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At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City host Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. The Citizens are clearly favorites on the bookmakers’ blackboards. They returned from the net 5-1 against Watford on the last day of the Premier League, and in the year of the explosion of the Covid worldwide, they prevailed in the double confrontation with Real Madrid, winning both games 2-1.
Real, which had no competitive commitments over the weekend, is coming off two away league victories in the fields of Seville and Osasuna, while in the previous round they risked big by saving in extra time against Chelsea thanks to a goal from Karim Benzema.
Form Guide
Manchester City WDDLWW
Manchester City supporters will be hoping for a repeat of their 5-1 Premier League victory over Watford.
Manchester City controlled the game 74% of the time and had 19 shots on goal, eight of which were on target. Gabriel Jesus (4′, 23′, 49′, 53′) and Rodri (34′) scored goals for Manchester City. Watford, on the other hand, had five shots on goal, two of which were on target. Watford’s Hassane Kamara scored in the 28th minute.
Manchester City have scored 13 goals in their last six games under Pep Guardiola. At the same time, they have allowed 6 goals to be scored against them.
Real Madrid WWWLWW
Real Madrid enters this game on the back of a 1-3 La Liga victory over Osasuna in their most recent match.
In the match, Real Madrid had 65 percent possession and 23 shots on goal, 11 of which were on target. Real Madrid scored through David. Alaba (12′), Marco Asensio (45′), and Lucas Vázquez (96′). Osasuna had 12 shots on goal against them, three of which were on target. Osasuna’s goal came from Ante Budimir (13′).
At least three goals have been scored in five of Real Madrid’s past six matches. Within that time frame, the average number of goals scored per match was 3.83, with Real Madrid averaging 2.5.
Injured and suspended
Manchester City: (João Cancelo)
Real Madrid: (Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic)
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Predicted XI
Manchester City Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko, De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva, Mahrez, Jesus, Raheem Sterling.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militão, Alaba, Mendy, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius Júnior.
Prediction
Manchester City, in our opinion, should get the win and maybe a clean sheet against Real Madrid, who may struggle to score.
We are aiming for a match with three or more goals at the Etihad Stadium between two decidedly offensive teams. Over 2.5 has dominated in numerous matches in the last races of the season.
When the final whistle blows, we believe Manchester City will have earned a 2-1 victory.
Another England-Spain semi-final in the Champions League. After Manchester City-Real Madrid on Tuesday, April 26, it will be the turn of Liverpool-Villarreal at Anfield.
The hosts, coached by Jurgen Klopp, who remained in the race for the title over the weekend of the championship by staying within one point of Manchester City thanks to a 2-0 win against Everton, find a team that is a true bogeyman of the so-called greats after having “killed” Juventus and Bayern Munich in the previous rounds.
The “yellow submarine” coached by Unai Emery did not play over the weekend, and the last match dates back to April 19, when, in the league, they defeated Valencia at home 2-0.
Form Guide
Liverpool WDDWWW
Following a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, Liverpool are looking to win again.
In the game, Liverpool had 83 percent possession and 18 shots on goal, four of which were on target. Andrew Robertson (62′) and Divock Origi (85′) scored goals for Liverpool. Everton had nine shots on goal, one of which was on target.
In five of Liverpool’s last six games, three or more goals per game have been scored. In these encounters, opponents scored eight, while Liverpool managed to score seventeen.
Villarreal LWDDWW
Villarreal will enter the game fresh off a 2-0 La Liga victory against Valencia in their previous match.
During the game, Villarreal had 58 percent possession and 12 shots on goal, 5 of which were on target. Arnaut Danjuma (10′, 17′) was Villarreal’s only goal scorer. Valencia CF had five shots on goal, one of which was on target.
Injured and suspended
Liverpool: clean bill of health and no suspension concerns.
Villarreal: (Alberto Moreno)
Liverpool vs Villarreal Predicted XI
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Alcantara, Salah, Mané, Díaz.
Villarreal Predicted XI: Rulli, Lo Celso, Albiol, Mandi, Estupiñán, Foyth, Parejo, Trigueros, Capoue, Groeneveld, Pino.
Prediction
Liverpool is our first choice in line with the bookmakers’ odds. Villarreal may find it difficult to score against a Liverpool side that appears to be capable of doing very well if they play to their full capacity.
