Youth Soccer Gear - Forget Hand Me Downs

By Wayne MacLean 

Prevent injuries with proper youth soccer gear.

Youth soccer players do need the same type of equipment as more mature soccer players. But, it is important that their gear fits properly. Children will get more enjoyment from the game, and will be less likely to injure themselves.

Youth soccer gear includes a solid pair of soccer cleats, well-fitting soccer shorts, and socks that match the team jersey. Soccer shinguards will provide lower leg protection, and a soccer jersey, to top it off. Let's look a little deeper at each item of youth soccer gear.

Soccer Cleats and Shoes

Cleat or shoe types include removable cleats, molded cleats, indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes:

• Molded Cleats have non-removable, pre-formed rubber or plastic cleats on the bottom. Metal cleats are not allowed. They can be used on all outdoor field types but will not perform as well on turf, or wet, soggy fields.
  
  
  



• Removable Cleats are made of a hard plastic. These studs can be replaced as they wear down. Players of a higher skill level usually use this type of cleat on longer grass, or wet soggy fields.
  
  
  



• Indoor soccer shoes look similar to a sneaker, but they are very different. They are made with exclusive compounds in the sole that provide improved grip over sneakers. They are cut lower to prevent rolling off the ankles as your child makes the moves that soccer requires. They are made for firm surfaces like gyms, but not for indoor artificial turf.
  
  
  



• Turf Shoes are specifically for playing on artificial turf. It doesn't matter if it is indoor or outdoor turf. The sole has been specially designed with studs that are shorter than molded or removable cleats. They are multi-directional in nature. This helps provide the grip necessary for playing on artificial turf.

Shinguards

Soccer shin guards are made from a variety of materials. These materials can include:

• Plastic.
  
  
  



• Polyurethane.
  
  
  



• Foam rubber.
  
  
  



• Fiberglass.
  
  
  



• Foam/lycra.

Shin guards are required as part of youth soccer gear and one of the best ways to prevent injury. In soccer most of the action is at your feet. It is sometimes suggested that different positions need to wear a different type of shin guard. I will provide the information, but only you and your child can decide what is best.

• Defenders - thicker model with more protection.


• Midfielders - protective, lightweight, and more rounded in style.


• Forwards - more ankle protection and very light.

This guide will be helpful in choosing the proper shin guard size for your child:

• X-Small: up to a height of 3 feet 9 inches


• Small: up to a height of 4 feet 5 inches


• Medium: up to a height of 5 feet 1 inch


• Large: over 5 feet 2 inches

Youth Soccer Socks

These socks are not much different from the socks that older players wear. They are just smaller. They are needed to hold the shin guards in place, and to match the team's uniform.

Less expensive socks are usually made from a polyester-acrylic blend. Sometimes cotton is added for comfort, but don't expect a lot of cotton. But you can find 100% cotton socks.

Choosing top quality socks made with synthetic microfibers will pull perspiration away from the foot. They will have a padded sole to enhance foot comfort as well.

TIP - If your child's foot sweats a great deal, put talcum powder or foot powder in the sock to help soak it up. This will help prevent blisters.

Youth Soccer Jerseys

Most jerseys today are made from a combination of light-weight microfibers that are and do not absorb much moisture. When it comes to youth soccer, the team or association usually supplies the jerseys. So for that reason, I will leave the jersey choosing to you and your soccer association. Unless you are looking for replica soccer jerseys.

Soccer Shorts

Even though they may be cool to your kids, baggy shorts are not good for the soccer field. If they are too long, they can restrict easy movement. If this happens your child may get injured, or may not play up to their ability. The less restriction, the better it is for their game. They also have to fit your team's uniform. Some associations will provide shorts and socks as part of the team uniform.

If you use this information as a guide you should be able to get the right youth soccer gear for your child.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Youth Soccer Gear page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Soccer Uniforms - Look Great While You Play Great

By Wayne MacLean 

Soccer uniforms are worn by millions of soccer players around the world every day.

They wear the colors and logos of professional soccer teams, or a color scheme of their own club. The options are endless.

