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Premier League Preview: Tottenham Hotspur - Middlesbrough

Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough are at the wrong end of the Premier League table, but victory for either of these sides could mean significant progress...

Three Points The Best Hangover Cure

After last year’s Wembley triumph, Tottenham Hotspur suffered from a Carling Cup hangover so mammoth that their season never quite recovered. Spurs were left to languish in mid-table and with European football secured and very little to play for, the North London side lost all momentum and fell flat. Manager Harry Redknapp must not let the same happen again this term, with his side still in danger of falling back into the relegation places in the Premier League. There is far more at stake for Harry than there was for previous manager Juande Ramos.
The way Spurs combat the cup final defeat could make or break their season. Some players were visibly worn after 120 minutes against Manchester United, most notably Michael Dawson, while midfielder Jamie O’Hara, a Spurs fan since childhood, found missing a penalty all too much to take. The squad as a whole simply must put this defeat behind them and quickly as they attempt to pull away from the bottom half of the table.
Redknapp has no further distractions away from top flight survival having watched an ‘experimental’ or ‘weakened’ team fall to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup last week. Spurs picked up a vital three points in their last Premier League outing away from home against Hull City and their next two meetings – at home to Middlesbrough and away to Sunderland – are screaming ‘must-win’, with the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool waiting for them in the last five fixtures of the season.

A Rare Win

Middlesbrough’s win against Liverpool last weekend was unexpected by many; the Merseyside-based club were desperate to put their championship chase back on track following some mediocre results. But Boro’ were more than equipped to deal with Rafael Benitez’s men; Stewart Downing, for example, often criticised by England fans, turned in one of the best performances of his season, giving Martin Skrtel a torrid time on the left wing.
Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, has been patient with his front line, who haven’t exactly fired on all cylinders this season, and is starting to see some dividends pay off. Southgate also has a whole host of young English talent in his side including Downing and goalkeeper Brad Jones, who was instrumental in keeping Liverpool at bay.
Southgate will not think his work is done after just won good result however, as he will be well aware that Middlesbrough have won only one of their last 15 games, a statistic that needs reversing immediately if survival is to be achieved. Boro’ fell back into them bottom three after Blackburn Rovers defeated Hull, another struggling side, but a win against Spurs can see them climb back out and give them the impetus to continue to crawl slowly up the table.

FORM GUIDE

Tottenham

Man Utd 0 – 0 Tottenham AET (Man Utd win on pens, Lge Cup Final)
Tottenham 1 – 1 Shakhtar Donetsk (UEFA Cup)
Hull City 1 – 2 Tottenham (Prem)
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 – 0 Tottenham (UEFA Cup)
Tottenham 0 – 0 Arsenal (Prem)

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 2 – 0 Liverpool (Prem)
Middlesbrough 2 – 0 West Ham (FA Cup)
Middlesbrough 0 – 0 Wigan (Prem)
West Ham 1 – 1 Middlesbrough (FA Cup)
Man City 1 – 0 Middlesbrough (Prem)

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham

Ledley King will not feature for Spurs having played in their last two games as his knee injury continues to cause him problems. Jonathan Woodgate, who failed a late fitness test ahead of the Carling Cup final, is also a doubt, while Roman Pavlyuchenko has a groin complaint that could keep him out. Carlo Cudicini, Pascal Chimbonda, Wilson Palacios and Robbie Keane are all available again after being cup-tied, but Alan Hutton and Jermain Defoe are still out.
Possible Starting XI: Cudicini; Chimbonda, Corluka, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric; Keane, Bent.

Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate has named an unchanged squad to the one that defeated Liverpool at the Riverside last Saturday and is likely to name the same starting 11 with no fresh injury worries. After resting Tuncay Sanli, Southgate has seen the striker score a vital goal and the Turkish forward looks set to keep his place. Jeremie Aliadiere looked to be struggling at the end of Boro’s meeting with the Merseysiders, but has been back in full training since.
Possible Starting XI: Jones; Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz; O’Neil, Bates, Arca, Downing; Sanli, Aliadiere.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tottenham

The star man for Tottenham at the weekend was undoubtedly Aaron Lennon. The right winger was in majestic form, giving one of the best left backs in the World in Patrice Evra a real test, one that he often failed as Lennon got round his man. He nearly capped the performance with a goal had it not been for United ‘keeper Ben Foster as well, and should he feature on Wednesday night he will look to harass the temperamental Emanuel Pogatetz.