When the full-time whistle blows, we should expect Liverpool to win by a comfortable 3-0 margin.
When Manchester United and Chelsea meet at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on the stadium. The Red Devils have struggled to regain their form in the last few weeks of the season, and as a result, their chances of qualifying for the Champions League are limited.
The Blues, on the other hand, won a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge, with Christian Pulisic netting a late goal. Chelsea, on the other hand, are more of a team than Manchester United, and we believe Thomas Tuchel’s men will establish their worth on the field.
Form Guide
Manchester United LDLWLL
Manchester United will be aiming for a better result after losing 3-1 to Arsenal in the Premier League the previous weekend.
In the game, Manchester United had 45 percent possession and 14 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Cristiano Ronaldo (34′) was Manchester United’s only goal scorer. Arsenal, on the other hand, had 14 shots on goal, seven of which were on target. Arsenal’s goals came from Nuno Tavares (3′), Bukayo Saka (32′), and Granit Xhaka (70′).
Manchester United has rarely failed to surrender in recent games. The fact that Manchester United have been scored against in six of their last six matches, allowing 12 goals in that period, will be a source of concern for them.
Chelsea LWWWLW
Chelsea will enter this match on the back of a 1-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United in their most recent match.
Chelsea had 67 percent of the possession and 26 shots on goal, 5 of which were on target. Chelsea’s only goal came from Christian Pulisic in the 90th minute. West Ham United, on the other hand, had six shots on goal, two of which were on target.
Chelsea have scored 15 goals in their last six encounters. In each of those games, Chelsea has also scored a goal. They’ve had 9 goals deflected into their own net over that time.
Injured and suspended
Manchester United: (Edinson Cavani, Fred, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba)
Chelsea: (Antonio Rüdiger, Mateo Kovacic, Ben Chilwell).
Manchester United vs Chelsea Predicted XI
Manchester United Predicted XI: de Gea, Wan-Bisakka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles, McTominay, Matic, Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Loftus-Cheek; James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Werner, Havertz
Prediction
Manchester United, in our opinion, will have to put in a lot of effort to score against this Chelsea team, who we believe should be able to score and take the lead.
Our choice is the “simplest” one, which is to bet on the strongest team, the team considered the favorite for the match. We’ve gone for a hard-fought match, with Chelsea leading 0-1 at the conclusion of it.
This edition of the Europa League has spared no surprises and will certainly make many big clubs live with remorse for having wasted a sensational opportunity to take home a prestigious title. Instead, teams that were not considered favorites on the eve will compete for the trophy, despite the fact that they do not lack quality and determination.
Eintracht Frankfurt overcame none other than Barcelona, while West Ham literally wiped out Lyon, so it really can’t be said that they made it to the semi-finals by accident. Now this direct confrontation promises to be decidedly balanced, and it is difficult to identify who is the favorite.
Form Guide
West Ham United WDLWDL
West Ham United will not want to replicate their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea in their last encounter.
In the game, West Ham United had 33% possession and six shots on goal, two of which were on target. Chelsea, on the other hand, had 26 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic scored in the 90th minute.
In previous years, West Ham United have rarely been able to hold out for the entire 90 minutes. In fact, West Ham United have been scored against in five of their last six games, conceding six goals in the process.
Eintracht Frankfurt DDLWLD
In their previous Bundesliga match, Eintracht Frankfurt drew 2-2 with Hoffenheim.
Eintracht Frankfurt controlled the game with 49 percent possession and 17 shots on goal, 7 of which were on target. Eintracht Frankfurt scored through Evan Ndicka (12′, own goal, 32′) and Daichi Kamada (66′). Hoffenheim had ten shots on goal, four of which were on target. Hoffenheim’s Georginio Rutter scored in the 78th minute.
The numbers speak for themselves: Eintracht Frankfurt has been scored against in five of their previous six matches, with their opponents scoring nine goals in total. Eintracht Frankfurt’s defense has some flaws that need to be addressed.
Injured and suspended
West Ham United: (Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna)
Eintracht Frankfurt: (Diant Ramaj, Jan Schröder, Christopher Lenz, Evan Ndicka, Kristijan Jakic, Erik Durm, Enrique Herrero García and Stefan Ilsanker)
West Ham United vs Eintracht Frankfurt Predicted XI
West Ham United Predicted XI: Areola, Johnson, Dawson, Cresswell, Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Masuaku, Fornals, Bowen, Antonio.
