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Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Match Preview Prediction Live Score Streaming La Liga 2015-16

Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Match Preview Prediction Live Score Streaming La Liga 2015-16: Sunday, 23rd of August 2015, the allpowerful Real Madrid will travel to quantify forces using the starters Sporting de Gijon at El Molinon of the Spanish Liga BBVA for Round 1.

There’s a brand new skipper in the helm of the boat, that was somewhat adrift for substantial intervals throughout last season of Real Madrid. Rafael Benitez is the latest guy in charge and although his nomination may not happen to be consensual, the Merengues’ assistants used to the thought.

Real Madrid did good through the preseason matches and were just defeated by a slim margin, and twice, Bayern Munich and by AS Roma. Denis Cheryshev, the Russian wonderboy, has additionally returned to Villarreal from his loan, and he’s, in accordance with a significant future strength for the team, Rafa Benitez.

The first match for the newest La Liga effort of real Madrid is a naturally complex journey to El Molinon to confront the beginners of Sporting Gijon.

For Sporting de Gijon, to the primary grade of Spanish soccer they’ve returned following a glorious effort at Liga Adelante last period nevertheless they now have to be at their finest to be competitive at among the best football leagues On the Planet.

Former Barcelona centre back Abelardo Fernandez, their manager, is carrying out an excellent job using the soccer fashion as well as the Asturian team they showcased last period was not rather unimpressive. Gijon were penalized throughout summer time which was just recently lifted using a transport prohibition and for that reason they’re on the procedure for strengthening their team. Omar Mascarell arrived on loan from Real Madrid as well as the Paraguayan has joined them on loan in the past day or two additionally from AS Roma.

Match Details:

Event: La Liga 2015-16
Teams: Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2015
Time: 18:30 UTC (19:30 UK)
Venue: El Molinón, Asturias

Sporting de Gijón

Stats: W-2 L-2 D-1
Recent Form: LWLDW

Real Madrid

Stats: W-3 L-1 D-1
Recent Form: DLWWW

La Liga Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Match Prediction

Real Madrid: 45%
Sporting Gijon: 36%
Draw: 19%

La Liga Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid Match Possible Line-ups

Sporting Gijon: Cuéllar, Lora, Hernandez, Espinoza, Lopez, Alvarez, Cases, Carmona, Guerrero, Fraile, Castro
Real Madrid: Navas, Danilo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Bale, James Rodriguez, Ronaldo, Jese

Injury or Suspended Players

Sporting de Gijon: None
Real Madrid: Fabio Coentrao, Karim Benzema

NaijaBet odds

As at this post Sporting de Gijon  has 10.22  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Real Madrid has 1.25 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.73

Hoffenheim – Bayern Munich Preview: Robben demands strong away showing

Image result for Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim logo

The Dutch winger wants to make it two wins from two when Pep Guardiola’s men travel to the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena this weekend

Arjen Robben has demanded another dominant performance from Bayern Munich in their Bundesliga clash at Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Bayern, in the hunt for a record fourth consecutive league title, began their Bundesliga campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Hamburg last Friday.

Thomas Muller’s double, combined with goals from Medhi Benatia, Robert Lewandowski and debutant Douglas Costa sealed the rout, but Robben asserted that Hoffenheim will provide a sterner opposition, although they have yet to beat Bayern in 14 attempts.

“We must try to immediately lay down a marker,” said the winger. “[Hoffenheim] are a team that can sit and defend, but they also make good forward pressure.

“Therefore, the goal is to show them immediately that we are in control, and show positive body language and passion.”

Robben, now in his seventh season with the Bavaria giants, scored 19 goals in all competitions in 2014-15, only for his campaign to be cut short by a series of niggling injuries.

But the Dutchman, who went close to netting on several occasions against Hamburg, is now back to full fitness and is aiming to recapture his best form in the coming weeks as Bayern target yet another Bundesliga record.

“I am delighted to attack again this season and to get back on the pitch,” he added.

“All I want to do is simply be an important part of the team once again.

“To win a fourth title would be something special, because you’re part of a story that lasts forever.”

Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol, meanwhile, has had to revamp his squad after a number of high-profile departures in the close-season, including Roberto Firmino’s switch to Liverpool.

One player that has remained at the Rhein-Neckar Arena is Kevin Volland and the forward insisted that Hoffenheim must aim to attack the Bundesliga champions if they are to stand a chance of beating Pep Guardiola’s team.

