Prediction: Italy win
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The European Championship qualifiers are upon us once again, as all roads continue to lead to UEFA Euro 2020. Today we re going to be looking at a clash between the two top dogs in Group J: Greece and Italy. Both of these nations know what it means to win the Euros, with Greece becoming European champions in 2004 and Italy winning it in 1968. It s all about the here and now, though, and as we prepare for the game, it s quite clear to see that there s a favourite and an underdog between the two.
Greece
Despite being pretty inconsistent in the last few years, it always seems like Greece have a surprise result or two up their sleeve. They managed to open up their qualification campaign with a fairly unconvinc…
Portuguese daily that Valencia are eyeing Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Llori.
Los Che could stay without defensive stalwarts Adil Rami and Jeremy Mathieu in the summer, meaning they are forced to start search for reinforcements.
According to Record, the Mestalla outfit are pondering a summer move for Sporting Lisbon youngster Tiago Llori.
The English-born centre-back has exploded onto the biggest stage this season and his impressive displays did not go unnoticed.
The likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse have already shown interest, with Valencia the latest club to cast admiring glances his way.
Tiago Llori began his professional career at Estadio Jose Alvalade and was handed his first team debut in November 2011.
He has…
Brendan Rodgers admits that Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to return to top form until next season, but urged the striker to find a way to play through the pain barrier until the end of the campaign.
England international Sturridge has been beset by thigh and hamstring problems this term and has been restricted to just 12 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals.
It marks a stark contrast to 2013-14, where he formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suarez and netted 21 times in 29 league outings.
The former Chelsea man recently suggested that it will take for him to rediscover top form after his injury woes.
Manager Rodgers agrees with that assertion, but is still hoping to see a decent return until the end of the season.
When you re out for t…
“We are also thinking of all your supporters on site in Brussels. We know that you, like us, were afraid and worried. Yet you remained calm and followed the instructions that were called out from the speakers.
“We will never forget those who fell victims of this senseless attack. Take care of each other.”
Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski linked to the team statement in his Instagram Stories, alongside a broken heart emoji.
The Belgium team said on social media: “We are still devastated by what happened in our capital on Monday.
“We want to thank all the fans and stewards in the stadium for their understanding and support in these difficult circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the Swedish, we hope everyone gets home safely.”
…
Siena defender Juan Zuniga admits he would like to join a bigger club at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has been linked with several clubs, including AC Milan, Palermo, Fiorentina, Sevilla and West Ham.
The Colombian has become a regular starter in Siena after joining the club in July 2008 from Atletico Nacional.
“It s nice to see my name linked to such great clubs in Italy and abroad,†Zuniga told Itasportpress.
“Every player who represents a smaller side would like to play for an important club.
“At the moment I am happy in Siena, but at the end of the season I will talk about a move.
“For me Milan or Fiorentina makes no difference they are both great club…
Bruno Fernandes is not happy about failing to win a trophy in his first year with Manchester United.
United signed Fernandes from Sporting CP in January for a fee that could reach €80million (£67.6m) and has accumulated 25 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.
Since his Premier League debut on February 1, the Portugal international has been involved in more goals (29 17 scored, 12 assisted) than any other player in the competition.
Fernandes has had a hand in half of United s top-flight goals in that time frame and has averaged 2.87 chances created (including assists) per 90 minutes, a figure that is only bettered by Jack Grealish (2.92) and Kevin De Bruyne (4.28) among players to have featured at least 10 times.
However, Ferna…
As for the visitors, while Manchester United would have been disappointed to have only snatched a 1-1 draw off of Everton at Old Trafford last weekend, the former champions have made a string of improvements nearing closer to Christmas. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer s men undoubtedly still boosted by their famous 2-1 win away at bitter rivals Man City earlier in the month and booking a spot in the semi-final of this year s EFL Cup, they are enjoying a six-match Premier League unbeaten run and will also be more than aware of their stellar record against Sunday s hosts. Securing back-to-back 2-1 wins over Watford last season, the Reds have remarkably won 15 of their last 16 matchups against the Hornets, a run that stems back to September 1986. One man who could be set to steal the show this w…
Competition: Champions League
Market: Bayern to Win to Nil against Rostov
Odds:
German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich welcome Russian Premier League outfit Rostov to the Allianz-Arena for tonight’s Champions League clash, and are big favourites to pick up all three points to get their campaign off to a perfect start in Group D.
Bayern have started the new season strongly under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, winning both Bundesliga games, scoring eight goals without reply. They are formidable on home soil, having boasted a 100% record at the Allianz-Arena in 2015/16, conceding one or less goals in five of their six home outings.
As for their opposition, Rostov are underdogs to get a result with the gulf in class between the two sides. The Russians h…
Verdict: Draw
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Newly-crowned La Liga champions play host to Champions League finalists Real Madrid in a hotly-anticipated El Clasico which will be under great scrutiny due to Los Blancos’ refusal to form the guard of honour and greet the title holders.
Barcelona
The Catalan giants are ready to welcome their bitter rivals in the 237th edition of El Clasico this Sunday. The upcoming high-profile clash between the eternal foes will bear little to no competitive significance but still remains a hot matter of interest.
Barcelona head into the final El Clasico of the season having clinched a domestic double over the past couple of weeks but with a bitter taste in their mouth following a disappointing Champions League exit. Erne…
Bastian Schweinsteiger looks set to be on the verge of leaving Manchester United, .
The Germany international only moved to Old Trafford last summer but could be on his way out after being a notable absentee from training on Thursday, when new manager Jose Mourinho gathered the entire first team together.
Schweingsteiger signed for £6.5m from Bayern Munich last July and racked up thirty-one appearances in all competitions with his one and only goal for the club coming in a 1-1 draw with eventual champions Leicester City in November.
The 31 year old has been capped one hundred and twenty times for his country with the last five of those outings coming at this summer’s European Championships in France, where Joachim Low’s side reached the semi-finals whi…