Chelsea Vs Atletico Madird 30th April 2014

Chelsea Host Atletico Madrid , in the Second Leg of the champions league Semi Finals between the two team, the winner will Face Real Madrid who Qualified by Trashing Bayern Munich 5 nil on aggregate.

Kick Off : 19:45 BST Stamford Bridge ,London

Atletico Madrid visit the Chelsea's strong hold in the second leg of the champions league semi final . they managed to hold Chelsea at bay in the first leg that was played in Spain and will look to finish the job  and reach the finals  for the first time in  40 years ,where the arch rivals Real  Madrid await them. 

Atletico vs Chelsea 0-0 Highlights & All Goals... από fbtv247

 Remaining undefeated in their last 14 games in all competition ,Atletico are on a great form , and have a talented squad that can defeat any team.their Argentine Manager and former Atletico Midfielder ,has worked wonders for the team by placing emphasis and disciplined poisoning and organized  passing. Atletico came close to breaking the deadlock against Chelsea in the first leg , by deploying this system , however Chelsea's stubbornness in defense proved too strong  to break even for the powerful  and free scoring forward  Diego Costa  , who has netted  27 goals in the Spanish league  and 7 in the champions league for Atletico this season.  

The two team are in for a hard and long battle 

Chelsea managed to secure 3 valuable points on the weekend ,against Liverpool , sitting back ,and absorbing the pressure, Chelsea have simply been impeccable in defense this season, with Jose Mourinho employing defensive  tactics to get his team out of difficult situations. Chelsea have only lost once at home this season in the champions league, a record that was broken by a 1 - 2 loss to Basel back in September. the blues possibly have   the worlds best in defense and midfield ,but their attacking players have some what underperformed this season , hence the reason why they are relaying on their defense powers to win games. 

Injury News  

Chelsea will be out first pick goal keeper ,Peter Cech,who injured his shoulder last Tuesday in the  first game of the two legs.  Veteran Defender and team captain John Tery who was also carried of midgame ,and missed the Liverpool game has been reported to be fit and ready to start , Eden hazard who has been absent in Chelsea last 3 games is likely to start and will boost Chelsea's hope of winning the game . there are no other major injury's concern for Chelsea ., after  they  have the list of players to  field two champions league teams if they wanted to. 

For Atletico, midfielder Gabi will miss the second leg through suspension after picking up a yellow card in the first leg.Defender Javi Manquillo has been included in Diego Simeone's travelling squad, but he is not expected to play any part in proceedings as he continues to nurse a neck injury. the visitors have no other selection worries, with striker Diego Costa continuing his return from injury by featuring in the 1-0 victory over Valencia at the weekend. 

Final Score prediction  

I recon the game is likely to go to penalties , as both teams posses great discipline  in defense and somewhat lacking in attacks.  

Chelsea : 1            Atletico : 1 

Southhampon Vs Everton Match Preview

Everton visit the saint Mary’s stadium, as their battle for the fourth place continues.

Kick Off :  Saint Mary's Stadium 12:45pm BST 

Everton have been playing entertaining football this season, with quick counter attacks and passing Everton have become a difficult team to play against in the recent years. They have managed four wins in their last 5 premiere league games and currently stand 5^th on the premier league rankings table with 60 points trailing fourth place arsenal by a point. Chelsea‘s On loans striker Romelu Lukaku has been somewhat of a revelation for Everton. The Belgian international has raked up 13 goals and 5 assists for them this season. Southampton must try to keep him quiet throughout the game if they wish to get the maximum points out this fixture.

 Having been promoted to the premiere league from the second division last year, Southampton has shown great potential to become a formidable side. With their home grown talents in Jay Rodrigues, Adam lallana, and Chelsea transfer target Luke Shaw Southampton have entertained the crowd this season, with their slick an creative football. Currently standing 7^th in the league rankings with 49 points they are currently in poor form. Managing only one win in their last 5 games. They do have the advantage over Everton in the saint Mary’s stadium winning 11 of the last 12 home games against the blues.