“We cannot just defend, because then it will only be a matter of time until they score,” he said.

“We have to be courageous, we have to attack and be aggressive.

“Obviously, this is a risky strategy but in my view the only way to have a chance against them.”

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Hoffenheim has 8.30  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Bayern Munich has 1.30 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.45

Match Preview Between Manchester United vs Newcastle united

New signing Florian Thauvin could be thrown straight into the Newcastle United squad for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.

Thauvin, 22, agreed a five-year deal at St James’ Park on Wednesday, becoming manager Steve McClaren’s fifth signing after Georginio Wijnaldum, Ivan Toney, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba.

And the French attacker, who has moved from Ligue 1 side Marseille, could hardly have wished for a tougher debut, with Newcastle having only picked up one victory at Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League era.

However, Newcastle’s assistant manager Paul Simpson has no qualms about utilising Thauvin as soon as possible.

“He’s a really talented footballer, somebody who we hope will add to the group and improve the group,” Simpson told nufcTV. “If he’s involved at Old Trafford on Saturday, we’re not expecting him to go and set the world alight straight away but if we can get him involved it’ll give the whole football club a boost, and the rest of the players because they want competition for places.

“And I also hope it’ll give the supporters a boost, because so far we’ve only got one point but the level of performance against Southampton [in a 2-2 draw] gave us all a little taster of where we can get to and what levels can be achieved.

“Hopefully, with the new signings coming in, we’ll go into the rest of this period before January with a good group of players, a group of players who all want to be part of this football club, who all want to give 100 per cent every day in training and in every game that we have.

“If we’ve got that, we can’t really ask any more of them.”

Louis van Gaal’s side came from behind to register a 3-1 first-leg victory over Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League play-off on Tuesday and are one of just four clubs to hold a 100 per cent record in the BPL after two matches.

Defender Chris Smalling is determined to maintain that momentum and believes Saturday’s early kick-off could prove beneficial for United.

“We must continue our good start,” Smalling told MUTV. “It is another home game and we have to assert ourselves early on.

“It is good that we again get to be in the first game that plays and, hopefully, set the benchmark for the weekend.”

Marouane Fellaini serves the last of his three-match ban for United, while Phil Jones is set to remain sidelined due to mild thrombosis.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have Daryl Janmaat suspended after the Dutchman was sent off for two bookable offences in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Swansea City.

Manchester United (from): De Gea, Romero, Johnstone, Lindegaard, Blackett, Darmian, Evans, McNair, Rojo, Shaw, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Januzaj, Lingard, Mata, Pereira, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Valencia, Young, Depay, Hernandez, Rooney, Wilson.

Newcastle United (from): Darlow, Elliot, Krul, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara, Janmaat, Lascelles, Mbemba, Taylor, Williamson, Aarons, Abeid, Anita, Bigirimana, Colback, De Jong, Gouffran, Obertan, Sissoko, Thauvin, Tiote, Wijnaldum, Cisse, Mitrovic, Perez, Toney.

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Manchester United  has 1.37  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while  has 7.60 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 4.66

Match Preview Barcelona vs. Sevilla

Ivan Rakitic believes Barcelona is in good shape to begin the season with victory in the UEFA Super Cup over his former club Sevilla.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is full of confidence that his side can claim the first trophy of a possible sextuple when it faces Sevilla in Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi.

Spain’s strength in European club football was underlined by the respective successes of Barca and Sevilla in the Champions League and Europa League finals at the end of last season.

Sevilla defended the title with a 3-2 victory over Dnipro, while Barca completed the treble thanks to a 3-1 triumph over Juventus.

Barca has recent experience of glory on this occasion, with victories in 2011 and 2009, although the club was defeated 3-0 by Sevilla in the 2006 showpiece.

Rakitic, who moved to Camp Nou from Sevilla in 2014, believes the Catalan giant can enjoy a repeat of 2009, when the club lifted six trophies.

“Nobody wants to do that more than we do,” he said. “But we have to take things each step at a time. And the first chance is on Tuesday in Tbilisi. We are confident in ourselves and in our strengths. We’ll work even harder than we did last year. But we know that there will be hard times this season too.

“We’ve got a strong team and I just try to be myself. I like taking on responsibilities, as I have done at all the clubs I’ve played for. My role won’t change because Xavi has gone. I am Rakitic and I provide my own virtues.”

