Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

High-flying Barcelona’s pursuit of a coveted top-four La Liga finish continues as they entertain Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.

Fresh from ousting Napoli from the Europa League play-off round, courtesy of midweek’s overwhelming 4-2 win in Italy, Barcelona will be looking to pick up where they left off in La Liga. A comprehensive 4-1 victory away to Valencia last time out maintained Barca’s unbeaten league start to the new calendar year (W4, D2). It also means that the Catalans have only lost one of their 12 La Liga matches under Xavi’s guidance (W7, D4). There’s been drastic improvement in Barcelona’s attacking set-up following a raft of high-profile January singings, with the ‘Blaugrana’ scoring 2+ goals in each of their last three La Liga outings after netting precisely once per game in the previous four in a row. Brimming with confidence, Barca are pre-match favourites to extend their impressive 18-game undefeated La Liga streak versus Basque rivals (W14, D5).

However, the hosts can ill-afford to underestimate Athletic Bilbao, who brushed aside arch-rivals Real Sociedad with a mammoth 4-0 victory last time out, posting their third win in four La Liga games (L1). But ‘Los Leones’ have earned a reputation as the ‘entertainment killers’ and for a reason, having produced a league-lowest average of 1.38 goals scored/conceded per away La Liga fixture this season. Indeed, Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men have shipped a league second-low eight goals across their 13 La Liga travels this term, conceding more than once per match just once so far. Bilbao will have to keep things tight again if they are to stand any chance of snapping their humiliating 19-game winless La Liga run against Barcelona (D3, L16). Despite being an omnipresent fixture in Spain’s top-flight this century, Bilbao last won a league game at Camp Nou in 2001!

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Real Sociedad vs Osasuna

Underperforming Real Sociedad are set to encounter mid-table Osasuna in a must-win La Liga fixture as the race for the European spots starts to heat up.

It’s been a tough week for Real Sociedad, who went from losing 4-0 to fellow Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao to suffering Europa League elimination at the hands of RB Leipzig, courtesy of a 3-1 home defeat in the return leg. With just one win from their last four La Liga matches (D2, L1), ‘La Real’ now face an uphill battle to ensure a third consecutive appearance in UEFA competitions. So Sociedad will be seeking all three points against an Osasuna side they have not lost to in any of their last 11 encounters in La Liga (W6, D5), including a comfortable 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. But although they are unbeaten in their last eight top-flight home meetings with Osasuna (W4, D4), Imanol Alguacil’s men have faltered at Reale Arena lately, picking up just two wins from seven league outings (D3, L2).

In the meantime, Osasuna’s thumping 3-0 home loss to Atletico Madrid last time out ended their run of three league matches without defeat (W2, D1), shipping them down to the bottom half of the table. However, after suffering back-to-back away league losses ‘to nil,’ the visitors have won their last two La Liga games on hostile turf without conceding. What’s more, ‘Los Rojillos’ have gone unbeaten in their previous ten La Liga visits to Basque sides (W6, D4), notably keeping seven clean sheets in that run of fixtures. Given Osasuna’s mediocre scoring ratio of 1.25 goals per away league match, staying compact at the back could prove pivotal to their hopes of posting their first La Liga win in San Sebastian since November 2005.

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Lazio vs Napoli

Stadio Olimpico is the venue as Lazio and Napoli go head-to-head in a handsomely-looking Serie A fixture.

Lazio officially waved goodbye to the Europa League after a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Porto at home sealed their fate in the play-off round. ‘I Biancocelesti’ can switch their attention towards Serie A proceedings, where they currently trail fourth-placed Juventus by seven points, albeit with a game in hand. Maurizio Sarri’s men have strung together five league matches without losing (W3, D2) since a 2-1 defeat away to Inter Milan in early January. Additionally, Lazio have only lost once in their last 25 Serie A home outings (W19, D5), courtesy of a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Juventus back in November. Their outstanding home form could well go on, with the hosts coming out on top of both previous top-flight H2Hs in Rome without conceding a single goal.

Like their opposition, Napoli’s hopes of lifting their first European title in the 21st century were curtailed in midweek as Barcelona cruised to an overwhelming 4-2 second-leg win in southern Italy to make it to the Europa League last-16. Things do not like bright for ‘I Partenopei’ in Serie A either, with a brace of uneventful 1-1 draws with Inter and Cagliari seeing them waste a couple of glorious opportunities to regain control at the top of the table. However, Luciano Spalletti’s men are unbeaten in all seven Serie A matches in 2022 so far (W4, D3), conceding under 1.5 goals on each occasion. Indeed, Napoli’s tally of just 18 goals shipped from 26 Serie A fixtures is second to none this season, with ‘I Partenopei’ remaining the only side in Italy’s top division yet to concede double digits on the road (9).

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Augsburg vs Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund’s elusive pursuit of their first Bundesliga crown in a decade continues away to relegation-battling Augsburg at WWK Arena.

Augsburg head into proceedings off the back of consecutive Bundesliga defeats to Freiburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, both of which saw them concede two goals within 50 minutes of play. Defensive stubbornness has not been Augsburg’s strong suit this season, as only four Bundesliga sides have conceded more league goals than them (40) so far. But despite failing to keep a clean sheet in nine of their 11 Bundesliga home matches this term, the ‘Fuggerstädter’ can at least draw confidence from shipping 2+ goals in just 36% of them. Augsburg won’t have to look beyond their three-game home league form against Dortmund to find inspiration (W2, L1). They’ve scored 2+ goals in each of those three matches, which has been the case in just four of their 11 Bundesliga home fixtures this season.

On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund drew 2-2 away to Rangers in midweek Europa League action as they bowed out of the competition via a 6-3 aggregate defeat. However, ‘Die Borussen’ have felt much more comfortable in domestic proceedings, having won each of their last two Bundesliga matches by 3+ goals ‘to nil,’ to maintain their faint hopes of beating Bayern Munich to the title this season. Moreover, Marco Rose’s men have won their last three away league games in a row, as many victories as in their first eight top-flight travels this campaign. Having kept back-to-back Bundesliga clean sheets for the first time since April 2021, Dortmund recorded their highest-margin league triumph over Gladbach (6-0) last time out since September 2018. Confidence must be flowing around the travelling camp, with Borussia scoring more goals (22) than any other Bundesliga side in the second half of the season.

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Empoli vs Juventus

Juventus’ pursuit of a coveted top-four Serie A finish continues this weekend as they head to the Stadio Carlo Castellani to take on mid-table Empoli.

Empoli continue to flirt with the upper half of the table despite going winless in their last ten Serie A matches since mid-December (D5, L5). Though they’d want to snap the longest ongoing winless streak in Italy’s top-flight, zero clean sheets from their 13 Serie A home games this season could throw a spanner in the works. However, following a shock 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in August, Empoli could go unbeaten in both seasonal meetings with Juventus for only the second time in the club’s history, last achieving that feat in 1998/99. Worryingly, ‘Gli Azzurri’ are not only winless in their last eight Serie A H2Hs on home turf (D2, L6) since a 1-0 triumph in April 1999, they’ve netted just four goals in their 13 previous top-flight encounters against this opposition, home and away.

