4-2-3-1 v Fenerbahce: Mourinho without these 4 Man Utd players for vital Europa clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups

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4-2-3-1 v Fenerbahce: Mourinho without these 4 Man Utd players for vital Europa clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview ahead of this week’s Europa League fixture. 

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United
UEFA Europa League 2016/17
3rd November 2016, 18:00 pm BST
Ülker Stadium, Turkey

Manchester United Team News & Preview

Manchester United travel to Turkey for their next Europa League game against Fenerbahce this week.

The Red Devils are in a bit of a crisis right now and will be looking to replicate their performance against the Turkish outfit from earlier this season. Manchester United managed to beat them 4-1 at Old Trafford earlier in October.

The Old Trafford outfit are second in their group right now, level on points with leaders Feyenoord. The Premier League giants were made to work hard for a 0-0 draw against Burnley during the weekend and will need to improve in order to pick up a win here.

José Mourinho will be without Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, James Wilson and Phil Jones for the trip to Turkey. Anthony Martial and Chris Smalling could be fit in time to face Fenerbahce.

Predicted Manchester United Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Fosu-Mensah, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Carrick, Pogba; Depay, Rooney, Lingard; Rashford

Fenerbahce Team News & Preview

Fenerbahce have had a poor start to their domestic campaign, but have won their last two matches with clean sheets. They have improved since their defeat at Old Trafford and will look to avenge last week’s loss in front of their own fans.

United are struggling right now and the home side will be aware of their problems, having played them once earlier this month.

The Turkish outfit have managed to make themselves hard to beat. They are unbeaten in their last eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.

There are no notable injury worries for the home side.

Predicted Fenerbahce Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Demirel; Wiel, Kjaer, Skrtel, Kaldirim; Topal, Souza; Potuk, Van Persie, Sen; Emenike

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Key Stats

Fenerbahce are undefeated in 12 of their last 14 matches in the UEFA Europa League.

Manchester United have won just 4 of their last 11 matches in the UEFA Europa League.

Manchester United have won just 2 of their last 6 matches in all competitions. Fenerbahce have won 3 during the same period.

Both sides have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 2 matches in all competitions.

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Betting Tips

Fenerbahce will look to get a result in front of their own fans this week and both sides have been disciplined at the back lately. A low scoring game is definitely on the cards here. Under 2.5 goals (8/11) seem likely.

Fenerbahce have been hard to beat this season. Get them to win or draw at 8/13 with Ladbrokes.

Manchester United will be desperate for a win here. Mourinho’s side are better on paper and should be able to pick up the three points once again. Get the away side to win at 13/10 with Ladbrokes.

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Prediction

Manchester United and Fenerbahce will both want to qualify for the next round and this result could prove to be vital in the end.

Fenerbahce will be desperate to pick up a win here, but United will be motivated after their recent run of poor results. The away side have the quality to win here and should be able to do just that.

Fenerbahce 1-2 Manchester United

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4-3-3 v Legia: Real Madrid without 3 key first team stars for European away game; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups

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4-3-3 v Legia: Real Madrid without 3 key first team stars for European away game; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Legia Warsaw vs Real Madrid Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview ahead of this week’s Champions League fixture.

Legia Warsaw vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League 2016/17
2nd November 2016, 19:45 pm BST
Polish Army Stadium, Warsaw

Real Madrid Team News & Preview

Real Madrid travel to Poland for their Champions League clash against Legia Warsaw this week.

Los Blancos have won their last five matches in all competitions and are in superb form right now. The Spanish giants will be full of confidence here and will look to replicate their performance against Legia at the Bernabeu from earlier this month.

Real Madrid are level on points with Borussia Dortmund and will want to lead their Champions League group with a big win against the Polish outfit.

Zidane is set to be without some of his star players for this week’s match. Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Sergio Ramos will all miss the welcome of Legia Warszawa.

Real Madrid’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, Kovacic; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

Legia Warsaw Team News & Preview

Legia were thrashed during their first meeting with Real Madrid this season and Wednesday’s game will be a huge challenge for them.

The Polish outfit are massive underdogs and have had an atrocious start to their Champions League campaign. They have lost all of their matches in Europe so far. Legia have conceded thirteen times in their first three matches and will be dreading the visit of Real Madrid.

In terms of injuries, Legia should have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Legia’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Malarz; Bereszynski, Czerwinski, Rzezniczak, Hlousek; Moulin, Jodlowiec; Langil, Radovic, Guilherme; Nikolic

Legia Warsaw vs Real Madrid Key Stats

Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 7 matches in the UEFA Champions League.

