Goal Zone

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund Preview

German football prepares for the biggest fixture of the season on Saturday evening as Bayern Munich entertain Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.

However, this edition of the Bundesliga showpiece has a slight twist to it, with Dortmund languishing in the unfamiliar position of 16th in the table.

Usually Jurgen Klopp's men are hot on the heels of Bayern, who are four points clear at the top, but a run of six league games without a win has left them a huge 14 points adrift.

The Bavarians, meanwhile, are unbeaten in the league this season and have also put Europe on notice with some dominant performances in the Champions League.

They have not lost in any competition since defeat to Dortmund in the German Super Cup in August.

Klopp will be hoping that Marco Reus can inspire an upturn in fortunes now that he has had three games to regain match sharpness following his return from an ankle injury.

There are fears, though, that the highly-rated midfielder could be wearing Bayern colours when these two clash next season, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitting that the German champions maintain an interest in signing Reus.

Having made several changes to his lineup for their 3-0 DKB-Pokal victory over St Pauli, Klopp will likely revert to the majority of the side who suffered a fourth straight Bundesliga loss against Hannover.

Erik Durm has joined Nuri Sahin and Jakub Błaszczykowski in the treatment room, so Sokratis Papastathopoulos should fill in at left-back. Shinji Kagawa is in contention for a recall at the expense of Adrian Ramos.

Bayern, who also made comfortable cup progress in midweek, have doubts over the fitness of Arjen Robben, while Bastian Schweinsteiger, Holger Badstuba, Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and Pepe Reina are out.

Fit-again Franck Ribery is pushing for a start following several bright cameos as a substitute, but Pep Guardiola may choose to stick with Thomas Muller in behind former Dortmund pair Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski.

Dortmund and Bayern have each won three of the last six meetings between the two sides.

Recent form

Bayern: WDWWWW

Dortmund: WLWLLW

Possible starting lineups

Bayern: Neuer; Benatia, Boateng, Alaba; Rafinha, Lahm, Alonso, Bernat; Muller, Gotze; Lewandowski

Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Sokratis; Bender, Gundogan; Mkhitaryan, Kagawa, Reus; Aubamayeng

Kick Off Time - 17:45HRS

Parma vs. Inter Milan Preview

Inter Milan travel to Parma on Saturday as they bid to climb towards the top three in the Serie A table.

Walter Mazzarri's side are currently eighth in the standings and have lost just two games in nine fixtures so far in the campaign.

The team have grabbed back-to-back victories in the league following a late 1-0 win over Sampdoria following a 90th-minute goal from Mauro Icardi on Wednesday.

Inter are among three other clubs, including Napoli on 15 points, which is just one point behind third-placed AC Milan, but seven points adrift of leaders Juventus and Roma, who are equal on 22.

For Parma, it's a different story as they reside at the bottom of the table having taken just three points from nine games, six of which they have lost consecutively.

Their latest defeat came at the hands of Torino, who claimed all three points with a Matteo Darmian goal in the 11th minute.

Out of the four meetings with Inter, Parma have grabbed just one victory and that was a slender 1-0 win on home turf back in November 2012.

Antonio Cassano and Ishak Belfodil are likely to lead the line for the hosts on Saturday, while this week's goalscorer Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio should provide attacking threat for the visitors.

Recent form

Parma: LLLLLL

Inter Milan: WLLDWW

Possible starting lineups

Parma: Mirante; Santacroce, Felipe, Costa, Rispoli; Gobbi, Acquah, Lodi, J Agustin Mauri; Cassano, Belfodil

Inter Milan: Handanovic; Ranocchia, Vidic, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Kovacic, Medel, Obi, Hernanes; Icardi, Palacio

Kick Off Time - 19:45HRS

Napoli vs. Roma Preview

Napoli failed to take the opportunity to move into the top three of the Serie A table in midweek, and face the difficult task of moving up this weekend when they take on title contenders Roma.

Rafael Benitez's job was thought to be under threat earlier this season, but the former Liverpool boss has guided an unbeaten six-match record in Italy's top flight.

The seventh-placed side were close to taking nothing away from their clash against Atalanta BC on Wednesday evening until Gonzalo Higuain struck in the 86th minute to equalise.

Napoli had the chance to win the game when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but the former Real Madrid man had his effort saved.

