Page 104 – The Pulse of Football

Sep

2018

Weekend Preview: Liverpool vs. Chelsea, Madrid Derby, Juve vs. Napoli

England | Liverpool get an early chance for revenge

Chelsea vs. Liverpool – Liverpool were perhaps unlucky to be knocked out of the EFL Cup by Chelsea midweek, but have an early chance for revenge Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Reds still have a perfect record so far in the EPL, but Eden Hazard’s blistering early season form could have Chelsea knock them out of first with a win. Clearly the match to watch this weekend in the EPL, with the added bonus of an aesthetically pleasing red vs. blue matchup.

West Ham vs. Man United– United’s dramatic start to the season continued with their midweek loss to Derby County in the EFL Cup. And with just 10 points from 6 Premier League matches so far, they cannot afford to slip up away to West Ham on Saturday. History is on their side, as West Ham have only managed to beat United once in their last 19 tries, but this one certainly feels like a draw, doesn’t it?

Arsenal vs. Watford – This season’s early surprise Watford are occupying the Gunners’ once-familiar fourth place spot, a point above Arsenal. Not since 1984 have these two sides met with Watford sitting above Arsenal in the table. Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas have been standout performers for the Hornets this season with three goals and four assists, respectively. Meanwhile, Arsenal have won six straight matches in all competitions, granted with an easy fixture list.

Spain | Madrid Derby

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid – On Wednesday, Real Madrid went down 3-0 to Sevilla within 39 minutes as both Real and Barca lost in the same match day for the first time in 141 rounds. This provides an opening for Atletico Madrid, who could jump into second with a win (or first should Barca lose again). After an uneven start, Atleti won three matches in eight days and haven’t lost to Real in the last four meetings.

Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao – Barca lost to Leganes for the first time ever on Wednesday night, conceding twice in two minutes as they lost 2-1 at Leganes’ 12,450 seat Estadio Municipal de Butarque. They return to Camp Nou on Saturday to face Athletic Bilbao, who managed a draw against Real Madrid two weeks ago.s.

Italy | Napoli visit Turin

Juventus vs. Napoli – This weekend gives us an early look at whether Napoli can put in another serious title challenge this season as Serie A is off to a familiar start with Juve in first and Napoli following behind. They traded 1-0 wins last year as Napoli eventually fell four points short of Juve’s title pace and now Italy’s premier matchup in recent years gets the added star power of Ronaldo.

Roma vs. Lazio – The Rome Derby has been incredibly even in recent years with Lazio winning five, Roma winning seven, plus four draws in their last 16 meetings. Lazio enter the match on a five game winning streak across all competitions, while Roma have won just two of their opening six Serie A matches.

Germany | Bayern take on early surprise Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin vs. Bayern Munich – Bayern’s trip to Berlin on Friday is a fascinating start to the weekend as these two sides have drawn their last three meetings. Hertha have made a surprise strong start to the Bundesliga season, just three points off first place Bayern, who drew 1-1 at home to Augsburg on Tuesday. The home side also boasts the league’s top scorer in 23-year-old Andrej Duda.

Sep

2018

Weekend Preview: Liverpool and Chelsea look to remain perfect.

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England | Liverpool and Chelsea look to remain perfect

Liverpool vs. Southampton – A Liverpool win would make it six conservative victories to begin the season, a feat they’ve only managed twice before. Southampton will be without Liverpool loanee Danny Ings, who is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Manchester United vs. Wolves – Mourinho used Marouane Fellaini from the start last weekend to keep Watford’s midfield surprisingly quiet. Expect a similar approach against a creative Wolves midfield that’s looking to propel them to a third straight win in all comps.

West Ham vs. Chelsea – West Ham are no longer pointless and Chelsea are now top. Unfortunately, someone’s newfound good vibes will have to be put on hold. Chelsea played in Greece in Thursday so they could enter the match with a bit of a Europa League hangover.

Arsenal vs. Everton – Richarlison returns from his red card ban, as Everton drew with Huddersfield and lost to West Ham without him. Arsenal have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but are on a three match winning streak.

Spain | Barcelona and Real Madrid remain even on points

Real Madrid vs. Espanyol – Espanyol won the last meeting between these sides with a 93rd minute winner, albeit against a Real Madrid side missing Ronaldo and Marcelo. An early win over Valencia has Espanyol sitting in fourth, while Real Madrid’s draw with Athletic Bilbao last weekend bumped them into second.

Barcelona vs. Girona – This Catalonian derby has been lopsided recently, with Barcelona winning by a combined score of 9-1 in their two meetings last season. Girona have won two consectuve La Liga matches, with former Middlesbrough striker Cristhian Stuani scoring three goals in four matches.

