English Premier League 2009/10
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Emirates Stadium (London), 1 February 2010, Kick-off, 00:00 (GMT +8:00)
Arsenal
Like many Premier League teams, Arsenal always seem to raise their game when pitted against Man Utd. Written-off as title contenders as early as November, Arsenal rose to the challenge and now sit two points off the leaders, Chelsea (prior to Chelsea's match against Burnley), with a game in hand. A win over United would carry them above the Manchester club. Except for injuries to Thomas Vermaelen & R. van Persie, Arsenal have their strongest side available and Sol Campbell is set to make his Premier League return. The Gunners drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in mid-week but they seldom go on scoreless runs for long, especially at home, where they have scored at least two goals in every home match they have played this season. Only Chelsea managed to kept a clean sheet against them when they trounced Arsenal at the Emirates a few months back.
Manchester United
If Arsenal normally raise their game against United, expect Wayne Rooney to do the same against the Gunners. United have been impressive this year and it coincides with Rooney's scintilating goal-scoring form. The champions have been far from impressive this season despite being second in the table. But two convincing wins against Hull City & Manchester City in the league and Carling Cup respectively could signal a return of the menacing form that has always been a trademark of United in the past two decades. The defence may be a worry for the manager as they have not managed to consistently keep a cleansheet.
Match Prediction
Both sides would approach this match with caution and rely on swift counter-attacks to create goalscoring chances. Neither team can boast about having a solid defence at the moment so expect
both teams to get on the scoresheet and at the very least the game could produce
four goals. Rooney is likely to play alone upfront for United but they have midfielders who can score, especially the cunning
Antonio Valencia. The first half should produce a goal for the home team but United are a second-half team and could possibly
sneak a win, though a draw is a likely outcome.
Spain La Liga 2009/10
Villareal vs Osasuna
Camp El Madrigal (Villarreal), 1 February 2010, Kick-off, 00:00 (GMT +8:00)
Villarreal
Beaten only once at home, Villarreal face a lesser Osasuna tonight in a match that they are expected to win. They have a healthy goalscoring record at home and should have at least a couple of goals in them. Real Zaragoza were the latest team to get thumped at
Villarreal, losing 4-2, in a game which saw four different players score for the home team. Their solid home form looks to be extended tonight against a weakened Osasuna.
Osasuna
Osasuna suffered a home loss to Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey in midweek and looks likely to face another defeat tonight. The extra mid-week match should be a disadvantage to the visitors as their hosts tonight were not involved in any matches after last weekend's match. They come into this match with 5 key players absent but Osasuna could still pose a goal threat as
Villarreal are not tight at the back.
Match Prediction
Another avalanche of goals is expected at El Madrigal, with Villarreal coming out as victors. Do not bet against Osasuna scoring as the visitors are more than capable of
getting a goal. The hosts should be expected to continues last weekend's performance and
win both halves comfortably.
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