If you are helping your child's youth soccer team to pick out uniforms, or are new to the game, you should understand that a soccer uniform is more than just a soccer jersey.

The uniform consists of:

Soccer Jersey

Soccer Shorts

Soccer Socks

The Soccer Jersey

Choosing a soccer jersey color will depend on your local clubs preferences, or of course your team's sponsor. You can now get your uniforms in any color or design that you want. Be bold if you like. This is your team's identity we are talking about.

Most jerseys now are made from synthetic material that will prevent moisture from being absorbed. However these will be more expensive.

If your team wants to be more traditional you could go with the original. Cotton. Just remember that on rainy days the cotton will really suck up the water and weigh you down.

Soccer Shorts

The soccer shorts should complement the color scheme of the jersey. They also should not be extremely baggy as this will not help your performance. You don't want them to bunch up and cause you to trip, ever!

Baggy shorts may be all the rage, but they don't belong on the soccer field. Choose a length that is comfortable enough so that players get freedom to make the moves that they will need to make during a game. The last thing a soccer player wants is to feel that their movement is restricted.

Soccer Socks

These socks are knee high and flexible so they will serve the tow purposes for which they were designed. They should complement the jersey and shorts, and they have to be long and strong enough to hold your soccer shinguards in place.

Soccer Goalies

Keep in mind that soccer goalies wear a uniform that is different than the field player. Soccer goalies must wear a color that is different from their own team, and the opposing team, so a referee can easily identify the goalkeeper.

A soccer goalie also gets to wear a long sleeve shirt, with some elbow padding, and shorts that usually have some padding on the sides. This helps to absorb some of the pressure of those frequent dives for the ball. They will sometimes wear long goalkeeper pants depending on field and weather conditions.

Goalkeepers also get to wear goalkeeper gloves to ensure that they get a good grip on those shots that rain down on them.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Uniforms page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Soccer Goalies - Where Would You Be Without Them?

By Wayne MacLean 

The Last Line of Defense

Without your fearless soccer goalies, where would you be? They may scream at you, but that is part of their job, and maybe you deserve it? And I am sure that you are not going to go back there and dive on the ground, and on other bodies, to save the ball.

As the soccer goalie you do get some special privileges. You are the only one who can legally use your hands in soccer. Of course you can only do that in the penalty area, also known as the 18 yard box.

Putting It On The Line

Yes, soccer goalies do put it on the line:

• Dive hard to keep the ball from going into the net. And sometimes the field is pretty hard.


• Jump into the air trying to win the challenge for the ball. And other players often land on them.


• They will face down a shooter from just 12 yards away on penalty kicks. 12 yards! And you expect them to stop that penalty kick every time.

They should be respected.

What a Goalkeeper Needs

Soccer goalies, like all soccer players, will need the right soccer goalkeeper gear in order to play properly. Some people will call it soccer goalkeeper equipment. I leave that up to you. What soccer goalies need:

• A durable, comfortable pair of soccer cleats, or soccer shoes. It will depend on the playing surface


• Soccer shin guards will protect their lower legs.


• Soccer socks to cover the shin guards and keep them in place.


• Padded soccer shorts or goalie pants. These have padded hips to absorb the impact from dives and falls.


• A soccer goalie jersey. It is always a different color than your team's jersey. This is so the referee can distinguish you from every other player. These also have padded elbows to reduce the shock of impact with other players and the ground.


• Soccer goalie gloves will provide that extra grip you need to make those fingertip saves.
  
  
  

The Difference

A skilled soccer goalkeeper can make the difference between winning and losing. Their priority is to stop the ball. Obviously, as a soccer player you can help him by keeping the ball out of your end, or covering for him when he leaves his line to win the ball.

However, a soccer goalkeeper must train differently than other players due to his unique role. Performing special soccer goalkeeper drills and using medicine type balls for practice will help you to keep balls out of your net.

Keys To The Position

There are some basic keys that will get a goalie started off on the right foot, no matter what level you play at.

• Use your hands to form a "W" in front of you. Put your thumbs together and your index (first) finger together. Face your palms toward the shooter. Applying this technique when facing a shot head on will prevent the ball from slipping between your hands.


