Month: January 2023

Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin are among four players handed a suspension by FIFA for their furious reaction to Uruguay’s World Cup exit last month.

The Celeste failed to make it out of Group H in Qatar despite winning their last game 2-0 against Ghana, with South Korea advancing at their expense due to having scored more goals.

Uruguay were fuming when Cavani was denied a late penalty after going down in the Ghana area and the Valencia striker pushed the VAR monitor over after the final whistle, while several of his team-mates surrounded referee Daniel Siebert.

FIFA on Friday revealed Cavani and captain Godin have been hit with a one-match suspension, while they must also participate in community football service and pay a fine of CHF 15,000 (£13,140).

Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez and Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera have been banned for four games by the world governing body, while they have been hit in the pocket to the tune of CHF 20,000 (£17,520) and also ordered to do community football service work.

The FIFA disciplinary committee also found the Uruguayan FA was responsible for the discriminatory behaviour of its supporters at the December 2 game, as well as for the misconduct, offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play shown by players.

That will result in Uruguay playing their next game with a partial stadium closure, with no fans allowed behind the goals at each end, FIFA said in a statement.

The Uruguayan FA has also been fined CHF 50,000 (£43,800).

Kieran Trippier signed an extension to his Newcastle United contract on Friday, as the England defender compared Eddie Howe’s Magpies to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

The 32-year-old was a LaLiga winner with Simeone’s industrious Atletico team before making the switch to Newcastle in January 2022, becoming the first major signing of the club’s new Saudi-led ownership era.

He and Newcastle have enjoyed a strong year, fending off relegation worries last season before soaring up the Premier League table this term, sitting third and winning the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton 1-0.

Tripper’s new deal means he is adding 12 months to the deal he signed when arriving at St James’ Park.

It is a reward for helping Newcastle keep 12 clean sheets in 20 Premier League games this season, conceding a league-low 11 goals so far.

Trippier recognises parallels between the teams coached by Howe and Simeone.

The former Burnley and Tottenham full-back told the club’s official website: “With Simeone it was crazy in the way we trained, the way he was obsessed with keeping clean sheets, and I think here it’s a similar mindset. We need to stop goals going in. I think we’ve showed this season how difficult we are to play against.”

Trippier said there was never any doubt he would commit to an extended stay on Tyneside, believing he and the team are only going to keep improving.

“I think I’m playing the best football of my career here at Newcastle,” Trippier said. “We’re challenging for a cup and a good position in the league, and it’s a bright future ahead for Newcastle.”

Asked about working with Howe, Trippier said: “I feel like he’s brought an extra level out of me this season.

“You only need to look from last season, the position we were in before the takeover happened, how many goals we were conceding, and the progression that we’ve made in a year and a bit.

“It’s massive progress, but we’re only halfway through, and we know how relentless the Premier League is, so we need to stay focused because we’ve got some massive games coming up.”

Head coach Howe said Trippier’s new deal was “a fitting reward for the season he’s had”, describing him as “outstanding both on and off the pitch”.

Manchester United look great value to end their six-year wait for silverware in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.

In the words of the Dutchman himself, that is far too long a wait for a club of United’s stature to go between trophies.

United fans have not had a huge amount to cheer since their 2016-17 EFL Cup triumph, but that could soon be about to change.

The Red Devils remain in top-four contention in the Premier League, are as good as in the EFL Cup final and are also still in the hunt to win the Europa League and FA Cup.

After seeing off Everton 3-1 in round three of the latter, United now have a meeting with second-tier Reading – managed by ex-Red Devil Paul Ince – for a place in the last 16.

Ahead of Saturday’s contest at Old Trafford, Stats Perform picks out some of the standout Opta numbers.

We meet again

You’d be right in thinking this fixture has a sense of familiarity about it, with this the 11th time the two sides have been paired in the FA Cup.

That will make this the joint-ninth most-played fixture in the competition’s history since 1912, with Arsenal versus Chelsea and Everton against Liverpool (15) top of that list.