Lukaku’s great pace and aerial ability has troubled defenders this season 

Injury news

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino will be without his preferred striker Jay Rodrigues who is been ruled out for 3 months with a knee injury. He will probably pick John Stone to lead his attack .a young and upcoming talent who has shown great ability whenever he is been called up to play.

Everton have a long list of injuries with defender Phill Jagielka, midfielders Gibson, Oviedo and Pienaar and strikes Traore and Kone still out of action due to injuries.

Everton are expected to come out punching looking to secure the 3 points they need to displace arsenal from the fourth position .whereas Southampton will most likely try to keep possession of the ball and, play a more relaxed and slightly defensive game.

Score Prediction

Everton 1         Southampton 0

Roma VS AC Milan Match Preview 25th April 2014

Roma Host Milan in an old school Derby of Two Serie A giants

KickOff: Friday, April 25  2:45 p.m. ET

Having mathematically secured the second place in Serie A standings and cementing their place in the champion’s league competition next season Ac Roma will look to further humiliate their old Rivals in front of their home fans . Once a formidable side with great pedigree both in domestic and European competition, Milan have found themselves in the 7^th place of the Serie A Standings with 51 points. Their performance on the pitch the season has been somewhat below par, as they push to secure the final place in the Europa league competition.

Both teams have enjoyed a great form of late with Roma wining their last 8 games and Milan managing a convincing 5 out of 5. Both teams are currently rated to be on top form, and boast a squad of talented players. With Club and Italy Legend Francesco Totti and Ivory Coast international and former Arsenal player Gervinho leading the Assist charts with 9 assists. A lot was expected from Mario Balloteli when he joined Ac Milan ,he performance are not poor by  any standard ,but  they aren’t so great Either .he has scored 14 goals this season ,and will definitely look to add to his tally when his team Visits the Stadio Olimpico.

Balloteli is a skillfull Player ,with a knack of spectacular goals .ImageCredit: zimbio.com)

Injury news /line ups

Newly appointed Milan coach Clarence Seedorf   will be without the services of creative midfielder Valter Birsa who suffered a thigh injury earlier in the season. Bryan Cristante (injured) and Nigel de Jong (suspended) will also be likey to miss the match.Milan are likely to start with Ricardo Montolivo, Sulley Muntari and kaka in the middle of the pitch . With Robinho and Balotelli leading the Attack

Ac Roma will be without their top scorer Mattia Destro who is suspended due to his bad conduct on the pitch in a recent game against caligari. Roma will also be without regular starters   Federico Balzaretti, and Kevin Strootman (injured). Roma Coach Rudi Garcia is likely to field his team in a offensive 4-3-3 Formation.   

Final Score

Roma: 2       Milan: 1 

Atletico Madrid Vs Chelsea Match Preview

Chelsea travel to Spain in order to face off against the la liga's  Top dog ; Atletico Madrid, in the semifinals of the champion’s league.

Kick off at  Vicenze Calderon Stadium 19:45 BST

Realistically, no one expected Chelsea to go through the quarter finals, after Paris saint Germaine had put 3 past them in the first leg of the quarter finals. They showed great resilience and spirit, when they came back for a 2 goal deficit in the second leg and knocked the French giants out of the competition, thanks to goals from Andreas Shurle, and Demba Ba. They are currently second in the premiere standings with 75 points are chasing Liverpool in the title race. They haven’t shown a great away form this season, managing only 2 wins in their last 5. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at times blamed the lack of able strikers for his team’s poor away form this season, but the opposing team’s manager Diego Simone has praised Chelsea’s strike force ,saying they possess world class strikers in there team ,who are a danger to any team. I suspect his history with Chelsea’s Fernando Torres may have clouded his judgment to some e extend. Fernando Torres form this season can be labeled many things but saying his world class is a bit of an exudation. Will Torres’s return to his boyhood clubs ground will a dream or a nightmare? We will just have to wait and see.