Middlesbrough

Stewart Downing is arguably Middlesbrough’s hottest property these days and in the past couple of weeks, the England squad member has shone perhaps more than ever. In Boro’s win over West Ham United in the FA Cup Downing scored a remarkable free-kick as good as anything David Beckham will produce this season. The left winger went on to produce a glittering display against Liverpool and if he can reproduce such good form, he could dramatically affect the result of this game.

PREDICTION

If Tottenham Hotspur can get over the heartbreak of a Carling Cup final runners-up medal rather than retaining the trophy, they will be in good shape to win against Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp has a few selection doubts, but with cup-tied players returning to the fold, his side will be suitably fresh. Middlesbrough can take confidence from their victory over Liverpool and may be able to develop that into a winning mentality, but it will be difficult for them away from home, making the long trip from Teesside to North London.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Middlesbrough

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com
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Premier League Preview: Newcastle United - Manchester United

After placing another trophy on the Old Trafford sideboard at the weekend, Fergie's squad get back to the serious business of earning enough points to retain the Premier League title. Struggling Newcastle United will be doing their utmost to avoid becoming whipping-boys in their own backyard...

Wednesday, 4th March 19:45 GMT
St. James’ Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

That Sinking Feeling

Make no bones about, Newcastle United are firmly entrenched in a battle against the Premier League drop.
This unwanted status was confirmed when Ricardo Gardner’s measured shot handed the three points to Bolton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
From his watching vigil at home after a heart scare, makeshift manager Joe Kinnear must be despairing at the run the team has been on under his stand-in Chris Houghton.
The Magpies have only managed a solitary win in February, and even that was against basement boys West Bromwich Albion.
Without this result, the league table would make even worse reading. As it stands, Newcastle lie in 15th place, just two points above North East rivals Middlesbrough and the drop zone.
The Tynesiders could soon swap places with their neighbours. Manchester United’s visit heralds the start of a hellish run of fixtures which will define their season, as pressure cooker meetings with Hull City and Stoke City book-end clashes with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Just over a year ago, Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges humiliated the Black and Whites 5-1 at St. James’ Park. A repeat show will rock Newcastle’s fragile confidence and send them into this vital period with that dreaded sinking feeling in their hearts.

Toon-points Ahead

Another weekend, another trophy for the all-conquering Manchester United as the League Cup took up residency in the club’s overflowing trophy cabinet.
The second piece of the quintuple jigsaw fell into place on Sunday afternoon when Anderson’s penalty saw the Red Devils prevail over an improving Tottenham Hotspur.
In a goalless 120 minutes, the Mancunians did just enough to warrant the long walk up the Wembley stairs to get their hands on the silverware.
Sir Alex Ferguson would have been just as pleased to see Liverpool’s 2-0 slip up at Middlesbrough the day before, which let his team take a firm grip on the Premier League title.
The Scotsman will be keen to hammer home the advantage by preventing a re-enactment of the Merseysiders' North East nightmare when he takes his team to Newcastle United.
Such is the glut of riches at his disposal, Ferguson will be able to throw the fully rested Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Edwin Van der Sar and Dimitar Berbatov into the fray after they sat out Sunday’s Carling Cup showpiece.
With these men raring to get back into the action, there’s every chance the Red Devils will take an unassailable 10-point lead at the top of the table on their way to trophy number three.


FORM GUIDE

Newcastle United:

1st March vs. Bolton Wanderers (A) lost 1-0 (PREM)
22nd February vs. Everton (H) drew 0-0 (PREM)
7th February vs. West Bromwich Albion (A) won 3-2 (PREM)
1st February vs. Sunderland (H) drew 1-1- (PREM)
28th January vs. Manchester City (A) lost 2-1 (PREM)

Manchester United:

1st March vs. Tottenham Hotspur (N) drew 0-0 (aet) won 4-1 on pens (CARLING CUP)
24th February vs. Inter (A) drew 0-0 (CHAMPS LG)
21st February vs. Blackburn Rovers (H) won 2-1 (PREM)
18th February vs. Fulham (H) won 3-0 (PREM)
15th February vs. Derby County (A) won 4-1 (FA CUP)


TEAM NEWS

Newcastle United:

