Sunday 30 September 2012

Week 6- Monday: Getafe v Mallroca

Getafe v Mallorca (21:30 CET)



The contrasts in these two teams situations couldn’t be greater. Getafe woeful form from the tail end of last season continues, leaving them in the relegation zone with one win from five this term; and last week at Celta they were utterly outclassed.

Mallorca are flying high, sitting in fourth, and undefeated. There is no big secret to the way they play, their physical, direct and organised style is the distillation of Joaquín Caparrós's philosophy. And efficient, on the last day’s evidence; just three efforts on target yielded two goals in the win over Valencia.

Javi Marquez is out of the squad for the visitors, so I expect his place in the middle to be filled by Victor. Alexis was sent off for the hosts against Celta, which should see Abraham partner Lopo in the hear of the defence.

Fortune has played a part in both side’s seasons to date, but confidence has been an even bigger factor. We’ll need to see a jump in the latter if Getafe are to get anything here, but I see this one going to form with Mallorca’s tight defence giving them an excellent chance of taking three points.




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Saturday 29 September 2012

Week 6- Sunday Previews (part 1)


ALL TIMES CET

Granada v Celta (12:00)

Granada were unrecognisable last week at the Camp Nou, putting in an intelligent and committed display in holding Barcelona until the last few minutes. The 2-0 final score was unjust. Borja Gómez and Iñigo López were heroic in defence, and the pairing ahead of Mikel Rico and Iriney made life very uncomfortable for the Barça players entering their zone.

But then we have the evidence of the rest of the season to take into account. And it’s not pretty. For Celta’s part, they’ve looked like a side on the up. Michael Krohn-Dehli has been a huge signing, and he set up two goals in last week’s 3-1 victory over Getafe in Balaídos. Quique de Lucas is imporant absentee in attack, but they’re not short of talent in the final third. They’ve yet to win away, but Granada have yet to win at home. I’m leaning towards a draw.


Valladolid v Rayo Vallecano (16:00)

Two very attractive sides collide here. Valladolid have lost the last three, but were certainly unlucky against Atlético last weekend. Vallecano put in a spirited display at home to Real. Ebert has impressed for the hosts but misses out here. It should be a close run thing, but Valladolid are good enough to grab a win.

Friday 28 September 2012

Week 6: Saturday previews

Will he, won't he? Bilbao will need Llorente to claim the spoils in the Basque derby



Valencia v Zaragoza (16:00)

Another week, another disappointing result for a Valencia side looking devoid of personality. They can point to an element of misfortune, in that three efforts on target yielded two goals for Mallorca, but we’ve had 6 games across the competitions to assess Pellegrino’s work and they clearly need to start picking up more points. They sit 15th at present with just a single win.

I (just about) tipped Zaragoza to get the win last week against Osasuna. in fact, they produced by far their best performance of the season to date in that 3-1 win at the Romareda. Predictably, Postiga was amongst the goals, the across the team they looked more cohesive. The midfield dominated, and the defence (aside from dozing off for Armenteros’ equaliser) held fairly solid.

Valencia go into this game with the usual long term absentees (see post below), and those are concentrated in the midfield and mediapunta zones. Fernando Gago is back from injury having missed the last game.

No new absentees for the visitors. This one looks like home win to me, anything less and serious questions will be asked about Pellegrino (and the Valencia board’s decision to replace Unai Emery).

Málaga v Real Betis (18:00)

Málaga didn’t quite hit the heights in game at San Mamés that might have been there for the taking, but both sides looked fatigued following their European exertions on the day. That injury list has whittled away, and the only non long-termer missing is Toulalan. There had been some talk of the French midfielder being involved here, but he’s not been selected in the squad.

Betis had a mixed week. Paulao’s header gave them the points against Espanyol on Saturday, and they took the lead against Atlético in midweek. The Falcao machine saw that it didn’t last long, but even having regained it, they fell away to lose 3-2, having both Perquis (who gave away a penalty) and the rather silly Joel Campbell sent off. Manager Pepe Mel was fortunate not to follow the pair.