Last season, Napoli were beaten 2-0 by Roma on away turf, but managed to seal a 1-0 victory at home, which is the last time the two clubs faced each other.

For Roma, Rudi Garcia's side have emerged as title contenders due to having just one blemish on their league record so far after nine games - a 3-2 defeat to league leaders Juventus.

Despite losing to the Old Lady earlier this month, Roma are equal on 22 points with their rivals, and both clubs have plus 12 goals, but Garcia's side arguably have a tougher fixture against Napoli while Juve face Empoli, who are lingering above the relegation zone.

Mattia Destro and Daniele de Rossi found the scoresheet in Roma's 2-0 win over Cesena on Wednesday, and both are likely to keep their places for this weekend's encounter.

For the home side, Higuain and Jose Callejon are expected to provide the attacking threat on Saturday.

Recent form

Napoli: DWWDWD

Roma: WWLWDW

Possible starting lineups

Napoli: Rafael; Ghoulam, Koulibaly, Albiol, Maggio; Mertens, Hamsik, Inler, David Lopez; Callejon, Higuain

Roma: Skorupski; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Cole; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Iturbe, Destro, Gervinho

Kick Off Time - 14:00HRS

Empoli vs. Juventus Preview

Juventus's unbeaten run of eight games in Serie A came to an end in midweek, but they have the chance to bounce back with a trip to Empoli.

The Old Lady, who remain at the top of the league table on level points with challengers Roma, were dealt a blow by losing 1-0 to Genoa in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

The result was only Juve's second league defeat in a year and they head into this Saturday's encounter having last faced Empoli in the 2007-08 campaign.

The visitors are favourite to snatch all three points and get themselves back on track, but Empoli could capitalise on Juve's dented spirit following their midweek loss.

Empoli boss Maurizio Sarri will host Massimiliano Allegri's side having grabbed just one victory in nine league games so far this season, which has left them 17th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone.

Empoli had a run of draws and hadn't lost a game in five fixtures, but the team head into this weekend's match having suffered a 4-0 defeat to Cagliari and a 3-1 loss at the hands of Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Allegri is expected to be without Patrice Evra this weekend as the former Manchester United full-back is likely to be out of action for a month with a thigh injury.

For the home side, Luigi Sepe and Tiberio Guarante are doubts with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, while Vincent Laurini is likely to be included in the squad.

Recent form

Empoli: DDWDLL

Juventus: WWWDWL

Possible starting lineups

Empoli: Bassi; E Hisaj, L Tonelli, Rugani, M Rui; Zielinski, Valdifiori, Croce; M Pucciarelli, Vecino, Maccarone

Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

Kick Off Time - 17:00HRS

Barcelona vs. Celta Vigo Preview

Luis Enrique will be looking to guide his Barcelona side back to winning ways against former club Celta Vigo on Saturday following last weekend's disappointing El Clasico defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.

The 3-1 reverse at the Bernabeu saw Barca's lead at the top cut to just one point, with their unbeaten run coming to an end as a result of the setback against their arch-rivals.

The Catalan giants have the opportunity to regain their hold on the summit when they host a Celta side who have lacked consistency of late, winning one, drawing one and losing one of their last three league games.

A resounding 3-0 win over Levante last time out saw the Celts claim a Europa League spot, though, ensuring that they will provide stern opposition for Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Claudio Bravo is likely to retain his place in goal, despite seeing his net breached for the first time this season in that defeat against Madrid, while a decision over Luis Suarez is still to be made.

The Liverpool striker made his long-awaited debut last weekend, bagging an assist inside four minutes in the Spanish capital, and he is likely to start against Celta as he looks to build up his match fitness.

Jeremy Mathieu is expected to be fielded in a makeshift left-back position once more, despite the gamble backfiring last time out, while the visitors will field Joaquin Larrivey and Nolito up top.

The latter is reportedly on the brink of a call-up to the Spanish national side, which will give him even more incentive to find the target at the home of the current league leaders.

Recent form

Barcelona: WDWWWL

Celta Vigo: DWWLDW

Possible starting lineups

Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi, Neymar

Celta Vigo: Alvarez, Mallo, Cabral, Gomex, Jonny, Krohn-Dehli, Radoja, Hernandez, Mina, Larrivey, Nolito

Kick Off Time - 19:00HRS

Granada vs. Real Madrid Preview

Buoyed by their El Clasico triumph over rivals Barcelona last weekend, Real Madrid will look to continue their impressive recent form when they take on Granada on Saturday afternoon.