The Toon’s endless injury list grew again this week as Nicky Butt (knee) joined Damien Duff (calf), Xisco (ankle), Michael Owen (ankle), Danny Guthrie (hamstring), Habib Beye (ankle) and Joey Barton (metatarsal) on the sidelines. Kevin Nolan is also out through suspension.
Last starting XI (vs. Bolton Wanderers): Harper, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor, Butt (Geremi 66), Lovenkrands, Ameobi, Martins (Viduka 78).
Subs Not Used: Forster, Cacapa, Smith, Edgar, Carroll.
Squad: Harper, Forster, Steven Taylor, Cacapa, Edgar, Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Geremi, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, Martins, Carroll, Viduka, Smith.
Possible starting XI: Harper, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor, Geremi, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, Martins

Manchester United:

Sir Alex Ferguson welcomes Wayne Rooney back into the squad after he recovered from a virus. Gary Neville is also in contention after shaking off an illness.
Wes Brown (metatarsal), Rafael (fractured ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) are out of contention for the trip to the North East, whilst John O’Shea (heel) is a doubt.
Last starting XI (vs. Tottenham Hotspur): Foster, O'Shea (Vidic 76), Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Gibson (Giggs 91), Nani, Tevez, Welbeck (Anderson 56).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Park, Possebon, Eckersley.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Evra, O’Shea, Evans, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Ronaldo, Scholes, Gibson, Anderson, Carrick, Nani, Giggs, Fletcher, Park, Tevez, Welbeck, Berbatov, Rooney.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United: Obafemi Martins needs to start firing if the Toon are to drag themselves away from the relegation places. With Michael Owen on the sidelines, the Magpies’ goalscoring responsibility rests on his shoulders. Manchester United’s defence are a tough nut to crack, but with the Nigerian's searing pace, anything is possible.

Manchester United: The Red Devils’ resident Geordie Michael Carrick is in the form of his life. Calmly keeping the United machine ticking over from his central midfield berth, he’s been the linchpin of the club’s five-pronged assault for silverware. Carrick was missed against Tottenham on Sunday, sadly for Newcastle, they won’t be so lucky.


PREDICTION

When you’re struggling near the foot of the table, the last team you want to swing into town are Manchester United with the bit between their teeth.
Wednesday night is about damage limitation for Newcastle United. Chris Houghton will be desperate to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 thrashing Liverpool handed out over Christmas.

Newcastle United 0-3 Manchester United

Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
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Premier League Preview: Fulham - Hull City

Fulham will be looking to continue their chase for European football against a struggling Hull side on Wednesday night…

Kick-Off: Wednesday, March 04, 20:00 (local time). Craven Cottage, London.

Europa Dreams?

Manchester United’s League Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur was good news for Fulham and the clubs around them.

The Red Devils’ Wembley triumph opened up an additional league-based Europa League spot for next season, and if United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Everton win the FA Cup – seventh place will be rewarded with qualification to the continental stage.

That spot is well within Fulham’s reach. West Ham United currently occupy the position, two points clear of Roy Hodgson’s men, who have a game in hand.

And while there is a lot of competition for that place, it would be foolish not to look at the Cottagers as realistic challengers after a season that has seen massive improvements on last year’s dramatic relegation scrap.

At home they are as good as ever, formidable opposition who have lost just once in front of their own fans in 12 matches. Away, they still don’t win – but they are now tough to beat, as Arsenal found out to their cost last Saturday.

Even if Hodgson’s side go on a slump between now and the end of the season, it will still have been a successful campaign, but while the results are coming in the league and they remain in the FA Cup, the chance of a famous season remains.

Fully Involved

There is always one team who get dragged down from above and sucked right into the relegation dogfight. This season, that team is Hull City.

Phil Brown’s side made a fairytale start to their Premier League lives, sitting in the lofty heights of the top six for the first half of the season after a number of famous wins away to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

But a happy ending may not be in sight after a run of eleven games without a league win has left them just three points clear of the drop-zone and fully involved in the fight to stay up.

The Tigers, who, like Fulham, are FA Cup quarter-finalists, have to start picking up results soon to prevent them from continuing to sink down the congested bottom half of the table.

On the plus side, they know that a couple of wins can get them right back out of trouble again, and they do have some winnable fixtures coming up.