Legia have conceded 13 goals in their last 3 UEFA Champions League games against Sporting and Dortmund.

Legia have scored just once in their last 3 UEFA Champions League games.

Real Madrid have won their last 5 matches in all competitions.

Legia Warsaw vs Real Madrid Betting Tips

Real Madrid were unplayable against Alaves and Leonesa in their last two matches. Los Blancos will carry that form into this game. Plus, Legia have been extremely poor in Europe so far. Get the away side to win at 1/9 with Ladbrokes.

Legia have been conceding at a rate of more 4 goals per game (on average) in Europe this season. Considering Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, Over 2.5 goals (1/4) seem likely here.

Legia Warsaw vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid are massive favourites to win this one. It seems highly unlikely that Legia will be able to pull off a major upset. The Polish side are out of their depth here and this should be a comfortable outing for Los Blancos. The Spanish giants will look to run riot here.

Legia Warsaw 0-4 Real Madrid

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Former German goalkeeper set for WWE debut this week

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Former German goalkeeper set for WWE debut this week - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Tim Wiese is in line to make his debut with the World Wrestling Entertainment at a live event in Munich on Thursday. The former goalkeeper, who made over 250 appearances for Werder Bremen, has been training at the wrestling behemoth’s developmental centre in Orland, Florida, since 2014. He made his first appearance for the company as a timekeeper at a live event in Frankfurt in November that year.

Now, as the The Guardian reported yesterday, Wiese will make his in-ring bow in his home country on November 3. He will join the tag team of two fellow Europeans, Sheamus and Cesaro to take on the Shining Stars and Bo Dallas. Standing at 6 foot 4 and currently weighing in 120 kilos, Wiese said that he hoped he would be able to showcase his raw strength on his debut.

My game plan against the Shining Stars will basically be to go full throttle, beat them down out of the ring, and seeing as they weigh 30-40lbs less than I do, I will grab them, one with the left hand, one with the right, and end them. I’ll drop kick Bo Dallas and throw him off the stage.

He was known for his notoriety even during his football days, and Wiese will look to carry this forward in the WWE, where trash-talking and getting into one’s opponents’ faces is considered an important ability. Having retired from football at just 32 in 2014, he still has a lot of time to make an impression in the world of sports entertainment. Looking at the way he’s started, it looks like he’s going in the right direction. The character that Wiese is playing looks to be that of a brash and arrogant “big guy”, one that his real-life personality perfectly suits. Asked of any injuries he’d suffered while wrestling, he said, “That’s a stupid question, of course I haven’t had any injuries, because I dole out the punishment, I don’t receive it. Next question.”

Wiese made 6 appearances for the German national side between 2008 and 2012, and was part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Having been second-choice to Manuel Neuer throughout the run to the semi-finals, he missed out on playing in the third-place playoff due to an injury.

Unfortunately, Wiese’s football career didn’t pan out as expected. Starting this Thursday, it’s time for the 34 year-old to capitalise on a fresh opportunity, and make an impression in the WWE. He will be greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by his home fans, but must have a solid first match to really catch the eye of the viewers.

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La Liga Table 2016-17: Real Madrid top the chart, Barcelona 2nd and other talking points

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La Liga Table 2016-17: Real Madrid top the chart, Barcelona 2nd and other talking points - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Real Madrid maintained their two-point lead at the top of La Liga after beating Alaves 4-1 on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his best at Mendizorrotza and finished the day with a hat-trick to his name.

The Portuguese scored from the spot to level the score in the first half after Madrid went behind through Deyverson. He added further two goals but also saw a spot-kick saved by Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco 10 minutes from time.

Alvaro Morata got on the sheet for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute. Madrid have yet to hit the top gear but are doing just fine to keep them above their rivals.

In the other half of Madrid, two goals apiece for Yannick Carrasco and striker Kevin Gameiro, saw Atletico beating Malaga 4-2 at the Calderon.

La Liga standings

Gameiro, who joined this summer from Sevilla, is increasingly becoming an influential player for the club, having been involved in five goals (three goals, two assists) in five league appearances at home.

Atletico are known for their defensive resilience. This time, however, they have added more firepower in their attack and are scoring freely at home.

Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona defeated bottom-of-the-table Granada by 1-0 and that had put them into second position ahead of Atletico.