Carlo Ancelotti's charges came from a goal behind to see off the current La Liga leaders 3-1 at the Bernabeu to register their ninth straight victory in all competitions.

That record was extended further in midweek with a comprehensive 4-1 triumph over Cornella in the Copa del Rey, which takes their strike tally across that unbeaten run up to 42 goals.

Attention turns back to league matters this coming weekend when Los Blancos make the visit to Andulusia to take on a Granada side who have failed to win in five games.

The Nazaries did manage to end a run of four straight defeats with a 1-1 draw against Eibar last time out, however, and victory against Madrid this weekend, as unlikely as it sounds on the face of it, could see Granada move into the top half of the table.

Piti, Jhon Cordoba and Isaac Success are likely to lead the home side's attack for the visit of Madrid, although Joaquin Caparros may opt to form a more defensive shape in an attempt to thwart their free-scoring opponents.

Madrid, who now trail pacesetters Barcelona by just a single point, may welcome back Gareth Bale for the Los Carmenes showdown, while Cristiano Ronaldo will be raring to go having sat out the cup victory over Cornella.

Recent form

Granada: WLLLLD

Real Madrid: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Granada: Roberto, Nyom, Babin, Murillo, Foulquier, Rico, Iturra, Sissoko, Success, Cordoba, Piti

Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvjal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema

Kick Off Time - 15:00HRS

Granada vs. Real Madrid Preview

Buoyed by their El Clasico triumph over rivals Barcelona last weekend, Real Madrid will look to continue their impressive recent form when they take on Granada on Saturday afternoon.

Carlo Ancelotti's charges came from a goal behind to see off the current La Liga leaders 3-1 at the Bernabeu to register their ninth straight victory in all competitions.

That record was extended further in midweek with a comprehensive 4-1 triumph over Cornella in the Copa del Rey, which takes their strike tally across that unbeaten run up to 42 goals.

Attention turns back to league matters this coming weekend when Los Blancos make the visit to Andulusia to take on a Granada side who have failed to win in five games.

Recent form

Granada: WLLLLD

Real Madrid: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Granada: Roberto, Nyom, Babin, Murillo, Foulquier, Rico, Iturra, Sissoko, Success, Cordoba, Piti

Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvjal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema

Kick Off Time - 15:00HRS

Atletico Madrid vs. Cordoba Preview

Atletico Madrid will be hoping to maintain their steady push up the La Liga table when they take on a struggling Cordoba side this weekend.

The reigning Spanish champions have lost just one game all season, yet have managed to go somewhat under the radar once more as they look to keep pace with leaders Barcelona.

Last week's slender 1-0 victory over Getafe epitomises what Atletico are all about, with summer signing Mario Mandzukic scoring the only goal of a tight game from a set piece.

The key to the Rojiblancos' success has been their ability to remain strong at the back, which has seen them record the second best defensive record in the division behind Barca, keeping five clean sheets in La Liga thus far.

Diego Simeone will be confident that his side can keep their positive defensive record intact at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday, against a Cordoba side with just six league goals to their name all season.

It is perhaps no surprise therefore to see Los Califas camped inside the relegation zone, although having tasted just one defeat in their last four outings, they certainly won't make it a walk in the park for Atletico.

Fresh on the back of his late goal against Real Sociedad, Xisco may return to the starting lineup, with Fidel potentially making way.

Atletico, who are now just two points off the summit following four wins in their last five games, are likely to name an unchanged side.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: DWWLWW

Cordoba: LLDDLD

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Moya, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira, Suarez, Koke, Garcia, Turan, Griezmann, Mandzukic

Cordoba: Juan Carlos, Campabadal, Lopez, Pantic, Pinillos, Luso, Ekeng, Fede, Borja, Xisco, Ghilas

Kick Off Time - 17:00HRS

Real Madrid 'to move for £20m Hugo Lloris'

Real Madrid are reportedly set to table a £20m January bid for Tottenham Hotspur keeper Hugo Lloris.

According to The Express, Los Blancos have earmarked the French international as a replacement for Iker Casillas, who has endured an indifferent start to the season.

While Lloris signed a five-year contract with Spurs during the summer and remains Mauricio Pochettino's first-choice keeper, it is understood that the former Lyon shot-stopper is looking to play Champions League football.