While the defeats keep on coming, though, it is hard for the Hull faithful to remain optimistic. Indeed, in the opinion of many, a return to the Championship is likely to be on the cards.

This represents a difficult away fixture and anything they can get from this game will be considered a massive bonus to halt the current downward spiral.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham – Mark Schwarzer

Mark Schwarzer had a bad game against Manchester United recently, but he has come back strongly since then – shutting out Arsenal at the weekend. Fulham are not a free-scoring side, so a well-drilled defensive unit and a reliable goalkeeper are crucial to their success.

Hull – Geovanni

Geovanni, like Hull, made a fantastic start to the Premier League season, but he is now starting to fall off the pace when his side need him most. Last week, his substitution against Blackburn Rovers split the club’s fans and his manager criticised him in the media, stating that nobody is bigger than the club. The perfect answer to his critics would be to put in an impressive performance here.

FORM GUIDE

Fulham

Feb 28 Arsenal 0-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Feb 24 Fulham 2-1 Swansea (FA Cup)
Feb 22 Fulham 2-0 West Bromwich Albion (Premier League)
Feb 18 Manchester United 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Feb 14 Swansea 1-1 Fulham (FA Cup)

Hull

Mar 01 Hull 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Feb 26 Hull 2-1 Sheffield United (FA Cup)
Feb 23 Hull 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
Feb 14 Sheffield United 1-1 Hull (FA Cup)
Feb 07 Chelsea 0-0 Hull (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Fulham full-back John Pantsil is likely to return to the starting line-up after serving a suspension. Pantsil's defensive colleague, Chris Baird, will be out, though, after picking up a knock against Arsenal at the weekend.

Otherwise it is a clean bill of health for club manager Roy Hodgson.

Previous XI (0-0 – Away V Arsenal): Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.

Hull

Hull have a string of problems, with key defender Michal Turner and striker Craig Fagan both doubts. Ian Ashbee is also rated as doubtful due to a calf problem, while Andy Dawson and Dean Marney are both suspended.

Previous XI (1-2 Home V Blackburn Rovers): Duke, Doyle, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Ashbee, Marney, Kilbane, Geovanni, Garcia.

PREDICTION

Fulham have had a tremendous campaign so far and if they finish strongly there is a chance they will make next season’s Europa League.

Hull are on a dire run of form and don’t look like winning any time soon, especially away from home to one of the Premier League’s form sides.

I don’t foresee any major problems for Roy Hodgson’s men in this one – home win.

Fulham 2-0 Hull City

Chris Myson, Goal.com

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Serie A Preview: Atalanta - Chievo Verona

Atalanta look to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat to Sampdoria with a victory over lowly Chievo Verona on Sunday afternoon…

Kick off: Sunday, March 01, 15:00 CET, Bergamo, Italy

Home Cooking

Atalanta currently sit in eighth place in the domestic table and have put together a successful season so far. The Nerazzurri have a realistic shot of securing a coveted UEFA Cup spot if their good form continues in the business end of the campaign.
Luigi Del Neri’s men were riding a season-high three-match winning streak before it was surprisingly snapped by Sampdoria last weekend. Del Neri was less than pleased with the outcome and warned his players to concentrate on survival rather than European glory.
"We look too much for beautiful goals,” he said, speaking after the Sampdoria loss. “There was talk of qualifying for Europe but I think about reaching safety. We might talk about Europe next season but then we can't afford drops in concentration like today. We are built to achieve safety and we have to do it quickly. Our objective remains safety and that's it."
Atalanta's inconsistency away from home has been one of their major flaws this season as they have only managed two wins on the road. This is in stark contrast to their home form; they have brushed aside the likes of Inter Milan and Rome with relative ease at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
Atalanta will look to bounce back from the disappointing loss to Samp and will welcome lowly Chievo to Bergamo on Sunday. The home side will be the heavy favourites and will need all three points to continue their European quest - whether their manager wants to admit it or not.