• Let the ball meet your hands. Do not try to grab the ball as if you are trying to squash a mosquito between your hands.


• Keep your body between you and the soccer goal.


• When you catch the ball bring it tightly into your body and cradle it. Or of you end up on the ground, protect that ball as if it was gold. You do not want any chance that the ball may come loose or drop to the ground, because you are always very close to the goal if you can grab the ball.


• Stay balanced. Mentally and physically.

Not Just For Defense

Although we have been talking about how this position is about stopping the ball, it doesn't end or begin there. Soccer goalkeepers can start a play build-up with a punt, or by tossing the ball to another player.

Haven't you seen a goalkeeper leave his goal for a corner kick late in the game? They can scores goals too! Traditionally keepers have made very good strikers. Is it their independent attitude? Or maybe because strikers and goalkeepers face each other often in a 1 vs 1 situation?

Leadership Role

Many goalkeepers will be made the captain of their team. Besides, who sees more of the field than a goalkeeper? And he is the boss in the 18 yard box, so do what the keeper says. If you don't, you could get hurt by your own goalie. So be sure to work out a communication with your goalkeeper. If he calls the ball, let him have it. He can see, you may not see him.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Goalies page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Soccer Goal - Practice Anywhere, Anytime That You Want

By Wayne MacLean 

Soccer goal options include pop up, folding, regulation, indoor, rebounders, and portable models.

Improving your soccer players skills, or helping yourself to improve your soccer game is very rewarding. If you help your players, you get the feeling of satisfaction and you see it happen under your teaching. Improving your own game will give you that excellent feeling of conquering a new skill.

Practice is a great way to do that. And by using regulation goals, or portable soccer goals, you can improve your accuracy and talents. Here are some of the different types:

Portable

• Great for players, coaches, or school phys ed classes.






• Easily moved from place to place.






• Start a game or practice within moments.






• Smaller size helps improve accuracy.






• Affordable.






• Comes complete with soccer nets.






• Creates lots of fun.






• Use indoor or outdoors.

Adjustable Goals

• Last a long time.






• Great for many ages and skill levels.






• Can be adjusted to suit the size of the field.






• Great for learning how to score.






• Excellent learning tool for soccer goalkeepers.






• Use indoor or outdoors.

Soccer Rebounders

• Easy to transport.






• Simple set up.






• Train alone or with friends.






• Work on giving and receiving.






• Use indoor or outdoors.

Regulation Size

• In-ground or movable.






• Different sizes available.






• With or without nets.






• Square or round posts.

Having good tools for your soccer training will help you to improve your game. Just make sure you use the tools, otherwise they are just ornaments.

Although Vince Lombardi is from as different type of football, you should remember what he said. Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan. Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Goal page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Is Rafael Benitez Liverpool's Main Deterrent?

By Nathaniel Warner

For the last 17 years Liverpool fans have been starving for success in their league but unfortunately for them it hasn't happened.

The best they've seen in that period was a second place finish in the 2001/02 season. Although, they eventually finished 2nd in that season their title chances had faltered midway through the season, after leading the league, up until December that year. Since then they haven't even mounted a serious challenge on the title, having to settle, for battling it out for a spot in the top 4 to qualify for the champions league.

This year however Liverpool fans are optimistic that they genuinely believe that this will finally be their season (again!!). But for once their belief isn't foolhardy.

Rafa Benitez has finally assembled a squad that should challenge for the title. He's acquired someone in Fernando Torres who can guarantee him 20 goals a season (provided he gets the chances). He's also got Steven Gerrard who is rated as the best central midfielder in the world. They also have probably the most solid back 4 in England right now. This might sound crazy, but in my opinion Rafa's the problem.

He is too adamant with his rotation policy. The guy rotates his best player for the sake of rotation. Even if a guy gets a hat trick he still might end up on the bench in the next game. Another thing is that Rafa's system won't work at all times. He always sets up "not to lose" instead of "trying to win". This fine difference is what separates him from the Wenger's and Fergie's of this world, who always try and instruct their teams to take a game by the scuff of its neck. Facts back it up. In the last 3 games against Portsmouth, Birmingham and Wigan they've had 3 very unimpressive displays in which they had a couple of 0-0's and a narrow 1-0 win. Now that's hardly championship form. This is with more or less a full strength squad barring Xabi Alonso's metatarsal injury, while their rivals our inflicted with a spate of injuries.