Atletico Madrid has had no such problems this season. They possess a potent strike force in Spanish Internationals Diego Costa who is subject to a possible transfer between the two clubs , and David Villa. They have put away Opposition with ease this season, thanks to their lethal partnership in front of the opposition goal. Atletico Madrid defied all odds when they knocked 3 times champions Barcelona Out of the competition, and by doing so proved to be worthy adversaries.

Both theese strikers have a lot to say in this game ,one is the light of hope for his team ,the other overlooked ,and dismissed . (Imagecredit:footzoo.com)

Team Injury news

Diego Simeone has been boosted by the news that midfielder Arda Turan is fit.The Turkey international had been sidelined with a groin injury suffered during the quarter-final first leg against Barcelona and his return will ease the pressure on playmaker Koke.Costa will lead the Atletico line, while on-loan goalkeeper Courtois will line up between the posts after UEFA made it clear that there could be no deal preventing him from facing his parent club. (Chelsea)

Samuel Eto'o was left in London with a knee injury , but Eden Hazard, who has not played since suffering a calf injury in the quarter-final win over Paris St Germain, did travel with the squad on Monday.Cech is included in a 20-man squad party after missing Saturday's shock home defeat by Sunderland in the Premier League through illness but Branislav Ivanovic is suspended, so Cesar Azpilicueta may play at right-back and Ashley Cole could return on the left.Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are ineligible after playing for other clubs earlier in the competition.

this game is a difficult one to call, both teams play a great passing game ,and possess great skill on the ball.the team with arial power is likey to gain an advantage ,in this case chelsea,but athletico are a great counter attacking team , and can expose chelsea's lack of pace in defence . 

Final Score /Prediction

Atletico : 2                  Chelsea : 1 

Liverpool Looking to Seal The title , after Chelsea Slip up

Liverpool have won 10 games in a row, and they are looking to add number 11 to that streak. After beating Rivals Man City 3-2 last week, they come into this game with a high confidence and they have got the kopites (Liverpool fans) believing that Liverpool can finally win the premiere league title after 24 years.

Currently top of the English league standing with 77 points, all they need to do is win their next 4 games. They will be without midfield dynamo, Jordan Henderson as he was sent off against Mancity at anfeild, after picking up a second yellow card after a harsh challenge on Man city’s Samir Nasri. Daniel Sturridge has picked a minor ankle injury and will not be available for the game. The Uruguayan Luis Suarez will have to do it on his on again against a team he loves to score against. He has scored 11 goals in 5 games against Norwich, and will surly look to add to his incredible goal tally of 29 goals so far this season. He is currently leading the goal scoring and assist charts in the premiere league.

Luis Suarez has terrorized Defenses this season, and has managed 11 goals against Norwich in last 5 meetings 

Norwich is currently battling regulation. They sit 2 points clear of the bottom of the table with 32 points. they must play to win in order to stay in to play in the premiere league next season.  They have only managed 1 win in their last five games. Norwich attacking trio have been somewhat goal shy and  they fact that they have  scored less goals then Liverpool’s defender Martin Skertel bears witness to that. They do not have any injury worries, as the first team is set and ready to play, with the exception of their captain Sebastian Bassong, whose starting place in the game is not yet guaranteed.

Score Prediction

Norwich : 0            Liverpool : 3 

It’s the 3rd classic of the season, and the La liga Giants Fight for the Copa Del Rey Trophy

 The two title hopefuls and la liga giants of the Spanish footballing league meet for the 3^rd time this season in the first leg of Copa Del ray final show down  today 16 April  20:30 BST  at the Mastalla stadium today  in the beautiful city of Valencia.

The Los blancos currently 2^nd with 79 points and trailing Atheltico Madrid by 3 points in the la liga standing. Barcelona hot on their tail with 78 points and with a better goal difference. Barcelona have managed to beat real Madrid in their last two meetings this season  with a score of 4- 3 and 2 -1 respectively ,and are looking likely to do it again ,as long as their defense can stand against Gareth bale ,and Angels di Maria’s attacks form the flanks. This game promises to be one of full action speedy counterattacks and creative football forms both sides. Real Madrids super expensive signing is expected to step up and prove his worth, while Barcelona’s messiah, Lionel messi who was criticized  for his poor performance in the quarter finals of the champions league will look to once again prove why many consider him the best footballer who ever lived . Barcelona will look to score as many goals in order to deacrese the chances of their rivals getting back into the game in the second leg, which will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu  Stadium (Real’s  home turf)  in Madrid on the 19^th . 