Survival Mode

Chievo have been mired in the relegation zone for most of the season but have been fighting off Serie A extinction with renewed vigour as of late, losing only one match in the new calendar year.
Domenico Di Carlo’s men drew their first match after the winter break but then went on to defeat Napoli and Reggina to give their supporters hope that safe land was on the horizon.
After four consecutive 1-1 draws, Chievo lost a controversial thriller to Fiorentina last weekend when Adrian Mutu scored an injury time winner on an attack that the Flying Donkeys thought began with a blatant foul on one of their players.
A precious point was lost and Di Carlo was less than pleased with the final outcome but urged his troops to put the defeat behind them
"There's no point talking about the unfavourable episodes against Fiorentina," he said. "I have nothing to say against the players. My team has shown personality but now we must concentrate on Atalanta."
Chievo will travel to Bergamo, where obtaining a positive result is easier said than done, to face Atalanta on Sunday and even a draw would go a long way in helping the Flying Donkey’s in their attempt soar out of the relegation zone by season’s end.

TEAM FORM

Atalanta

February 22 vs Sampdoria (A) LOST 1-0
February 15 vs Roma (H) WON 3-0
February 08 vs Cagliari (A) WON 1-0
February 01 vs Catania (H) WON 1-0
January 28 vs Bologna (A) LOST 1-0

Chievo Verona

February 22 vs Fiorentina (A) LOST 2-1
February 15 vs Catania (H) DREW 1-1
February 08 vs Torino (A) DREW 1-1
February 01 vs Sampdoria (H) DREW 1-1
January 28 vs Lecce (H) DREW 1-1

TEAM NEWS

Atalanta

Del Neri will be without the services of Cristiano Doni, Jose Leonardo Talamonti and Christian Vieri, who are all nursing various types of injuries.
Possible starting XI- Consigli- Garics, Capelli, Manfredini, Bellini- Ferreira Pinto, Cigarini, Guarente, Padoin, Valdes- Floccari

Chievo Verona

Di Carlo has no serious injuries to contend with but will be without the influential sharpshooter Vincenzo Italiano, who will miss out through suspension.
Possible starting XI- Sorrentino- Frey, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani- Luciano, Marcolini, Bentivoglio- Pinzi, Pellissier, Makinwa

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luca Cigarini ( Atalanta )

The club’s marquee summer signing returned from a long injury lay-off and injected the midfield with some creativity and flair that sparked his side to three straight victories before losing to Sampdoria last weekend. He will be in the thick of things on Sunday afternoon as he tries to link up with Sergio Floccari in what should be a straightforward affair against Chievo

Sergio Pellissier ( Chievo Verona )

The Chievo captain has been a bit of a disappointment this season after leading the Flying Donkey’s out of the Serie B last term. He has found the back of the net only three times in 25 games and needs to find his goal scoring touch sooner than later if Chievo wish to retain their Serie A status.

PREDICTION

Atalanta are a tough nut to crack at home and even without Doni should cruise to a comfortable victory with Floccari bagging a brace in the process.

Atalanta 2-0 Chievo Verona

Max De Luca, Goal.com
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Serie A Preview: Palermo – Catania

The Sicilian derby takes place in Palermo this weekend, as the Rosanero host Catania in what is certain to be a fiery affair in the south of Italy.

Kick-Off: Saturday 1 March, 15:00 CET. Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo.

European Football On Palermo’s Agenda

Palermo had an outstanding start to 2009, as they managed to win their first three matches of the year, against Atalanta, Sampdoria and Udinese respectively. Since then however, their results and form have gone from bad to worse, with just one win and three goals recorded in their past five outings.
Despite their inconsistency of late, the Rosanero still find themselves in the top half of the table, and in a position where they can challenge for European football next term.
In fact, the home side in this match are seven points adrift of the sixth placed Roma, the team that occupies the sixth and final European qualifying position. In addition to this, just one point separates them and the seventh placed Cagliari, a position that will guarantee a club a spot in Europe next season, if Inter and Juventus are to make the Coppa Italia final.
With this in mind, Davide Ballardini’s men will be desperate to win this contest, to ensure that they maintain the pace with Cagliari, as well as Atalanta, who they currently are equal on points with.
Fortunately for their sake, this weekend’s Sicilian derby is scheduled to be played at the Renzo Barbera stadium in Palermo, a ground that has become a fortress for the club, as they have recorded nine wins, no draws and only three defeats this season.
This should give them enough confidence in the lead up to the match; however they will need to be switched on for the entire 90 minutes against their fierce rivals, if they are to attain a positive result this weekend.