Unless Rafa starts adopting a more adventurous system against the lesser teams, they will get caught out, and they among the big three, (yes big three and not four) will be most vulnerable to drop points. Along with that he has to play his best 11 in each and every game regardless of their opposition. You simply cannot rest Torres or Gerrard in the league.

But this is very unlikely to happen because he never has and may well never will back down from this rotation policy of his.

So the only way Liverpool might well be in the running for the Barclays Premier league towards the sharp end of the season is if their rivals start faltering.

Nathaniel Warner is currently a mainframe freelance writer and loves writing about all things soccer. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathaniel_Warner

Soccer Jerseys - For Your Team or Supporting Your Favorite Side

By Wayne MacLean 

"The Game of Soccer is Identified by the Jersey"

Soccer jerseys are easily noticed from a distance. They are distinct and are unique to soccer. Because they are a source of pride, many people wear them for any occasion. Not just watching a game.

They are a great way to reflect your individual team's identity, or to show what club or national side you cheer for. The pride that you take in your team, is reflected by the jersey on your back.

Soccer jerseys fall into 2 categories:

Replica Jerseys

• Available for all club teams and national teams around the world.


• Available in sizes to fit children to adults.


• Many are becoming available especially for women, as they are a huge part of the fan base.


• Home and away versions.


• A fun way to support your favorite club.


• Great gift idea for soccer fans.

Soccer Uniform Jerseys

• The most important part of soccer uniforms.


• Reflects your teams identity.


• You can get replica jerseys for your team.


• You can choose standard team colors.


• Many sellers will create a design just for your team.

Materials!

Original soccer jerseys were made of cotton. These soccer jerseys could be thick and soak up a lot of moisture. Whether it was rain or sweat, your jersey got a lot heavier as the game wore on. That could affect performance as it stuck to your body.

As soccer grew, the jersey material also evolved. Soccer groups worked with clothing manufacturers to create materials that would absorb less moisture and were lighter. That is when synthetic, and dry technology material took over.

Designs!

Just as the materials were simple, the designs were simple too. At the start, solid colors of white and dark were the norm. Could you imagine that most jerseys even had collars? Or laces and buttons? However most are now without collars.

Now the designs are limited only by the imagination. Club teams and their sponsors treat their soccer shirts as marketing vehicles to promote themselves. While sales of individual soccer stars jerseys continue to increase in popularity.

Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane, and Thierry Henry are some of the more popular ones.

"Whatever your need, replica jersey, or soccer uniform jersey, you will be able to find one to wear with pride."

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Jerseys page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Soccer Cleats - Different Types for Different Reasons

By Wayne MacLean 

Soccer cleats are certainly the most important part of your soccer gear. Although you must use your head as an important part of soccer, the majority of the game is played on the ground. That means that your soccer footwear should be tough enough to make sure that it can take what you are going to give it.

How about when someone else steps on your toes? It is definitely going to happen.

What Types!

They can also be called soccer boots, or soccer shoes. It depends who you talk to. However, soccer shoes are mostly referred to when you are talking about indoor soccer, or playing on turf. Cleats, or boots are referred to for outdoor grass games.

This is about soccer cleats.

Molded Cleats

Is the standard soccer cleat type.

Hard plastic or rubber molded.

Pre-molded, non-removable studs.

Perfect for beginners, or players with minimal experience.

Good for most field types and weather conditions.

Removable Cleats (studs)

Easily replaced when individual studs get worn down.

Different lengths for different field and weather conditions.

Made with hard plastic or plastic with metal tips.

Mostly used on wet or soggy fields.

Also good for long grass fields.

What Is In Them!

There are 2 main materials used to make soccer cleats.

Synthetics.

