Swansea to hold Man U; wins for Juventus, PSG
What you need to know:
They seem to have recovered on all fronts lately, as their away win at Southampton proved
PREMIERSHIP
Chelsea vs Burnley
Matic, Ramires, Fabregas and the back four had to work extremely hard in the second half at PSG, but thankfully for them it was Tuesday because that extra 24 hours of recuperation will count for a lot against a Burnley side that thrives on non-stop running. Will be tough, and the league leaders must start on the front foot to prevail. Home win
Man City vs Newcastle
In Cabella, Cisse, Cissoko and Goufran Newcastle have players who love the big occasion, but overall the team doesn’t have the steel and ethic in defensive midfield and at the back, to hold off the expected City onslaught for an entire game at the Etihad. Home win
Swansea vs Man United
A month ago I would have fancied Man United to win this outright, as Swansea struggled with life after Wilfried Bony and with their general form and a big injury list. They seem to have recovered on all fronts lately, as their away win at Southampton proved. If that is coupled with Man United’s travel sickness, I see this ending in a Draw.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
To Crystal Palace’s pace, enthusiasm and opportunism, Tony Pulis had added the fighting qualities that have seen them rescue points late from losing positions. And they usually raise their game for the London derbies anyway. But Arsenal have all that too, to which they add superior individual ability and great momentum at the moment. Away win
BUNDESLIGA
Paderborn vs Bayern
Ukraine was not a particularly enjoyable voyage for all-conquering Bayern in midweek, and this one today will not be either. The only difference will be in the result, which I fancy will be the Away win.
Stuttgart vs Dortmund
Oh yes, I am having better luck with my Dortmund calls in the second half of the season, as I had hoped I would. With the self-belief back, the overall quality that had gone into hiding is back on display; where I was just bold in my last two calls, am now confident in saying Away win.
Augsburg vs Leverkusen
Draw
Wolfsburg vs Hertha Berlin
Home win & Over
SERIE A
Juventus vs Atalanta
Having been given a Friday fixture most likely to allow them enough time to prepare for Champions League action next week, Juventus can afford to flash Dortmund out of their minds for at least 90 minutes and concentrate on issues at hand. They had better. Home win
Hellas Verona vs Roma
Draw
AC Milan vs Cesena
Home win
Napoli vs Sassuolo
Home win
Cagliari vs Inter
Away win
LA LIGA
Barcelona vs Malaga
Since he stood by Ronaldo’s side and watched his arch rival pick up a second Ballon D’Or in a row at his expense, Leo Messi has been reinvigorated. I would fancy him to equal or pass Ronaldo’s league total in this game before Real Madrid play; and if he can’t, there is always Neymar and Suarez to chip in … Home win & Over
Elche vs Real Madrid
Playing away from home might actually be a good thing for Ronaldo, Bale, Casillas, Ancelotti and the entire Real Madrid side being booed by their home fans at the moment. There will be issues with fatigue from their midweek trip to Germany, but they should be able to still dig it out. Away win
Atletico vs Almeria
Home win
Cordoba vs Valencia
Away win
LIGUE ONE
PSG vs Toulouse
Here is an opportunity for PSG to vent out the frustration of dominating but not beating Chelsea in midweek, also an opportunity for the champions to takeover table leadership for at least 24 hours before Lyon play. They will take it. Home win
Lyon vs Nantes
The season’s deserved pacesetters should however still be able to finish the weekend on top of the pile with a routine victory of their own. Home win
St Etienne vs Marseille
Draw
Nice vs Monaco
Draw
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