One will miss the game entirly,while the other will look to inspire his team to victory  (Image credit :ronaldo7.com)

Injury news /probable line ups

Real Madrid will be without their talented talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese International and last year’s ballon Dore winner will not take part in the mouth watering and exciting fixture due to a hamstring injury. While Barcelona’s 1^st pick defender Gerrard pique will be out carrying a pelvis injury (Shakira might be to blame for this !) the shaggy haired Spanish international puyol is likely to start partnering argentine international and midfielder by trade ,Javier Macherano.

Score Prediction

Barcelona 3         Real Madrid 1 

Rodgers & Pellegrini Preview the upcoming Liverpool v Man City Fixture

Liverpool Manager Brandon Rodgers speaks admirably of Man citys Sergio Aguero and his rival managerManuel pellegrini in the press confrence held today. both managers were full of praise for each other,and complemented each others achivments so far this season. Rodgers can be seen saying that he fullt expects to win this game ,regardless of how good of a team the opposition is. thre you have it folks its all said and ,done all we can do is wait and see will this fixture be an exciting full action ,derby? or will it fail to deliver and become a game of missed chances and contversial refereeing issues. share youre thoughts below .

It’s the clash of the title contenders as Manchester City, Visit Anfield for a lesson in total football.

With two games at hand Manchester city are currently trailing 1^st place Liverpool by two points, and looking to put a dent in Liverpool’s title dreams when they visit the mersysides legendary stadium on Sunday 11th of april . Will Liverpool manage to add to their 9 game unbeaten run? Or will Manchester city manage to snatch 3 points and put an end to an impressive win Streak.

With fluent passing , brilliant attacking football, and genius individual performances of the Luis Suarez, Liverpool certainly have the right recipe to win the premiere league title this year. A feat that has avoided them since 1990. The REDs have scored more goals than any premiere league team this season thanks to the efforts of attacking duo Daniel Sturridge, and the previously mentioned football genius Luis Suarez with 20 and 29 goals respectively. Brazilian Philipe Coutinho and, local Hero and Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard have also come to their team rescue and chipped in a number of vital goals and assists that has gotten the team to the top of the league with 74 points. They are not in the safe zone however as both Chelsea and Manchester city are hot on their trail with 4 games reaming to the end of the season.

Suarez tops Premire league   goals scoring chart this season with 29 goals (image credit: ppzd.com)

Manchester City have become a formidable side in the recent years with vast amounts of cash injections from the Oil sheiks of Middle East ,and the recruitment  of world’s top talents. City have a squad of players that will get into any of the top soccer teams around the world. With 70 points and two games at hand they visit anfeild with an air of confidence backed by their brilliant performances in derby matches. Stand out player for them has been the Ivory Coast international and former Barcelona Midfielder Yaya Toure ,who’s has scored  18 goals from the central midfield position this season. It will be exciting to see how he performs against the aggressive pressuring of Steven Gerrard and Liverpool’s high defensive line.

injury news 

Jose Enrique is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury but the Reds are boosted by the return of Vice-captain Daniel Agger, who missed last week's win over West Ham with a knee injury. That could give Brendan Rodgers a selection dilemma as Mamadou Sakho put in a very good performance last week and it would be seen as harsh to drop him.

For City, they are likely to welcome back Sergio Aguero into the side after a hamstring problem - which the club have been cautious with so he's available for this clash. Yaya Toure picked up a knock against Southampton but he should have no problem being fit for this encounter. Matija Nastasic is still struggling with a knee problem and is likely to miss out.

