Sunday 21 October 2012

Week 8: Sunday previews (Part 3)

Osasuna v Real Betis (19:45 CET)

Bottom Osasuna looked to haver stopped the rot with a four goal humping of Levante in week 6, but Mendilbar’s side followed that up with a tepid display in their 1-0 loss at San Mamés last time out.

Real Betis are flying high in 6th. They come into this off the back a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last time round, and have been impressive on the road this year; not just in terms of results, but also performances.

Their key man in the middle, Beñat, earned his first call up to the Spain squad but didn’t see playing time. They don’t have any fresh injuries of concern, though Chica remains out for another month.

If the visitors have been prone to Jekyll and Hyde syndrome, they’ve been improving in that regard. The hosts on the other hand have been resolutely consistent. The more one looks at what happens since, the more week 2’s strong showing against Barcelona appears to be down to the opposition’s failings.

And although they were impressive in beating Levante, that came against opponents fresh from Europa League business- opponents who have also lost every away game this term.

Betis have enough quality to keep the Pamplona club rooted the foot of the table for another week.


Real Sociedad v Atlético Madrid (21:30 CET)


Both sides will take satisfaction from the way they’ve begun the season. Although frequently too negative on the road, Real Sociedad look to be a team coming together with several promising talents in their ranks.

Atlético, powered by Falcao’s goals (or mere presence in the case of the winner against Málaga for all bar Marca) have built on their run under Simeone last season and look like a real team. A win here will lift them back level with Barcelona at the top.

Elustondo and Zurutuza are both absent for the hosts. Atlético are without the Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Turan, so his compatriot Emre is likely to start.

Atleti’s right back Juanfran has come in for a lot of criticism following Spain’s draw against France in midweek. It was he who ultimately ceded possession in the lead up to France’s late equaliser, but some of the barbs have been over the top. In a game where Spain’s midfield was overrun and with Ribery in regal form, who was left horribly exposed after replacing Arbeloa.

The Málaga and Valladolid victories hint at the capacity of this Atleti side to get the job done even when they’ve struggled to get on top of games. In Griezmann and (when on form) Vela, Sociedad have attackers capable of causing most defences problems.

But Atleti’s defence is well drilled & protected. And despite all the plaudits going Falcao’s way, in the likes of Koke, Adrián and even Raúl García off the bench they have a degree of variety and should prevail here.



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Week 8- Sunday: Getafe v Levante

Getafe v Levante (12:00 CET)

The home side go in to this buoyed by a change of fortunes off the back a win at Zaragoza preceded by a home victory over Mallorca. The latter was helped by another one this season’s daft sending offs, but they sit in ninth. They go into this with a full quota of players.

Levante will look to Obafemi Martins to end their poor away form


It’s a rare event for them to win three on the bounce but then Levante, who are level with them on 10 points, have lost all of their away games to date. That said, they come into this having beaten cross town rivals Valencia. It’s too early to say whether Obafemi Martins will be this season’s Felipe Caicedo or Arouna Koné, but he Nigerian’s got two in two starts since joining from Rubin.

Both sides have short squads and settled XIs so the usual starters will feature. In a league that’s proving tight and tough to predict, this encounter between two even matched sides may be decided by who gets the better of the officiating. But Levante’s form on the road tips it in Getafe’s favour, all else equal.

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Saturday 20 October 2012

Week 8: Saturday previews- part 2

Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 CET)

It’s hard to pick who of these sides has been the bigger let down to date- their records have been identical in all save for goals conceded. Both lost derbies in the last couple of games- the hosts to Levante last time out, the visitors to Sociedad in week 6. Both won their other games, but the opposition were Zaragoza and Osasuna- two sides who have looked utterly clueless.

At least we can set apart some of the reasons why they’ve struggled. Valencia can justifiably point a spate of injuries in September, but are nearing a full quota now; only Sergio Canales is missing for them. Fernando Gago was excellent in both of Argentina’s recent qualifiers.



Best of enemies? Bielsa and Llorente

By contrast, Athletic’s problems have been largely self-made, and morale in the camp is low. The recent video footage of Bielsa’s training bust up with Fernando Llorente hammered this point home. With their star striker alienated, the only saving grace is that their summer recruit from today’s opponents, Aritz Aduriz, has chipped in with four goals.

Another plus is Ander Herrera’s return to fitness. He showed in flashes what Athletic had been missing in the win at Osasuna. But in what looks a tallest man contest between two midgets, you would have give the edge to the hosts. Anything less than a win will lead to further questioning of Mauricio Pellegrino’s managerial pedigree. Andrés Guardado has made a disappointing start to his time at the Mestalla and will need to up his game here.


