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Gradually, the second round of football leagues in European countries is gaining momentum. For some teams, it is a great opportunity to prove that their current position does not reflect the team's ability, while for others it will be a chance to avenge their defeat in the first round.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
England's Premier League
15:30 London time "Chelsea" (3rd place) - London "Arsenal" (6th place)
The results of the last five league matches: "Chelsea" - 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss; "Arsenal" - 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
Both teams are showing very inconsistent gameplay this season. "Chelsea" failed to lure their desired manager Josep Guardiola, who signed a contract with Bayern Munich.
It is also expected that players like Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, and even Fernando Torres will have to say goodbye to the club one way or another. These changes certainly do not have a positive impact on the team's atmosphere.
"Arsenal" is trying to extend Theo Walcott's contract, who Arsene Wenger recently moved from the wing to the center. This decision has paid off as the talented Englishman is currently the team's top scorer.
It is hard to predict whether Arsenal will be able to secure the fourth place this season, as their performance is unpredictable and sometimes they seem to play without defense, focusing only on scoring goals.
If Arsenal manages to win this London derby, it would send a strong message to other teams that nothing is lost yet this year.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Netherlands' Eredivisie
15:30 Amsterdam time "Ajax" (3rd place) - Rotterdam "Feyenoord" (4th place)
The results of the last five league matches: "Ajax" - 4 wins and 1 draw; "Feyenoord" - 4 wins and 1 draw.
The match between "Ajax" and "Feyenoord" is considered the main derby of the Dutch Eredivisie. The fans of these clubs have a unique hatred towards each other, often resulting in various conflicts after matches.
Following several serious incidents over the past 20 years, in February 2009, the mayors of Amsterdam and Rotterdam agreed with the Dutch Football Federation to ban visiting team fans from matches for 5 years to reduce the possibility of unfortunate events.
The season is already halfway through, but there is no clear leader. Both teams have been performing well lately, they have the same number of points, trailing the leaders PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente by just three points. The teams will have to clarify their final positions in the second round.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
England's Premier League
18:00 London time "Tottenham Hotspur" (4th place) - "Manchester United" (1st place)
The results of the last five league matches: "Tottenham Hotspur" - 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss; "Manchester United" - 4 wins and 1 draw.
The second dessert of Sunday's Premier League. This time, it's a tough test for Tottenham Hotspur as they face the league leaders, Manchester United.
Interestingly, in the first round, the London club defeated the "Red Devils" 3:2 as visitors. Undoubtedly, the visitors from Manchester will want to avenge that defeat and prove that it was a result of unfortunate circumstances.
Although Tottenham Hotspur has been performing well at home, it won't be easy for them, as it doesn't seem like Manchester United has any fear of playing away. The team has only stumbled twice on the road.
Looking at the league table, this match is more important for the London club fighting for the fourth position. Sir Alex Ferguson's players have already built a comfortable 7-point lead over their rivals Manchester City and theoretically could afford to drop a few points. Of course, they would vehemently disagree with such a theory.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Italy's Serie A
21:45 Rome time "Roma" (6th place) - Milan "Inter" (4th place)
The results of the last five league matches: "Roma" - 2 wins and 3 losses; "Inter" - 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
If Inter theoretically still aims to become Italian champions this year, Roma will probably have to fight just for a place in the Europa League competition. And even qualifying for it won't be easy, as they will have to compete with Milan, Udinese, and Fiorentina for the second strongest European tournament spot.
Roma lost their last two league matches after impressively defeating Milan. The reason for this unpredictable game is hard to find, but there is a manager who needs to consolidate the scattered instrument. However, last Wednesday the team made it to the semi-finals of the Italian Cup and has a chance to win trophies this season.
Midweek, Inter snatched a dramatic victory over Bologna in the cup, lifting the team's spirits and setting a positive tone for the upcoming matches. It is worth noting that these teams face each other in one of the semi-finals and will have another opportunity to determine which one is stronger. In the first leg, Roma won in Milan 3:1.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Spain's La Liga
22:00 Valencia time "Valencia" (7th place) - Madrid "Real" (3rd place)
The results of the last five league matches: "Valencia" - 4 wins and 1 loss; "Real" - 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
Only the club president probably knows what is going on inside Real. The reason for this is probably the fact that the team has almost lost the chance to win the La Liga championship. Although any position other than the first one is considered a failure for the royal club, they will have to fight seriously for the second place. Meanwhile, Valencia seems to have found their rhythm and realistically aims for fourth or even third place.
Valencia showed their serious intentions in the King's Cup match against the same Real, losing 0:2 away last Tuesday. Valencia's attackers Roberto Soldado and Jonas Oliveira missed several clear chances, and even failed to score into an empty goal.
Coach Ernesto Valverde's team did not concede much to their more titled opponents, so the upcoming match should be truly impressive, considering that it will take place in Valencia, where the home team is especially supported by the local fans. The first round match in Madrid ended in a 1:1 draw.
