Football Preview Pridiction Highlights

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions

West Bromwich will come in this game with their balanced attack against a banged up Everton.

West Bromwich Albion Preview

Steven Clarke formerly Denny Dalglish's assistant a tLiverpool, has taken the helm.

Given Albion's first performance under their new boss—a 3-0 waxing of that Liverpool side that finished two spots above them in the league standings last season—fans have every right to consider a charge toward a top-eight finish a very feasible possibility.

The win marked the first time the side, in the top flight for three years running now, had ever won its EPL opener.

“I spent all week telling the players to believe in themselves and be confident coming into this game because they had no reason not to be,"

The new manager wants his team to play attractive football, and his team formation to start Saturday's match—a 4-2-1-3 formation with plucky Irish striker Shane Long up top, and the midfield anchored by Youssouf Mulumbu (both of whom were fantastic against the Reds)—showed certain vestigial imprints of Hodgson's tenure, while integrating some sublime passing movements Clarke is sure to have worked on this preseason.

Mulumbu was excellent in central midfield for Albion. Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mulumbu was terrific in a holding midfield role, and while Albion were subjugated to an attacking deluge from Liverpool in the first half—Luis Suarez ran riot for the first 45 minutesthey never broke

Everton Preview

Kevin Sheedy returned to the football consciousness this week, with the sad news the former Everton midfielder has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Sheedy's plight reminds us that life is unpredictable and sickness indiscriminate. It also reminds us just how fine and imaginative a footballer he was, and how much those who knew his talent miss watching his left foot paint pictures on the pitch.

Sheedy played the game you wanted to on the playground. He could pick a pass, beat a player and finish—and do it all with style. He was also a masterful free-kick specialist—able to opt for the subtle or savage, and capable of putting the ball anywhere he wanted to.

West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions: West Bromwich 2-0 Everton

West Bromich new formation will definitely make them a team to deal with. I see West Bromich dominate this game from start to finish

Original Source: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions

Stoke City will look to bring the noise against Wigan Athletic.

Wigan Athletic Preview

After watching the opening day match against Chelsea, it is clear that no matter who Wigan is playing, they seem bound and determined to deliver the most exciting matches of the Premier League season.

Even if their crowd could be confused for the guest list at a funeral parlor, Wigan play an attacking style of football that no one else is currently brave enough to attempt in the EPL.

Roberto Martinez has his 3-4-3 system implemented well already this season. It has its ups and certainly its downsides, as the Chelsea match showed in full.

Within the opening seven minutes, the Blues were already two goals to the good after Eden Hazard had run fellow debutant Ivan Ramis into a tizzy.

But after Frank Lampard’s penalty, Wigan began to settle down and boss the match. Part of this was due to Chelsea beginning to back off, but at least part of it had to do with Wigan’s concept of attacking play.

Stoke City Preview

Debutant Michael Kightly opened the scoring on 35 minutes after some poor goalkeeping from Adam Federici saw his deflected shot squirm through the Australian's hands and came out with a 1-1 draw against Reading

Stoke dominated for large periods of the game, but when the lively Garath McCleary was clumsily brought down by Dean Whitehead, who was sent off for the challenge, Adam Le Fondre coolly slotted home his first Premier League goal to snatch an unlikely point for the Royals a minute from time. Stoke were keen to build on their one-goal cushion as they pressed on, and Walters went close again. Begovic had launched a free kick far up the field, and after receiving a flick on, the former Ipswich striker fired from a tight angle, but this time Federici was equal to it.

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions: Stoke City 2-1 over Wigan Athletic

Stoke City will have an advantage in the sense of their disciplined defense. I see this being close but, Stoke City pulling this one out.

Original Source: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions

Queens Park will look to see if they can bounce back from their defeat last week let's see what Manchester City will have to say about that.

Manchester City Preview

Manchester City's engine room has been imperious for the club for the last two seasons, and this year isn't likely to be any different. The defensive midfielder's ball distribution will be important if City are to release their more attacking players, and his ability to break up play is vital to preventing QPR from even creating chances.

A patchy display by Joleon Lescott against Southampton last weekend will have to be improved upon if Manchester City are to be confident of their chances against Liverpool. Lescott has formed one of the soundest centre-back partnerships in the league with Vincent Kompany, and the 30-year-old's understanding with his defensive partner is an integral part of City's success.