United have advanced from nine of those previous 10 ties, the only exception being a 2-1 loss when the sides met in a second replay in the third-round stage in 1926-27.

Among FA Cup ties to have been played at least six times, only five teams can better United’s 90-per-cent win rate against a single opponent in the competition.
 

A one-sided affair

The one-sided nature of this fixture is not reserved exclusively for the FA Cup, either.

Reading have won just one of their 22 games against United when taking all competitions into account and have lost six in a row.

Indeed, you have to go back to that cup tie 96 years ago for the last time the Royals came out on top against United, with that match staged at Villa Park.

Across United’s six-match winning run against Reading, they have racked up 15 goals and kept three clean sheets in a row.
 

Right Royal misery

Reading know they will have to pull off a big upset if they are to advance, but their record against Premier League sides suggests that will not be happening this weekend.

They have lost seven of their past eight FA Cup matches against Premier League opposition, with their 3-1 win over West Brom in February 2016 the outlier in that sequence.

United are rightly considered huge favourites for this match, then, not least because they have lost only one of their past 39 home games against teams from outside the top tier.

Ten Hag’s side are unbeaten in 14 matches at Old Trafford in the FA Cup against any opponent in a run stretching back to a 2-1 loss to Arsenal in 2015.
 

Europe’s hottest player

It doesn’t help matters that Reading have endured an inconsistent campaign in the Championship, whereas United have – a few games aside – impressed in the top flight.

Ten Hag deserves huge praise for his early work at United, which includes getting far more out of Marcus Rashford in an attacking sense.

The England international has scored 10 goals in 10 games since the World Cup – a tally no other player across Europe’s top five leagues can match.

Rashford netted a late penalty in the previous round and has now been involved in five goals in his past five FA Cup appearances, scoring two and assisting three more.

That could spell bad news for Reading, against whom Rashford scored his only previous brace in the competition in a 4-0 third-round victory in January 2017.

– Liel Abada has scored six goals in six league appearances against Dundee United, including four in two this season 
– Dundee United have conceded 16 goals in their last four home league games against Celtic 
– Recommended Bet: Back Liel Abada to score anytime

After correctly predicting Crystal Palace and Newcastle to draw last weekend, Simon Barlow picks out the best best for Celtic’s trip to Sundee United.

Dundee United will be out to show Celtic that they cannot be rolled over quite as easily a second time when they host the champions at Tannadice Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Terrors went down 9-0 to Ange Postecoglu’s side in August during an awful month when they lost five straight games and conceded 24 goals.

United have since climbed off the bottom of the table under Liam Fox, who has rebuilt the team’s brittle confidence levels after taking over from Jack Ross following that drubbing.

Celtic will arrive on Tayside looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership to 16 matches.

The Hoops have won four straight home matches since they last hit the road to claim a 2-2 draw with Old Firm rivals Rangers at the turn of the year.

Team news

Having rung the changes for United’s Scottish Cup win over Stirling University in midweek, Fox is expected to revert back to the line-up that battled for a 2-2 draw at Hibernian last weekend.

That is likely to mean Charlie Mulgrew, who played the full 90 minutes after a spell on the sidelines, returns to the bench.

MIdfielder Archie Meekison and goalkeeper Carljohan Eriksson have left the club on loan this week, joining Falkirk and Norsjaelland respectively.

Celtic boss Postecoglou went stronger than expected for the Scottish Cup tie with Greenock Morton, but changes will be made for this fixture.

Jota, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley should all come back into the starting XI, while recent signing Yuki Kobayashi is in line for a third straight start in central defence.

The stats

The Hoops are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and a 15-match run when only including fixtures in the top flight.

Postecoglu’s side scored eight goals in 41 minutes during Celtic’s thrashing of Dundee United in August.

Celtic’s 9-0 win at Tannadice Park matched the score from their win over Aberdeen 2010-11 and was the biggest away victory in the competition’s history, surpassing their own 8-1 triumph at Dunfermline in 2005-06.