Synthetics are great for soccer players just starting to play as they are less expensive than leather. They are also usually waterproofed to prevent absorbing water on wet days. Synthetic shoes are much easier to clean than leather shoes.

Leather.

Leather provides the best fit and feel of any soccer cleat. They may be more expensive, but will provide better feel for the ball for those that take the game more seriously. Leather shoes will absorb more water than their synthetic counterparts but there are many waterproofing treatments available to keep them looking good and to help lengthen their lifespan.

When deciding what to choose consider this:

• How much time will I be playing soccer?






• What field will I be playing on?






• What are the dominant weather conditions in my area?






• How serious am I about my game?

Answering these questions will help you decide what choice is best for you.

It doesn't matter if you choose Nike soccer cleats, or those from Adidas or Puma, knowing what type you will need puts you a step closer to your goal.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Cleats page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Soccer Shoes - No Heels, But a Great Kick!

By Wayne MacLean 

"For Turf and Indoor Soccer"

Soccer shoes are certainly not high heels but they definitely can be stylish. But also functional.

When we talk about soccer cleats or soccer boots we talk of molded soles or removable cleat soccer footwear for use on grass fields.

So let's turn our attention to indoor or artificial turf footwear.

Why Special Shoes?

When you are talking about indoor soccer shoes, you talk about soccer gear that is made for a specific purpose. The sole provides a better grip on the indoor surface so you can speed by your competition with your moves. Some people think that they can get away with sneakers, but you will think again after you have been burned a few times on the indoor soccer field.

There are many companies that manufacture these products. They include Lotto indoor soccer shoes, Adidas, Puma, and Nike.

Soccer turf shoes are made to be used on artificial turf. Some people will try wearing soccer cleats, but the studs may grip too well and you could end up twisting something that you didn't want to. Soccer turf shoes have shorter molded rubber studs and will provide good grip but will also help prevent injury.

Traction!

Having good traction in soccer is extremely important. With the moves that we try we need to make sure that we get the grip that we need. That is why special soles are made for turf shoes and indoor shoes. They provide the best grip on their specific surfaces.

Material!

Like soccer cleats, the materials used are either real leather, or synthetic leather. Real leather will provide a better feel for the ball, but may cost a little more. They will also usually last longer than synthetic models. You will have to decide where to draw the line.

Looks Can Be Deceiving!

These shoes can resemble sneakers, but don't kid yourself. They will perform much better than sneakers, and give you the confidence of knowing that your soccer footwear is good for the job.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Shoes page. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean

Selected Weekend Match Previews

By Dennis Neri

Premiership

Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Arsenal have not had the best of times recently culminating in the dreadful injury suffered by their striker Eduardo Da Silva at Birmingham but I expect them to get back on track and win this game.

Aston Villa by contrast are going through a purple patch but I just cannot see anything other than an Arsenal victory as they would want to put the last few weeks behind them.

They have answered their critics every time with bouncing back with wins and this should be no exception.

The only drawback is that they might be distracted by the fact that they have to play AC Milan on Tuesday.

Birmingham City vs Tottenham Hotspurs

Both teams would be coming into this game with confidence after having rather interesting and headline grabbing weekends.

City would be buoyant as they grasped a draw from a game they should have lost and Spurs would still be on a high from their Carling cup success.

All would depend on how much celebrating Spurs have been doing and if the exertions of playing on Thursday and Sunday including extra-time would affect them.

If they are fresh and mentally attuned enough then I expect Spurs to win, if not then a draw is on the cards.

Fulham v Manchester Utd

This game should be anything other than an away win as Fulham are just a dreadful side and are now genuine relegation candidates.

It would not be a 5-1 victory as United enjoyed against Newcastle because Roy Hodgson is more astute than that but I expect a win nonetheless.

Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers

I bet when Kevin Keegan was appointed as manager of Newcastle that none of the fans would have envisaged that he would have gone this long without a win.

They certainly would not have banked on Dennis Wise being appointed director of football and Chris Hughton at football coach. Neither of this 2 men have an affiliations with Newcastle whatsoever.

The fans are entitled to wonder just what is going on at the club. The good news is that they have a decent record over Blackburn and if they do not win this 1 then they are in big trouble.

