Close Race for La Liga Giants

 

Prior to last weekend's La Liga action Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid were all tied for first place in the top Spanish League.  Much to the good fortune of Real Madrid, two upsets resulted in Los Blancos taking the top of the table.  Now with the three biggest teams in Spain being separated by only three points, this weekend's Madrid Derby is sure to be at the center of this dramatic race.  Though Barcelona also plays this weekend, they play a bottom of the table team and a win should not be difficult for the Catalan side.

First Radio Episode

 

Be sure to listen to the first episode of NP Soccer Talk on Blog Talk Radio.  The archive of today's show can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/npsoccertalk/2014/02/27/champions-league-first-leg-recap-march-1st-league-match-preview.   Today's show covered Champions League Round of 16, Manchester United, David Moyes, and fixtures from around the world this weekend.  Games highlighted included the Madrid Derby, Manchester Derby, Bayern Munich vs. Schalke and many more!

Manchester United: The Troubles Continue

 

Problems continued for Manchester United today as they traveled to Greece for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match-up against Olympiakos.  The English side fell 2-0 to the Greek giants in what was expected to be a guaranteed win with both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney returning to the lineup together.  The Red Devils have seldom lost when the pair have started together, however that trend did not continue today.  Today's loss was Manchester United's first loss of the 2013-2014 Champions League campaign.

Sunday Match Previews and Predictions 2/23

Though most of the major league matches are occurring today, tomorrow's matches will also be significant for many teams.  The three matches affecting three of the four biggest leagues in the world are occurring on Sunday morning, so the following are some match previews and predictions. (Matches are in order of start time):

Liverpool vs. Swansea (Sunday 8:30 AM ET)

 

This Sunday's match at Anfield is an important one for the Reds.  They currently sit in the fourth spot in the table, only one point behind Manchester City.  This weekend's home match provides a great opportunity to move up in the table.  The Reds have had amazing home form this season having only lost one game at Anfield so far.  This will surely have an effect on tomorrow's match.  Though the two sides finished 2-2 earlier this season at Liberty Stadium, expect a home win from the Merseyside hosts.  As always Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will cause major issues for the opposing defense.  Also watch for two young members of the Red's squad Coutinho and nineteen year old Raheem Sterling.  Swansea, however, are not without threats of their own.  Former Red Jonjo Shelvey will surely cause the Liverpool defense problems along with striker Wilfried Bony.  Swansea likely being without Michu is also going to be another problem for the Swans.  Expect to see at least one goal at the Kop end from one of the league's top strikers.

Prediction:  Liverpool win 3-1

Saturday Match Previews and Predictions 2/22

This weekend is going to play host to many important matches across the world's top leagues.  The following are some match previews and predictions. (Matches are in order of start time):

Chelsea vs. Everton (Saturday 7:45 AM ET)

With Chelsea attempting to hold its place at the top of the table, and Roberto Martinez's Everton side trying to force its way into European football for next season, expect a thriller!  Despite Martinez and Everton being within five points of the Europa League qualifying position, injuries will most likely to prove to be an issue in this fixture.  With both Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Koné still out with injury, lack of options at forward could prove to be a major problem for the Toffees.  Meanwhile a very strong lineup for José Mourinho and the Blues is likely to cause Everton a multitude of problems.  Watch for in-form Eden Hazard to be a major threat after netting a hat trick against Newcastle in the Blues last Premier League fixture.

Prediction: Chelsea win 3-2

First Post-First week of Champions League Final 16

In my first post I would like to take the time to talk about the four Champions league games that happened this week.  Tuesday's games were somewhat less contentious than those that were played on Wednesday.  Most Manchester City fans would probably disagree with this statement after the red card and penalty resulting from Martin Demichelis's slide tackle on Lionel Messi.  While the red card was undeniable, the penalty call is still drawing much attention.  The tackle was on the edge of the 18 yard box, but personally I don't believe the tackle occurred in the area, but the only opinion that did matter was that of the referee.  Messi's hit from 12 yards set the two sides apart and Barcelona were able to expand their lead going into the second half of the cup tie with a late goal by Dani Alvez.