Catania Edging Closer To Drop Zone

Catania were one of the surprise packets in the first half of the campaign, as they managed to comfortably sit in the top half of the table towards the end of 2008. Since then however, they have dropped off completely, and consequently their position in the standings has worsened.
At present, the Sicilian outfit are in thirteenth place, just eight points clear of the relegation zone, and although they may not be in danger of losing their topflight status at this point in time, a few more negative results may very well change that.
In addition to this, their form this year has been disastrous, so the signs are not looking good for them. In fact, last weekend’s 2-0 victory over the cellar dwellers Reggina was to be their first of 2009, after they had failed to do so in their opening seven fixtures.
Their most impressive results this term have come in front of their own fans, although unfortunately for their sake, this particular match will be played away from their Angelo Massimiliano stadium.
Their away form this season has been dreadful to say the least, so the Rossazzurri will certainly not be confident heading into this encounter with a team that has one of the best home records to their name.
In fact, in 12 matches on the road thus far, Walter Zenga’s men have managed just six goals and zero victories. In addition to this they have recorded five draws along the way; however the main issue for the club is that they have the worst traveling record in the competition.
With this in mind, a draw would be an acceptable result for the visitors in this match, as Zenga and his players will certainly be aware of the fact that their opponents simply must win, as they can ill afford to lose more ground in the race for European qualification.
Catania defeated Palermo earlier in the season by a 2-0 score line, and if they can play half as well as they did on that day, then anything could be possible at the Renzo Barbera stadium this weekend.

FORM GUIDE

Palermo

February 21 v Juventus (H) LOST 0-2
February 15 v Reggina (A) DREW 0-0
February 8 v Napoli (H) WON 2-1
February 1 v Genoa (A) LOST 0-1
January 28 v Roma (H) LOST 1-2

Catania

February 22 v Reggina (H) WON 2-0
February 15 v Chievo (A) DREW 1-1
February 8 v Juventus (H) LOST 1-2
February 1 v Atalanta (H) LOST 0-1
January 28 v Inter (H) LOST 2-0

TEAM NEWS

Palermo:

The news on the injury front is fairly positive for the Rosanero, as they are only without Levan Mchedlidze and the long term casualty Igor Budan. Ballardini is likely to employ his traditional 4-3-1-2 formation that has worked wonders for his team this season, with Fabio Simplicio playing in behind Fabrizio Miccoli and Edison Cavani up front.
Possible Starting XI – (4-3-1-2): Amelia; Cassani, Kjaer, Bovo, Balzaretti; Nocerino, Liverani, Bresciano; Simplicio; Cavani, Miccoli.

Catania:

Walter Zenga has a full strength squad available for the Sicilian derby, as there are no injuries or suspensions to deal with for his side. A whole host of players are one booking away from a one match ban however, and so they will have to be careful this weekend. These players include Albano Bizzarri, Pablo Ledesma, Jorge Andres Martinez, Giuseppe Mascara, Michele Paolucci and Takayuki Morimoto, the last three of which are in line to head the Catania attack in this match.
Possible Starting XI – (4-3-3): Bizzarri; Potenza, Silvestre, Stovini, Capuano; Biagianti, Ledesma, Tedesco; Morimoto, Paolucci, Mascara.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Palermo – Fabrizio Miccoli: The Rosanero hitman is going to need to be at his best to ensure that his side achieve their desired outcome this weekend. Despite their opponent’s inconsistent form at present, Miccoli will be aware that Catania will be as motivated as ever to perform well in this match, so the 29-year-old veteran must lead from the front right from the onset.

Catania – Albano Bizzarri: The Argentinean goal keeper has been simply spectacular this season, and he will need to put in another outstanding performance if his side are to take anything away from this contest. Palermo have been brilliant at the Renzo Barbera this term, as they have managed 23 goals in 12 matches, and because of Catania’s inability to score on the road, the 31-year-old must be switched on from the word go.

PREDICTION

This match is certain to be a fiery affair, between two sides that will be desperate to claim victory for differing reasons. The Rosanero need a victory to enhance their chances of qualifying for Europe next season, whilst the Etnei require the three points to calm their relegation fears. For that reason I am expecting this one to end all square, with Miccoli and Paolucci finding the back of the net in the process.

Palermo 1-1 Catania

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com
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Serie A Preview: Udinese - Lecce

Udinese and Lecce both desperately need points when the two meet in the north on Sunday...