Queens Park Rangers Preview

The Rangers have several veteran players capable of filling the traditional striking role. Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson will all see time in a position that they know extremely well.

Surrounding the strikers, Junior Hoilett and Park Ji-Sung's versatility will greatly benefit the team. Both players can play on the wing or sit in behind the strikers and pressure the opposing team's centre-backs.

Out of the wing, the team will be looking to Adel Taarabt to have a strong season, and to Jamie Mackie to turn in quality performances.

Mark Hughes has several talented attackers, who excel at exposing different parts of team's defense. This will give the ability to tailor his lineups for each opponent, and he will always have a substitute ready to make an impact.

Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions: Manchester City 3-0 QPR

Man City is the obvious favorite, but QPR has been proven as resilient prey. Man City can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance QPR might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.

Original Source: Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions

Look for Liverpool to bounce back from their last week's loss and put a lot of pressure on Arsenal this week.

Liverpool Preview

Despite huge levels of preseason expectation and hope, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool FC's season has begun in the worst way possible after West Brom inflicted a 3-0 defeat upon the Reds in the opening game of the season.

Going into the game the ex-Swansea boss would have wanted a minimum of a draw to start his campaign in earnest. However, lethargic play, naive player selection and an opponent who did not read the script all combined to leave Rodgers and Liverpool under severe pressure right from the off and facing a huge uphill battle to finish in the top six come May.

The result—Liverpool's worst opening day defeat since 1937, a 6-1 defeat to Chelsea—came thanks to defensive errors through undisciplined marking, lackadaisical play across midfield and defence, questionable team selection from Rodgers and poor finishing from Luis Suarez.

Arsenal Preview

So often the metronome in midfield for Arsenal last season, Mikel Arteta was strangely silent on Saturday.

That has to do in part with the ubiquitous display from Cazorla, who ran this way and that—particularly during the first half, when the former Malaga man was positively sublime.

Whether or not that affected Arteta's own contribution to the game is difficult to say, but like Diaby, Arteta will need to rediscover his ability to impact games in the coming weeks.

Liverpool—Arsenal's next opponent—are likely to adopt the defensive approach employed by Sunderland. Should the Gunners hope to crack those hardy opponents, they'll need far better play from their other two central midfielders.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions: Liverpool 2-1 over Arsenal

This time we will see Liverpool bounce back and play a livelier game against Arsenal. I see them controlling more of the tempo in this one.

Original Source: Liverpool vs Arsenal

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions

Newcastle comes into this match against Aston Villa on a high note. Let's see if they can dominate them from the start.

Newcastle United Preview

Should Newcastle be happy with a draw? Absolutely. But I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the club's return to European football, considering it was a reasonably flat 1-1 draw

The purpose of this game was nullification, not dominance. The best result they could have achieved was to balance removing Atromitos's home advantage with arriving in London with all guns loaded.

While a draw isn't an ideal result, the away goal gives United a clear advantage. Atromitos keeper Charles Itandje didn't look particularly confident, so there's no reason the English club can't score at home.

Imagine if one or two of the starting XI are used in the return leg. You'd back United to win comfortably and still have enough energy left to be competitive against Aston Villa

Aston Villa Preview

Aston Villa opened their season of promise with a drab 1-0 loss to newly promoted West Ham—not exactly what the doctor ordered.

Some predict Villa will go down this season and this result only lays credence to that theory, yet all signs during the game point to progress made by the claret and blue side.

Two players from Villa's central midfield absolutely ran the game. Forgotten man Fabian Delph recorded 72 successful passes from 78 attempts (94 percent), while Karim El-Ahmadi made 77 from 91 (85 percent).

While few were of cutting edge, the control exercised by these two was Barcelona-esque. Delph was deployed in a quarterback role in front of Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark, while El-Ahmadi roamed just in front of him.

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions: Newcastle United 2-0 over Aston Villa

Newcastle comes into this game on a positive note while Aston Villa really needs to find their identity. I see Newcastle dominating this game from start to finish

Original Source: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa

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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions

Southampton and Manchester United will look to slug it out next Saturday in the English Premier League.

Southampton Preview

Jos Hooiveld insists Saints will improve with every top-flight game they play following their 2-0 defeat to Wigan this afternoon.

Southampton dominated the opening stages but fell foul to two clinical Latics finishes in what was a disappointing second half.