In the meantime, a 1-1 draw at Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in midweek marked Juventus’ third identical stalemate following similar results against Torino and Atalanta in Serie A. Although ‘I Bianconeri’ go into this round unbeaten in 12 consecutive league matches (W7, D5) since a 1-0 loss to Atalanta in November, three of their last four Serie A fixtures have ended level. A lack of scoring prowess has seen Massimiliano Allegri’s side net under 1.5 goals in three of their last four away games in all competitions. But the arrival of the divisions’ second-best scorer Dusan Vlahovic in January should help Juventus improve their uninspiring average of 1.46 goals scored per Serie A match this season. Yet, Juve have only lost one of their four away league fixtures after conceding the opening goal this season (W1, D2, L1).

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Crystal Palace vs Burnley

Mid-table Crystal Palace will encounter an improving Burnley side at Selhurst Park in an exciting Premier League fixture.

Crystal Palace brushed relegation-battling Watford aside with an overwhelming 4-1 away triumph in midweek, bringing their frustrating six-game winless Premier League run to a halt (D3, L3). But there is another poor run tormenting the ‘Eagles’ ahead of this match-up, as they’ve lost three consecutive three top-flight games at Selhurst Park, last experiencing a longer such streak in the league between December 2016-February 2017 (5). After going winless in their last four Premier League meetings with Burnley (D1, L3), Patrick Vieira’s men will hope to live up to their reputation as the ‘stalemate kings,’ having drawn a league second-high 11 games this Premier League season. Encouragingly, though, before falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in their most recent home outing, Palace had scored in 11 successive Premier League fixtures at Selhurst Park.

On the other hand, Burnley’s back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Brighton without conceding have seemingly put a poor winless Premier League run stretching across 11 games (D7, L4) firmly behind. In fact, those two victories have seen the ‘Clarets’ eclipse their tally of one win from their opening 21 Premier League fixtures this season (D11, L9) and come to only two points below 17th-placed Newcastle United. Interestingly, Burnley’s comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Brighton in their most recent road trip witnessed Sean Dyche’s men score as many goals (3) as they had in their previous six Premier League travels combined. So the visitors must be brimming with confidence as they aim to register three consecutive top-flight wins away against London sides for only the second time in their history.

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Everton vs Manchester City

Everton and Manchester City will both be seeking all three points at Goodison Park, albeit for contrasting reasons, as the two sides go head-to-head in a handsomely-looking Premier League fixture.

Everton’s utmost efforts to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window, coupled with the appointment of Frank Lampard as their new manager, have yet to pay dividends. After losing five of their last six Premier League matches (W1), including a 2-0 defeat at Southampton last time out, the ‘Toffees’ have dropped to 16th in the table, only two points away from the relegation zone. Desperate to bring their disastrous four-game losing H2H league streak at home to a halt, Everton will draw confidence from winning both competitive games at Goodison under Lampard’s stewardship. But a lack of energy in the early exchanges has seen the Merseyside outfit score a league-low eight first-half goals this Premier League season, which represents a mere 29% of Everton’s total scoring tally (8/28).

Meanwhile, Manchester City have netted more Premier League goals in the first half of play (30) than Everton in total, with only Liverpool (70) beating their haul of 63 top-flight strikes this term. City’s impressive 15-game unbeaten Premier League run (W14, D1) was brought to a halt last time out as they fell to a goal-friendly 3-2 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Having allowed second-placed Liverpool to reduce the gap to only three points, Pep Guardiola’s men will feel obliged to maintain their eye-catching 12-match undefeated streak away from home in the Premier League (W10, D2). The ‘Cityzens’ have the record H2H record firmly on their side here, as they’ve only lost one of their last 17 Premier League encounters against Everton, winning each of the last eight on the trot.

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Manchester United vs Watford

High-flying Manchester United will be looking to get revenge on Watford for an embarrassing result in the first half of the Premier League season when the two sides lock horns at Old Trafford.

Manchester United held Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw in midweek Champions League action, taking their unbeaten run across all competitions ten games in a row (W5, D5 – 90mins only). Since a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford in the reverse fixture triggered Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, the ‘Red Devils’ have gone unbeaten in 13 of their last 14 Premier League matches (W8, D5). A scintillating 4-2 triumph at Leeds United last time out made it seven straight top-flight outings without a loss for Ralf Rangnick’s side (W4, D3), firing them to fourth in the standings. Man United should feel confident of staying on the upwards trajectory here, considering they’ve never lost a home league meeting with Watford (W11, D2), including seven consecutive Premier League wins in such match-ups.

Meanwhile, Watford’s disappointing 4-1 loss against Crystal Palace last time out left them languishing in the drop zone, four points adrift of safety. After falling to a staggering ten defeats in their last 13 Premier League fixtures (W1, D2), there is no wonder that the ‘Hornets’ carry a reputation as hot relegation candidates. However, an unexpected 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa in their most recent road trip gives Watford a rare opportunity to win back-to-back away matches in the Premier League for the first time since a run of three in August/September 2017. Conceding first would likely dent those ambitions, as the visitors have lost seven out of nine Premier League away games when falling behind this season (W1, D1). Moreover, after scoring just twice in their four top-flight travels this calendar year, Watford will have to keep things tight at the back to stay unbeaten here.

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Brentford vs Newcastle United

Brentford Community Stadium plays host to a bottom-half battle between out-of-sorts Brentford and high-flying Newcastle United.

Brentford’s scintillating start to their maiden Premier League campaign has faded away as they head into proceedings winless in their last seven league outings, their longest such streak in English league football since a run of eight in 2018. The alarm bells are ringing, as the ‘Bees’ now sit only four points clear of the drop zone, while they’ve failed to win any of their last three home league matches (D1, L2). Goals have been at a premium for Brentford in recent times, as they’ve scored one or fewer in four of their last five Premier League fixtures at the Brentford Community Stadium, where their seasonal average stands at 1.07 per game. Newcastle’s visit doesn’t offer much comfort to Thomas Frank, with his side going winless in their last five H2Hs (D1, L4).

By contrast, Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw at West Ham United last time out extended their unbeaten Premier League streak to six games (W3, D3), steering them further away from the drop zone. Another win/draw here would see Eddie Howe’s men go unbeaten in 7+ Premier League fixtures for the first time since 2011. There’s plenty of reason for optimism in the travelling camp, with the ‘Magpies’ going from three consecutive away league defeats to back-to-back road trips without losing (W1, D1), conceding just once in those matches. What’s more, the Tynesiders have not lost any of their last six Premier League encounters against promoted sides, five of which ended as a draw (W1), including all four this season. But Newcastle’s trip to London brings back painful memories as they’ve lost more Premier League games in the nation’s capital (82) than any other team in the competition’s history.

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AC Milan vs Udinese

AC Milan’s pursuit of their first Serie A title in over a decade continues this weekend as they welcome bottom-half Udinese to the Stadio San Siro.