Barca will be without Neymar, who has been diagnosed with mumps, while Adriano, Douglas, and Jordi Alba are all injured.

Sevilla’s Michael Krohn-Dehli, a fresh arrival from Celta Vigo in the offseason, concedes his side is the underdog, and that Tuesday’s clash may come too soon for all the new signings to gel.

“Maybe yes, maybe no. We will find out after the game,” he said. “It’s true that with so many new players we need a bit of time to adapt and get to know each other. In any case, we are ready to go out and play well and we want to win.

“They [Barca] have won the league, the cup and the Champions League. However, last season as a Celta player I was able to win at Camp Nou. In a game you always have a chance.”

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Barcelona has 1.35  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Manchester City has 7.28 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.05

 

match preview West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini has enjoyed the twin boost of a new contract and 2014/15 Barclays Golden Boot winner Sergio Aguero returning to fitness ahead of Manchester City’s Barclays Premier League opener at West Bromwich Albion.

On Friday, it was announced that Pellegrini, who guided City to the 2013/14 BPL title, had signed a new two-year deal running until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

The Chilean should be further boosted by the presence of Aguero taking his place in the City line-up.

Aguero scored 26 times in 33 Barclays Premier League appearances last term but, along with attacking midfielders David Silva and Samir Nasri, found himself struck down with a sickness bug this week.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Pellegrini confirmed that Aguero and Silva have fully recovered, although doubts remain over Nasri.

“Aguero is working at 100 per cent and so is Silva – Nasri is just returning,” he said.

Pellegrini had been expected to hold back Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis and Fernandinho from the season opener following their exploits in the Copa America, but last weekend’s 4-2 friendly defeat to Stuttgart appears to have forced a rethink.

Raheem Sterling could join Aguero and Silva in a fluid three-man forward line, although the England attacker’s fellow close-season recruit Fabian Delph will miss out due to a hamstring injury.

On Sterling, Pellegrini added: “[He has been] very, very good.

“The media have been talking about the price, but he’s an English player, young, with quality, speed and technical ability. He will improve every year playing with the likes of Yaya [Toure], Silva, Kun [Aguero], they will help him.”

Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry joined West Brom on loan on Friday to become Tony Pulis’ fourth major close-season signing.

Fellow wideman James McClean could supply the ammunition to Rickie Lambert, who ended a difficult spell with hometown club Liverpool and will hope to form a formidable forward partnership with Saido Berahino, Albion’s top scorer last season.

James Chester will remain in the BPL, having moved to The Hawthorns from relegated Hull City, while fellow defenders Joleon Lescott and Gareth McAuley (calf) are expected to shake off knocks to feature on Monday.

Ben Foster remains on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury, meaning Boaz Myhill is expected to start in goal for the hosts.

West Bromwich Albion (from): Myhill, Davidson, Dawson, Gamboa, Lescott, McAuley, Olsson, Pocognoli, Chester, Brunt, Fletcher, Gardner, McManaman, Morrison, Sessegnon, Yacob, Gnabry, McClean Anichebe, Berahino, Ideye, Lambert, Nabi

Manchester City (from): Caballero, Hart, Wright, Denayer, Demichelis, Kolarov, Kompany, Mangala, Sagna, Zabaleta, Fernandinho, Fernando, Zuculini, Evans, Nasri, Navas, Silva, Toure, Sterling, Lopes, Aguero, Bony, Iheanacho, Pozo

Match Appointments
Referee: Mike Dean Assistants: S Long, M Perry Fourth Official: M Clattenburg

Match Facts
Manchester City have won five of their last six season-openers in the Barclays Premier League (D1).
West Bromwich Albion’s last five season-openers have been played at The Hawthorns, with their only win in this run coming against Liverpool in 2012/13 (D1 L2).
The Citizens have won four of their last five BPL visits to West Brom (D1).
The eventual Barclays Premier League title winning team has started their season on Monday night in each of the past five seasons.

NaijaBET Odds

As at this post West Bromwich has 5.13 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Manchester City has 1.61 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.86

Community Shield Preview – Arsenal v Chelsea

While the game itself can sometimes fall between the stools of pre-season friendly and full on competitive action, the fact that rival managers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho have been gently moving towards full-on combat in the run up to this game should ensure it has plenty competitive edge.