It was a strange game for Barcelona. The star-studded forward line including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar missed several easy chances but they still managed to eek out the win.

An overhead kick from Rafinha Alcantara in the second half was enough to settle the tie. The Brazilian has been in excellent form this season and has scored five goals from just six shots in La Liga this season.

Sevilla were restricted to a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Sporting Gijon. The visitors started the day brightly when Luciano Vietto had put them ahead in the opening five minutes, but Gijon pulled one back through midfielder Moi Gomez.

The afternoon turned all the more frustrating for Jorge Sampaoli when Samir Nasri, who has revived his career after his loan move from Manchester City, was subbed at the break following an injury.

LA LIGA RESULTS FROM WEEK 10 GAMES

Saturday, October 29 2016 

Sporting Gijon 1-1 Sevilla

Alaves 1-4 Real Madrid 

Atletico Madrid 4-2 Malaga 

Barcelona 1-0 Granada 

 

Sunday, October 30 2016 

Eibar 2-1 Villarreal 

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Osasuna 

Real Betis 0-1 Espanyol 

Las Palmas 3-3 Celta Vigo 

LATEST LA LIGA STANDINGS

La Liga Table

 

On Sunday Las Palmas came from three goals down to salvage a 3-3 draw in a pulsating thriller against Celta Vigo, who had Sergi Gomez sent off in the second half.

Villarreal suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-1 away to Eibar on Sunday. Goals from Ivan Ramis and Pedro Leon saw Eibar sealing a dramatic comeback against the Yellow Submarines.

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Manchester United 0-0 Burnley: 3 Things We Learned About Mourinho’s Team

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Manchester United 0-0 Burnley: 3 Things We Learned About Mourinho’s Team - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Manchester United played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford last Saturday afternoon. They had 37 shots on goal but failed to convert any of them. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney missed guilt-edge chances as the Burnley defence held firm.

Jose Mourinho frustration boiled over as he was sent to the stands for his aggressive behaviour towards referee Mark Clattenburg while on the pitch Ander Herrera was sent off after 68 minutes for two bookable offences (the second yellow was very harsh indeed).

So, what have we learned from Man Utd’s match against Burnley?

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be dropped

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is really struggling at the moment. He has now gone 6 games without a goal. That is his longest streak without a goal since 2007.

Only a few months ago Ibrahimovic looked like a bargain signing after bagging 4 goals in his first 4 games. Now he looks every bit of the 35 years of age that he is.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic walks off, dejected after Man Utd fail to beat Burnley at home.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks dejected at full time after Man Utd fail to beat Burnley at home.

Ibrahimovic’s current impotence in front of goal is a huge issue for Man Utd. He squandered four good chances against Burnley and his confidence looks shot.

Ibrahimovic like Rooney, should be benched.

But maybe there is a clause written into his contract that if fit, he has to start because on current form Ibrahimovic is not justifying his place in the Man Utd team.

2. Marcus Rashford should start upfront

Mourinho has persisted with Ibrahimovic upfront and Marcus Rashford on the left wing despite Man Utd’s poor form and lack of goals. Though Rashford has done well on occasion on the wing and notched a couple of goals.

However it is clear that Man Utd’s attack lacks dynamism and energy through the middle and as chance after chance went by against Burnley, Man Utd resorted to cross after cross rather than trying to use speed and skill to open up the Burnley defence.

So Mourinho should move Rashford into his favoured position to address this glaring issue.

Mourinho only has to look back to last season when Rashford excelled as a striker under Louis Van Gaal. He scored 6 goals in 12 games which included a double against Arsenal and the winner against Manchester City at the Etihad in the Manchester derby.

Marcus Rashford celebrating after scoring against Manchester City.

Marcus Rashford celebrating after scoring against Manchester City last season.

Evidence from the last three Premier League seasons suggests you need a dynamic and energetic striker to win the league. It is no coincidence that Leicester, Chelsea and Man City, the last three Premier League champions, have had Jamie Vardy, Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero as their strikers respectively.

So if Man Utd have any ambition of winning the Premier League this season they need to move Rashford into the centre forward position sooner rather than later.

3. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Future Looks Bleak At Man Utd

You would think that against Burnley, Henrikh Mkhitaryan would at least make the bench.

But again he failed to make the squad.

His situation is beyond bizarre.

Man Utd paid £27m for Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. He won the best player in the Bundesliga award last season and scored 20 goals and created 26 assists across all competitions.