A 2-2 draw away to Salernitana extended Milan’s unbeaten run in Serie A to four matches (W2, D2), keeping their hopes of claiming their first Scudetto since 2010/11 alive. Sitting two points clear at the Serie A summit, ‘I Rossoneri’ are looking to improve upon their underwhelming five-game league form on home turf (W2, D1, L2). Since they are unbeaten in all four top-flight meetings with Udinese under the stewardship of Stefano Pioli (W2, D2), this encounter appears to be a perfect opportunity for Milan to retain their place at the top of the Serie A table. Despite their recent home wobble, Pioli’s men have kept a clean sheet in their last two Serie A matches at the San Siro and could make it three in a row for the first time since October 2020.

In the meantime, Udinese’s 1-1 home draw with Lazio last time out left them with a single win from six Serie A outings this calendar year (D2, L3), as a season-long fight against the drop looks inevitable. Now only three points clear of the relegation zone, ‘I Friulani’ head to the San Siro on a run of three away league games without a win (D1, L2), drawing a blank on each occasion. Udinese’s seasonal record on the road doesn’t offer much comfort to the travelling supporters (W2, D4, L6), especially as either of those victories came at the expense of fellow relegation rivals Spezia and Cagliari. Conceding first would spell disaster for the visitors’ hopes of staying unbeaten here, as they’ve lost eight of their 11 Serie A fixtures when falling behind this season (D3).

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Genoa vs Inter Milan

Inter Milan will be looking to get their stuttering Serie A title defence back on the rails when they take on warm relegation candidates Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Genoa’s first absence from Serie A since 2006/07 looks imminent as Alexander Blessin’s men head into proceedings winless in their last 23 league matches (D13, L10)! Yet, Blessin has got his managerial tenure off to a decent start, guiding Genoa to four consecutive Serie A draws as he could become only the second manager in the competition’s history to draw each of his first five games in charge. Given the circumstances, a stalemate may even be considered a success, considering ‘Il Grifone’ have lost each of their last seven Serie A meetings with Inter by an aggregate score of 25-0. Worryingly, since a 2-2 draw with Empoli in early November, Genoa have failed to get on the scoresheet in nine of their last 14 Serie A outings, scoring precisely once in the other five.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan succumbed to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo on home turf last time out, making it three Serie A matches without winning (D1, L2) for the first time under current boss Simone Inzaghi. Another defeat, even though it looks seemingly unlikely, would see ‘I Nerazzurri’ go four Serie A games without a victory for the first time since February 2018. However, the reigning Italian champions can draw confidence from going unbeaten in their last seven away league fixtures in a row (W4, D3). Despite entering this round on the back of consecutive Serie A away draws, Inter will feel confident of avoiding a similar scenario here, as only one of their last 13 top-flight visits to Ferraris has ended level (W7, L5).

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Southampton vs Norwich City

St Mary’s Stadium is the venue as resurgent Southampton take on rock-bottom Norwich City in the Premier League Matchday 27 curtain-raiser.

The Serbian-led takeover back in January has inspired a renaissance at Southampton, who will take the field unbeaten in five of their six Premier League matches under the new ownership (W3, D2). Yet, even though a comfortable 2-0 home win over Everton last time out extended Southampton’s unbeaten Premier League streak at St Mary’s to nine games (W4, D5), it could be too little too late for a European push. The ‘Saints’ have alternated between victories (2) and draws (2) across their last four top-flight outings since a 3-1 defeat away to Wolverhampton in mid-January and could make it five successive league matches without losing for the first time this season. Standing in Southampton’s way will be a Norwich side that dispatched them 2-1 in the reverse fixture in November.

Seeking their first league double over the ‘Saints’ since the 2007/08 Championship season, Norwich City go into this round on the back of consecutive Premier League losses. Nailed to the bottom of the table, five points adrift of 17th-placed Newcastle United, the ‘Canaries’ will have to defy their underwhelming five-game away form (W1, L4) to bolster their hopes of securing survival. But in addition to being the only side in the Premier League yet to hit a 20-goal milestone this season (15 scored so far), the visitors have attempted the fewest shots on target (70), highlighting their immense difficulties in the front third. That’s not the kind of statistics Norwich would want to look up to ahead of this trip as they hope to end a three-game losing top-flight run at St Mary’s.

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Napoli vs Barcelona

A 1-1 first-leg draw at Camp Nou gives Napoli and Barcelona everything to play for in the return leg of their mouth-watering UEFA Europa League knock-out play-off round tie.

Napoli’s 1-1 draw away to Cagliari earlier this week made it three identical 1-1 stalemates in a row across all competitions, though it means they are now unbeaten in their last nine competitive fixtures (W4, D5 – 90mins only). Despite their uninspiring form, ‘I Partenopei’ will draw confidence from going unbeaten in nine of their previous ten European home meetings with Spanish visitors (W3, D6, L1). However, their overall record in two-legged ties against La Liga opponents reads disastrously (W1, L7), including six defeats in a row! Napoli’s indifferent home record in the Europa League knock-out stages (W6, D5, L3) cannot encourage their bid to beat Barcelona in European action for the first time after three consecutive failed attempts (D2, L1). However, they’ve come victorious in all eight previous UEFA ties after drawing the first leg on the road.

On the other hand, Barcelona will take this trip in high spirits after claiming a crushing 4-1 derby win over Valencia at the weekend. But the ‘Blaugrana’ would like to get his tie over the line within regulation time after losing both previous competitive fixtures that were taken to extra-time. Worryingly, though, the Catalans have failed to go through in six of their 11 UEFA ties in which they drew the first leg at home. What’s more, Xavi’s men have picked up just one triumph in their last 11 springtime European matches outside Catalonia (D4, L6). The Spaniards can find comfort in their solid overall European record against Serie A clubs, having gone unbeaten in 49 (80%) of their 61 such engagements so far (W30, D19, L12). Indeed, they have won each of their last three competitive visits to Italy.

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Olympiacos vs Atalanta

Olympiacos will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they take on Atalanta in the return leg of their Europa League play-off tie at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki.

Mathieu Valbuena’s late winner at Volos last weekend handed Olympiacos their fifth consecutive domestic triumph ahead of this uphill battle to advance to the next Europa League knock-out round. Performing second-leg comebacks has never been the Greeks’ strong suit, as witnessed by their disastrous record of 22 eliminations from 23 UEFA ties in which they lost the first leg away from home. Although their all-time home record against Italian visitors doesn’t offer much comfort (W4, D4, L5), the ‘Thrylos’ can draw confidence from winning two of their last three such match-ups. While a 3-1 win over AC Milan in their most recent such engagement sounds encouraging, a return of just two victories from their 12 home matches in the Europa League knock-out phase (D5, L5) could throw a spanner in the works.

In the meantime, Atalanta’s domestic wobble continued at the weekend as they lost 1-0 away to Fiorentina, inflicting another blow on their Serie A top-four hopes. Left with the Europa League as their only realistic chance of picking up a piece of silverware this season, ‘La Dea’ are looking to better their only previous appearance in the competition’s knock-outs, where they suffered elimination in this exact round. Despite a slim first-leg lead, Atalanta’s run of four consecutive away European fixtures without winning (D2, L2) sounds worrying. But to Atalanta’s credit, they have scored eight goals during that four-game sequence, netting 2+ goals in each of their three Champions League group matches this season. Against this backdrop, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in three of their last four away games (W1, D2, L1).

