FC Internazionale x Parma FC (Serie A, Week 17)

FC Internazionale x Parma FC

Serie A, Week 17

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano

Saturday: Jan-7th-2012

The Italian Serie A returns this week, and to kick off things it'll start with an always interesting game... Inter vs Parma. During the past decade, and beyond, the match ups between these two teams have been fascinating whether at the Giuseppe Meazza or the Tardini.

Inter are trying to come back from a horrible start to the 2011-12 season, and, for now, they're doing fine. Claudio Ranieri is giving his all even with the multiple injuries he has in his squad, and this match, in my opinion, will show us whether Inter needs reinforcements in this January transfer window or not.

On the other hand, Parma aren't doing good in the past five matches; as they drew in four and lost once. They have 19 points from 16 matches (5W/4D/7L), and stand in the 13th spot. But, never underestimate the "gialloblu" as they are known to make life tough to the big teams while playing away.

Inter's squad

GK: Julio Cesar, L. Castelazzi, and P. Orlandoni.

DF: J. Zanetti (c), Lucio, Maicon, A. Ranocchia, W. Samuel, D. Faraoni, and Y. Nagatomo.

MF: T. Mott, R. Alvarez, A. Poli, E. Cambiasso, J. Obi, and Coutinho.

FWD: G. Pazzini, D. Milito, M. Zarate, L. Castaignos.

Unfortunately, Parma FC's website didn't put the squad the team called-up for this showdown.

All-in-all, I believe Inter will edge past Parma; but it will be difficult!

Winner: Inter.

Have your say, and share your thoughts in the comment box below.

NFL Wild Card Weekend

Saturday: Jan-7th-2012

Cincinnati bengals @ Houston Texans (4:30 pm ET)

In my opinion, this match is going to be the least watched. The reason is that the other wild card showdowns have some "things to talk about"; for example, in the Falcons @ Giants match we're going to have a showdown between two excellent QBs. But the exciting thing in this game is it's between the highest seeding (Texans) and the lowest seeding (Bengals) in the wild card; will there be any surprises? No, the Texans will emerge victorious in my opinion and go and face the Ravens which are led by Flacco.

(Winner: Houston Texans)

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints (8:00 pm ET)

Matthew Stafford against the record breaking Drew Brees, one of the most anticipated battles in the playoffs. The showdown will take place in New Orleans which gives the Saints an upper hand, but don't get fooled by the Lions' (10-6-0) record because they can survive in the Superdome. I really believe Stafford will give his all in this battle; but, Drew Brees and company will defeat the Lions despite what Stafford can/will do.

(Winner: New Orleans Saints)

Sunday: Jan-8th-2012

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants (1:00 pm ET)

Although I suggested that the Steelers-Broncos is "the match to watch" in my previous post, I'm really looking forward to this match. Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan is one of my favorite QBs in the NFL today; this guy has what it takes to become a football legend. This week, Matt's team (the Falcons) will face an amazing offense led by an outstanding combination, which I love to call, Eli-Cruz! Eli Manning, the Giants' QB, along with Victor Cruz (WR) have taught the Cowboys a lesson last week and secured the NFC East top spot. I believe this is a REALLY tough game to call, but the Giants will prevail although I really want to see Matt Ryan advance and prove my point!

(Winner: New York Giants)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos (4:30 pm ET)

This showdown is part of history already, I mean the Steelers and the Broncos are two of the biggest teams in NFL history. I'm not saying that the other teams in the wild card aren't good, but since I grew up I've always heard the names of certain teams... The Steelers and the Broncos are part of this list! Also, this is one of the major rivalries in the NFL; and the Broncos is the most team to face the Steelers in the playoffs! The Broncos' numbers this season (8-8-0) worry me, also Tebow's performance lately dropped dramatically; while Big Ben is showing his muscles around along with his team's very good record this season (12-4-0). This indicates that the Steeler's have a bigger chance of winning, and I'm betting on it.

(Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers)

Have your say in the comment box below and share your thoughts and views, please.


Have a nice Wild Card Weekend!!!

2011-12 NFL Playoffs

[Courtesy of nfl.com]

Here you have it, after the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys on week 17; this is how the playoff picture looks like.

Beginning next week, the wild card teams will face off... And in my opinion, the clash that's unmissable is the Steelers @ Broncos.

Join me and have your say in the comment box below... Who do you think will prevail?

Have a nice day :)

Happy New Year

From me, Mohammed, I want to wish everyone a happy and generous new year. Starting from next week, Saturday: January-7th-2012, I'll be back with my soccer analysis. And regarding the NFL, I'll deal with the playoffs!

Again, happy new year :D