Mkhitaryan was expected to be the attacking fulcrum of this Man Utd side instead he has been reduced to just 105 minutes of action including a 20 minute cameo vs Hull – admittedly he did impress in that game – and a shocking 45 mins against Man City – were he was played out of position and looked unfit.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's last appearance for Manchester United was against Manchester City in September.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s last appearance for Manchester United was against Manchester City in September.

Since that game Mkhitaryan has not played at all for Man Utd in any competition. But Man Utd look like they need him as he could have unlocked a tight defence like Burnley’s.

If things do not change soon, Mkhitaryan will go down as one of the worst signings in Man Utd’s history.

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Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal: 3 Things We Learned About The Gunners

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Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal: 3 Things We Learned About The Gunners - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Arsenal secured a 4-1 away win over Sunderland last Saturday in the early kick off. The game started and ended comfortably for Arsenal. But they gifted Sunderland a goal midway through the second half which made it 1-1. So needed two goals from Olivier Giroud in a matter of minutes to guarantee the victory.

This is what we learned from Arsenal’s performance.

1. Sanchez continues to impress upfront

Alexis Sanchez has been inspirational for Arsenal this season and at the Stadium of Light that was no different.

His work rate, trickery and speed has given a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack and the Sunderland defenders were simply unable to cope.

Sanchez scored two brilliantly taken goals against Sunderland. The first, a bullet header into the top corner from inside the box.

Alexissanchezheader_tmp

Alexis Sanchez heads Arsenal into the lead against Sunderland.

The second, he controlled the ball 6 yards out, turned past Papy Djilobodji as if he was not there and neatly flicked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper with the outside of his right boot into the goal.

He has now scored 6 league goals in 10 matches. Only Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero have scored more in the league this season.

Despite some reservations at the start of the season, Sanchez is the real deal upfront.

2. Giroud is the perfect super-sub

Olivier Giroud’s impact off the bench cannot be understated. Sunderland had just equalised and their confidence was soaring.

But Giroud’s introduction changed that within a matter of minutes.

OlivierGiroudcelebrating_tmp

Olivier Giroud celebrates after netting his second goal of the game. Maybe it will not be long before we see him return to the starting line-up

Between the 70 and 77th minute Arsenal scored three goals, two of which came from Giroud. The first an expertly taken shot from inside the penalty area after a great pick out from Kieran Gibbs and the second was a fantastic header from a Mesut Ozil corner.

By the time Sanchez added a forth the game was already finished.

Giroud showed that he can be both an excellent super sub and plan B for Arsenal. He is still a quality striker and has key strengths to his game that no other attacker in Arsenal’s squad possesses.

3. Complacency may haunt Arsenal this season

At 1-0 Arsenal were cruising and Sunderland did not look capable of scoring at all. They were dominating the game and should have scored two or three more goals.

While it remained 1-0 anything was possible and a mistake from Shkodran Mustafi, led to a Sunderland penalty. Jermaine Defoe duly scored the spot kick.

Jermaine Defoe scoring from the penalty spot to make it 1-1. But he was unable to stop them slumping to another defeat.

Fortunately for Arsenal, they were able to win 4-1 in the end. However against better sides such complacency could come back to haunt them.  Tottenham and Man Utd – Arsenal’s next two opponents in the Premier League – will not be so forgiving if Arsenal gift them a goal like they did against Sunderland.

So if Arsenal want to have any chance of becoming Premier League champions they need to be more ruthless in front of goal when ahead and dominating the game. Plus stay focused for the full 90 minutes.

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Man Utd Transfers: Offer submitted for experienced playmaker; January move 'almost certain'

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Man Utd Transfers: Offer submitted for experienced playmaker; January move 'almost certain' - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is one step closer to sealing his exit from Old Trafford.

The German midfielder is not a part of Mourinho’s plans and has been training all by himself, ever since the Portuguese took over. Schweinsteiger is not allowed to play for the youth sides either and has already been told to clear out his locker.

There is clearly no way back for the 32-year-old World cup winner. Italian outlet Calciomercato are claiming that AC Milan are interested in his services and have already contacted his representatives and offered them a contract.

Recently the German said that he would not consider playing for another European club, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to this offer (if the reports are true).

Initially, it looked like Schweinsteiger would be heading to MLS or China, but a move to Milan won’t be too bad. They are in need of his experience and winning mentality and he will also suit the Italian league. Serie A is a lot slower than Bundesliga and the Premier League.