Yaya Toure has at times single handedly lead Man City to Victory (image credit: zimbio.com)

Run of Play

Manchester City, are likely will rely on their speedy wingers to expose the inexperience of Young left back John Flanagan ,or try expose the space  behind  Glen Johnson ,as he has the tendency to race up the field . With players like Alvaro Negredo Edin Dzeko, and Vincent Kompany they will use Liverpool Arial, and Set piece vulnerability to their advantage.

Liverpool has managed to suffocate team from the ball, by keeping it and passing it around. They have managed a record high of 74% ball possession in a number of matches this season, especially in Anfield. The key to Liverpool’s success in this match will be the synergy between Luis Suarez, and Daniel Sturridge. Suarez will surely cause man city’s Martín Gastón Demichelis a lot of headache, with his diagonal runs and cheeky nutmegs (putting ball through the legs).  The intelligence of Daniel Sturridge in man city’s 18 yard box will surely play a vital role and lead to a goal or two for Liverpool.

Score Prediction

Liverpool: 3                 Man city: 1

Bayern Munich looks to shatter Real Madrid’s quest for the 10th champion league trophy as the two side meet in the last four of the champion’s league.

Bayern Munich 2013 champions league winners, led by Former Barcelona Manager /tactical genius  Pep Guardiola .they have already won the Bundesliga and are looking to shatter Real Madrid’s el decimo ( the 10^th champion league trophy) Fantasy. With a convincing win over Manchester United in the quarter finals some have already tip Bayern to win the tournament, with fluent passing and movement Bayern have simply dominated their opponents up to this stage, and look to kill off Madrid’s super stars in the same manner when they visit the Santiago bernabeu stadium on Wednesday 23^rd of April.

Gurdiola has already won teh bundesliga and now faces an old foe in Real Madrid

Real Madrid has only been defeated once at home this season, railing Atheltico by 3 points they are currently second in the la Liga standings. Fielding a squad of football super stars both in attack and defense, they are a formidable opponent for any team, and cannot be easily dismissed even by Pep" Guardiola’s invincible, free scoring side. Bayern were undefeated in the Bundesliga until the away match against German minnows Augsburg. They haven’t lost an away game in the champion’s league however scoring an average of 2.3 goals per game. Both teams are enjoying a great run of form, and the match remains to be a showcase of tiki-taka football and Speedy counter attacks.

So can  Pep Guardiola can end Madrid’s quest for the 10^th champion’s league trophy?, or will footballing machine Cristiano Ronaldo be able to inspire real to victory and prove to the world he is the best player soccer has to offer. Share your thoughts below

Make sure to visit soccer fans delight in the upcoming week, for more detailed and comprehensive Match Preview article. 

The Blaugrana Face Underdog Levante For The Opening Game of Their Season.

Barcelona are all geared up and ready to start another exciting season, having gone through a management change.  All eyes are on newly appointed manager Gerardo Martino, will he step up to the challenge and deliver? Or will Barcelona be looking for a new manger before Christmas?  And not to forget Barcelona newly acquired super star Neymar, who will be looking to dazzle Europe, it will not be easy as the multi-talented Brazilian will be playing alongside, the world’s best. The new boss could hand a competitive debut to Brazil international, who signed from Santos in May in a move worth €57 million.  Barcelona looked promising during the person tour winning 4 games out of 6 played, with the one and only Lionel Messi as top scorer. The two teams kick off Sunday 18^th of August 17:00 GMT time at the famous Camp Nou stadium. 

Barcelona faced off against   some of Europeans best in their pre season tour.

Injury News 

The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will be rested, as the team faces a hectic schedule in the coming week. Former arsenal Captain Francis Fabregas will also miss the game due a sprained ankle.  Levante  manager   may not be able to call on the services of Ruben Garcia and Papakouli Diop, with both struggling for fitness. Levante finishes 11 last seasons, and have never won a game in Camp Nou.

