Wolfsburg v Everton

Europa League

Group H

Match Day 5

Volkswagen Arena

27-11-2014 @ 18.00 GMT

How are the two sides current form?

Wolfburg are second in Europa League Group H only a point after Everton, before the two sides meet at Volkswagen Arena. The last match between the two sides ended with a comfortable 4-1 win to Everton by goals of Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas and an owngoal by Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez.

What are the probable line-ups?

Daniel Caligiuri, Adelino Vieirinha, Felipe Aliste Lopes and Patrick Ochs are all sidelined for Wolfsburg while Everton has to do without nine players including Gareth Barry.

Benaglio

Knoche - Naldo - Trasch - Rodriguez

Guilavogui - De Bruyne - Luiz Gustavo - Perisic

Vierinha - Olic

_____________________________________________

Lukaku

Barkley - Naismith - Mirallas

Osman - McCarthy

Hibbert - Distin - Jagielka - Coleman

Howard

Worth keeping an eye on

Wolfsburg - Kevin de Bruyne: The former Chelsea talent is the creative playmaker on the Wolfsburg side and the star at Volkswagen Arena. If he gets the space needed to perform his best, he will be a problem for Evertons defense and chances in Germany.

Everton - Ross Barkley: Ross Barkley just keeps getting better and better and the talent is one of the primary forces in the Everton attack. He might not score as many goals as hoped for, but he often creates the chances for Romelu Lukaku.

What to expect from this match?

Everton are the favorites at Volkswagen Arena, especially after the match at Goodison Park. The Toffees looks stronger than Wolfsburg at the moment, and I think we will see that in the match on Thursday. However, the Germans are not a side that gives at the door and we can expect them to put up a fight against Everton.

What are the odds?

Wolfsburg: 1 (Coral)

Draw: 11/4 (BetVictor)

Everton: 16/5 (BetVictor)

Six Premier League sides have qualified for the European competitions this season; four in the Champions League and two in the Europa League. But, what are their chances in Europe??

This year's Champions League will have Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City representing England while Everton and Tottenham will play in the Europa League. Great Dane Football Blog takes a look on the teams chances in their respective groups. 

Champions League

Group B

FC Basel 1893, Liverpool FC, PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, Real Madrid CF

FC Basel was one of the big surprises in European football last season, beating Chelsea twice in the Champions League, and are underdogs in this group. There is no doubt that Liverpool and Real Madrid are favorites as group winners. On paper, Real Madrid is a better side than Liverpool, and they should  win both matches. Ludogorets are, without a doubt, the weakest team in the group, but can cause problems from Liverpool with their typical East European work rage. Liverpool should advance from group B. 

Liverpool fixtures: September 16th - Liverpool v Ludogorets, October 1st - FC Basel v Liverpool, October 22nd - Liverpool v Real Madrid, November 4th - Real Madrid v Liverpool, November 26th - Ludogorets v Liverpool, December 9th - Liverpool v FC Basel.

Group D

Arsenal, Borrussia Dortmund, Galatasaray AS, RSC Anderlecht

Once again Arsenal and Dortmund are facing each other in the Champions League, and they will be the favorites for the win. Galatasaray can come from the back and surprise, especially as Dortmund doesn't look as strong as they have done the last couple of seasons. Furthermore, Arsenal has a history of failing in the Champions League, but the side seems stronger this season. Belgian football is not what is was many years ago, that said, Anderlecht have a lot of European experience, and can cause trouble for all the sides in this group. Arsenal will end as runners up or third in this group.

Arsenal fixtures: September 16th - Dortmund v Arsenal, October 1st - Arsenal v Galatasaray, October 22nd - Anderlecht v Arsenal, November 4th - Arsenal v Anderlecht, November 26th - Arsenal v Dortmund, December 9th - Galatasary v Arsenal.

Group E

AS Roma, FC Bayern München, Manchester City FC, PFC CSKA Moskva

Two giants meet Bayern München and Manchester City clash in Group E, and there is no doubt they will battle for the win in this group. No doubt Roma are a great side, but Italian teams and the Italian Serie A is not what it used to be. CSKA Moskva shouldn't be a hurdle for City at all, but time and time again we see the Russian sides surprise. Manchester City will end as winners of Group E.