Calciomercato claims that the transfer is one step away.

Schweinsteiger is on significant wages at Old Trafford and a departure makes sense for all parties. It is unclear whether Milan will be able to match what United are paying him, but they can certainly treat him better as a player and a professional.

Whatever the case, Calciomercato are claiming that Schweinsteiger will almost certainly leave United in January.

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Liverpool star wants to join Barcelona, PSG ready to make crazy offer to sign him

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Liverpool star wants to join Barcelona, PSG ready to make crazy offer to sign him - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is a man in demand if recent transfer rumours are to be believed.

According to the Spanish outlet Sport, the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are keeping an eye on the Premier League midfielder and could make a move during the summer transfer window.

Coutinho has been sensational for club and country over the last 12 months and is rightly being noticed by the European elite.

Sport claim that the Brazilian midfielder wants a transfer to Barcelona and Liverpool are afraid of losing their star player. As per their report, Coutinho’s representatives offered him to Barcelona last year, but the Catalan club turned down the chance to sign him because of the asking price and other priorities.

Sport also adds that Coutinho has a contract until 2020, but the Anfield outfit are ready to offer an improved contract right now. It will be interesting to see how Coutinho responds to the new contract offer, if it arrives.

Coutinho being linked with these clubs is not a surprise at all. Coutinho has been Liverpool’s best player for a while now and is arguably the best player in the Premier League on current form.

Furthermore, PSG are monitoring the Brazilian as well and Sport are claiming that they are ready to make a crazy offer in order to sign him. With Real Madrid interested as well, it could well turn into a bidding war this summer.

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4-2-3-1 v Ludogorets: Arsenal could be without 6 first team players for vital UCL away clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups

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4-2-3-1 v Ludogorets: Arsenal could be without 6 first team players for vital UCL away clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Ludogorets vs Arsenal Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview ahead of this week’s Champions League fixture.

Ludogorets vs Arsenal
UEFA Champions League 2016/17
1st November 2016, 19:45 pm BST
Ludogorets Arena, Razgrad

Arsenal Team News & Preview

Arsenal take on Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League this week.

The Gunners are in outstanding form right now and will be aiming for another massive win against the minnows in Europe.

Arsene Wenger’s men picked up a 4-1 win over Sunderland this weekend and have been unplayable for a while now. They won the first outing against Ludogorets 6-0 and should not have a problem away from home as well.

Mertesacker, Akpom, Perez and Welbeck are injured for the away side. Cazorla, Walcott and Monreal are doubtful at this stage and will be assessed closer to kick off.

Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Gibbs; Xhaka, Ramsey; Alexis, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud

Ludogorets Team News & Preview

Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets have been in superb form domestically, but in the Champions league, they will be severely out of their depth.

PSG managed to beat them comfortably in their own backyard and Arsenal will be an even greater challenge. The Gunners destroyed Ludogorets at Emirates earlier this month and will look to do the same here.

Wenger’s men are in excellent attacking form and the Ludogorets defence is in for a tough time.

The away side have no particular injury concerns and will be able to field their strongest lineup.

Predicted Ludogorets Starting Lineup (4-5-1): Stoyanov; Moti, Minev, Palomino, Pimienta; Dyakov, Anicet, Wanderson, Marcelino, Misidjan; Cafu

Ludogorets vs Arsenal Key Stats

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 13 matches in all competitions.

Ludogorets have lost just thrice in their last 18 matches in all competitions. Two of those defeats came against Arsenal and PSG in the Champions League.

Both teams have been in impressive scoring form. Arsenal have scored 16 in their last 6 matches, Ludogorets have scored 15 in their last five.

Ludogorets vs Arsenal Betting Tips

Arsenal are in outstanding form right now and are 7/20 to win the game with Ladbrokes.

Both sides have been scoring freely this season. Over 2.5 goals (1/2) seem like a good bet here. Also get both teams to score at 8/11.

Ludogorets have been very good in their domestic league and are an impressive 15/2 to win here.

Ludogorets vs Arsenal Prediction

Arsenal have been unplayable lately and despite their injury worries, they are way too superior to Ludogorets and should be able to deal with them with ease.

An away win looks very likely and Arsenal will look to take one step closer to qualifying as the group winners with a statement win here.