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Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur head to Turf Moor to meet relegation-battling Burnley in a must-win Premier League fixture as the top-four race in England’s top-flight starts to heat up.

Burnley thrashed Brighton 3-0 on the road over the weekend to end a run of 11 Premier League games without winning (D7, L4) and reduce the gap on 17th-placed Newcastle United to five points. Back to Turf Moor, where they’ve won just once in their ten Premier League outings this season (D6, L3), the ‘Clarets’ are looking to improve their disastrous 12-game record against Tottenham in the competition (W1, D3, L8). But since they’ve scored a measly average of 0.9 goals per home league match this season, keeping ‘Spurs’ at bay for the second time in 15 Premier League home H2Hs could be vital. Indeed, a lack of firepower up top has seen Burnley score as many goals against Brighton (3) last time out as they had in their nine top-flight games combined beforehand.

In the meantime, Tottenham pulled off a stunning 3-2 win at pacesetters Manchester City at the weekend, bringing a dismal three-game losing Premier League streak to a halt. With their top-four bid reinforced on the back of an unexpected success, ‘Spurs’ will be seeking their third consecutive win at Turf Moor in all competitions. However, Antonio Conte’s men could take their fans through another emotional rollercoaster before delivering the goods, as each of their last three Premier League victories have come courtesy of 90th-minute winners. Notably, though, the Londoners have racked up three wins in their last four Premier League away games (L1), as many triumphs as they had in their previous 11 travels in the competition (D4, L4). Adding to Tottenham’s confidence, they have suffered just one defeat in their last 20 Premier League encounters against sides starting the day in the drop zone (W11, D8).

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Liverpool vs Leeds United

Liverpool will be looking to further reduce the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City when they take on underperforming Leeds United at Anfield this midweek.

Liverpool’s come-from-behind 3-1 home win over Norwich City last time out saw them benefit from Manchester City’s slip-up against Tottenham as they whittled down the gap to six points. Therefore, winning this game-in-hand could bring the ‘Reds’ a step closer to dethroning the ‘Cityzens’ come May. There is plenty of reason for optimism in the Anfield camp, with Liverpool beating Leeds in each of their last three Premier League H2Hs at home by an aggregate score of 10-4. The Merseyside heavyweights have found the net in their previous 16 competitive meetings with Leeds, so they should feel confident about improving their impressive average of 2.5 goals scored per home league match this term. What’s more, Jurgen Klopp’s men enter this round as the only Premier League side yet to lose a league game at home this season (W9, D3), conceding the division-low seven goals in the process.

In the meantime, Leeds United succumbed to a ‘goal-friendly’ 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, making it three losses from their last four Premier League outings (D1). Sitting only five points clear of 18th-placed Watford, the ‘Whites’ will be under pressure at Anfield, where they’ve gone winless in their last five competitive visits (D1, L4). However, Leeds’ uninspiring away form this Premier League season (W2, D4, L), coupled with a league-high 29 goals conceded in such fixtures, suggests their drought is likely to go on. Indeed, Leeds’ defensive frailties have seen them ship an alarming 50 goals in the Premier League this term, with only rock-bottom Norwich (53) conceding more than them so far. Additionally, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have failed to find the net in six (50%) of their 12 Premier League road trips this season.

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Benfica vs Ajax

Ajax travel to the Estadio da Luz to take on Benfica in the first leg of their exciting UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

After handing their Primeira Liga title pursuit a massive blow with a disappointing 2-2 draw away to Boavista at the weekend, Benfica will enter this tie as outsiders. Yet, the ‘Eagles’ boast an inspiring overall two-legged ties record against Dutch rivals (W7, L3), while they’ve won seven of their last eight home European games against Eredivisie visitors. Moreover, the Portuguese heavyweights have proved their continental credentials this season, leaving Barcelona in their wake en route to setting up their first Champions League knock-out tie in five years. But Benfica have faltered at home recently, losing two of their last three competitive outings at the Estadio da Luz (W1). Interestingly, five of their six home matches in 2022 have seen both teams scoring, highlighting the potential for high-octane, end-to-end action.

Meanwhile, Ajax head into proceedings amid a purple patch, having won their last ten domestic fixtures in a row since falling to a 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals AZ Alkmaar in mid-December. Erik ten Hag’s men have progressed into the Champions League knock-outs as one of just three sides to have won all six group fixtures, doing so by a resounding 20-5 aggregate scoreline. But despite humiliating Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in their Group C curtain-raiser, Ajax’s overall European record away to Portuguese sides doesn’t look promising (W3, D2, L4). The same goes for their two-legged ties record against Primeira Liga clubs (W3, L3), though it’s worth noting that their last such engagement dates back to 1993. Notably, the ‘Lancers’ have yet to lose a single away fixture in all competitions this season (W11, D2), winning each of the last eight on the trot by an aggregate score of 19-2.

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Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United

Estadio Wanda Metropolitano is the venue as Atletico Madrid and Manchester United go head-to-head in the first leg of their mouth-watering UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Atletico Madrid’s overwhelming 3-0 win over Osasuna at the weekend relieved some pressure off Diego Simeone’s shoulders amid speculation surrounding his future in the Spanish capital. Since their La Liga title defence is already dead in the water, lifting the Champions League crown could be the only saving grace for ‘Los Rojiblancos.’ The Spaniards boast a solid overall two-legged tie record against Premier League clubs, having won nine of their 12 such engagements so far. But ‘Los Colchoneros’ have suffered four consecutive defeats to English sides ahead of this encounter, including a brace of high-scoring defeats to Liverpool in this season’s Champions League group stages. A 3-2 loss to the ‘Reds’ on Matchday 3 marked Atletico’s only second reverse in 15 home meetings with Premier League visitors (W8, D5).

Meanwhile, Manchester United have lifted the spirits in the build-up to this trip, winning back-to-back Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 6-2. Excluding penalties, the ‘Red Devils’ are now unbeaten in their last nine outings across all competitions (W5, D4) despite keeping just two clean sheets in that period. Worryingly, though, the three-time European champions had lost three consecutive away matches in the Champions League before holding Atalanta to a 2-2 draw on Matchday 4. A brace of group victories over Villarreal made it seven successive European meetings with Spanish opposition without losing for Man United (W5, D2) as they look to balance their overall two-legged knock-out ties record against La Liga clubs, currently reading W8, L9. However, to boost their chances of overcoming Atletico, the Old Trafford outfit will have to defy their underwhelming European record away to Spanish sides, having won just 21% of their such fixtures (W6, D11, L12).