And defender Hooiveld says the squad will take plenty of lessons out of the way in which they were beaten in the first top-flight game at St Mary's since 2005.

"You think you're in control of the game, then one break and it's a goal," he told Saints players.

"That is something we have to be very careful of and concentrate about. As a unit, we have to make progress on that.

"Technically we didn't do enough. We were very sloppy in ball possession sometimes - we lost the ball a lot in ways that we shouldn't have, and that cost us the game.

"I hit the crossbar, so it would have been great if that was 10cm lower. We have to tighten the screws a little bit on those little things.

"This is the kind of club that doesn't panic easily, so it's a process," he continued.

Manchester United Preview

In a tense but thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United ran out 3-2 winners over a spirited Fulham side.

Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat at the hands of Everton on Monday, a positive result was needed for the Red Devils.

An early Damien Duff strike and a Nemanja Vidic own goal had United fans biting their fingernails at certain points in the game, but goals from new signings Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, as well as from Brazilian full-back Rafael, were enough to secure a valuable first win of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions: Manchester United 2-1 Over Southhampton

This will be the game to watch this week. Manchester will come out as their standard selves with their high octane attack. Southhampton will have something to say and come in on a high not of their own. Unfortunately, there can be only one winner and Man U takes it.

Original Source: Southampton vs Manchester

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna Predictions

Let's see if club Celta De Vigo can bounce back from their home opener loss. This will be a thriller.

Celta de Vigo Preview

Celta lost their home opener against Malaga in a 1-0 defeat . Celta has a good sound balance scoring attack and has shown they are solid on defense. Celta could have been ahead on the half-hour mark when defender Javi Tunez was presented with an unmarked header inside the box, but he put his effort wide.

The hosts came within inches of taking the lead less than 10 minutes into the second half when Qunique de Luca struck the woodwork after a quick break.

Malaga responded by coming just as close with 15 minutes left, this time Isco firing a powerful shot that came back off the upright.

The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes from time as Diego Buonanotte crossed the ball into the danger area and substitute Fabrice bundled the ball home, making him the youngest scorer in La Liga history.

Celta were desperately unlucky not to grab an equaliser in the last minute on Gustavo Cabralheader once again rebounded off the woodwork.

Osasuna Preview

The hosts made a nice loan signing when they brought in Anthony Annan, but he is unlikely to feature against Lionel Messi and company.

Raul Garcia, one of the heroes from last season's upset, has returned to Atletico after completing his loan, and Javad Nekounam has also moved on.

The midfield will be significantly weaker without both players.

Here are the projected starters: : Fernandez; Bertran, Flano, Arribas, Damia; Cejudo, Punal, Sisi, Loe, Etxarri; Nino

Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna Predictions: Celta De Vigo 1-0 over Osasuna

This game can go either way I see Celta De Vigo dictating the and controlling most of this game. This will be a good one to watch

Original Source: Celta de Vigo vs Osasuna

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Real Zaragoza vs Malaga Predictions

Can Malaga be the team team we expect them to be? We'll see as they match up against Real Zaragoza.

Real Zaragoza Preview

Real Zargoza was stunned 1-0 by Newly promoted Real Valladolid at La Romareda. Midfielder Oscar, who spent four years with Zaragoza before joining Olympiacos in 2008, was the match-winner, scoring towards the end of the first half to earn the visitors the three points.

They could even afford to miss a second half penalty, with Victor Perez Alonso missing the target.

The hosts survived the drop by just two points last season and look like they could be in for a similarly tough campaign after failing to create many chances.

Neither side imposed themselves on the game early on with Helder Postiga's tame 15th-minute effort the first on target, easily saved by Jaime, with the goalkeeper denying Apono two minutes later.

Oscar had the visitors' best chance of the early stages but from 12 yards out shot over.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and should have taken the lead after 35 minutes but Javi Guerra's volley from six yards went wide of the left post.

Malaga Preview

Malaga could be in a position to truly turn Spanish football into a top three competition, rather than just a top two. It would be a great move if Malaga could really have an effect on the dynamics of the league over the next few years and force the issue of another genuine big team.

Those aspirations may be a little further into the future. But what is certain is that Malaga have the ability and ambition to compete.

Above all, it will be about being smart and consistent. Malaga's 1-1 draw against Real Madrid toward the end of last season might have been a victory to them on a much smaller scale. But there is a platform now for them to make a much bigger impression on Spanish football.