Germany | Dortmund and Bayern face emerging challengers

Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund – After finishing third last season, Hoffenheim have three points from three matches this season and are new to juggling Champions League responsibilities (with a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday). Young manager Julian Nagelsmann has already agreed to take over at RB Leipzig next season and could use a statement victory against Dortmund to gain some momentum in his final season at Hoffenheim.

Schalke vs. Bayern Munich – Like Hoffenheim, Schalke are also in unfamiliar territory with midweek Champions League matches (a 1-1 draw with FC Porto on Tuesday) and also face a big weekend test. Bayern have started in standard fashion with three wins from three.

Netherlands | Ajax take on the current champions

PSV vs. Ajax – Current Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven are off to a perfect start with five wins from five, while Ajax sit in second and could leapfrog PSV with a win. This is one of the biggest matches in the Netherlands and a perfect excuse to have a look at Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong who is wanted by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Spurs…you get the idea.

Sep

2018

FotMob FIFA 20 Competition Terms & Conditions

1. The competition is not open to employees of NorApps AS and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.

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5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via http://www.fotmob.com.

6. Closing date for entry will be 23 September, 2019. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

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11. The prize is as follows: One copy of FIFA 20 for gaming platform of the winner’s choice and a second copy for the user included in their comment, for the platform of their choice. The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

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23. The promoter is: NorApps AS, company number 912178331 whose registered office is at Kokstadvegen 23, 5257 Kokstad, Norway.

Sep

2018

Weekend Preview: Club football is back!

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England | A huge matchup to welcome back the EPL

Spurs vs. Liverpool – Liverpool’s trip to London gets the early kickoff on Saturday as The Reds look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Spurs’ own perfect start ended in a 2-1 loss to Watford last time out. Both Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris will miss out due to injury.

Manchester City vs. Fulham – The Etihad welcomes Fulham on Saturday, who are undefeated in their last three matches. Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in the Nations League for Serbia over the break, but it’s Fulham’s new-look backline that will need to step up.

Watford vs. Manchester United – A trip to Watford wouldn’t ordinarily be seen as a potential banana peel for Manchester United, but with the The Hornets getting four wins from four matches so far, United won’t be entirely certain of getting a fourth consecutive win over Watford.

Spain | Barcelona and Real Madrid remain even on points

Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona – Barcelona enter the weekend sitting in first place in La Liga, with an 8-2 win over SD Huesca before the international break. They visit Real Sociedad, who they’ve beaten in five straight matchups. Leo Messi will be well-rested as he continues his indefinite break from Argentina duties.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid – These sides drew both their meetings last season and a slip-up against Bilbao on Saturday would put Real Madrid off of Barcelona’s pace. They’ve adjusted well so far to Ronaldo’s departure, with Karim Benzema scoring four goals in his last two matches and Gareth Bale scoring in each of Real’s three fixtures.

Italy | A surprise test for Juve?

Juventus vs. Sassuolo – Summer arrival Kevin Prince-Boateng has Sassuolo off to an undefeated start, scoring in their last two matches. It’s still early, but they sit in second behind Juve and started the season with a 1-0 win over Inter. And yes, we’re waiting for Ronaldo’s first goal for Juve.

Germany | Dortmund look to keep up

Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt – Dortmund started the season with a statement 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, but then slumped to a 0-0 draw with Hannover. They take on Frankfurt on Friday night, but will do so without Christian Pulisic who is trying to shake off a muscle injury. We should however, see the competitive debut of Barcelona loanee Paco Alcacer up top for Dortmund.

Sep

2018

AwayDays Poll 2

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Aug

2018

Weekend Preview: Mourinho’s must-win, Old Firm derby

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What to Watch for this Weekend

England | Mourinho’s last stand?

Leicester City vs. Liverpool – Liverpool sit in first as they hope to dethrone Man City, with three wins from three and zero goals conceded. While Leicester’s only blemish is their 1-0 opening day loss to Manchester United, they’ll again be without Jamie Vardy who is serving a red card ban.

Manchester City vs. Newcastle – City are mortal! Wolves managed to earn a 1-1 draw against the Champions last weekend, aided by the assured possession of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. Newcastle however, don’t have those luxuries in midfield and will instead be set up to frustrate City.

Burnley v Manchester United – Somehow an early September fixture against Burnley feels like a must-win for Jose Mourinho. Lucky for him, Burnley’s squad has already been stretched by Europa League qualification as they’ve conceded seven goals in three EPL matches so far. They were eliminated on Thursday, but fielded a strong squad, so Mourinho may be let off the hook this weekend against a tired Burnely side.