There’s been a lot to admire about Málaga’s season to date, and I expect them to pick up three points here.




Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (20:00)

Basque derbies are always a tasty affair (the equivalent in this ground finished 2-1 to Athletic last year) and both teams need to gain some momentum from this game.

Once again, Sociedad looked all over the place against Levante (Griezmann as a false 9, anyone?), and having been held scoreless at San Mamés in the Europa League, Bilbao again drew a blank against Málaga.

In other words, it’s time to cut the crap. Montanier’s tinkering has been getting the hosts nowhere. For the visitors, Fernando Llorente is clearly no longer an injury concern. Having scored off the bench in week 4, Marcelo Bielsa needs to start him here. Aduriz scored twice that week, so there’s an argument towards a partnership. It’s hardly Bielsa style to go with two number 9s, mind.

None of the absentees are new for either side. When they’ve turned up (nowhere near often enough, in truth) Bilbao have shown they’re still better stocked quality-wise than their Gupiozkoa rivals. Maybe this is the challenge to focus the minds. Away win.

Sevilla v Barcelona (22:00)

Took a while, but both teams wound up 2-0 winners in the end on matchday 5. But there was a marked contrast in the degree to which they convinced. Sevilla inflicted Deportivo’s first home defeat of the season on Monday night, with Negredo getting the breakthrough goal, provided by the excellent Jésus Navas.

Míchel’s managed to mould this underachieving aside in his own image. They still lack a little bit of spark in the midfield, but their direct (or even, at times, incoherent) philosophy has been eschewed for a more patient possession based approach. Their defence has also tightened.

Once again, Barcelona have a long injury list to contend with. Xavi was rested against Granada, but proved the game changer coming off the bench. With Iniesta still out, Tito Vilanova will start with him here. Alexis Sánchez started, and during the week rated his performances as a whole in his spell in Catalonia as a “5 out of 10”. Pedro should get the nod here.

The bulk of Barcelona’s absentees are still in defence, and Adriano can now be added to that list. Jordi Alba will be restored. The positional play of the full backs has been as issue when he and Dani Alves have started, and against the likes of Navas that’s something to be rectified.

Batra was widely tipped to start last week, but instead Alex Song was favoured alongside Mascherano. Vilanova spoke afterwards about game time being the key for the ex-Arsenal man to adapt to the position, but with neither Puyol nor Piqué fit to call on, going with a specialist would be a smarter move here.

Both form and performances point to a draw here, but I expect a much better showing from the visitors and think Barça might just shade it.



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Week 6: Fixtures & Absentees





Ahead of the weekend’s matches, here are the injuries, suspensions, and kick off times.

Suspensions:
Dani Benítez (Granada)
Puñal (Osasuna)
Alexis (Getafe)
Perquis (Betis)
Wakaso (Espanyol)
Joel Campbell (Betis)

Injuries (doubtful = *):
Iñigo Pérez, Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao)
Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Isaac Cuenca, Marc Muniesa, Gerard Piqué, 
Adriano (Barcelona)
Paulao, Javi Chica* (Real Betis)
Quique de Lucas, Andrés Tuñez*, Toni* (Celta)
Sergio García, Raúl Baena (Espanyol)
Odion Ighalo, Hassan Yebda, Fran Rico (Granada)
Miguel Pallardó (Levante)
Julio Baptista, Jérémy Toulalan, Diego Buonanotte (Málaga)
Álvaro Giménez, Giovanni Dos Santos*, Javi Marquéz (Mallorca)
Damiá*, Marc Bertrán (Osasuna)
Ruben Pardo*, Gorka Elustondo,  Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad)
Diego Perotti, José Antonio Reyes (Sevilla)
Pablo Piatti, Sergio Canales, David Albelda, Jérémy Mathieu, Ricardo Costa (Valencia)
Lluís Sastre, Patrick Ebert (Valladolid)
Ivan Obradovic, Adam Pinter (Zaragoza)