United playmaker Glenn Middleton heads into this fixture having scored in successive matches.

Prediction

Celtic demonstrated their superiority over the Terrors when they last visited Tannadice Park, but the hosts have improved since.

Liam Fox’s side were much more competitive when they visited Parkhead in November and were not far away from claiming an unlikely 2-2 draw against the champions.

They will take heart from some recent solid showings and could hold out for long periods — as they showed against Rangers recently.

But Celtic’s class should tell and two players, in particular, could make the difference on Sunday.

Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada have given Dundee United major problems in this fixture over the past two seasons.

The Japanese striker got a hat-trick in the 9-0 romp and grabbed the winner at Parkhead last November while Abada has also matched that tally of four goals across the two games.

The Israel international winger has struck six times in his six league appearances against the Taysiders and looks good to add to his eight-goal Premiership tally at the weekend.

Back Abada to score anytime at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet.

– There are 11 FA Cup fourth-round matches coming up on Saturday 
– Leicester are back amongst the goals and can see off lower-tier Walsall 
– Southampton have won three of their last four cup matches, scoring twice in each

Two struggling Premier League clubs have opportunities to progress at the expense of lower-level opponents in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Kelechi Iheanacho has a fine scoring pedigree in the FA Cup and he can play his part in ensuring Leicester avoid a slip-up against lower-league Walsall.

Southampton have been enjoying some cup success of late, which includes beating Manchester City, and home advantage can help them avoid the banana skin of Blackpool.

Foxes can put league woes behind them

Bet 1: Match result will be Leicester

Leicester may not be in the best moment of form when it comes to the Premier League, but there are not many clubs with a better recent FA Cup pedigree,

The Wembley winners in 2020-21 have come out on top in 11 of their last 13 FA Cup ties, eight of them without conceding.

League One opponents Walsall have lost three of their last four home FA Cup games and will probably struggle without suspended centre-back Manny Monthe and cup-tied new signing Jamille Matt for this clash.

Bet 2: Both teams to score

Walsall boss Mike Flynn has promised to give it a go against a much stronger team on Saturday and that could lead to goals at both ends.

As Newport boss, he sent the Foxes crashing out at the third-round stage four years ago with a 2-1 victory and knows that on these occasions, it is always better to go down fighting.

Bet 3: Kelechi Iheanacho to score anytime

The Nigerian has been much more prolific in the cup than in league play over his Leicester career and can boast an incredible tally of 16 strikes in his last 22 FA Cup outings, including six in his last six.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers seems more inclined to play with two forwards when going up against lower-tier sides in the cup and that aids Iheanacho, who lashed home Leicester’s only goal against Gillingham in round three after a touch from Jamie Vardy.

Bet 4: Over two match goals for Leicester

The last time the Foxes faced League One opponents they raced into a 3-0 lead just after half-time and then eased down against Milton Keynes Dons in December.

This may not be as trouble-free, but they are back among the goals again after striking twice against Brighton last weekend.

Recommended Bet Builder: Leicester to win, both teams to score, Kelechi Iheanacho to score anytime and over two match goals for Leicester.

Home advantage can help Saints through

Bet 1: Match result will be Southampton

The Premier League team are worth siding with in this contest as they have a bigger squad, more quality all over the pitch and home advantage.

Saints boss Nathan Jones will know Blackpool well from managing former club Luton against them — and getting a 1-0 win — earlier this season.

He has had some mixed fortunes in the league since taking charge at St Mary’s, but has recorded three wins out of four in cup competitions.

Opponents Blackpool, meanwhile, are adjusting to life under new boss Mick McCarthy, who has not taken a team beyond the fourth round since his Wolves side reached the fifth stage in 2008.

Bet 2: Over two goals in the match for both teams combined

Southampton were denied goals in their last two games by VAR reviews, but prior to that had scored exactly two goals in three straight victories over Premier League opponents.