Line Ups

Barca are likely to line up with  the usual 4-3-3 formation with a  Victor Valdes in goals , Daniele Alves, Pique,Puyol ,and Jordi Alba in defence , Sergio Basques, Andres Inesta and Xavi in midfield , and  Neymar playing up front along Side Sanchez and Pedro . Barcelona typically will look to hold possession of the ball, feeding the ball to the sides and back in just behind levantes 18 yard box, look out for Neymars trickery as he will be looking to open his scoring account early.

 Levante most likely look to deploy the 4-2-3-1, sitting deep and looking to pounce on Barcelona with quick counter attacks. Likely starters for levante are Navas in goals, Karbelas, Navarro, Rodas ,and Vyntra in defence. Ibora, , Jordi Xumetra , Ivanschitz ,Valdos ,Rios,and  Aqua Fresca  paying the lone striker role upfront .

Predicted  Final Score

Barcelona : 3     Levante : 1 

The Red Revolution Set Kick off as LFC takes on Survivalist Stoke at Home

Liverpool is set to kick off 11:45 GMT, at Anfield versus The Ramblers of stoke. Liverpool manager Brandon Rodgers has been a busy man this summer, signing 5 players and keeping one particular trouble maker yet very talented South American away from the bedazzling attempts of   Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. 

Liverpool have shown great form in their pre-season friendlies 

Liverpool is coming off a successful pre-season tour with 6 wins out of 7 games played. The reds new acquired players seem to be adapting very well, with Iago Aspas, and Luis Alberto both registering goals for their new clubs. There is been a lot of talk about the Brazilian new boy wonder Philippe Couthino , who  has been making waves across the media with promising performances for Liverpool in the preseason friendly games .  It will remain to be seen whether the former Inter Milan player will make his mark for Liverpool this season.  Stoke Fc have hired the services of   a new manager  Relegation Specialist Mark Hughes  and are looking to remain in the top flight this season , with no major acquisition stokes ambitions are currently being questioned by their fans . Liverpool   have no injury headaches to deal with although they will be without star man and teams  top scorer last season  Luis Suarez  ,as the Uruguayan is serving a 9 game ban , 6 of which are still remaining.Stoke meanwhile, are without midfielder Brek Shea, who has a knee injury suffered in a friendly in the United States last month.

Newly assigned Manager Mark Hughes was brought in to Stoke Fc Much needed Flair and Style. 

Line Ups

Liverpool are likely to line with a 4-4-3 formation with Simon Mingolet starting in goals , Daniel Jose Enrique , Toure ,Agger,Johnson filling the back 4 positions ,Steven Gerrard,Joe Allen ,Lucas in the midfield , and Aspas, Sturidge and Coutinho forming the spear head in the attack .

 Stoke are likely to utilize a possible 4-4-1-1 with Talented Goal keeper Asmir Begovic in goals, Cameron, Shaw cross, Huth, Pieters in defence , Walters, Whelan, N'Zonzi, Etherington; Adam in midfield and Peter Crouch up front . 

Predictions /preview

Liverpool will look to keep possession on of the ball, and rely on the passing ability of captain fantastic Steven Gerrard, and the creativity of Couthino to break the dead lock. Liverpool are looking to get back into the top 4 and champions league football , and that mean a lot of home game wins , especially  against teams like Stoke. 

Game out come / score

Liverpool  4                                      Stoke 0 

Poland Vs The Czech Republic as the Hosts Target Qualification for knock Out Phase .

the euro 2012 tournament has been going well apart form the various reported clashes between fans ,mostly involving  the polish and the Russians. violence  is expect when politics are mixed into competitive sport .The volotile history of the two nations has resulted in mindless fans clashing, causing millions of euros in damages . the two nations have been fined by Europe footballing  commissions.as Poland were guilty mishandling the situation particularly when they allowed 20,000 Russian fans march through Warsaw on the aniversary of the fall of the soviet union . 