Eintracht Frankfurt Predicted XI: Trapp, Toure, Hinteregger, Hasebe, Chandler, Rode, Hrustic, Kostic, Lindstrom, Kamada, Santos Borre.
Prediction
However, that of Lyon is also the only one of the last six in which the English team has kept a clean sheet. On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt was able to score four goals in two matches against Barcelona.
When all factors are considered, Eintracht Frankfurt will have their work cut out for them if they are to win against a West Ham United club that has to score at least once to take the upper hand.
As a result, we expect West Ham United to win this game by a slender 1-0 margin.
Whatever happens, this Europa League season will remain an original. Yes, since despite the fact that certain “huge” names have passed through during the competition, like Barcelona, to name just one, there will still be some outsiders in the final.
Yes, because few would have predicted two semi-finals with Leipzig vs. Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt vs. West Ham, but it is what it is. Perhaps no tournament is more democratic than the Europa League, which gives everyone a chance. It’s impossible to pick a favorite right now, but Leipzig is unquestionably a contender for the title.
Form Guide
RB Leipzig DWWWWL
Following a 1-2 Bundesliga 1 loss to Union Berlin in their previous match, RB Leipzig will be seeking a better outcome here.
RB Leipzig controlled the ball for 55% of the time and had five shots on goal, one of which was on target. Yussuf Poulsen (46′) scored the goal for RB Leipzig. 1. FC Union Berlin had 14 shots on goal, four of which were on goal. Union Berlin’s goals came from Sven Michel (86′) and Kevin Behrens (89′).
The RB Leipzig defense’s recent results suggest that there isn’t much more they can accomplish. RB Leipzig have kept things close, scoring four goals in their last six matches.
Rangers LLWWWW
Rangers come into this encounter on the back of a 1-3 Premiership victory against Motherwell in their previous match.
The Rangers had 52 percent possession and 9 shots on goal, 5 of which were on target in that game. Scott Wright (47′) and James Tavernier (62′) scored goals for the Rangers. Motherwell’s opponents had eight shots on goal, two of which were on target. Motherwell’s goals came from Liam Kelly (14′ own goal) and Ross Tierney (35′).
At least three goals have been scored in at least five of the Rangers’ past six matches.
Injured and suspended
RB Leipzig: (Amadou Haidara, Lukas Klostermann, Mohamed Simakan and Willi Orbán)
Rangers: (Nnamdi Ofoborh, Filip Helander, Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi)
RB Leipzig vs Rangers Predicted XI
RB Leipzig Predicted XI: Gulacsi, Klostermann, Gvardiol, Halstenberg, Henrichs, Laimer, Adams, Angelino, Olmo, Silva, Nkunku.
Rangers Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Jack, Lundstram, Arfield, Aribo, Kent, Sakala.
Prediction
Glasgow’s Rangers are certainly a proud and tough opponent, but the quality seen against Atalanta makes us lean towards considering Leipzig as the favorite. It will not be a walk in the park, but let’s trust the hosts.
When the referee blows the final whistle, we’re going for a 3-0 victory for RB Leipzig.
The first edition of the Conference League, which reached the final stage, did not betray the expectations. Yes, because after a first part full of teams with a low reputation, the level has definitely risen to the semifinals. The top four, in fact, are very respectable: on the one hand, Rome and Leicester; on the other, Feyenoord and Marseille.
So, however it goes, it will be a very important final, perhaps even more important than that of the Europa League, a competition in which the four semi-finalists can be considered outsiders. The race that will be staged on the Dutch side is definitely indecipherable, with the hosts slightly favored, even if probably only for the home factor.
Form Guide
Feyenoord LWDWWW
Feyenoord will be aiming for a repeat of their 2-1 Eredivisie victory over FC Utrecht, which gave them confidence.
Feyenoord had 66 percent possession of the game and had 16 shots on goal, seven of which were on target. Luis Sinisterra (96′) scored the goal for Feyenoord. FC Utrecht had four shots on goal, one of which was on target. FC Utrecht’s goals came from Mike van der Hoorn (48′ own goal) and Sander van de Streek (64′).