Meanwhile, they have only kept one clean sheet in their last five games and the absence of suspended centre-back Duje Caleta-Car for this game probably enhances Blackpool’s prospects of grabbing a goal too.

At least two goals have been scored in six of Blackpool’s last seven away games and, with James Ward-Prowse a menace from free-kicks, Saints should get on the scoresheet at least twice in this game.

Bet 3: Adam Armstrong to score two or more in the match

Southampton striker Armstrong appears to be one of those goalscorers who can consistently rack up 20 goals a season in the Championship, but struggles to get into double figures in the Premier League.

He hit 44 goals in 86 games for second-tier Blackburn in the two seasons prior to joining the Saints, since when he has managed to hit the back of the net just three times in 42 appearances.

Armstrong has been enjoying himself in cup competitions recently, scoring Southampton’s winner at Crystal Palace in round three and only being denied an equaliser in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Newcastle on Tuesday by a close VAR review.

He should enjoy facing Championship defenders again this weekend and may even double up with two goals in the game — as he did when he last faced Blackpool in Blackburn’s colours.

Recommended Bet Builder: Southampton to win, over two goals in the match for both teams combined and Adam Armstrong to score two or more in the match.

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To change a line, simply click on the selection, choose the new bet and return to the betslip.

Allan Saint-Maximin has been in and out of high-flying Newcastle’s squad this season and has not played a full 90 minutes in the Premier League since August due to injury.

Eddie Howe maintains the 25-year-old Frenchman is an integral part of his project and is keen to see him reach full fitness as soon as possible. 

Toon currently sit third in the table and have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after beating Southampton 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final last week. 

But reports suggest AC Milan are keeping tabs on Saint-Maximin ahead of a potential summer move.

As Howe’s men prepare for Tuesday’s return leg against the Saints, we take a look at the Newcastle No10’s situation in more detail.

Season struggles

Saint-Maximin has missed out on much of Newcastle’s success this term after picking up a hamstring injury early in the campaign. 

He was absent for eight league matches as Howe’s men built a strong foundation for a top-four tilt.

The ex-Nice trickster started with a bang, tallying three goal contributions in the opening four matches, including two assists in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City.

But the team flourished without him and he has struggled to become a regular starter since returning to action.

Despite a league-best record of only 11 goals conceded and 12 clean sheets, the Tynesiders are yet to find fluency in the final third, netting only once in their last four top-flight outings.

Howe’s men have had to settle for nine draws from their 20 games, meaning Saint-Maximin could still play a pivotal role in improving their end product in the run-in.

Fighting for his place

One forward who has thrived under Howe is Joelinton, who has been a revelation at St James’ Park.

Often deployed on the left wing, the 26-year-old Brazilian’s performances have had a negative impact on Saint-Maximin.

The free-wheeling star has been limited to only 123 Premier League minutes since his return to the fold, meaning he has been unable to replicate his impressive numbers from last season.

With 10 goal contributions for a side battling relegation at the time, the Paris native was playing with no fear and provided the entertainment factor for fans.

He averaged 7.72 take-ons attempted per 90 minutes in 2021-22 — only Wolves attacker Adama Traore had more.

Saint-Maximin created 50 chances for his team-mates last term but has only managed nine in 12 appearances in 2022-23.

Talk of the Toon

There is no doubt Saint-Maximin is a hero among the Newcastle faithful — his loyalty and willingness to stick with the club during the tough times was a foundation for their new-found success.

But when European giants are actively monitoring your situation, it is hard to keep your head down and perform at the top level.

 Milan won the Serie A title last season and are reportedly looking for a contingency plan should Portuguese star Rafael Leao leave the San Siro.

A lack of game time in recent months has unsurprisingly frustrated Saint-Maximin, who is said to have already rejected moves to Sevilla and Villarreal this month.

His future has been called into further doubt after reports emerged that Newcastle are closing in on wantaway Everton youngster Anthony Gordon.