West Ham v Chelsea

It would be interesting to see just how Chelsea bounce back from their disappointment in the Carling cup final.

This is not going to be an easy game for them and it is 1 they cannot afford to lose either.

I think this may end in a draw or Chelsea may even nick it whilst boring the pants of the viewers but it all depends on how fit they are and which players Avram Grant decides to put out.

Bolton v Liverpool

Amazingly Bolton have a good recent record against Liverpool and it would not surprise me in the least if they come away with a good result against the Reds.

A lot would depend on what side Rafa Benitez decides to put out and also the effects of Steven Gerrard's outbursts with his frustrations of their not being nearer the title chase thereby undermining the manager's work so far.

SerieA

Juventus vs Fiorentina

This is the game of the day in Italy as the 2 sides will be battling out for the champions league spots that are still up for grabs as it looks like the championship is staying for another year at Milan with Inter Milan.

Juventus should be billed as favourites but they tend not to play well whenever they have had a midweek game because of the age of the squad.

They would be looking to bounce back from 2 disappointing results in the last week whilst Fiorentina would be looking to hammer down their credentials for a champions league spot with Ac Milan bearing down their throats.

The loss of Adrian Mutu is huge for them but Juventus would be missing key players in Christian Zanetti, Giorgio Chiellini and Pavel Nedved; all sitting out bans.

It should end in a draw.

Ac Milan vs Lazio

Milan have had a very wretched season so far and trying to predict the outcome of their games is extremely difficult as they draw games you expect them to win easily and then win big in games you expect them to struggle with.

Lazio have had an even worse season thus far and are looking at the real possibility of relegation and I expect Milan to win this even if they would have 1 eye on their games against Arsenal.

Then again they could draw this game like they always seem to do at home.

Roma vs Parma

Roma have had a mixed weekend as they defeated Fiorentina on Sunday only to be denied at the death against runaway leaders Inter Milan with the game ending 1-1.

They have not been playing well, especially captain and inspiration Franceso Totti who is struggling for form and fitness.

They also have 1 eye on their champions league 2nd leg tie against Real Madrid in Madrid to come.

They should win this game though.

Napoli vs Inter Milan

Inter have been dicing with defeat for a few games now and they are bound to lose sometime.

They are not playing well at all at this point in time and Napoli are very strong at home but I do not think they would lose against Napoli but they would be once again unconvincing and would be hoping for no more controversies involving their games.

La Liga

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Barcelona are in relatively good form as they demonstrated against Valencia and Celtic whilst Atletico are not.

Atletico are a very strange side as they good football for about 15 minutes and that's about it. They either score against the opposition then do nothing for the rest of the game or struggle to create chances if they have not scored yet.

They have so many good players that you wonder why they should struggle so much and going out in the UEFA cup to a team like Bolton must be very embarrassing to their fans.

They however have a good record against Barcelona and could nick a draw at least from this game.

Recreativo de Huelva vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid have lost 4 games out of 5 in la liga and champions league and that is not a very good sign.

They have not been playing all that badly in games but have not exactly set the world alight either.

They would want Robinho to be back as soon as possible as they are missing his creative spark.

Recreativo have had an up and down season so far and would not be pushovers but Real's needs might be the more forceful of the 2 sides and they just might want it more.

Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla

This game is too hard to call as it could go either way because both sides are in very good form with Sevilla being perhaps the most in-form side in Spain at the moment.

The 1 thing that may turn it in the home side's favour is the fact that Sevilla would be distracted by their champions league tie against Fenerbahce during the week as they trail 2-3.

Espanyol vs Valencia

At long last Valencia are in good form and that has coincided with the return of star striker David Villa to the side and goal scoring form.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Espanyol, who just seem to be in free fall as they are just losing matches everywhere and it is difficult to fathom why.

Valencia though do not score a lot of goals so they may either win narrowly or even draw this game.

For more Football news visit http://www.footballclubsblog.com My name is Dennis and I have written a number of articles on how to make it big online. Learn more on how to become successful online by going here and clicking on 'my web page' NOW Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Neri