Soccer Preview for the Weekend
Posted February 29, 2008 Posted Under: EPL, German: Bundesliga, Italy: Serie A, OBJ: Chris, Spain: La LigaSaturday:
Arsenal v. Aston Villa: Arsenal welcomes Villa to the Emirates on Saturday after a difficult week following the horrible incident that occurred in Birmingham. Arsenal is stretched with many injuries in their team, and Aston Villa will be looking to capitalize on this. Martin O’Neill’s squad has been playing very well this season and of late has been playing some captivating football. Olof Mellberg has gotten back to fitness, and Villa will need his experience against Adebayor. Watch for Theo Walcott, this is his time to shine, and after he scored twice against Birmingham, he is full of confidence.
Schalke v. Bayern Munich: Schalke coach Mirko Slomka, is on thin ice with his chairman after back to back defeats in the last two weeks. Schalke has fallen into fifth position in the Bundesliga, nine points behind their opponent on Saturday, Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich barely scraped out an extra time win during the midweek in a DFB-Pokal match. Luca Toni was sent off in the match, which means Bayern will be without his services as well as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lucio, Miroslav Klose, and Martin Demichelis. Frank Ribery will receive his first start in a month, but Bayern will be lacking in attacking options. This is a great opportunity for Schalke to get a win.
Barcelona v. Atletico Madrid: Barcelona has been flying of late, and Lionel Messi has been a man possessed with the ball at his feet. Although Barca was lucky during the midweek to earn a draw in the Copa Del Rey, they will be visiting a lack luster side in Atletico Madrid. Atletico has been knocked out of both the UEFA Cup and the Copa Del Rey in recent weeks, and Barca will be looking to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the table. Ronaldinho will return to the side, after being rested in the midweek and the formidable attack of Barcelona will be on display.
Sunday:
Juventus v. Fiorentina: The game of the weekend in the Italian Serie A has Juventus hosting Fiorentina in the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. Fiorentina, sitting in fourth position, has been losing points in the last two matches with AC Milan nipping at their heels. Fiorentina has lost their leading goal scorer in Adrian Mutu, so it will be up to Christian Vieri to score some important goals. Juventus is very close to both Fiorentina and Milan on points, and they know that this a playoff for the Champions League. Nedved and center-back Chiellini will be missing for the Turin outfit, and if Fiorentina can beat Juve and Milan beat Lazio, three points will separate the three teams.