If another winger were to arrive, it would appear increasingly likely that Saint-Maximin’s time on Tyneside would end long before his contract expires in 2026.

Howe’s faith

Despite being involved less frequently, Howe insists Saint-Maximin remains a key player.

The Toon boss, 45, said: “For me, if he’s unavailable at any time, it’s a disaster because he’s unique and he’s got those skills that any defender doesn’t want to play against.

“He’s a real character — and we love him for that. He’s got a really nice personality, he’s really good to work with.

“But like every player, he’ll want to play, I’ve got no doubt about that, and he’ll be pushing to play. But that’s a great thing for us.

“He’s absolutely not in that role [as a substitute], he’s a key player from the off when he’s 100% fit.”

The clock is ticking towards Tuesday’s transfer deadline and there could yet be a twist in the tale when it comes to Saint-Maximin’s future.

– Brighton have won two and drawn three of their last six games against Liverpool
– Jurgen Klopp’s side have won only won of their last five games
– Recommended bet: Brighton Draw no Bet

Holders Liverpool return to the scene of what Jurgen Klopp called one of the worst displays of his managerial career when they tackle in-form Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

The Reds’ 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium earlier this month came in the wake of an away defeat at Brentford and a fortunate home draw with Wolves in the FA Cup third round when a VAR failure prevented the visitors from going 3-2 up.

Klopp is adamant that progress has been made since he changed some personnel around, but they have won only one of their last five coming into this game.

By contrast, Brighton have lost only once in 90 minutes since action resumed following the World Cup and missed chances to make it four wins in a row at Leicester last weekend.

Having scored six goals and taken four points from their two Premier League clashes with Liverpool this season, Roberto De Zerbi’s side will be confident of another positive result.

Team news

Adam Lallana, who was majestic against his former club a fortnight ago, could miss out after he came off injured in the first half of Brighton’s draw with Leicester last weekend.

Pascal Gross looks likely to be moved from right-back into midfield and Alexis Mac Allister deployed in the number 10 role to allow either Joel Veltman or Tariq Lamptey to return to De Zerbi’s back four.

Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck are vying for the striker’s berth.

Long-term knee injury victim Jakub Moder and Levi Colwill, who is facing up to six weeks out with a quadriceps injury, are the only certain absentees.

For Liverpool, Klopp is likely to stick with a similar team and formation to the one he deployed at Anfield in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea last weekend.

Darwin Nunez could step up from the bench to replace Cody Gakpo, but the four players he replaced in a quadruple substitution at the Amex Stadium a fortnight ago have yet to start since.

Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain look likely to be on the bench again, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is another star that has been left out recently.

Teenager Stefan Bajcetic has taken his chance in central midfield, injecting a brio and bite that was previously lacking, while Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez appear to be gelling well in central defence.

Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Arthur remain on Liverpool’s long-term casualty list, while Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk are also sidelined with calf and hamstring issues, respectively.

The stats

Five members of Klopp’s starting XI from the 3-0 loss to Brighton a fortnight ago have not started either of the following two matches.

Brighton have won three of their past four FA Cup fourth-round ties, while Liverpool have lost four of their last six at this stage of the competition.

In the current format of the competition (since 1925-26), only Wolves (30), Sheffield United (28) and West Ham (27) have exited the FA Cup at the fourth-round stage more than Liverpool (26).

Prediction

Brighton may not be able to repeat the success they enjoyed in pressing Liverpool’s over-run midfield into submission during the last clash, but they have enough players in form to cause the Reds plenty of problems.

Kaoru Mitoma is arguably one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Premier League right now and teenage striker Ferguson continues to look like he belongs at this level.

Klopp’s faith in Bajcetic looks well-placed as he has vastly improved their team play in recent games, but Gakpo, Nunez and Alexander-Arnold are all struggling.

Liverpool, who have won only one of their last six meetings with the Seagulls, look uneasy favourites for this tie and the hosts will not mind being underdogs again.