Manchester City fixtures: September 17th - Bayern München v Manchester City, September 30th - Manchester City v AS Roma, October 21st - CSKA Moskva v Manchester City, November 5th - Manchester City v CSKA Moskva, November 25th - Manchester City v Bayern München, December 10th - AS Roma v Manchester City.

Group G

Chelsea FC, FC Schalke 04, NK Maribor, Sporting Clube de Portugal

Of all the Premier League sides competing in the Champions League, Chelsea are in the easiest group. No doubt Schalke 04 is a good side, but Chelsea should not fear the Germans nor Maribor and Sporting. Chelsea should win this group without any problems.

Chelsea FC fixtures: September 17th - Chelsea v Schalke 04, September 30th - Sporting v Chelsea, October 21st - Chelsea v Maribor, November 5th - Maribor v Chelsea, November 25th - Schalke 04 v Chelsea, December 10th - Chelsea v Sporting.

Europa League

E

Group C

Asteras Tripolis FC, Besiktas JK, FK Partizan, Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs did well in the Europa League last season, and are one of the favorites this season as well. Asteras Tripolis and Partizan should not be a problem for Tottenham, while Besiktas is the hardest opponent in the group. That said, Tottenham will be the winners of this group.

Tottenham Hotspur fixtures: September 18th - FK Partizan v Tottenham Hotspur, October 2nd - Tottenham Hotspur v Besiktas, October 23rd - Tottenham Hotspur v Asteras, November 6th - Asteras v Tottenham Hotspur, November 27th - Tottenham Hotspur v FK Partizan, December 11th - Besiktas v Tottenham Hotspur.

Group H

Everton, Krasnodar, Lille LOSC, Wolfsburg

Everton are in a much harder group than Tottenham, facing Lille and Wolfsburg. While Krasnodar should be a walkover, Lille and Wolfsburg are both sides able to cause problems for Everton. However, the Toffees have gone through a major development the last couple of seasons, and they can go far in this years Europa League. 

Everton fixtures: September 18th - Everton v Wolfsburg, October 2nd - Krasnodar v Everton, October 23nd - Lille v Everton, November 6th - Everton v Lille, November 27th - Wolfsburg v Everton, December 11th - Everton v Krasnodar. 

Tottenham v Fulham

White Hart Lane

19-04-2014 @ 12.45 UK

Tottenham came behind with three in just 31 minutes against West Brom in the weekend but managed to comeback and play a draw. Spurs are now sixth in the league, six points behind Everton fifth. Fulham is eyeing survival in the Premier League after their victory against Norwich now means they are only two points under the relegation line. The Cottagers have now won their last two matches before visiting White Hart Lane. The last ten meetings between the two sides have ended with seven victories to Tottenham. Tottenham are the favorites and should, on paper, be able to take a win against Fulham.

Newcastle v Swansea

St James Park

19-04-2014 @ 15.00

Just as we thought Newcastle had found their form they lost four consecutive matches in the Premier League, latest against Stoke last weekend. Swansea have lost their last two matches. Furthermore, the Swans have lost their last five away matches, so it is two teams in a miserable form meeting at St James Park. Swansea have won the last three meetings with Newcastle and despite their problems on the training pitch they are favorites against the Toons.

West Ham v Crystal Palace

Upton Park

19-04-2014 @ 15.00 UK

Crystal Palace have turned away from the relegation zone with three consecutive wins and are heading towards top ten in the league. The next opponent is West Ham at Upton Park, and the two sides are currently side by side with 37 points before this match. After beating Hull and Sunderland, The Hammers have got their hands full against Liverpool and Arsenal, and are hoping to get back in form against Crystal Palace. The Hammers are favorites at home, but given The Glazers current form, this could go both ways.

Cardiff v Stoke

Cardiff City Stadium

19-04-2014 @ 15.00 UK

The battle for survival in the bottom of the Premier League is tight, and Cardiff can with a win take themselves over the relegation line. However, Stoke have only lost one of their five last matches and are moving up the table. The last meeting between the sides ended in a goalless draw, and this match could well end the same way. Cardiff will be standing tight in the defends and it will be hard for Stoke to break through the wall. 