Watford v Spurs – It’s a top of the table clash between Spurs and…Watford? Yes, the Hornets are enjoying a perfect start to the EPL season with wins over Brighton, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Spurs are a more accurate barometer of how well Watford could do this season, and a win would make it only the second time in Watford’s history they’ve began a season with four consecutive victories.

Scotland | Gerrard and Rodgers reunite

Celtic vs. Rangers – The Old Firm derby has been played five times in the past calendar year with Celtic outscoring Rangers 14-2. It’ll be Steven Gerrard’s first as Rangers manager, against his old Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. Surprisingly, it’s Hearts that sit atop the SPL table, after they beat Celtic 1-0 earlier this month, while Rangers have drawn two of three.

Spain | A Madrid Derby (not that one)

Real Madrid vs. Leganes – It’s a lesser-known Madrid Derby this weekend as Leganes travel from the outskirts of the city to the Bernabeu. Leganes is the only La Liga team Karim Benzema has faced that he hasn’t scored against, and he enters the match in good form after a brace in a man of the match performance last weekend against Girona.

Barcelona vs. SD Huesca – The last time these two teams met, Barcelona won 8-1 (without Messi) in a Copa Del Rey match in 2014. Huesca have enjoyed a solid start to their first season in La Liga with an opening weekend win over Eibar and a 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao.

Italy | Waiting on that goal..

AC Milan vs. Roma – Both sides have been involved in thrillers early in the Serie A season, with Milan going up 2-0 over Napoli last weekend before losing 3-2, and Roma drawing 3-3 with Atalanta on Monday. Add in that Milan and Roma both won away in the teams’ two meetings last season, and we should be set for an entertaining Friday.

Parma vs. Juventus – And still, we wait. Wins over Chievo Verona and Lazio, but no goal for Ronaldo…yet. Parma haven’t won either of their two fixtures and Juve will have this written down as an expected three points. But, all we really want is a GIF of Ronaldo bounding away from the goal in a Juve shirt.

Germany | Dortmund start strong

Hannover 96 vs. Borussia Dortmund – Hannover finished 13th last term, but boosted their attack over the summer after scoring just 44 goals in 34 matches. They host Dortmund who made an opening weekend statement by beating RB Leipzig 4-1.

Aug

2018

Weekend Preview: Bundesliga begins, a big test for Ronaldo and Juve

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What to Watch for this Weekend

England | A tale of two Manchesters

Wolves v. Man City – Coming off of a 6-1 win over Huddersfield, City head to the Molineux in the first EPL match of the weekend. In each of their first two matches, Wolves had over 57% possession, yet have just a single point to show for it.

Arsenal v. West Ham – Jack Wilshire returns to the Emirates while both sides are looking for their first point. Arsenal have looked decent in their two losses against tough opposition while West Ham clearly need more time to gel.

Liverpool v. Brighton – Brighton have lost five straight to Liverpool, scoring five goals to Liverpool’s 20. They’re coming off a 3-2 home win over to Man United, but haven’t won away in the Premier League in 14 tries.

Man United v. Spurs – United are going to win with a boring 1-0, aren’t they? Mourinho rarely takes risks against top sides, so this is unlikely to be an open-ended match. But, it will still be a welcome distraction from the Pogba-Mourinho-Woodward drama that has only intensified after their loss to Brighton last weekend.

Italy | A big test for Juve

Juventus v. Lazio – These two sides won away against each other last season – Lazio beating Juve in Turin 2-1, and Juve wining 1-0 in Rome. As we await Ronaldo’s first Serie A goal, this is the match to watch this weekend.

Napoli v. AC Milan – Milan’s Serie A campaign begins this weekend after their opening fixture was postponed due to the tragic bridge collapse in Genoa. We should see a Milan debut for Gonzalo Higuain against his former side.

Germany | Bundesliga begins

Bayern Munich v. Hoffenheim – Friday’s Bundesliga curtain-raiser Yes, Bayern cruised to the Bundesliga title with a 21 point margin last season, but Hoffenheim have only lost once in four competitive matches against Bayern under manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Borussia Dortmund v. RB Leipzig – Dortmund finished fourth last season, with Leipzig two points behind them in sixth. Under new manager Lucien Favre, Dortmund should reclaim their legacy for high-tempo attacking football and the occasional title challenge.

Spain | Real Madrid head to Girona

Real Valladolid v. Barcelona – Real Vallaolid won the last match up between these two sides in 2014, their last stint in La Liga. But after Messi’s performance last weekend, don’t count on a repeat result.

Girona v. Real Madrid – Real lost their last trip to Girona, a result that put them eight points behind Barcelona in October of last year. Gareth Bale missed that match, and now heads to Catalonia on Sunday as Real’s key man.

Aug

2018

AwayDays Poll 1

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