Deportivo v Barcelona (22:00 CET)


It’s fair to say Barcelona will be strong favourites here, but traditionally they tend to play within themselves after international weeks and I don’t expect this to be a walkover. Depor’s lowly position is at odds with their level of performance, which has generally been impressive. But they’ve struggled to pick up wins and if we set aside their 5-1 thumping at the Bernabéu in week 6- where they played much better than the scoreline suggests- they were below par in their loss at Rayo last time out, and will have been disappointed with the 2-0 loss to Sevilla in their last outing at the Riazor.

Once again it’s going to be a decidedly makeshift defence for Tito Vilanova. But after going with the likes of Alex Song and Adriano in the centre alongside Mascherano of late, I expect a more orthodox selection in Marc Bartra this time. Martín Montoya had an excellent game against Real Madrid. With Dani Alves out for the rest of the month, the Spanish under-21 international can make a case for a regular spot on the right.
Martín Montoya: ready to step up

Depor have the capability in attack to test them, and Nelson Oliveira’s pace off the bench is a useful weapon. But as ever, the question is whether they’ll be given a platform of possession.

David Villa could return the first XI given Alexis Sánchez’s inconsistency and gruelling schedule with Chile. Pedro put in a stunning display against Belarus, where a hat-trick of chipped goals merely provided extra gloss. The ability to go inside or out will prove a challenge for Laure and Aythami on Depor’s left side.

Iniesta was saved for the France game, but withdrawn as a precaution in the Calderón where at any rate he didn’t look sharp. Fábregas is likely to get the nod in midfield here.

Week 8- Saturday previews (part 1)

Malaga v Valladolid (16:00 CET)

Two sides riding high in the standings clash at La Rosaleda. Málaga have been a model of consistency so far this season, both in terms of performances and results. The 1-0 reverse they suffered at Atlético- courtesy of a late Weligton own goal- was their first defeat in any competition to date.

Valladolid have been harder to call, posting some excellent performances- none more so than week 6’s staggering 6-1 humbling of Rayo Vallecano. But their tight squad has been hit by a couple of absences this week. Lluís Sastre isn’t a regular starter, but Álvaro Rubio is a usual starter in the middle of the park- and when he doesn’t Sastre is usually the man deputise.





Málaga are also missing some familiar faces. Jeremy Toulalan sits this one out, but at any rate Ignacio Camacho has been a revelation in the the defensive midfield zone. Nacho Monreal will be missed at left back where Eliseu, who is much more comfortable in the attacking third, will deputise.

Málaga have won three of their four home games to date- Valladolid have an opening day win at Zaragoza and defeats in Bilbao and at Atlético Madrid- the latter of which was, much like Málaga’s on the same ground, somewhat unlucky.

Valladolid are certainly capable of making this a tricky a game, but I fancy the hosts to take all three ahead of their Champions League clash with Milan.

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (18:00 CET)

A wretched FIFA break for the Champions who go into this one depleted in the full back zones. Marcelo injured himself against Iraq and will be out until the new year, while Fábio Coentrão is also out. Álvaro Arbeloa then limped off in Spain’s draw against France.

Nacho is expected to step up from the B team with Sergio Ramos slotting in at right back. This means that Pepe will be partnered by Raúl Albiol, a man who wasn’t considered for selection for a Spain side missing many recognised centre-backs; and whose lapse against Getafe in his last outing led to a goal.

Khedira is likely to sit this out, and while both Higuaín and Benzema picked up knocks, the former looks likelier to start up front. Modric or Essien will partner Xabi Alonso; both Kaká and Mesut Ozil excelled in the international games, leaving Mourinho with a more pleasant dilemma here.

Celta’s form has been good, and improving- they’ve picked up three wins in the last five, including one over Sevilla last time round. Sergio Álvarez is expected to continue in goal, where Javi Varas is still a doubt. Tuñez should be fit to play in defence, and the question mark is whether Paco Herrera opts for Park Chu Young or Quique de Lucas.

None of this should make any decisive impact on the outcome. Celta’s danger man in recent weeks, Michael Krohn Dehli will be up against a tough opponent in Ramos. On the other flank, the visitors’ hope will be that Fernández can test Nacho, but the youngster is a competent performer and this should be a routine win for the hosts.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Preview: Belarus v Spain

Si yo fuera central, sería Sergio Busquets?
Spain struggled in Tbilisi in September, and travel to Minsk with several selection questions ahead this week’s double header. Belarus lost their two opening games but Vicente Del Bosque has pointed to the problems they caused France in European Championship qualifying as well as strong showings at Olympic and under-21 level.

The absence of Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol has left them pretty bare at the back. The only natural pairing available to Del Bosque in the centre is Sergio Ramos and Raúl Albiol. The latter has been out of of favour at the Bernabéu for two seasons now, and when called upon against Getafe back in August looked decidedly rusty when coughing up a goal.

Del Bosque is a hardened disciple of the double pivot and has not been a fan of playing players out of position in his back six. In this instance it’s impossible to avoid. The question is who drops back.