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Chelsea vs Lille

Stamford Bridge is the venue as Chelsea and Lille go head-to-head in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Chelsea’s Champions League title defence continues against a side they defeated in both group stage encounters in the 2019/20 group stages by the same 2-1 scoreline. Indeed, the ‘Blues’ are enjoying a four-game winning streak against French clubs, though their 11-game record in such fixtures reads indifferently (W5, D2, L4). However, the Londoners have only lost one of their last 11 European meetings with Ligue 1 visitors at home (W6, D3), courtesy of a 2-1 defeat to PSG in the 2015/16 Champions League knock-outs. Topically, Stamford Bridge has been a fortress this season, with Thomas Tuchel’s side going unbeaten in their last 15 competitive home fixtures (W8, D7) since a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in late September. One potential worry for Chelsea is that they’ve only won one of their four two-legged ties against Ligue 1 teams.

On the other hand, Lille finished top of Group G by the skin of their teeth, putting together three consecutive victories after picking up just two points from their opening three group stage outings. Coming into this fixture, ‘Les Dogues’ have won one of their last four competitive matches (D1, L2), scoring a measly average of 0.5 goals per game in that period. It’s been 15 years since Lille last featured in the Champions League round of 16 when their European journey incidentally came to a halt at the hands of Chelsea’s fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United. Adding to the travelling side’s sizeable list of concerns, they have lost each of their last four European visits to England. Meanwhile, their overall record against Premier League sides reads disastrously (W1, D1, L6).

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Villarreal vs Juventus

Juventus head to the Estadio de la Ceramica to take on reigning UEFA Europa League champions Villarreal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Villarreal’s first foray into the Champions League knock-out stages for 13 years pits them against Juventus for the very first time. However, ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ boast an impressive two-legged tie record against Italian sides, having won six in a row before bowing out to Roma in the 2016/17 Europa League last-32 tie. Additionally, the Spaniards have progressed from their Champions League last-16 ties in both previous attempts despite drawing the first leg 1-1 at home on each occasion. Interestingly, Villarreal’s Matchday 2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United brought their stunning 26-game unbeaten run against non-Spanish opponents in major European competitions (W16, D10). Yet, before beating Young Boys on Matchday 4, Unai Emery’s men were winless in seven consecutive home matches in the Champions League proper (D4, L3).

Meanwhile, Juventus head into proceedings on the back of successive 1-1 draws in Serie A, taking their unbeaten run in all competitions to 16 games (W10, D6 – 90 mins only). ‘I Bianconeri’ finished top of Champions League Group H, winning five of their six group fixtures, barring an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on Matchday 5. However, the record-time Italian champions have won seven of their last ten away matches in European football (L3). That’s encouraging, especially considering Juventus have won just 17% of their European visits to Spanish sides in official games (GP41 – W7, D7, L17). Despite Juve’s thoroughly disappointing record on Spanish soil, they have still successfully negotiated ten (59%) of their 17 two-legged ties against La Liga clubs (L7), including a memorable 3-2 aggregate success against Atletico Madrid in their 2018/19 Champions League last-16 tie last time out.

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Vietnam U23 vs Thailand U23

Prince Stadium plays host to a crunch AFF U23 Championship Group C encounter between Vietnam U23 and Thailand U23. While a draw would catapult Vietnam into the competition’s knock-outs, anything but a victory for Thailand would mean a premature elimination.

Vietnam scored 3+ goals either side of half-time to beat Singapore 7-0 in their Group C curtain-raiser and get their AFF U23 Championship campaign off to a flying start. Vietnam’s eye-catching result in their opening game of the tournament came as further confirmation of their noticeable improvement in 2021 that saw them go unbeaten in all four international fixtures (W3, D1). As was the case against Singapore, each of Vietnam’s three international triumphs in the last calendar year came ‘to nil,’ with two of them yielding the same 1-0 scoreline.

Meanwhile, Thailand came from behind to thrash Singapore 3-1 in their opening Group C outing, with both halves featuring precisely two goals. With Singapore already out of contention for the knock-out finish, this will be a decisive game for the ‘War Elephant,’ who need a victory to make it out of the AFF U23 Championship group stages for the second tournament on the trot. But two of Thailand’s three international games in 2021 ended as a draw (W1), both of which featured under 2.5 total goals, highlighting the potential for a cagey, evenly-contested showdown.

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Cagliari vs Napoli

High-flying Napoli will be looking to move to the top of the Serie A table with a win over 18th-placed Cagliari when the two sides lock horns at Sardegna Arena.

It’s been an eye-catching start to the new calendar year for relegation-battling Cagliari as they’ve gone unbeaten in five of their six Serie A matches (W3, D2) since the calendar flipped to 2022. But they can ill-afford to rest on their laurels, with 17th-placed Venezia still a point away. Back to Sardegna Arena following a 1-1 draw with fellow bottom-half rivals Empoli last time out, the ‘Sardinians’ are looking to defy their embarrassing H2H record against Napoli of late. Cagliari have only won one of their previous 23 Serie A meetings with this opposition (D6, L16), falling to a crushing 2-0 defeat in the revere fixture earlier this season. Walter Mazzarri’s men can draw confidence from their decent home form, having lost once in their last six competitive outings at Sardegna Arena (W2, D3).

Meanwhile, Napoli followed up a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Inter Milan last time out with an identical stalemate with Barcelona in midweek Europa League action, stretching their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games (W4, D4 – 90mins only). With AC Milan and Inter slipping up over the weekend, ‘I Partenopei’ could return to the league summit with a win here. Luciano Spalletti’s side will travel to Sardinia in high spirits after beating Cagliari in each of their last six Serie A encounters at this venue by an aggregate score of 19-1. Back-to-back 2-0 wins over Bologna and Venezia give Napoli a rare opportunity to keep three consecutive clean sheets in Serie A, last achieving that feat in February 2019. And that’s very much in the realm of possibility, as the visitors boast the best defensive record in the competition this season, having conceded just 17 goals so far.

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Celta Vigo vs Levante

Mid-table Celta Vigo will be looking to maintain their upturn in form when they encounter rock-bottom Levante in an intriguing La Liga affair.

Since succumbing to a narrow 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad in early January, Celta Vigo have alternated between victories (2) and draws (2) across their last four La Liga outings, reinforcing their bid for an unexpected European finish. Despite experiencing a thoroughly underwhelming start to the season, ‘Los Celestes’ are now eight points adrift of sixth-placed Villarreal with a game in hand. But to stay on the upwards trajectory, Eduardo Coudet’s side will have to defy their three-game H2H record against Levante at home (W1, L2). Celta’s hopes of earning three points here will hinge on a fast start, as they’ve gone winless in all seven La Liga home matches in which they conceded the opening goal this season (D2, L5). There’s plenty of reason for optimism, though, as they’ve won their last three home league games, each by a two-goal margin.

In the meantime, Levante stunned defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid last time out, pulling off a sensational 1-0 win in the country’s capital to end a run of three successive league defeats. However, the ‘Granotes’ face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, as they sit ten points below 17th-placed Granada. Levante should feel comfortable about themselves after registering their first La Liga clean sheet since April 2021, a feat they last managed to achieve at Balaidos back in October 2013. Alessio Lisci’s men will have to work their socks off if they are to keep Celta at bay, especially as they’ve conceded a league-high 2.42 goals on average per away league match this season. In fact, Levante are the only side in La Liga to have conceded 50+ overall goals in the competition to date!