Brighton look well-placed to progress in terms of form and the fitness of their match-winning players.

But, given three of the last six meetings between these clubs have finished all square, the Draw no Bet market offers a safer route to side with the Seagulls.

Back Brighton Draw No Bet at 10/11 with LiveScore Bet.

Julian Nagelsmann believes Bayern Munich must improve their attitude if they are to get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga.

Joshua Kimmich’s 90th-minute equaliser was enough to earn a late point at home to Koln on Tuesday, but the result was Bayern’s second consecutive 1-1 draw after they failed to beat RB Leipzig the previous week.

Their shaky form since returning from the extended Bundesliga mid-season break has given hope to title challengers such as Union Berlin and Leipzig, the former of whom sit second and just three points behind Nagelsmann’s men at the summit.

With Bayern aiming to win their 11th straight title, Nagelsmann pointed to his team’s need for an improved mindset heading into the rest of the season.

When asked whether he had any questions over Bayern’s mentality, Nagelsmann told reporters: “I often talk to our team psychologist about it. That’s always a big word.

“The atmosphere is like it always is at Bayern when you don’t win. Not restless, but not super happy either.

“Each of our players is a great talent and a great footballer. They also have a lot of desire and a great will. You just have to get back to those things.

“Then we have more quality than other teams in the Bundesliga and in Europe.

“But for me it’s not about mentality, it’s about attitude, and better attitude.”

Nagelsmann revealed Serge Gnabry will not start against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday after the winger was hooked at half-time of the draw with Koln.

The former Arsenal man already caused a stir when he used a day off to attend Paris Fashion Week prior to Tuesday’s poor performance, with his replacement Kingsley Coman recording four key passes after his introduction, tied for the game high.

Nagelsmann says it will be the France international who gets to start against Frankfurt, saying: “Gnabry had the chance to show himself against Koln. I don’t want to hold tabloid issues so high. He didn’t take his chance in Cologne.

“We had a good conversation and I explained to him that his substitution was only for sporting reasons.

“We had a good man on the bench in Kingsley Coman against Koln, who will start tomorrow.”

Leon Goretzka was also taken off at half-time against Koln, though his removal was because of injury concerns, and Nagelsmann confirmed the midfielder will play no part on Saturday after having to leave training early on Thursday.

“Leon will be out,” Nagelsmann stated. “He has nerve problems on the inside of his thighs. He can probably play again on Wednesday [against Mainz in the DFB-Pokal].

“Unfortunately, Leon keeps having aches and pains, and that won’t change anymore. He invests a lot. I support him and we communicate frequently.”

Roberto De Zerbi feels it would be in Moises Caicedo’s best interests to stay at Brighton and Hove Albion until the end of the season after Arsenal reportedly failed with a big-money bid for the midfielder.

The Gunners are said to have tabled a £60million offer for Caicedo, but the Seagulls are eager to ensure the 21-year-old is still at the club when the transfer window closes next Tuesday.

Chelsea are also keen on the Ecuador international and had a bid of their own turned down last week.

The Seagulls have already lost Leandro Trossard to Premier League leaders Arsenal last week after the Belgium winger fell out with De Zerbi.

Seagulls head coach De Zerbi has urged the in-demand Caicedo to remain at the Amex Stadium – for the time being at least.

The Italian said: “I think he’s [Caicedo] a good guy. He’s focused only on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because, in my opinion, it’s the best solution for him and us. 

“I can understand the other big teams want our young players – [Alexis] Mac Allister, Caicedo, [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Solly] March – but the decision is for the players and the club.

“I spoke with him on Wednesday and I told him my opinion.

“I think it’s always difficult to change inside the season because you can find more problems. It is important to stay another four months.”

Quizzed about his conversations with Caicedo, De Zerbi added: “He’s relaxed. He’s a good guy. I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach.

“I understand when one player has the possibility to change teams and go to a very big team, but my work is to give the style of play and also advice for his career and his life.”