Aston Villa v Southampton

Villa Park

19-04-2014 @ 15.00 UK

Aston Villa  are on a de route with four losses in a row before The Saints comes on a visit. Southampton have outplayed their role in the top and are settling for a sub-top position, but have lost their last two matches in the league. Aston Villa usually have a good take on Southampton, as they have won five of the last 10 meetings.

Chelsea v Sunderland

Stamford Bridge

19-04-2014 @ 17.30 UK

As tight as the battle for relegation is so is the battle for the trophy, and Chelsea are in the fight. The Pensioners are currently second after Liverpool. Sunderland are hopelessly lost in the bottom of the league and should be an easy task for Chelsea. In fact, Sunderland have only won two of the last ten meetings with Chelsea and this is very unlikely to change on Saturday. 

Norwich v Liverpool

Carrow Road

20-04-2014 @ 12.00 UK

Hull v Arsenal

KC Stadium

20-04-2014 @ 14.05 UK

The two FA Cup finalist are clashing in a 'pre final' on Sunday when Hull takes on Arsenal at KC Stadium. Arsenal got a win against West Ham last night and are fighting for one of the Champions League spots. Meanwhile, Hull is six points from relegation but can not feel safe just yet. Even though Arsenal are the favorites Hull could well take a win at home. 

Everton v Manchester United

Goodison Park

20-04-2014 @ 16.10 UK

Manchester City v West Bromwich

City of Manchester Stadium

21-04-2014 @ 20.00 UK

The last match of the round is between the leagues number three and 16. Manchester City are clear favorites against West Brom and the visitors will have little chance of getting a result at the City of Manchester Stadium. The visitors have not won against City since 2010, and given their current form they are going to work hard even to get a draw on Monday.

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.

David Luiz's injury-time free kick goal gave Chelsea a vital win  in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final. However, Basel are not death and buried yet and has shown great form this year. This week's match of the week is between Chelsea and Basel!

Europa League Semi-final 2. leg

Stamford Bridge

02-05-2013 @ 20.05 UK

How are the two teams form?

Cech

Cole - Terry - Ivanovic - Azpilicueta

Lampard - Luiz

Moses - Hazard - Ramires

Torres

_________________________________

Streller

Stocker - Die - Elneny - Salah

Frei

Joo-Ho - Dragovic - Schar - Degen

Sommer

What to expect from this match?

After a goalless draw in the first meeting between Newcastle and Anzhi the return match is fully open. The match of the week is between the Geordies and the Russian millionaires.

Europa League Round of 16

St. James Park

14-03-2013 @ 20.05 UK

Newcastle United have not had the same success as last season, currently positioned 13 in the Premier League with 33 points in 29 matches and a negative goalscorer of -10. However, the results have been better in the Europa League where they ended 2 in the group stages, just after Bordeaux.

The Russians from Anzhi Makhachkala is currently 2 in the Russian league with 41 points after 20 matches, 5 points after CSKA Moskva. In the Europa League,  they qualified for this stage of the competition after ending second in the group stages after Liverpool.

Pardew has already suggested a 'technical' starting line against Anzhi in order to make an impact against the Russian defends. Anzhi, on the other hand, will probably have the same starting XI as the last meeting, with Eto'o up front.

Elliott

Santon - Mapou - Taylor - Haidara

Cabaye - Tiote

Anita - Sissoko - Marveaux

Shola

_____________________________________________

Eto'o

Willian - Jucilei - Boussoufa

Akhmedov - Diarra

Eshchenko - João Carlos - Ewerton - Zhirkov

Gabulov

Being a Russian team Anzhi is to be considered one of the strongest in this year's Europa League. The Anzhi owner has spent a lot of money on some (elderly) stars, but they are capable of creating what is needed for a victory.

On the other hand, Mike Ashley, has also been out and brought in a French army. Some of them will be in play for this match, and have a great technical level which might give Anzhi problems.

I expect to see attacking football from both teams, but comparing the them I believe that Anzhi is strongest. Their players have more international experience than Newcastle and that might just be decisive for this match.