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Hertha Berlin vs RB Leipzig

Out-of-sorts Hertha Berlin entertain RB Leipzig at the Olympiastadion in a high-stake Bundesliga encounter.

Hertha have experienced a false start to the new calendar year, alternating between draws (2) and defeats (3) across their opening five Bundesliga matches of 2022. A poor run of form has drawn ‘Die Alte Dame’ back into the relegation battle as they take the field sitting a point clear of the dreaded play-off spot. Hertha’s overall Bundesliga record against Leipzig reads disastrously (W1, D1, L9), suggesting they will have to defy the odds to post their first top-flight win of 2022. Tayfun Korkut laments the worst points record (9) after nine Bundesliga matches of any Hertha coach since Otto Rehhagel in 2012 (8), with his managerial reign in Berlin already in doubt. Winless in their last three home league outings (D1, L2), the hosts could accelerate Korkut’s sacking with another underwhelming showing here.

Meanwhile, Leipzig played out a ‘goal-friendly’ 2-2 home draw with Real Sociedad in midweek Europa League action, which means they’ve scored 2+ goals in seven competitive games in 2022, averaging 2.57 goals per match. A comfortable 3-1 home win over Koln last time out brought ‘Die Roten Bullen’ on the cusp of a coveted top-four finish as they now trail fourth-placed TSG Hoffenheim by only three points. But Leipzig’s away form requires plenty of improvement, with Domenico Tedesco’s side racking up just one win from their ten Bundesliga road trips this season (D4, L5), courtesy of a 2-0 triumph at relegation-threatened Stuttgart in mid-January. Despite Leipzig’s reputation as a free-scoring side, they have netted a worrying average of 0.9 goals per away league game this season.

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Inter Milan vs Sassuolo

Inter Milan will be looking to regain control at the top of the Serie A standings when they take on mid-table Sassuolo at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Desperate to bounce back from a crushing 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool in midweek Champions League action, Inter Milan are looking to get their stuttering Serie A campaign back on track. Winless in their last two league matches (D1, L1), the reigning Serie A champions face the prospect of going three consecutive top-flight games without winning for the first time under current boss Simone Inzaghi. But it’s worth mentioning that before losing 2-1 to bitter rivals AC Milan in their most recent Serie A home outing, Inter had won seven Serie A home fixtures in succession, scoring 2+ goals six times in the process. ‘I Nerazzurri’ should feel confident about returning to winning ways here after avoiding defeat in each of their last eight top-flight encounters against Sassuolo (W6, D2).

Meanwhile, the visitors have alternated draws (2) and defeats (2) across their last six Serie A matches following a scintillating 5-1 romping of Empoli in early January. A lack of consistency has seen ‘I Neroverdi’ alternate different outcomes across each of their last eight Serie A fixtures (W1, D4, L3). Despite Sassuolo’s underwhelming form, they’ve been extremely fun to watch of late, with four of their last five league games featuring 4+ overall goals. Yet, delivering action from the get-go, Alessio Dionisi’s men have scored a league second-high 12 first-half goals away from home this season. In turn, 58% of Sassuolo’s Serie A road trips have contained 2+ first-half goals, highlighting the potential for plenty of action before half-time. Indeed, high scoring could be a theme here as four of their last five Serie A visits to Meazza have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet.

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Espanyol vs Sevilla

Sevilla’s pursuit of their elusive first La Liga title since 1956/57 continues this weekend as they travel to the RCDE Stadium to take on bottom-half Espanyol.

Barcelona’s 96th-minute equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 draw in the Catalan derby broke Espanyol’s hearts. After extending their run without a clean sheet to 13 games across all competitions, ‘Los Periquitos’ head into proceedings seeking their first competitive win of 2022 (D3, L4 – 90mins only). Indeed, winless in their last five La Liga outings (D2, L3), Espanyol face the prospect of going six consecutive matches in the competition without winning for the second time this season. Adding to manager Vicente Moreno’s fears, his men have failed to beat Sevilla in any of their last seven La Liga encounters (D2, L5). Moreover, they have conceded 2+ goals in five of their previous six top-flight H2Hs, which has been the case in each of their five league fixtures this calendar year.

On the other hand, Sevilla brushed Dinamo Zagreb aside with a comfortable 3-1 first-leg win in midweek Europa League action, taking their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games (W2, D3). But even though a 2-0 home triumph over Elche last time out ended Sevilla’s run of three La Liga draws beforehand, Julen Lopetegui’s men have yet to find their feet away from home. Indeed, only 40% of their total La Liga points this season have come on the road (20/50), while they’ve won just two of their last five league travels (D2, L1). ‘Los Rojiblancos’ will still take the field in high spirits after going unbeaten in their last ten La Liga fixtures on the trot (W5, D5), six of which have been accompanied by a clean sheet.

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Valencia vs Barcelona

Valencia and Barcelona are set to square off in a mouth-watering La Liga fixture at the Estadio de Mestalla.

It’s been a disappointing start to the new calendar year for Valencia as they’ve alternated between draws (2) and defeats (3) across their inaugural five la Liga outings in 2022. Moreover, Jose Bordalas’ men have failed to win any of their last three home league matches (D2, L1), netting under 1.5 goals on each occasion. But Valencia should feel confident about finding the net here, having scored in each of their last 13 La Liga meetings with Barcelona, averaging 1.61 goals per game. Yet, after losing back-to-back top-flight H2Hs, ‘Los Murciélagos’ could suffer three H2H defeats in the competition for the first time since 2011. Conceding first may not necessarily spell disaster for Valencia’s hopes of holding Barcelona winless here, as they’ve avoided defeat in eight out of 12 La Liga games when falling behind this term (W3, D5).

On the other hand, Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to eight matches (W4, D4) by the skin of their teeth, bagging a last-gasp equaliser to hold Espanyol to a 2-2 draw last time out. Inspired by a raft of high-profile winter signings, the Catalans are now looking to whittle down a three-point gap on fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. Barca’s eight-game unbeaten league run away from home comes in handy (W3, D5), but a return of two clean sheets from that sequence gives head coach Xavi a sizeable headache. However, the ‘Blaugrana’ will draw inspiration from their outstanding H2H away record in La Liga of late, with just one defeat from their last 14 top-flight visits to Mestalla (W6, D7). After going winless in all four La Liga away games in which they conceded the opening goal this season (D2, L2), Barcelona will seek a strong start.

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Fiorentina vs Atalanta

Stadio Artemio Franchi is the venue as Fiorentina and Atalanta go head-to-head in a handsomely-looking Serie A showdown.

Fiorentina bounced back from back-to-back Serie A matches without winning (D1, L1) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at bottom-half Spezia last time out. Back to Artemio Franchi, where they lament an indifferent three-game form in Serie A (W1, D1, L1), ‘La Viola’ are looking to end a two-game losing home streak against Atalanta. Despite Fiorentina’s underwhelming home form, Artemio Franchi has been a venue of entertainment this season, with all 11 Serie A fixtures here featuring over 2.5 total goals. With each of Fiorentina’s last four competitive home meetings with Atalanta seeing 3+ goals and both teams scoring, high scoring could well be a theme here. Adding to this sentiment, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have scored an average of 3.1 goals per game across their last eight Serie A home outings.