Ludogorets 0-3 Arsenal

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4-3-3 v City: Barcelona without four key first team stars for high profile UCL clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups

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4-3-3 v City: Barcelona without four key first team stars for high profile UCL clash; Key Stats, Team News and Predicted Lineups - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Manchester City vs Barcelona Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview ahead of this week’s Champions League fixture. 

Manchester City vs Barcelona
UEFA Champions League 2016/17
1st November 2016, 19:45 pm BST
Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Manchester City Team News & Preview

Manchester City host Barcelona in the Champions League this week and the Premier League giants will be looking to put up some sort of fight this time.

Barcelona were unplayable during their first meeting this season and the Spanish champions picked up a 4-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side at Camp Nou.

Manchester City have been very inconsistent lately and despite their 4-0 win over West Brom during the weekend, they will need to be very careful against Barcelona. The win over the Baggies was City’s first in six matches. The Premier League side had conceded 9 goals in 5 matches before keeping a clean sheet against West Brom.

This is a vital match for City. They are just one point ahead of Gladbach in the standings and the Germans could overtake them if they lose again.

It will be interesting to see how Guardiola sets up for this game. His men were battered by Barcelona earlier this season and the world class manager might need to change his approach this time.

Vincent Kompany is expected to feature against Barcelona after sitting out the game against West Brom. Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta are still struggling with injuries. Kevin de Bruyne remains a doubt with a calf injury.

Predicted Manchester City Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Fernando, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Gundogan; Sterling, Nolito, Silva; Aguero

Barcelona Team News & Preview

Barcelona have been in good form lately and will look to add to that with another win over City.

The Catalan giants picked up a 1-0 win over Granada this weekend and will be happy with a similar scoreline here.

Barcelona will want to qualify as the group winners and a victory here would more or less secure that for them. They are already five points clear of second-placed City.

The away side will be well aware of Guardiola’s strengths and weaknesses and will look to punish the inconsistent English side once again.

Gerard Pique and Jeremy Mathieu are both injured. Lucas Digne will replace Jordi Alba at left-back and Rafinha is expected to fill in for the injured Andres Iniesta in midfield.

Predicted Barcelona Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Digne; Rakitic, Busquets, Rafinha; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Manchester City vs Barcelona Key Stats

Barcelona have won their last 5 matches against Man City in all competitions.

Barcelona have won 6 of their last 7 matches in the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City have failed to win 5 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.

Manchester City vs Barcelona Betting Tips

Barcelona have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Man City in all competitions. Get the away side to win both halves at 11/2.

There have been over 2.5 goals (1/2) scored in 5 of Barcelona’s last 6 games in the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore, City have been conceding a lot recently (9 goals in their last 6 matches). A high scoring game is likely.

Barcelona have an impressive record against City. Get the Catalans to win at 7/5.

Manchester City vs Barcelona Prediction

Manchester City will be slightly confident after their performance this weekend, but they are quite vulnerable defensively.

Barcelona are in superb form and will trouble the home side going forward. Unless Guardiola changes his system to shut down the away side, Barcelona are likely to win the game of possession and punish City.

An away win seems likely here. Barcelona will be too hot to handle for the Premier League giants.

Manchester City 1-3 Barcelona

 

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15 goals in 22 games: Chelsea looking to sign £40m forward who destroyed Man City's defence

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15 goals in 22 games: Chelsea looking to sign £40m forward who destroyed Man City's defence - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Chelsea and Manchester United are looking to sign the highly talented Celtic striker Moussa Dembele.

The young forward has impressed with his mature displays in the Champions League and is being monitored by several European heavyweights.

According to Express, Chelsea and Manchester United scouted him during Celtic’s game against Ross County last week and Manchester City are also using their matches against the Scottish champions to run the rule over Dembele.

As per the report, Real Madrid are interested in the player as well. Apparently, Dembele is valued at 40 million pounds and Zinedine Zidane is very impressed with his ability.

It will be interesting to see who makes the first move in this chase. Dembele’s talent is beyond doubt, but he is still very young. Apart from the steep asking price, Dembele might have his own preference when it comes to a transfer.

At this point of time, he needs to play regularly in order to fulfill his potential and therefore a move to Real Madrid might not appeal to him. Mourinho’s track record with youngsters isn’t particularly good and therefore Chelsea might have an advantage here. Whoever ends up with the 20-year-old forward will have a potential world class player on their hands.

Dembele has scored 15 goals in 22 games for Celtic this season. The young forward put on a devastating display against City earlier this season and scored a brace in that game.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News | Football Blog



from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/2f3y2kv
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