Real Zaragoza vs Malaga Predictions: Real Zaragoza 1-0 Malaga

Malaga has the team to really excel in the new season. I see them totally dominating this game from start to finish. They have shown what they can do against the bigger teams I know that they will show out against Real Zaragoza

Original Source: Real Zaragoza vs Malaga

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe Predictions

Deportivo La Coruna is coming off of a positive win after they cruised to an easy victory over Sevilla.

Deportivo La Coruna Preview

La Coruna won on return to La Liga Riki and Nelson Oliveira helped Deportivo la Coruna celebrate their return to La Liga in style with a 2-0 home win over Osasuna in their opening game of the new season. Deportivo coach Jose Luis Oltra believes attack will be his side's best form of defense and insists he and his players will not be overawed when playing away from home this season.

He told Marca: "We are not going to give up the three points at any ground, or against any rival."

"We have to compete well, adapt ourselves to the game and go there convinced that we can win.

"To take a point in the Mestalla you have to score at least a goal and to win, at least two.

"If this is my thinking I can't say to my players that we are going to defend, although it is another thing to say we have to start with the defensive work collectively."

Getafe Preview

Getafe are also looking to improve after a 2-1 loss to Sevilla in their La Liga opener, and Garcia knows they will have to do much better if they are to shut out their local rivals on Sunday.

"What I care about is my team, demonstrating that desire, that hope, that faith and that enjoyment of playing against the big teams," he told a press conference.

"We will try not to change things too much. We will try to be a strong team and aggressive.

"No one expects us to win, but we will try to beat Real Madrid. It won't make much difference to the standings but we want to win it for the team and for our fans.

"We will face one of the two best teams in the world and these things require a lot of concentration. To win we have to put on a performance and we can do that.

"I don't think the Supercopa will affect them but they will be on the alert after the draw with Valencia, because to win the league you have to be close to 100 points and if you lose one, you don't get it back."

Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe Predictions: 1-1 Draw

Both teams needs this win unfortunately these teams are so evenly matched from the offense and defensive stand point. This game will be a draw.

Original Source: Deportivo La Coruna vs Getafe

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Check out a thriller as Mallorca and Real Sociedad will square up this weekend in La Liga.

Mallorca Preview

Teenage substitute Juanmi rescued a point for Malaga as they drew with Real Mallorca.

The forward had only been on the pitch for nine minutes before he cancelled out Tomer Hemed's 67th-minute strike.

Both sides went into the match in good form, with Malaga winning their La Liga opener against Celta Vigo before beating Panathinaikos in their Champions League play-off encounter, while Mallorca had registered victories over Espanyol in the league and AZ in the Europa League play-off.

However they cancelled each other out in what was largely dull affair at La Rosaleda.

The visitors had the first effort on goal as Javi Marquez forced a decent save from Willy Caballero in the home goal.

Five minutes later the hosts should have taken the lead but Seba Fernandez headed Duda's corner wide from six yards.

After a slow start to the second period Mallorca slowly began to take control and took the lead.

Emilio Nsue rampaged down the right before standing a cross up perfectly to the onrushing Hemed, who placed a header into the top corner, giving Caballero no chance.

That prompted boss Manuel Pellegrini to bring on Juanmi for Fernandez and the 19-year-old scored with almost his first touch from 12 yards.

There was late drama as Malaga's Eliseu was sent off in the 89th minute after seeming to strike Tomas Pina as the two challenged for a loose ball.

Real Sociedad Preview

Real Sociedad 2-1 Celta Vigo Imanol Agirretxe scored twice as Real Sociedad came from behind to secure their first three points of the season against Celta Vigo.

Kike de Lucas had given Celta the lead against the run of play four minutes into the second half but a fine jinking run from Antoine Griezmann set up Agirretxe to bring the Basques level just five minutes later.

The comeback was complete on the hour mark as Carlos Vela crossed for Agirretxe to prod home.

The hosts had by far the better of the opening period and could count themselves very unlucky not to be ahead at the break as they hit the woodwork three times.

Agirretxe was the first to trouble the frame of the goal as his header from Vela's corner came off the inside of the post and from the rebound Ion Ansotegi somehow smashed the ball off the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Sociedad continued to threaten and nice move just after the half-hour ought to have brought the opener as Vela put Griezmann through on goal but the Frenchman's casual finish came off the post.

Celta started the second period with more attacking intent and should have been ahead within three minutes of the restart as Iago Aspas shot straight at Claudio Bravo from six yards.