Poland look to distance them selves form  negative publicity tonight ,with a win over the Czech Republic. with two draws in two games against Russia and Greece respectively Poland coach  Franciszek Smuda hopes for a better result against a mighty adversary. with players like Robert Lewandowsky and Jacob Blaszczykowski in their ranks Poland have every right to expect a victory. Poland are great passing side ,with  fluent movement.they demonstrated this in the match against Russia as they created multiple scoring opportunities .    Polish midfielder Eugene Polanski remains optimistic about the teams chances of victory, he had the following to say in a pre match press conference :

"We know that we can do something special for our fans and the country."This is the most important game in my career. This whole tournament is extremely important."All the preparation, all the training, four weeks of preparation, we are here for five weeks in total, and we want to demonstrate that we can give everything."If we give 100% of ourselves, we will win definitely tomorrow."

23 year old R.Lewandowski in action against Russia 

the Czech Republic's campaign did not start well  falling to a 4- 1 defeat at the hands of Russia in the opening game .they managed to  bounce back with a 2-1 victory over Greece in their second group game . as the victory will surely boost the players mentality. a draw is enough for the Czech team to qualify as runners up since Russia lead the group with a better goal difference. Captain Tomas Rosicky has warned his team mates of the dangers of playing for a draw as he feels that the teams failure to attack will boost the opposition , resulting in a mounting pressure from Poland during the match .the player is currently awaiting  a fitness test as  ankle injury may sideline the player for the upcoming matches if they were to qualify .  

Line Ups 

Petr Cech is said to have recovered form shoulder injury ,and will start in goals. in the event of Captian Rosicky not making the starting 11 , Jiracek is likey to move to the middle with Selassie covering him on the right wing . 

when attacking they come in full force , throwing numbers at their opposition. this in a way is  effective but the downside of it is being exposed at the back in case the ball is recovered by the opposition. as we saw in the game against Russia ,the Czech republic must be car full not leave empty pockets in defense ,as Poland posses great pace on the wings . look out for Gabriel Selassie bombing down the wing as he like to take on multiple defenders at once.

No real injury worries for Poland , as there is a slight chance Polanski may miss the match due to injury.

Arsenal Goal keeper  Wojciech  Szczęsny  returns  after being red carded against Greece on the opening match of the tournament . 

Poland have very balanced team both in attack and defense . if they take their chances they should be able to win this match provided the they keep jiracek and Rosicky quiet .Poland must take the game to the wings in order to stretch the defense and give striker Rober Lewandowsky more space to operate. look out for lewandowski 's ghostly off the ball movements as he has the tendency to pop up unexpectedly all over

 check-republics 18 yard box . 

Final Verdict 

Poland :3       Czech Republic: 1 

Its Sweden Vs England as both Teams Face Off Looking For The Vital 3 Points

there has been many memorable match ups between these two sides . the latest being in 2006 in the world cup group stages.both sides are looking for the vital 3 points that comes with a win , as sweden currently sit bottom of the groupD after falling to a 2 - 1 defeat in their opening games against co hosts Ukraine.England Managed to only get a draw out of France after a doll match in which many football pundits accused England of parking the bus in front of goal (sitting back not risking being countered by not attacking)
  
 England are still without Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney. as his still serving the two match suspension he received in the sides  last game in the qualifying round against Montenegro.the newly appointed manger Roy Hodgson, kept faith in him and brought him along for the final stages of the competitions , as many experts believed it was useless to bring along a player who will miss the first two vital group games . 


 Roy Hodgson will look to  finally break the jinx and inspire his side to a victory against Sweden in a competitive game  as the three lions  have not manged to beat Sweden in a last seven games  .4 of these meetings have ended level .the former West Brom manger had the following to say when asked about the sides shortage of goals in competitive games:

"We'd have liked a win to start with, but we want to get forward and get more goals.We have to get more bodies into our attacking third and create more opportunities. When they arrive, the strikers will be ready to put them in."

The striker put in impressive performance against Ukraine.

Sweden will look to improve on their nonperformance against Ukraine.as a win against England will give them massive hope to qualify for the last 16 stage.Ac Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic can play the protagonist to this scenario as the striker is known to be huge goal threat from almost anywhere in the front line. things have not started well for the player however as the player  is rumoured to have been involved in  a bust up with team mate Markus Rosenberg,during the fixture against Ukraine. Ibrahimovic is said have been angry after seeing his strike partner chatting to his girlfriend  instead of warming down ,during the half time. Sweden have not made a big deal of the incident however and everything seem to be calm and peaceful around the camp once again. 