Fixtures (all times CET):

Saturday
Valencia v Zaragoza (16:00)
Málaga v Real Betis (18:00)
Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (20:00)
Sevilla v Barcelona (22:00)

Sunday
Granada v Celta Vigo (12:00)
Valladolid v Rayo Vallecano (16:00)
Osasuna v Levante (18:00)
Real Madrid v Deportivo (19:50)
Espanyol v Atlético Madrid (21:30)

Monday
Getafe v Mallorca (21:30)


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Saturday 22 September 2012

Matchday 5- Saturday previews

(All kick off times CET)

Zaragoza will need Hélder Postiga to be on form to secure the points against Osasuna

Zaragoza v Osasuna (16:00)


That flukey opening day win against a preposterously generous Espanyol is but a distant memory for the Aragonese club. Once again they find themselves in deep trouble following their third straight defeat in San Sebastian to Sociedad. 

Osasuna are in an even worse position, but it could be argued that it’s a false one. Certainly based on their clever performance against Barcelona which merited at least a point. But the rest of the evidence is mixed. They were much better last time taking a point against a decent Mallorca side, but anything was going to be an improvement on their loss at Celta.

Central midfielder Puñal is still suspended for Osasuna, and he’s a big absence. The same is true of forward Joseba Llorente (Kike Sola will step in here). Zaragoza are, frankly, an awful side. But as long as they’ve got Hélder Postiga up front and Roberto between the sticks, they have the capacity to sneak points. Other than Loovens who hasn’t kicked a ball yet, the only notable absentee is Adam Pinter and Apoño will be back in the midfield. Taking all that into account, the balance might just be tipped in their favour here.

Probable XIs:

Zaragoza
Roberto; Sapunaru, Alvaro, Paredes, Abraham; Romaric, José Mari, Apoño; Edu Oriol, Hélder Postiga, Montañés

Osasuna
Andrés Fernánedez; Oier, Arribas, Flaño, Nano; Anthony Annan, Timor; Cejudo, Armenteros, Sisi; Kike Sola

Celta v Getafe (18:00)


Very early in the season to be calling anything a big game, but this really gives us a chance to see just how serious a team Celta are. They finally picked up a win in week 3, having held their own against Málaga here on day one. The problem is, that win came against Zaragoza. As such, it’s futile to divine too much from that.

What we can say is that they’ve been largely game so far. Their attitude has been beyond reproach, where they’ve tended to fall short is in their composure in the final third. The jury is still out on Iago Aspas at this level. Crucially, Krohn-Dehli looks to be settling into the side well.  Quique de Lucas absence means we should see a modified system.

Getafe’s thumping at the Camp Nou was a write off. We could be unkind and say that their win against Real was a one-off, and it’s true that José Mourinho’s ludicrous substitutions sabotaged the champions’ efforts at the Coloseum. But that would overlook the fact that Luís García Plaza won the tactical battle hands down, and his players rose to the occasion. That same ballsy resolve they offered that night was clear again in their comeback against Depor where they were commendably (and unusually) proactive.

All in all, this promises to be a fascinating encounter and looks a tight one to call. As you might gather from the above- and I’m still to be convinced that Paco Herrera’s got his managerial bearings at this level just yet- Getafe are probably good enough to pick up a point here.

Probable XIs

Celta
Javi Varas; Hugo Mallos, Cabral, Tuñez, Roberto Lago; Augusto Fernández, Oubiña, Bustos, Krohn-Dehli; Mario Bermejo, Iago Aspas

Getafe
Moyá; Varela, Lopo, Aléxis, Miguel Torres; Xavi Torres, Michel; Pedro León, Barrada, Diego Castro; Alvaro

Real Betis v Espanyol (20:00)


Espanyol again tossed away a two goal lead against Athletic last weekend, having done the same against 10 man Levante the previous matchday. At least this time they managed to pick up a point; their first of the season. 