In the meantime, Atalanta came from behind to beat Olympiacos 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie in midweek, ending a run of five competitive matches without winning (D3, L2). However, winless in their last four Serie A fixtures in a row (D3, L1), ‘La Dea’ have thrown their top-four hopes into doubt. Sitting three points behind fourth-placed Juventus – with two games in hand – Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will fall back on their outstanding home form as they look to avoid losing both seasonal encounters against Fiorentina for the first time since 2015/16. Atalanta have earned more Serie A points on the road than any other side this season (30). What’s more, they are the only team in Italy’s top division yet to lose a league match away from home (W9, D3), scoring a league third-high 26 goals in such contests.

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Bayern Munich vs Greuther Fürth

Bayern Munich will be desperate to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga when they take on basement boys Greuther Fürth at the Allianz Arena.

By their high standards, it’s been a dreadful last seven days for Bayern Munich as they followed up an embarrassing 4-2 Bundesliga defeat to Bochum with a hard-earned 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg in midweek Champions League action. Indeed, the ‘Bavarians’ have only amassed eight points from their opening five Bundesliga games of 2022, their worst start to the second half of the season in ten years. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s men head into proceedings as overwhelming favourites, having won all five competitive meetings with Greuther Fürth, including a 3-1 thrashing in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Moreover, Bayern have won a league joint-high nine of their 11 Bundesliga home matches this term, scoring a staggering average of three goals per game in the process.

Coming into this matchday, Greuther Fürth claimed a 2-1 home victory over Hertha Berlin, their second win in three Bundesliga matches (L1). That’s one more victory than they had in their opening 19 top-flight fixtures this season (D4, L14), which explains why they currently languish 11 points adrift of safety. Now up against the league’s best defence, the visitors will have to defy their disastrous defensive record this Bundesliga campaign, having conceded a league-high 57 goals so far, at an average of 2.59 per game. Additionally, Stefan Leitl’s men have picked up just a single point from their 11 Bundesliga away clashes this season (D1, L10), returning a humiliating -31 goal difference from such contests (GF:9, GA:40). They have conceded 2+ goals in each of those 11 matches!

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Leeds United vs Manchester United

The latest chapter of a long-standing rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United is set to take place at Elland Road this weekend.

Following back-to-back high-scoring wins over Burnley and West Ham to get the new calendar year off to a flying start, Leeds United have gone winless in their last three Premier League games (D1, L2), including a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Everton last time out. With just five points separating them from 18th-placed Watford, the ‘Whites’ will be desperate to halt their six-game winless H2H run in the Premier League (D1, L5) and avoid being sucked into a dreaded relegation battle. Conceding first would likely dent Leeds’ hopes of posting their first top-flight triumph over Man United since 2002. They’ve failed to win any of their ten Premier League matches when conceding first this season (D3, L7), including an embarrassing 5-1 defeat in the reverse fixture on Matchday 1.

Meanwhile, Manchester United claimed a 2-0 home win over ten-man Brighton side last time out to end a run of two consecutive Premier League draws. Despite going unbeaten in all six away league games in the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s era (W2, D4), United’s performances on the road have flattered to deceive. Ralf Rangnick’s men have scored precisely once in four of those six fixtures, dropping six points from winning positions in the process (D3). However, the ‘Red Devils’ remain the only Premier League side to have scored in 100% of their Premier League travels this season. In fact, they’ve found the net in each of their last 14 away league outings since being held to a scoreless draw at non-other than Leeds back in April 2021. The abovementioned victory in the reverse H2H means Man United could register their first Premier League double over the ‘Whites’ since 1999/2000.

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Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Selhurst Park is the venue as mid-table Crystal Palace and Chelsea go head-to-head in an all-London Premier League encounter.

Crystal Palace head into proceedings amid a rough patch, having won none of their last five Premier League fixtures (D3, L2), including an uneventful goalless draw with Brighton last time out. Though a nine-point lead over 18th-placed Norwich City gives them plenty of breathing space, the ‘Eagles’ are desperate to register their first league win in 2022. That could be easier said than done here, as they’ve only won one of their last 16 London derbies in the Premier League (D8, L7). Furthermore, since back-to-back H2H victories between April and October 2017, Patrick Vieira’s men have lost each of their last eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea, conceding 2+ goals seven times in the process. But far more comfortable at Selhurst Park, Palace have secured four of their five league wins this season at home, prevailing by a 2+ goal margin on each occasion.

Fresh from winning their maiden FIFA Club World Cup trophy, courtesy of an extra-time 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the grand final, Chelsea will be looking to get their stuttering Premier League campaign back on track. A 2-0 home triumph over Tottenham last time out halted their four-game winless league run (D3, L1), marking their first clean sheet in England’s top-flight since mid-December. However, Thomas Tuchel’s men have only won one of their last five Premier League away matches (D2, L2), netting an average of 1.2 goals per game in that sequence. Before falling to a 3-2 defeat at West Ham in early December, Chelsea had been on a seven-game winning streak in away London derbies. But the ‘Blues’ now stare at the prospect of losing back-to-back such fixtures for the first time since December 2017.

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Southampton vs Everton

Mid-table Southampton and relegation-battling Everton are set to trade tackles in an exciting Premier League match-up at St Mary’s Stadium.

It’s been a decent start to the new calendar year for mid-table Southampton, as they’ve gone unbeaten in four of their five Premier League outings in 2022 (W2, D2), including a pair of 1-1 draws with the Manchester clubs. Despite losing just once in their 11 Premier League home matches this season, the ‘Saints’ have earned a reputation as the ‘stalemate kings,’ with a league-highest 64% of their home league fixtures ending as a draw (GP11 – W3, D7, L1). A point here may not be bad given the circumstances, as Southampton stare at the prospect of losing three consecutive Premier League matches against Everton for the first time since September 1990 and January 1992. But to achieve that, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men will have to improve at the back, having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 13 Premier League games.

In the meantime, after losing 3-1 at Newcastle United on his Premier League touchline debut for Everton, Frank Lampard guided his side to an overwhelming 3-0 home win over Leeds United last time out. That victory helped the ‘Toffees’ end a run of six league matches without winning (D1, L5), as they now target back-to-back top-flight triumphs for the first time since September. However, the Merseysiders are the third-worst away Premier League side this season, with just one win from 11 league travels to their name so far (D3, L7). Cagey entries have highlighted Everton’s Premier League season, as no team has scored fewer first-half goals than them (8). So it comes as no surprise that they’ve conceded the opening goal in a league second-highest 73% of their away matches this term (8/11).

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Arsenal vs Brentford

Arsenal’s pursuit of a coveted Premier League top-four finish continues this weekend as they play host to underperforming Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ controversial first-half goal handed Arsenal a narrow 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton last time out, bringing his side’s five-game winless streak in all competitions to an end (D2, L3). Moreover, before scoring at Molineux, the ‘Gunners’ were on a four-match goal drought in competitive action, including a scoreless draw with rock-bottom Burnley in their most recent Premier League home fixture. After a run of five consecutive league wins at the Emirates down the final stretch of 2021, Mikel Arteta’s men have gone winless in both Premier League home outings this calendar year (D1, L1). Though they face the prospect of going three successive Premier League home matches without winning for the first time this season, Arsenal should feel very comfortable here after stringing together 32 top-flight home fixtures against newly-promoted sides without defeat (W27, D5).