However, the striker made amends for his miss within a minute as he unselfishly teed up De Lucas to fire in Celta's first goal in La Liga for five years.

The lead lasted only five minutes though as Griezmann showed great skill and timed his pass to perfection to free Agirretxe inside the area and the big striker made no mistake with a powerful finish.

Mallorca vs Real Sociedad Predictions: Mallorca 2-1 over Real Sociedad

Mallorca comes into this match on a positive note but, I really see Mallorca being a force in the La Liga .That said, Real Sociedad they are sound but I don’t believe they have the caliber of team to over throw Mallorca.

Original Source: Mallorca vs Real Sociedad

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla Predictions

Lets see if Sevilla can remain dominate over Rayo Vallecano in their second meeting since May.

Rayo Vallencano Preview

Leo Baptistao scored his first senior goal for Rayo Vallecano as they continued their 100% start to the season with a 2-1 win at Real Betis.

The visitors went ahead within two minutes as Leo's cross was tapped home by Piti, but Betis responded immediately and Jorge Molina headed in his third goal of the campaign moments later.

However, despite withstanding an early Betis onslaught at the beginning of the second period, Rayo looked the more coordinated team throughout and deservedly got the winner on the hour mark when Lass Bangoura teed up Leo to rifle low past Fabricio in the Betis goal.

Both sides had got their campaign off to the perfect starts with wins in week one and both started quickly in this game too, with two goals arriving in the first four minutes.

Firstly, Leo burst down the left and after Fabricio failed to cut out his excellent ball into the middle Piti rolled the ball into the empty net.

Two minutes later though Betis were level when Benat's free-kick found Molina and his deflected effort looped over the helpless Ruben Martinez.

The end-to-end action continued shortly after as Piti's excellent strike from outside the box came off the bar before Benat headed against the bar from Juan Carlos' cross.

Sevilla Preview

Sevilla opened their Primera Division season with a deserved 2-1 over Getafe win in an occasionally scrappy game at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Goals by Federico Fazio and Alvaro Negredo, the latter from a disputed penalty, within five first-half minutes ultimately proved enough for the hosts.

Alexis, playing against the team from whom he is on loan, headed Getafe back into the game early in the second half but they could not find an equaliser and it was Sevilla who looked more likely to score again, with Ivan Rakitic hitting the crossbar.

The first clear sight of goal did not arrive until 15 minutes in, when Diego Lopez comfortably blocked away Miku's shot. Pedro Leon's corner was headed wide by Miku.

Defender David Abraham, still forward following another corner as the visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure, was unable to stretch far enough to steer an acrobatic effort on goal.

Sevilla's clearest chance to date, just after the half-hour mark, went begging when Rakitic and the better-placed Negredo both went for Jesus Navas' low cross and got in each other's way.

But they were ahead just two minutes later when Rakitic's corner was cleared back to him and the Croatian's second cross was glanced home by giant defender Fazio.

Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla Predictions: Sevilla 2-1 over Rayo Vallecano

The last time these 2 matched up was in May when Sevilla took it with ease 5-2. I see it being the same result with Sevilla dominating this match from start to finish

Original Source: Rayo Vallencano vs Sevilla

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Predictions

Can Athletic Bilbao hold on to the lead in this match against Valladolid?. Let's see when they go head to head this weekend.

Athletic Bilbao Preview

We know know the Athletic Bibao can put points on the board. The only problem is they can give up some easy points as well. Real Betis recovered from squandering a 3-0 half-time lead to seal all three points in a 5-3 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames thanks to two goals from Jorge Molina and others from Ruben Castro, Benat Extebarria and Alex Pozuelo.

The visitors had flown into a 3-0 lead after just half an hour thanks to calm finishes from Castro and Molina were followed up by a wonderful strike by Benat.

But it was Athletic who stormed out of the traps after half-time when Oscar de Marcos reduced the arrears within 60 seconds of the restart.

Mikel San Jose then twice headed home from corners to bring the Basque side level but Betis were back in front four minutes later as substitutes Jose Canas and Pozuelo combined to allow the latter to slot home.

And with the Athletic defence all at sea, another fine counter-attack from the visitors saw Jonathan Pereira release Molina to seal the points with a delicate chip over Gorka Iraizoz.

With Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente looking set to leave Athletic before the end of the month, both Spanish internationals were left out by Marcelo Bielsa and their presence was missed as Betis soaked up Athletic's dominance in possession and broke with ease in the first period.

Valladolid Preview

Olympiacos in 2008, was the match-winner, scoring towards the end of the first half to earn the visitors the three points.

They could even afford to miss a second half penalty, with Victor Perez Alonso missing the target.

The hosts survived the drop by just two points last season and look like they could be in for a similarly tough campaign after failing to create many chances.

Neither side imposed themselves on the game early on with Helder Postiga's tame 15th-minute effort the first on target, easily saved by Jaime, with the goalkeeper denying Apono two minutes later.

Oscar had the visitors' best chance of the early stages but from 12 yards out shot over.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and should have taken the lead after 35 minutes but Javi Guerra's volley from six yards went wide of the left post.

However Valladolid were not to be denied and broke through with seconds of the first half remaining as Omar Ramos played in Oscar who stroked the ball home from six yards.

Realising his team needed to show a lot more creativity in the second period, Zaragoza coach Manolo Jimenez brought on Jose Mari for Romaric at the break.

Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Predictions: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 over Valladolid

Bilbao high octane offense might be just too much to handle for Valladolid. Im sure the that loss put a bitter taste in their mouths and we’ll see a much better match against Valladolid.

Original Source: Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Levante vs Espanyol Predictions

Levante looks to continue their dominance in their next match against Espanyol.

Levante Preview

Levante makes an example out of Motherwell defeats them 2-0. Levante, who finished sixth in La Liga last season after briefly topping the table in late October, pushed Motherwell back in the first half but they were gifted a 42nd-minute opener as Juanlu ran from deep to net as the home defence waited for an offside flag.

Motherwell improved significantly and Henrik Ojamaa had two good chances but the visitors carved out a second for substitute Nabil El Zhar in the 62nd minute and killed the game off before Hutchinson was dismissed for a last-man challenge.

Levante were making their European debut without Senegal midfielder Pape Diop, who was unable to secure a visa to enter the UK.

But they retained a very experienced and solid core, pinned together by central defenders David Navarro, formerly of Valencia, and their captain, 36-year-old Sergio Ballesteros.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall had spoken of employing an "up and at 'em'' approach after Motherwell had their fair share of possession against Panathinaikos but lost 5-0 on aggregate to more clinical opponents.

There were more high balls than usual in the first half towards Michael Higdon, however Levante's two powerful centre-backs were helped out by the even more imposing figure of midfield anchor man Vicente Iborra as they snuffed out the threat.

Espanyol Preview

Helder Postiga left it late to earn Real Zaragoza a first win of the Primera Division season, sinking 10-man Espanyol 2-1 at the El Prat.

In a bad-tempered encounter which saw eight players booked, Alvaro Vazquez lit the touchpaper by firing the hosts ahead with a screamer just before half-time.

Juan Albin received his marching orders for a second booking after the interval and Antonio Apono levelled the tie from the penalty spot.

A constant menace in the second half, Postiga chipped away at Espanyol's resolve and eventually got his reward two minutes from time to earn Real their first points of the season.

Despite a cagey start, Raul Rodriguez almost opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header that required a touch more accuracy.

Albin then picked out Hector Moreno in good space in the 34th minute but the Mexican headed past the near post.

Moreno headed over the crossbar next as Espanyol pressed on, with the breakthrough coming in sensational fashion in the 43rd minute.

Mubarak Wakaso picked out Vazquez's run, the young striker drilling home from 20 yards without breaking stride.

Following the restart, Portugal international Postiga forced Cristian Alvarez to tip a daisycutter around the post before Los Blanquillos were handed the opportunity to level.

Albin, already booked for a challenge.

Levante vs Espanyol Predictions: Levante 2-1 over Espanyol

Combination of great offensive attack by Levante and depleted Espanyol team makes this an easy win for Levante.

Original Source: Levante vs Espanyol

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Real Madrid vs Granada CF Predictions

Real Madrid will look to avenge their recent loss and will look to take it out against Grenada.

Real Madrid Preview

Madrid had won their last seven league meetings against Getafe and appeared set for another triumph when Gonzalo Higuain put them ahead in the 27th minute.

However, Getafe hit back in the second half to stun their star-studded opponents with goals from Juan Valera and Abdelaziz Barrada.