Feyenoord games have become increasingly entertaining in recent years, with high scoring being the norm. Both sides have combined for a total of 25 goals in their last six games.
Marseille WWWLWW
Marseille enters this match after a Ligue 1 victory over Reims by a score of 0-1 in their last match.
In the game, Marseille had 71 percent possession and 14 shots on goal, three of which were on target. Gerson (83′) was the only Marseille player to score. Stade de Reims, on the other hand, had ten shots on goal, three of which were on target.
Marseille have scored a total of 10 goals in their past six matches. On each of those occasions, Marseille has also managed to score. During those games, their defenders have been on the receiving end of five goals.
Injured and suspended
Feyenoord: (Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Marcos Senesi, Guus Til, Justin Bijlow and Jens Toornstra)
Marseille: (Konrad de la Fuente and Leonardo Balerdi)
Feyenoord vs Marseille Predicted XI
Feyenoord Predicted XI: Marciano, Trauner, Malacia, Senesi, Geertruida, Wålemark, Aursnes, Kökçü, Dessers, Nelson, Sinisterra.
Marseille Predicted XI: Mandanda, Ćaleta-Car, Peres, Lirola, Saliba, Payet, Rongier, Harit, Guendouzi, Gueye & Ünder.
Prediction
In our opinion, Marseille will have to put in a lot of effort to beat Feyenoord, who we believe will score and stay ahead.
Feyenoord will have to take advantage of the home factor, but keeping the goal unbeaten against Marseille will be anything but simple. It is difficult to predict the final result, but we anticipate a tense match, with Feyenoord leading 1-0 in the end.
The Conference League is getting more and more alive. Thursday is the day of the first leg of the semifinals that will see Leicester and Roma on the pitch. The Foxes at home have been the protagonists of a very disappointing season. To date, they have 42 points and are tenth in the standings, with no chance of getting close to the train that leads to Europe.
On the international stage, it went better for the English team, who, after being eliminated from the Europa League, entered the Conference by beating Randers, Rennes, and PSV and flying to the semifinals. Roma will play their first away match and, in comparison to their next opponents, they are still in the league, where they are fifth, and must defend the position that is worth the Europa League from attacks by Lazio, Fiorentina, and Atalanta.
In Europe, Mourinho spent the round with Vitesse and Bodo Glimt, so this is the first real test to try to win the trophy. The two teams’ recent form has not been stellar; the English team has drawn with Aston Villa and Everton while losing to Newcastle, while Roma has lost to Inter and drawn at the last minute with Napoli.
Form Guide
Leicester City DWWLDD
Leicester City come into this match on the back of a 0-0 Premier League draw against Aston Villa.
Leicester City dominated the game with a 64% possession rate and five shots on goal, two of which were on target. Aston Villa had 11 shots on goal, three of which were on target.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City have scored six goals in their previous six games, an average of one goal per match.
Roma WLWWDL
Roma will be trying to rebound after a loss in their previous Serie A match against Inter Milan.
In the game, Roma had 55% possession and 9 shots on goal, two of which were on target. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (85′) scored the goal for Roma. Inter Milan had 11 shots on goal, eight of which were on target. Inter Milan’s goals came from Denzel Dumfries (30′), Marcelo Brozovi (40′), and Lautaro Martnez (52′).
Roma have scored 10 goals in their last six matches. On each of those occasions, Roma have also scored. During that time, their opponents have scored seven goals.
Injured and suspended
Leicester City: (Jamie Vardy, Danny Ward and Wilfred Ndidi)
Roma: (Bryan Cristante)
Leicester City vs Roma Predicted XI
Leicester City Predicted XI: Schmeichel, Evans, Pereira, Castagne, Fofana, Albrighton, Tielemans, Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Ịheanachọ.
Roma Predicted XI: Patrício, Smalling, Karsdorp, Mancini, Ibañez, Zalewski, Mkhitaryan, Oliveira, Pellegrini, Zaniolo, Abraham
Prediction
As a result, we are aiming to achieve the goals of both teams on the field. On a technical level, there don’t seem to be many differences, but both teams have their strengths in attacks.
In our opinion, Roma are capable of scoring against Leicester City, but this may not prevent them from losing a couple of goals at the opposite end.
By the time the referee blows the final whistle, Leicester City should have a slender 2-1 lead.