Europa League Final

Amsterdam Arena

15-05-2013 @ 19.45 UK

How are the two teams form?

Chelsea is currently unbeaten in 7 matches and is 3rd in the Premier League. In the Europa League, took a victory on aggregate 4-2 against Basel in the semi finals. Meanwhile, Benfica is 2nd in the Portuguese 1. Division 1 point after Porto on the 1st. In the Europa League, Benfica won 3-2 on aggregate against Fenerbache in the semi finals.

The last meeting between the two teams was in last years Champions League. Here, Chelsea won both matches. 

What are the probable starting XI's?

Rafa Benitez has talked about leaving John Terry and Frank Lampard out of the squad for the final, but after this weekends performance from Lampard, it is likely he will feature in the starting line.

What to expect from this match?

Chelsea are favorites for the Europa League final, but their season has been a mix of good and bad performances. Meanwhile, Benfica has been more stable in this season. Comparing the two squads, Chelsea are far best and have the quality to cause great pain to Benfica. That said, Benfica's ability to make quick changes in the play as well as the magician Aimar on the attacking midfield will be interesting in this match. I could see Benfica take a 1-0 win in the final.

How are the odds?

The best odds for Chelsea to win is 6/4 from Bet365 while SkyBet gives a 12/5 for a Benfica win. Should the match end in a draw after the first 90 minutes Bet365 gives 21/10 back.

What's worth watching this week? 

Week 14

Barcelona - AC Milan

Champions League Quarter Finals

Camp Nou

03-04-12 at 19.45 UTC/GMT + 1

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

Barcelona: 3 victories / 12 goals

    Draws: 15

 AC Milan: 2 victories / 12 goals

This is the second leg of the Quarter Finals, and with a 0-0 draw in the first match, the game is pretty open. AC Milan succeeded holding Barcelona away from scoring on San Siro, but the question is now, if they can do it again. With Barcelona’s astonishing offensive line and the crowd behind them on Nou Camp, AC Milan is going through some test. However, a goal or two for AC Milan will put the Catalans under pressure. The clash between two of Europe’s most historical teams is going to be worth watching.     

Chelsea FC - Benfica

Champions League Quarter Finals

Stamford Bridge

04-04-12 at 19.45 UTC/GMT + 1

Head-to-head (only one match):

Chelsea FC: 1 victory / 1 goal

     Draws: 0

   Benfica: 0 victories / 0 goals

Another second leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals. Chelsea won the first leg at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica with a 1-0 result. It looks like Chelsea is back on track with Roberto De Matteo behind the wheel. However, Benfica have not lost their last four games, and Chelsea’s 1-0 lead may not be enough. A Champions League title will light up an otherwise dark season for Chelsea, and this match will reveal if Chelsea is re-born or if Benfica is too big a mouthful for the South London team.

 Valencia - AZ Alkmaar

Europa League Quarter Finals

Mestalla

05-04-12 at 20.05 UTC/GMT + 1

Head-to-head (only one match):

Valencia: 0 victories / 1 goal

   Draws: 0

 Alkmaar: 1 victory / 2 goals

Dutch football and in particular AZ Alkmaar have become better and better the last couple of years, and the club is now standing with one foot in the Europa League Semifinals. After a surprising 2-1 victory against Valencia at home, the question is if they can keep their lead at Mestalla. Valencia has something to prove for their fans, and with a, on paper, much stronger squad they should be able to win at home.  I’m looking forward to this match, as I see Alkmaar as one of this year big surprises in international football and is looking forward to see if they can go all the way.

Lazio - Napoli

Serie A Round 31

Stadio Olimpico

07-04-12 at 20.00 UTC/GMT + 1

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

 Lazio: 3 victories / 13 goals

 Draws: 5

Napoli: 2 victories / 10 goals

Napoli can bring themselves on a shared third place in Serie A, if they can win against number three, Lazio. Both Napoli and Lazio have some talented attackers in form of Édison Carvani and Miroslav Klose, and this match could well end up in a goal show. Napoli has not won once in the last three rounds in Serie A and is hungry for a victory, while Lazio’s last few games has been a rollercoaster with good and bad results. Napoli is going in to a hard match against Lazio at Stadio Olimpico, and it is well worth watching, which team will end up with the victory.

Arsenal - Manchester City

 Premier League Round 32

Emirates Stadium

08-04-2012 at 16.00 UTC/GMT + 1

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

        Arsenal: 3 victories / 10 goals

          Draws: 2

Manchester City: 5 victories / 13 goals 

Three points are vital for both Arsenal and Manchester City is the Premier League match. Arsenal can put some distance to Tottenham (given Tottenham looses), while Manchester City will be able to keep up their chase of the Manchester United. The last two clashed between the teams has been won by Manchester City, and Arsenal will be keen on winning, the last meeting in this season. The match will also feature a meeting between the top scorer in the league, Robin Van Persie with 26 goals, and the second best goalkeeper in this season, Joe Hart with 13 clean sheets.  This match is more than any match worth watching!