That completed a forgettable first week to the new campaign for Jose Mourinho's side, who started their title defence with a 1-1 home draw against Valencia last weekend before losing 3-2 to arch rivals Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa on Thursday.

Barca earlier tonight battled back from a half-time deficit to beat Osasuna 2-1 away but precisely the opposite happened to Madrid at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and they now find themselves five points adrift of the leading sides in La Liga.

Few of the divisions big guns relish going to Getafe, who last season beat Barca, Valencia, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid at home, but Real have dominated their neighbours in recent years and looked on course for another victory midway through tonight's game.

Mourinho's men really have should have taken the lead in the 16th minute but Mesut Ozil somehow contrived to miss an open goal from five yards out.

Granada CF Preview

Sevilla came from behind with 10-men to claim a valuable point from the first Andalusian derby of the season - a 1-1 draw at Granada.

The visitors had goalkeeper Diego Lopez sent off just after the half-hour mark when he upended Antonio Floro Flores inside the area and, despite his replacement Andres Palop saving Guillherme Siqueira's penalty, Mikel Rico rattled in the rebound to give Granada the lead.

However, Alvaro Negredo headed home a minute before the break to bring Sevilla level and Michel's side defended relatively comfortably in the second half until a late flurry from the hosts saw Darwin Marchis head two golden opportunities over and Floro Flores hit the crossbar.

After a bright opening by both sides the turning point appeared to have arrived on 34 minutes when Floro Flores was played through on goal and was brought down by Lopez as he tried to round him.

The Italian striker certainly exaggerated the contact as he flopped to the ground, but there was contact and Lopez had to see red having denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Palop made a smart save to his right to repel Siqueira's powerful spot-kick but his defence didn't react and Rico was left free to fire in the rebound.

Real Madrid vs Granada CF Predictions: Real Madrid 4-1 over Grenada

Real Madrid will look to wipe that bitter taste out of their mouths and taking it out on Grenada. This will be real offensive display by Madrid.

Original Source: Real Madrid vs Granada CF

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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Barcelona vs Valencia Predictions

Will Messi go ballistic over a weaker Valencia team? We'll find out Saturday in La Liga.

Barcelona Preview

Lionel Messi scored twice in the last 15 minutes as Barcelona survived a scare against ten-man Osasuna to continue their winning start to the new season.

Osasuna beat Barcelona 3-2 in last season's corresponding fixture and the Catalan giants looked in danger of suffering another upset when Joseba Llorente volleyed the home side in front in the 17th minute tonight.

Striker Nino then had a great chance to double Osasuna's lead in the 70th minute, but he hit the post when clean through and 10 minutes later Barca were ahead and on their way to three points.

Messi, as has often been the case, was the spark behind the comeback, and he drew the teams level in the 75th minute when he stabbed home Alexis Sanchez's pass to finish off a move he himself had started with a trademark darting run.

Osasuna were aggrieved that goal was allowed to stand after Alexis had appeared to be offside when he received the ball earlier in the move, and the home side's veteran midfielder Patxi Punal was handed his marching orders for taking his protests too far.

Barca quickly made the most of their man advantage as, in the 80th minute, summer signing Jordi Alba picked out Messi near the edge of the area and the Argentina superstar rolled a low shot into the far corner for the match-winner.

The victory sees Barca move onto six points after two games in La Liga, while they also won the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa against Real Madrid on Thursday.

Valencia Preview

Deportivo La Coruna came from two goals down to claim a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Mestalla.

Roberto Soldado had fired Valencia into an early 2-0 lead as he was twice brilliantly set up by Jonas, but Depor halved the deficit when Abel Aguilar bundled home from a corner seven minutes before half-time.

Sofiane Feghouli restored the hosts' two-goal lead before half-time with another wonderful finish from Dani Parejo's pass.

However, the visitors had much the better of the play after the break and after Aguilar had stroked home his second of the night, Pizzi equalised from the penalty spot as Ricardo Costa saw a second yellow card for barging into Riki.

Depor announced their return to the Primera Division with a 2-0 win over Osasuna on Monday night, but it was the hosts who seemed destined to get their first win on the board after some scintillating football saw them score twice in the first 28 minutes.

Barcelona vs Valencia Predictions: Barcelona 2-0 over Valencia

Messi will have his way in this game. Valencia will need to counter with a good defensive sound strategy but, I don’t think it will be enough to hold the Barcelona team

Original Source: Barcelona vs Valencia