
United are already qualified and are hit by a huge injury crisis. No less than 15 first squad players are out with injury. That means the only natural defender left in the squad is Patrice Evra. Carrick and Fletcher will deputise along the Frechman in a defensive line that will have to feature another of the 13 midfielders that have made the trip to Germany. Giggs is rested, while up front there will bo no Rooney or Berbatov, Michael Owen being the most important attacking player that is in the squad.

They lost the last game in the competition 0-1 at home to Besiktas.
I tip Wolfsburg to win this game, at 6/5.

Astra vs Dinamo

Romanian Liga I, 19h00

Dinamo has defeated Astra 2-1 in the Romanian Cup last month, also away, so it won't be that much of a surprise if the Red Dogs manage it again.
Astra are placed just above the relegation zone with 16 points and wil be missing a host of players that are on loan from today's opponents.
Dinamo has to close the gap on the leaders to 3 points, in order to have a chance at the championship.
I tip Dinamo to win, at 4/5.

Fiorentina 2:0 Atalanta

Vaslui 1:1 Otelul

Fiorentina vs Atalanta

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Atalanta has not won against the Viola  in the last 7 games and has lost the last 2 by the same 2-1 scoreline. Still, Fiorentina has lost the last two games and four of the last six in the league, as they dropped to 10th spot. 
Atalanta has lost 4 of the last 5 and find themselves just above the drop zone. 
Jovetic could make his long awaited return, while Mutu and Gamberini are still short of fitness. Fiorentina plays at Liverpool next week in the UCL.
I tip Fiorentina to win this one, at 3/5.

Vaslui vs Otelul

Romanian Liga I, 15h00

Vaslui has won the last 4 consecutive encounters with Otelul. The home side has a far superior form, as they've won 8 from their last 9 outings and are level on top of the standings.
Otelul has won its last game, but they've won only two of the last 8 games played in all competitions.
I tip Vaslui to win, at 1/2.

Deportivo 1:3 Barcelona

Manchester City 2:1 Chelsea

Aston Villa 3:0 Hull

Aston Villa vs Hull

English Premier League, 16h00

Aston Villa have drawn 4 of their last 6 league games, but have won in midweek 4-2 at Portsmouth in the League Cup. The Villans have only lost once at home this season, in the first day against Wigan. Aston Villa have not kept a clean sheet in their last 9 games, but have won in their last 5 matches against Hull without conceding a goal.
Hull have a 4 match unbeaten run, their second best since they promoted to the top-flight. Ian Ashbee is still missing for the guests. The Tigers are one of the two teams that have not won away in this season's Premier League. They have managed only a clean sheet in their last 12 games.
I tip Villa to win, at 1/2.