Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia Date: 10/02/2016 Kick-off: 08:00 PM GMT / 03:00 PM EST Match Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen did not have much to do in the first leg against Valencia and with Barcelona currently holding a whopping seven goal advantage; the German goalkeeper can head into the return leg without any pressure whatsoever. Nonetheless, ter Stegen is keen on impressing in each game as he looks to become the number one choice in La Liga as well and the 23-year old will undoubtedly want to keep a clean sheet on the night. Defence At the back, regulars Jordi Alba, Gerard … [Read more...]
Valencia vs Barcelona: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia Date: 10/02/2016 Kick-off: 08:00 PM GMT / 03:00 PM EST Match Valencia News The immense pressure on the shoulders of Gary Neville compounded even further as Valencia went on to suffer a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Betis in the La Liga last weekend, following their 7-0 humiliation against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Now Valencia prepare for the second leg of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona at the Mestalla and although Los Che are virtually already eliminated, it will be of paramount importance for Neville’s men to put in a good show … [Read more...]
Real Madrid Probable Lineup vs Granada: Ronaldo and James looking to continue good form
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, Granada Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 07:30 AM GMT / 2:00 PM EST Goalkeeper Keylor Navas had very little to do during Madrid’s 6-0 victory over Espanyol last weekend and with Granada having scored only 24 goals so far this season, the Costa Rican should not be too worried heading into Sunday’s encounter. That said though, Navas cannot afford to be complacent and it will be of paramount importance for the 29-year old to keep full concentration throughout the course of the match in order to avoid a potential upset. Defence The Real Madrid backline seems to have … [Read more...]
Granada vs Real Madrid: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, Granada Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 07:30 AM GMT / 2:00 PM EST Match Granada News Granada were considered to be fortunate to avoid the drop from La Liga last season but this time around, they might not be so lucky – especially if they do not bring about an upturn in their fortunes soon. Currently in 19th place in the table, José Ramón Sandoval’s men have lost five of their last six La Liga matches and things are already starting to look ominous for the Nazaríes. It is clear that Granada now need to somehow get back to winning ways soon but that will be … [Read more...]
Barcelona Probable Lineup vs Levante: Rakitic back into the squad
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 11:00 AM GMT / 06:00 AM EST Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will once again be making way for Claudio Bravo in the starting lineup this weekend. Bravo will have been aware of ter Stegen’s fine performances during cup matches and the Chilean international will surely have to continue his good run of form as well, in order to stave off the competition from the German youngster. Defence Manager Luis Enrique decided to hand the likes of Aleix Vidal and Jeremy Mathieu a start during the midweek drubbing of Valencia but it is … [Read more...]
Levante vs Barcelona: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia Date: 07/02/2016 Kick-off: 11:00 AM GMT / 06:00 AM EST Match Levante News Levante were considered as one of the favourites for the drop this season and unsurprisingly, the Valencia-based outfit have endured a very difficult season so far. Rooted to the foot of the table, Levante look like certainties for relegation this season and manager Rubi will be well aware of the fact that his side are running out of time. Despite the doom and gloom, Levante have managed a respectable 2 victories in their last 3 La Liga matches and the minnows will know that … [Read more...]
Barcelona Probable Lineup vs Valencia: ter Stegen and Vidal to start
Venue: Nou Camp, Barcelona Date: 03/02/2016 Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 03:00 PM EST Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has continued to impress for Barcelona during the cup competitions and the German star will once again be starting in the Copa del Rey during the clash against Valencia on Wednesday night. Valencia do possess a couple of dangerous attacking players in Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Negredo and Pablo Piatti, and as a result, ter Stegen will have to be at his best in order to keep a clean sheet. Defence Thomas Vermaelen has been starting in the Copa del Rey over the past few rounds but it is … [Read more...]
Barcelona vs Valencia: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Nou Camp, Barcelona Date: 03/02/2016 Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 03:00 PM EST Match Barcelona News Barcelona managed to reclaim top spot in the La Liga table with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid last weekend and now the Catalan giants look to take a step towards sealing their place in the final of the Copa Del Rey in midweek. The opponents for Barcelona is Valencia and although Los Che are struggling at the moment, the match promises to be a very tough encounter for the home side and manager Luis Enrique must most certainly not allow his players to be complacent heading into … [Read more...]
34-year old striker perfect for Manchester United
Former Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has stated his belief that Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz would be perfect for Premier League giants Manchester United. Despite being 34 years old, Aritz Aduriz is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe this season after managing an impressive 25 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions and he is certainly proving that age is no barrier in producing top performances at the highest level. A player of a large stature and keen eye for goal, Aduriz is leading Athletic’s hopes of qualifying for Europe and the veteran has earned a … [Read more...]
Liverpool interested in 19-year old Spanish sensation
Liverpool are monitoring Osasuna midfielder Mikel Merino, as suggested by the HITC. While Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in urgent need to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window, the German boss has not put a blind eye on his job of building for the future as well at Anfield. As a result, Klopp moved very quickly to secure the services of Serbian youngster Marko Grujic earlier on during the January transfer window and now the 48-year old is said to be monitoring another talented midfielder in the form of Mikel Merino. As suggested by HITC, Klopp has been … [Read more...]