On the other hand, Brentford appear to be sinking without a trace after going winless in their last six Premier League games on the trot (D5, L1), following an inspiring start to the season. What’s more, the ‘Bees’ have lost each of their last four away league matches by at least a two-goal margin, scoring just once in that period. Another failed attempt to land a point here would see Brentford lose five consecutive away fixtures in English league football for the first time since February 2011. However, Brentford outscored Arsenal 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening matchday of the season. As a result, they could become the first newly-promoted side to complete a Premier League double over the ‘Gunners’ since Blackburn Rovers in 1992/93.

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Juventus vs Torino

The latest chapter of the famous ‘Derby della Mole’ is set to take place at the Allianz Stadium as high-flying Juventus take on mid-table Torino in a tasty-looking Serie A match-up.

Danilo’s last-gasp equaliser gave Juventus a 1-1 draw at Atalanta last time out, extending their unbeaten run in Serie A to 11 matches (W7, D4). Low scoring has been a common theme in that 11-game sequence, with just one of those fixtures featuring over 2.5 total goals. Interestingly, seven of Juventus’ last eight Serie A victories have yielded the same 2-0 scoreline, with Massimiliano Allegri’s side scoring either side of half-time on each occasion. That has also been the case in Juve’s last two top-flight home outings as they now aim to make it three consecutive home league wins ‘to nil’ under Allegri for the first time since December 2018. ‘I Bianconeri’ are in a prime position to achieve that feat after losing just one of their last 31 Serie A meetings with Torino (W23, D7).

Meanwhile, Torino’s two-game winning streak to get the new calendar year off to a flying start now looks like ancient history, as they’ve since gone winless in three consecutive league matches (D1, L2). Moreover, back-to-back defeats to Udinese and Venezia in the build-up to this fixture put ‘I Granata’ at risk of losing three Serie A games in a row for the first time since December 2020. Given Torino’s abysmal away form this season, that’s very much in the realm of possibility. In addition to picking up the second joint-fewest two Serie A away wins this season (D2, L7), Ivan Juric’s men have scored a league-low six goals on the road so far, at an average of 0.54 per match.

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Liverpool vs Norwich City

Premier League title-battling Liverpool will take on relegation-threatened Norwich City in a must-win fixture at Anfield amid a purple patch.

Fresh from claiming a precious 2-0 first-leg win at Inter Milan in midweek Champions League action, Liverpool will be looking to build on their scintillating Premier League form of late. The ‘Reds’ have won each of their last four league matches by an aggregate score of 9-1 to stay within touching distance of pacesetting Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s men have been a force to be reckoned with at Anfield this season, going unbeaten in all 11 Premier League fixtures here (W8, D3), including a run of six consecutive victories ahead of this clash. Another successful weekend is well on the cards – Liverpool are undefeated in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Norwich (W13, D2), netting a staggering average of 3.1 goals per game in that spread of matches.

Meanwhile, Norwich City’s run of three Premier League outings without defeat between mid-January and early February (W2, D1) reinforced their hopes of avoiding relegation. However, a thumping 4-0 loss at the hands of Man City last time out brought the ‘Canaries’ back to the earth as they take the field trailing 17th-placed Newcastle United by four points. Yet, a stunning 3-0 triumph at fellow relegation rivals Watford in their most recent road trip gives Norwich a chance to win back-to-back Premier League away games for the first time since January 2012. Much of those hopes will depend on their defensive performance, considering they’ve failed to score more than once in their last 12 Premier League visits to Anfield. After bagging a league-low six goals in 11 top-flight away fixtures this season, Norwich are unlikely to improve their paltry scoring record in Merseyside.

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Barcelona vs Napoli

Camp Nou is the venue as Barcelona and Napoli go head-to-head in the first leg of their mouth-watering UEFA Europa League knock-outs play-off round tie.

After failing to negotiate their way out of the Champions League group stages for the first time in 21 years, Barcelona will feature in their first Europa League knock-outs since the 2003/04 season. Indeed, excluding the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup, each of Barca’s last 191 games in European football have been in the Champions League. Only two years ago, the ‘Blaugrana,’ inspired by their former talisman Lionel Messi, overcame Napoli in their Champions League last-16 tie 4-2 on aggregate. Coming into this fixture, Xavi Hernandez’s men have put together a three-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W2, D1), including a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Espanyol at the weekend. Interestingly, Barcelona’s last seven European knock-out encounters at Camp Nou have seen one side net 3+ goals!

In the meantime, Napoli squeezed past Europa League Group C, finishing runners-up to Spartak Moscow, courtesy of a decisive 3-2 win over Leicester City on Matchday 6. Worryingly, though, ‘I Partenopei’ have suffered defeat in each of their last four away knock-out games in major European competitions, including a 3-1 reverse at the hands of Barcelona in 2019/20. However, Luciano Spalletti’s men head into proceedings in high spirits, having halted their three-game winning streak in all competitions with a 1-1 draw with Serie A pacesetters Inter Milan last time out. Moreover, they have won both previous league travels by an identical 2-0 scoreline, boosting their confidence ahead of this trip. Yet, to keep that run of form going, Napoli will have to defy their dismal two-legged tie record against La Liga clubs in European football, losing each of their last six such engagements in a row.

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Inter Milan vs Liverpool

Inter Milan are set to entertain Liverpool at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the first leg of their mouth-watering UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

After three consecutive failed attempts to make it out of the Champions League group stages, Inter Milan ensured a runner-up finish in Group D to reach their first competition’s knock-outs since 2011/12. Familiar foes are waiting in the wings as ‘I Nerazzurri’ seek revenge following an underwhelming 3-0 aggregate defeat to Liverpool in their 2007/08 Champions League last-16 tie. The reigning Serie A champions will have to defy their negative knock-out record against Premier League sides under the current Champions League format to achieve that, having lost two of their three such ties since its introduction in 2003/04. Encouragingly, though, Simone Inzaghi’s men have won their last two Champions League home matches, one more than they had amassed in their previous nine such fixtures between November 2018 and September 2021 (D5, L3).

On the other hand, Liverpool took their Champions League Group B by storm, winning all six matches by an aggregate score of 17-6 to reach the competition’s knock-out stages for the fifth season running. They have failed to make it to the Champions League quarter-finals only once in their previous four attempts. Moreover, the ‘Reds’ have won their last two Champions League visits to Italian sides, only one victory fewer than they managed in their first 14 European travels to the country (W3, D3, L8). Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who has tallied 49 wins from his 87 Champions League games as a manager, is only one triumph away from becoming only the eighth coach to smash a 50-win barrier. After beating AC Milan in both group stage meetings earlier this season, Liverpool could become the second team after Tottenham to defeat both Milan clubs in the same European Cup/Champions League season.

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