The European champions may be willing to wait until next summer to complete a deal for the Frenchman, but could face competition from big-spending Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.

Lloris joined Spurs from Lyon in August 2012.

Harry Redknapp: 'I tried to bring Eden Hazard to Tottenham Hotspur'

Harry Redknapp has revealed that he once tried to seal a move for Eden Hazard before the Belgium international joined Chelsea.

The Queens Park Rangers boss is likely to come up against the midfielder when the Hoops face local rivals Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

However, the R's supremo has insisted that he was close to securing a deal to take Hazard to Tottenham Hotspur and even spent four hours in a Paris airport hotel trying to convince the former Lille star to join.

Redknapp told The Telegraph: "I think he was dead keen to come at that time. Joe Cole said he thought he was the best player he ever played with. He's a fantastic talent and a great player. We pushed on for him. We just couldn't get it over the line."

QPR are looking to build on their 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday, which lifted them off the bottom of the Premier League table.

Pablo Zabaleta: 'We must be perfect to stop Angel di Maria'

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has warned his teammates that they will have to be "perfect" to stop the threat of Angel di Maria in the Manchester derby.

Manuel Pellegrini's side face Manchester United on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, and Zabaleta has admitted that he knows the difficulty of the task that awaits him against his Argentina teammate.

Zabaleta told The Mirror: "He's a really good player. He's fast, quick, has a great technique, he's one of those players defenders find really difficult to play against.

"You need the perfect day to stop players like him. He plays on the left, so will I try to play as good as I can.

"We've known each other for many years. I was so happy when he signed for United because it was something good for him. He was really excited to come here and play in the Premier League."

City are third in the Premier League ahead of their clash with Louis van Gaal's side.

Angel di Maria determined to win Manchester City clash

Manchester United midfielder Angel di Maria has revealed that he is determined to end up on the winning side in his first experience of the Manchester derby.

Louis van Gaal's side face off against Manchester City in their clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and the Argentine feels that a victory would be a massive boost to the team and their supporters following their inconsistent start to the season.

"We know it's a very important match for United," Di Maria told The Mirror. "We also know it's a very important match for the city of Manchester.

"We will be doing our absolute best on Sunday to make sure the red half of the city is happy at the end of the game."

The Red Devils are eighth in the Premier League ahead of their showdown against City on Sunday.

Wayne Rooney fit for Manchester City showdown, Radamel Falcao misses out

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Radamel Falcao will play no part in Sunday's Premier League showdown against local rivals Manchester City, but captain Wayne Rooney is fit to play.

The England skipper has missed the Red Devils' last three Premier League fixtures after being given a straight red card in his side's 2-1 victory over West Ham United last month.

While some reports claimed that Rooney was a doubt for the encounter after he was seen limping during a promotional event at Old Trafford, Van Gaal has confirmed today that the forward will play.

However, Falcao, who moved to United from Monaco on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan, remains on the sidelines after he suffered a kick in training last week.

Manchester United's Louis van Gaal: 'Man City not in good form ahead of derby'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that his team can capitalise on Manchester City's recent poor results when they go head to head at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Last season's champions are heading into the derby on the back of a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United and a 2-1 loss at the hands of Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup.

United are currently four points behind their rivals in the league, but Van Gaal, who admits that he understands the intense rivalry between the clubs, believes that his side can grab all three points.

"This is the biggest derby that I shall manage," Van Gaal told reporters. "It is one of 38 [league] matches we have to play, but for the fans it is unbelievably big as a rivalry and I have felt that also with a lot of the players in the squad, but also especially with Ryan Giggs. When he presented the analysis on City, I felt more tension with him. It was good to see."

When asked if he expects United to win, Van Gaal said: "That is our goal, to win. It is possible, we are growing, we are developing ourselves. What we have seen of City in the last few matches was not so good. You never know."

United captain Wayne Rooney has been declared fit for the encounter while Radamel Falcao misses out with injury.

Manchester City confirm David Silva absence

Manchester City have confirmed that David Silva will miss the next "three to four weeks" with a knee injury.

Silva suffered the problem in the early stages of City's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup on Wednesday evening, immediately putting his participation in Sunday's Manchester derby under threat.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the Spaniard will be missing until after the international break, and manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed on Friday that he would be without the 28-year-old for most of November.

Silva has scored twice in 14 appearances for City in all competitions this season.