Pinnaccle gives back 19/12 for a Newcastle victory while Anzhi only gives 2 at BetVictor. SportingBet gives 23/10 back on a draw.

Europa League Group J Round 6

White Hart Lane

06-12-2012 @ 20.05 GMT

How is the two teams form?

Tottenham Hotspur took a step towards the European spots in the Premier League, with a 3-0 victory agaoínst Fulham this weekend. The Londoners has not lost in four matches, including the 0-0 draw against Lazio and is two in group J.

Panathinaikos is currently six in the Greek 1. Division after their 2-1 win against Panionios this weekend. The Greek's has won 3 out of their last 5 matches, including the 1-0 win against Maribor. They are currently three in group J, two points after Tottenham.

What is the probable starting XI?

The importance of this match is not to be underestimated, and both teams will be playing with their top players. 

Lloris

Naughton - Walker - Caulkner - Vertonghen

 Sandro - Lennon

Dempsey                                  Bale

Defoe - Adebayor

_____________________________________________

Sissoko

Quincy

Zeca - Katsouranis - Vitolo - Christodoulopoulos

Spyropoulos - Velázquez - Boumsong - Vyntra

Karnezis

What to expect from this match?

We might see a rather defensive Tottenham team as they can settle with a draw in this match. Both teams will be careful from the start, but at some point Panathinaikos will have to come forward and chase the lead. This will undoubtful  create space in their back, and bring Totteham in play.

An early goal will really help this match on its way, and we can hope that it will not just be a boring draw.

What are the odds? 

According to oddschecker.com, Tottenham is favorite in most of the bookmaker's eyes. The best odds on a Spurs victory is 1.33 from Sportingbet, while the best draw is 5.25 from StanJames. The same bookmaker gives 12 back on a Panathinaikos victory.

 

Keep an eye on: Mads Fenger Nielsen

              

               Age: 21 (10.09.1990)

          Position: Central Defender

              Club: Randers FC,

                    Danish 1. Division

             Debut: 06-04-2009 against

                    Odense Boldklub

International caps: Denmark U21:

                    11 match(es)

                     0 goal(s)

                    Denmark U20:

                     1 match(es)

                     0 goal(s)

                    Denmark U19:

                     5 match(es)

                     0 goal(s)

              Value: £450.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk) 

His coach describes him as a ”fast and physical strong defender, with all the tools to be a defender.” This week’s talent is Mads Fenger Nielsen.

Mads Fenger joined Randers FC, from the Danish minor league team Skovbakken in 2007 and signed his first contract with the club in 2008, aged 17. The young defender fast became a regular part of the clubs 2. Division team, and earned his way to the Danish U19 national team, playing in the EURO qualifications.

In 2008, Fenger signed his first fulltime contact with Randers, aged 18, and soon after had his debut in the Danish Superliga against Odense Boldklub. Here, the defender replaced for the injured Robert Azumanian in the last minutes of the first leg.

Already a month after, Fenger, was in the starting XI for the first time against Brøndby IF, and soon after in the Europa League against Linfield FC. Randers FC’s European adventure ended, however, against the German team HSV, after one victory and one loss. Again, Fenger was in the starting XI. In the home league, Randers was  struggling in the lower part of the table. Even so, Mads Fenger was selected for the Danish U21 playing a tournament in France.

Randers barely saved them a year in the Danish Superliga in 2010, however, in 2011, there were no more luck left. Mads Fenger and Randers FC was relegated to the Danish 1. Division, after a draw in the last match of the season. However, Fenger experienced personal success as he was selected for the Danish U21 team playing the EURO 2011 in Aalborg, Denmark.

After a year, in the Danish 1. Division, with Mads Fenger as one of the profiles, Randers is now looking to be promoted to the Danish Superliga. Coach Michael Hemmingsen says about Fenger’s future that:

“Mads have five years left of his contract, and I am sure that – if he wants to – he will be staying in Randers longer than those five years. However, Mads are so skilful that at some point the club has to find out if they will keep him or another club will take over, but I am sure that Mads will have a great future in Randers.”