Kick-Off: Sunday, March 1, 15:00 CET. Stadio Friuli, Udine

Matching European & Domestic Form

Udinese remained the last Italian side in the UEFA Cup when Thursday evening arrived. Their 2-1 victory over Polish side, Lech Poznan left them flying the flag for the whole country, and they will want to translate some of that confidence into Serie A points.
In the league however, the Zebrette have not been able to recapture last year’s form. They currently lie outside the top ten in Serie A, and European football next season looks a long way away, unless they go the full distance and triumph in this term's UEFA Cup.
They have not won in the league since Febuary 8, when they secured a home victory against Bologna. Since then, there was the draw against Siena, and the shocking loss to Torino in the last round. It seems teams have gotten used to coach, Pasquale Marino impressive front three.

Falling Down

Lecce have now lost three in a row, and their league position is beginning to reflect their bad form.
Their last points in the league, came on February 1, when they won away to Siena. Everything looked rosy then, but how quickly things have changed.
With Torino beating the southerners' opponents, Udinese, in the last round, Il Toro condemned Lecce to the relegation zone. Today’s visitors are only a point behind however, and there is no need for Mario Beretta or his men to panic yet.
But it is a case of clear and present danger, and if they are to get out of this hole, they better start working... and fast.
Lecce have been unlucky in recent games, though. Against Cagliari, only the woodwork denied them an equaliser before the Sardinians got their second goal.
And although they were outplayed by Lazio over the course of their last match, things could have been so different, and the Biancocelesti really had the post to thank.
If they are to stay in Italy’s top division, Beretta’s team will have to somehow change their luck.

FORM GUIDE

Udinese

08/02 (Serie A): Udinese 1-0 Bologna
15/02 (Serie A): Siena 1-1 Udinese
19/02 (Serie A): Lech Poznan 2-2 Udinese
22/02 (Serie A): Torino 1-0 Udinese
26/02 (Serie A): Udinese 2–1 Lech Poznan

Lecce

28/01 (Serie A): Chievo 1-1 Lecce
01/02 (Serie A): Siena 1-2 Lecce
07/02 (Serie A): Lecce 0-3 Inter
15/02 (Serie A): Cagliari 2-0 Lecce
22/02 (Serie A): Lecce 0-2 Lazio

TEAM NEWS

Udinese

It is always easier to get over fatigue when you have won, and that will surely be the case here.
The 4-3-3 formation is one they use to good effect, and unless anyone feels drained, the team should be similar to the one that played on Thursday. The only exception should be the inclusion of Dias Felipe in central defence to replace Maurizio Domizzi, who has to serve a two-match ban following his sending off at the end of the Torino game for protesting too vehemently when his side was denied a penalty.
Possible Formation (4-3-3): Belardi – Zapata, Coda, Felipe, Pasquale – Inler, D'Agostino, Isla – Pepe, Quagliarella, Di Natale

Lecce

It looks like Beretta will make a handful of changes, including a formation switch to a 3-5-2 system for this match, with Andrea Esposito as third central defender beside Guglielmo Stendardo and Brazilian, Fabiano.
In midfield, another Samba-man, Angelo, could come in for Guillermo Giacomazzi, who seems to have picked up a knock. In attack, Daniele Cacia, looks like he will not make this clash, leaving Jose Castillo to slot back in up front to partner Simone Tiribocchi.
Possible Formation (3-5-2): Benussi – Stendardo, Fabiano, Esposito – Angelo, Munari, Edinho, Caserta, Ariatti – Castillo, Tiribocchi

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Udinese

Two of the home side’s three strikers were on target in midweek. While Antonio Di Natale and Simone Pepe got the goals, it was Kwadwo Asamoah who stood out, but whether or not he did well enough to earn a starting spot in this one remains to be seen.
Young midfielder Gaetano D’Agostino also had a good game, and he is fast becoming the player who creates chances and inspires the side.

Lecce

Their two best players at present are at opposite ends of the pitch. Despite the string of bad results, goalkeeper Francesco Benussi has been doing superbly well.
At the other end, forward Simone Tiribocchi has been coming close to earning vital points for his team, game after game, but maybe this time he will manage something significant.

PREDICTION

The home side have been very shaky in the league recently, but with Lecce’s situation getting ever more dangerous, the Udine outfit could get a decent result, although this one should end in a draw.

Udinese 1-1 Lecce

Simone Finaldi, Goal.com
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