UEFA Europa League
Group stage - Match day 1
Thursday: 20-Sep
[UEFA.COM]
This is the first time since the 2002-03 season Inter doesn't the UEFA Champions League group stages, a competition most Inter fans believe they are accustomed to. After winning the UCL in the 2009-10 season, Inter have suffered in adapting to the competition. Neither Rafa Benitez, Leonardo, Gasperini, Ranieri, nor Stramaccioni were able to, either, win, reach the semis, or even reach the group stage. Since I mentioned the 09-10 UCL, it is good to notice that Inter and Rubin Kazan faced each other during that season in the group stages. Inter faced lots of problems when they traveled to Russia in match day 2 that season, and they collected a difficult point. And Inter won at the Meazza in match day 6 (with Balotelli's stunning strike) to secure a spot in the round-of-16. This year though it's different, Inter aren't showing good indicators while playing at the Meazza. They conceded 7 goals, and scored 3 goals only (in EL and Serie A). It's going to be a tough one for Stramaccioni's side, and Rubin are always there to ruin what seems to be an "easy catch."
Prediction: Inter 1-1 Rubin Kazan
[UEFA.COM]
Tottenham won their first match in the EPL in week #4 against new-boys Reading, with Gareth Bale and Defoe putting a show. While their opponents on Thursday (Lazio) have a 100% record in Serie A (3 wins in 3 games); and that's also a historical record for Rome's eagles. Now, let's see why Lazio can create lots of problems for Spurs and their defence: Hernanes and Klose, those two are becoming a dynamic duo; they scored 8 of Lazio's 12 goals (official matches) in the 2012-13 season. Second, Lazio's unbeaten (no loss no draw) record until now in, both, Serie A and EL. Finally, the Petković factor; this coach is impressing football fans around Italy today. He is not backing down from any challenge, and he made history with Lazio (as I mentioned) when he won the opening 3 games in Serie A... Even the 1999-2000 Lazio didn't do it!
Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Lazio
[UEFA.COM]
Fenerbahce, one of the most interesting, yet controversial, squads in Europe today. A team that almost reached the UCL group stages this season, if it wasn't for Spartak Moscow's heroics. Fenerbahce have signed with many excellent players, like: Kuyt, Krasic, Sow, and Meireles. This team can reach far in this season's El, and Marseille better watch out. Marseille, who won all of their 5 matches in Ligue 1 this season, are going to give all the effort to defeat Fenerbahce on Thursday. It's going to be an interesting game, game of the week!
Prediction: Fenerbahce 3-2 Marseille
Other results:-
Udinese vs Anzhi
Prediction: Anzhi
Napoli vs AIK
Prediction: Napoli
Maritimo vs Newcastle
Prediction: Newcastle
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Atletico Madrid
Prediction: A. Madrid
Sporting Lisboa vs Basel
Prediction: Draw
O. Lyonnais vs S. Prague
Prediction: O. Lyonnais
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