Signs from that game were a lot more positive and they’re looking a bit less clueless now in front of goal than they had done previously. But they’re up against a very unpredictable Betis side who nonetheless have made a strong start to the season.

Both of Betis’ wins have come on the road, and if the 5-3 win at Athletic saw their best (ultimately) triumph over their worst, they were most pretty poor in going down at home to Vallecano in week two. That doesn’t look as bad taken against Vallecano’s performances as a whole.

The visitors go into this one with Forlín out due to a virus, Colotto, Baena and Albín are also sidelined along with long term absentee Sergio García. Longo misses out two after being sent off the last day. Betis are in altogether better shape, with Chica the only likely absentee, although he may feature. They’ll fancy their chances in this one, and should be good for three points.


Barcelona v Granada (22:00)


A long list of absentees for the home side, but these are unlikely to cause issues against a poor Granada side who at any rate have absentees of their own. The bulk of those missing for Barcelona are in a defence who the likes of Floro Flores (scorer in the draw v Depor) and El Arabi shouldn’t be troubling. 

At least Dani Alves is fit, with Adriano likely to slot in at left back again. Mascherano presumably drops in at centre-half, probably partnered by Marc Bartra (Alex Song alongside another customary midfielder would be a big call). Iniesta’s absence opens up a slot for the like of Thiago, which means we could see Cesc get a start in the midfield too enabling Xavi to be rested.

Granada were second best against Depor and their only other point this season, at home to Sevilla, was conditioned by the visiting goalkeeper’s sending off and subsequent penalty kick. Even then, they couldn’t hold on to the lead. No new confirmed injuries to add to those listed in the previous post. Goalkeeper Roberto Fernández is back from injury, central defender Borja Gómez returns from suspension, with the French midfielder Yacine Brahimi likely to get his first start.

A fifth straight Barcelona win is the only outcome feasible, and by a big margin.

Probable XIs

Barcelona
Valdés; Daniel Alves, Mascherano, Bartra, Adriano; Thiago, Busquets, Cesc; Pedro. Messi, David Villa

Granada
Toño; Nyom, Iñigo López, Borja Gómez, Siquiera; Orellan, Mikel Rico, Iriney, Brahimi; El-Arabi, Floro Flores

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Friday 21 September 2012

Matchday 5: Fixtures & Absentees


Ahead of this weekends matches, here are the kick-off times and notable absentees. 

Fixtures (all times CET)


Saturday:

Zaragoza v Osasuna (16:00)
Celta v Getafe (18:00)
Real Betis v Espanyol (20:00)
Barcelona v Granada (22:00)

Sunday:

Mallorca v Levante (12:00)
Levante v Real Sociedad (16:00)
Atlético de Madrid v Valladolid (18:00)
Athletic v Málaga (19:50)
Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid (21:30)

Monday:

Deportivo v Sevilla (21:30)



Suspensions:


Dani Benítez (Granada)
Puñal (Osasuna)
Fábio Coentrão (Real Madrid)
Joseba Llorente (Osasuna)
José Nunes (Mallorca)
Longo (Espanyol)
Sergio Sánchez (Málaga)


Injuries:


Iñigo Pérez & Ander Herrera (Athletic)

Kader (Atlético de Madrid)

Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Eric Abidal, Isaac Cuenca, Marc Muniesa, Gerard Piqué (Barcelona)

Chico (Betis)

Javier Camuñas (Deportivo)

Odion Ighalo, Hassan Yebda, Manuel Lucena, Fran Rico, Roberto Fernández (Granada)

Julio Baptista (Málaga)

Álvaro Giménez, Giovanni Dos Santos (Mallorca)

Chory Castro, Cadamuro (Real Sociedad)

Diego Perotti, José Antonio Reyes, Baba (Sevilla)

Pablo Piatti, Sergio Canales, Ever Banega, David Albelda, Fernando Gago (Valencia)

Glenn Loovens, Ivan Obradovic, Adam Pinter (Real Zaragoza)


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