And curiously the consensus has emerged that the chosen one will be Sergio Busquets, though typically he refused to confirm this in Thursday’s press conference. 

Busquets has at times performed this function at club level, but it’s worth noting that when played there as part of a duo rather dropping back to form a back three, he’s looked uncomfortable.

Largely this has been down to pace, and this is likely to be a key factor in Belarus’ approach on Friday night. This danger was evident in BATE Borisov’s 3-1 victory over Bayern, and the Minsk side form the spine of the national team. 

In light of this it would be logical to go with Javi Martínez, who played there all of last season at Athletic before moving to Bayern; though there is a strong feeling that the former will be preferred by Del Bosque, having being trialled in this role during training matches. On Spanish radio tonight he all but confirmed that this will be the case.

One player who won’t be figuring is Andrés Iniesta, who returned from injury in the clásico.  Del Bosque wants to keep him fresh for the France game on Tuesday. There remains a question as to whether Del Bosque sticks with the customary double pivot. The expectation is that Santi Cazorla will come in enabling Xavi to play deeper

Finally, with David Villa fit but short on match practice, there is a doubt over whether he reverts to a more conventional frontline with the Barcelona forward supporting Fernando Torres, or if Cesc Fábregas continues as a false 9. 

With so much uncertainty about how the team will line up behind the attacking line, the conservative instincts of Del Bosque leave most of those close to the camp minded not to expect major changes in this zone. 

When Del Bosque spoke to Cadena SER’s El Larguero tonight he clarified his thoughts somewhat, though the forecasted XI below still needs to be treated with a health warning. 

Probable teams:

Belarus:
Veremenko; Poliakov, Matinovich, Verkhovstov, Bordachev; Kisiliak, Volodko, Bressan, Pavlov, Hleb; Rodionov

Spain
Casillas; Arbeloa, Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Santi Cazorla, Xabi Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Cesc, Pedro


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Tuesday 9 October 2012

Selecciones: Senior & Under-21 squad lists


The RFEF have confirmed a couple of changes to both the senior and under-21 squads ahead of the coming round of games. Javi Martínez is back with the seniors in place of Gerard Piqué ahead of the games against Belarus and France. For the under-21s, who face Denmark in a two legged play off for a place in the European Championships, Jesé Fernández is in after Atlético Madrid’s Koke dropped out.

In with with the big boys: Betis' Beñat Exteberría

All in all, there were no great surprises. Pepe Reina remains in the senior squad despite his indifferent form at Anfield as David De Gea continues his development with the underage selection.

Beñat of Real Betis has been called up in midfield following his excellent start to the season, though not Isco. The most notable omission is Álvaro Negredo. The Sevilla forward has been playing well, but Vicente Del Bosque has gone with Roberto Soldado who much like his team-mates has not been having the best of times with Valencia.


Spain:

Iker Casillas
Victor Valdés
Pepe Reina

Raúl Albiol
Nacho Monreal
Javi Martínez
Juanfran
Sergio Ramos
Álvaro Arbeloa
Jordi Alba

Andrés Iniesta
Xavi
Cesc Fábregas
Beñat
Xabi Alonso
Sergio Busquets
Santi Cazorla

David Silva
David Villa
Jesús Navas
Fernando Torres
Pedro
Roberto Soldado


Spain under-21s:

David De Gea
Diego Mariño

Jordi Amat
Marca Bartra
Nacho Fernández
Iñigo Martínez
Martín Montoya
Carles Pianas

Ignacio Camacho
Asier Illaramendi
Isco
Jesé Fernández
Iker Muniaín
Sergi Roberto
Oriol Romeu

Pablo Sarabia
Gerard Delofeu
Rodrigo Moreno
Cristian Tello
Álvaro Vázquez


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Week 8 Schedule


Here are the kick off times for the next round of games after the international break. All kick-off times CET

Week 8:

Saturday 20 October
Málaga v Valladolid (16:00)
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (18:00)
Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (20:00)
Deportivo v Barcelona (22:00)

Sunday 21 October
Getafe v Levante (12:00)
Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano (16:00)
Granada v Zaragoza (18:00)
Osasuna v Real Betis (19:50)
Real Sociedad v Atlético Madrid (21:30)

Monday 22 October
Sevilla v Mallorca (21:30)


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Suspension Update

A summary of suspensions after matchday 7

Suspensions (one match unless stated):

Dani Benítez (Granada) 1 November
Gary Medel (Sevilla)
Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia) 2 matches
Romaric (Zaragoza)
Álvaro (Zaragoza)
Abdel Barrada (Getafe)
Emilio Nsué (Mallorca)
Victor Álvarez (Espanyol)
Mario (Real Betis)
Yacine Brahimi (Granada)
Beñat (Real Betis)
Alberto Botía (Sevilla)
Carlos Gurpegui (Athletic Bilbao)



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