Swedish Coach Erik Hamren is expecting more from his side following their opening defeat at the Olympic Stadium.He said: 

"We're not reaching the level we want to and that's my responsibility as a coach."We didn't show the courage we were supposed to. Only five or six players did. We all need all the players doing that."We were cowards in the first half and should have done more. I'm not happy with the team, 

Probable Line Ups 

Mo real injury worries for Sweden ,changes may come at the right back.Andrea Granqvist is to switch to right back , and Johnathan elmander most likely to start after making a substitute appearance against Ukraine . 

Sweden will look to make the best out of rasmus's elms crossing abilities and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's aerial threat , they a re quick team on the counter. England's midfield lack pace in the center and Sweden will try to pay a wide games in order to stretch the defense and open up more space of onrushing  players . look out for Zlatan ibrahimovis amazing dribbling skills as at he will face up to two English players on most occasions . 

no injury headaches for Roy Hodgson as he rested his senior players in the days leading to the fixture . Andy Carroll may likey start as England may again look for set piece to create scoring opportunities . 

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Youngster chamberlain has displayed promising talent with his quick foot work and pace he will surly trouble the Swedish defense . if carroll starts then England benefit both in defending in set pieces and give their attack a new dimension in areal attack . look out for  Ashley young's curling crosses towards Andy as he will have England fans hearts racing every time he goes up n their trying to latch on to the end of the crosses sent his way . 

Final Verdict :

England 3    Sweden 1 

Croatia Take on Italy as Both Team Look For a Win and Qualification to The Last 16 Round

the second round of group games are usually more exciting ,as pressure mounts on the players to perform .Croatia sitting first place in group C are  optimistic about qualifying for the round 16 of the tournament.managing a win against the republic of Ireland ,they sit a top of group C , and a win against Italy will almost  grantees  them a place in the last 16. its easier said then done,as Italy have largely improved since the last international tournament under manager Cesare Prandelli. an impressive display against Current world Champions Spain Italy are not taking anything for granted , in an recent press conference Prandelli had the following to say about the fixture :

 "It's going to be the decisive match of the group.I've been saying for a while that Croatia is the most dangerous squad because it's the most unpredictable one. They change the way they play all the time, sometimes even from one half to another."


Croatia's Luca Modric has been put in an impressive performance and will look to add to that tonight against 2006 world cup champions Italy . subject to many transfer rumours its unclear weather he will leave club FC Tottenham. both Chelsea and Manchester united have been linked with the player in recent times.

Line Ups 

No real injury worries other the striker Ivica Olic for Croatia. Croatia coach may still be wondering on weather or not to start Experienced Defender josip Simunic.

Croatia must rely on individual skill as well as team work to take on Italy , they Must be care full  not get carried  away in throwing too many men forward as the Azzuri showed against spain they are great counter attacking side. 

 coach Cesare Prandelli  has two major decisions to make, the first will come at the back as he must choose whether to retain Daniele De Rossi, who was impressive at the heart of the defence in their last match, or opt for Angelo Ogbonna and move the Roma star back into midfield.

His other dilemma is up front as he must pick between fielding Mario Balotelli or Antonio Di Natale. Balotelli looked frustrated and wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring versus Spain, while the veteran Udinese star came off the bench to replace the youngster and netted the opening goal. However, Di Natale may not have a full 90 minutes in his legs at 34 years of age.

Mario ballotelli must over come his demons. after being subject to racial abuse during the match against Spain. the Ghanaian born italian was left frustrated ,with the added misery of missing a golden chance to put his team ahead. Italy have a world class midfield and they wil utilize it to nullify both Modric and Rakitic , from there its all up to Pirlo as he can unlock any defense with sliding thrown ball. 

Final verdict

Italy  2              Croatia 1