Real Sociedad are enjoying a season to remember and are ready to shock reigning champions Real Madrid in the capital. 

Table-topping Barcelona will be looking to pile the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit by beating Girona on Saturday to extend their lead at Spanish football’s summit. 

Atletico Madrid face a tough trip to Osasuna as they aim to fend off competition for their top-four spot, with nearest challengers Villarreal hosting Rayo Vallecano. 

Meanwhile, Sevilla will hope to put more distance between themselves and the drop zone as they welcome winless Elche to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Game of the week: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (Sunday, 8pm)

Real host high-flying Sociedad with plenty at stake — defeat would see their opponents move level on points and could hand Barcelona a six-point lead at the top. 

La Real are on a five-game winning streak in the league, though they have not won any of their last six top-flight meetings with Los Blancos (two draws, four defeats) and lost 1-0 at Barca in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. 

The hosts have a superb record on their own patch, losing just one of their previous 15 LaLiga meetings at home against Sociedad (12 wins, two draws) and have only been beaten once in their last 36 league outings at the Bernabeu (25 wins, 10 draws). 

Ancelotti’s men may not be able to rely on any penalties against Sunday’s opponents, however — Imanol Alguacil’s team are one of just two clubs in the division yet to concede from the spot.

Girona vs Barcelona (Saturday, 3.15pm)

Leaders Barcelona have secured 44 points from their 17 games so far — and history suggests they are now in prime position to claim their first LaLiga title since 2019. 

In four of the last five campaigns in which the club have amassed at least as many points at this stage, they have gone on to win the league, only failing to do so in 2013-14. 

Xavi’s men have built their success on the foundations of a solid defence, with no side in Europe’s top 10 leagues keeping more clean sheets than their 13 this term.

Girona will hope to deny them a 14th shutout — and their best chance is from the spot. No team in the division has scored more penalties than their six, or has scored a higher percentage of their goals from such situations (23%).

Osasuna vs Atletico Madrid (Sunday, 3.15pm)

Osasuna go into this game just three points and three places behind Atleti, who sit fourth in the table ahead of Matchday 19. 

But Los Rojillos do not boast a strong record against Diego Simeone’s outfit — they have lost each of their last eight encounters with them, failing to score in six of those. 

In fact, since 2009-10, no team has beaten them in LaLiga more times than Atletico (15). 

However, Los Colchoneros are winless in their last three league games on the road (one draw, two defeats) and Jagoba Arrasate will hope his side can capitalise on the visitors’ poor away form.

Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano (Monday, 8pm)

If Atleti slip up, Villarreal — who are level on points — will be ready to pounce. 

To do so, they must overcome Rayo Vallecano, which is a task they have done with some frequency in recent times. 

The Yellow Submarine have triumphed in each of their last four meetings with Monday’s opponents and have won seven in a row against them at home. 

Additionally, Quique Setien’s team are unbeaten in their previous five LaLiga outings (four wins, one draw), while Andoni Iraola’s men have lost two of their last three (one win).

Sevilla vs Elche (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Sevilla’s 1-0 win over 10-man Cadiz last weekend was a significant moment for the club in their struggle to avoid the drop. 

That victory moved them into 15th ahead of this matchday, though they remain just one point clear of the relegation places. 

But a home clash with bottom-of-the-league Elche represents the perfect opportunity to increase that gap — and bounce back from a 2-1 midweek Copa del Rey defeat at Osasuna. 

Elche have never won a LaLiga game at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in 20 attempts (15 defeats, five draws), losing the last five in a row. 

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli will certainly hope that run continues on Saturday.

The weekend’s other games

Almeria vs Espanyol (Friday, 8pm)

Cadiz vs Mallorca (Saturday, 1pm)

Getafe vs Real Betis (Saturday, 8pm)

Real Valladolid vs Valencia (Sunday, 1pm)

Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao (Sunday, 5.30pm)

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