In typical fashion the Chelsea boss aimed a well-timed jibe at his north London rival, questioning the levels of spending Wenger has run up in attracting players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy to the Emirates.

Of course, Mourinho was the beneficiary this summer as Wenger parted with £10m to bring goalkeeper Petr Cech across London.

Wenger chose to ignore Mourinho’s comments as best he could but with the “specialist in failure” episode still ringing in his ears, the Frenchman would surely lovely to strike a blow on Chelsea before the big kick-off on August 8.

Arsenal ended last season on a strong note, dispatching Aston Villa in commanding fashion to retain the FA Cup.

Wenger is once more attempting to build a title-winning team from within. While Mourinho mischievously questions the Gunners spending, there is no doubt that Wenger still retains the desire to develop players.

The progress last season of Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin bears testament to Arsenal’s philosophy.

Having watched the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas jump ship, Wenger acknowledged that spending was required as he acquired world-class players Ozil and Sanchez to blend into his squad.

Aside from finishing last season in pleasing fashion, there has been much to impress Wenger during pre-season.

His side have scored 14 times and conceded just once in four wins to date.

Despite that healthy return of goals and Wenger’s continued assertion that he will not be forced into buying a striker, the Arsenal boss must surely find a threatening centre-forward if the gap to the Premier League champions is going to be bridged this season.

Chelsea’s tour of North America meanwhile has yielded draws with Paris St Germain and Barcelona – after both of which the Blues won penalty shoot-outs – following a lacklustre second half performance in their opening game where Mourinho’s men conceded four goals to MLS side the New York Red Bulls.

The Chelsea boss was only too happy to heap praise on his team after a 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Washington concluded the tour – a game where Eden Hazard once again showed his brilliance with a superb solo opener.

Mourinho talked up the open nature of the clash against Luis Enrique’s team, as he felt both sides sought only to increase their readiness for the new season by attacking each other.

Doubtless behind the scenes a much more pressing worry will be a couple of injuries his team sustained.

Gary Cahill earned a suspected broken nose for his troubles and while Mourinho has suggested a mask could be in place for Sunday, much more likely is that Kurt Zouma gets his opportunity at Wembley.

With Cahill’s injury, Mourinho could step up his bid to lure John Stones to Stamford Bridge from Goodison Park.

The clash with Barcelona reinforced an inescapable truth it seems for Chelsea, and that is the unreliability of Diego Costa’s hamstrings.

The big striker was forced to come off early in Washington having “felt his hamstring”. It seems that another season of will he, won’t he updates on Costa’s fitness is in store.

Arguably the most important question going into the Community Shield is ‘who wants it more?’

Arsenal were slow from the blocks last season, giving away their title hopes with patchy early season form and a litter of dropped points.

Wenger would love the momentum of some silverware as a precursor for a genuine title bid. He knows too that defeating Chelsea would be a statement, not just for Arsenal but for the other title contenders as well.

Although he is set to be without Sanchez, Wenger has aired the view that he feels this could be a breakthrough season for World Cup winner Ozil.

The former Real Madrid man has struggled to win over the Gunners faithful as much as he has struggled for consistency.

Outshining Fabregas and Hazard at Wembley would be the perfect tonic for the Arsenal midfielder as he starts into what is clearly a huge season personally.

Key to will be Wenger’s decision on his frontline. Will the central role go the way of Olivier Giroud or Theo Walcott?

The latter ended last season on a high note after a year spent on the sidelines. Giroud promised so much around mid-season but eventually ran out of puff.

If indeed Wenger feels he has an adequate forward line, Sunday may reveal who is at the top of the pecking order.

Chelsea will be equally determined to make a statement, particularly in light of former teammate Cech’s comments about togetherness and team spirit he has found since joining up with the Arsenal squad.

Last season Chelsea were such a dominant force, blunting the title race from a long way out. They will be wary of giving the chasing pack an early chink in their armour to feast on before the serious business get underway in a week’s time.

Given the relationship between the rival bosses, no quarter is likely to be given at Wembley and it could be that we see a more up-tempo Community Shield than has sometimes been the norm.

A year ago, Arsenal lowered the colours of the Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsene Wenger may feel his side have more to gain from winning on Sunday then their London neighbours do.

The Gunners will up for it on Sunday and with plenty goals around in pre-season they may have Chelsea’s number in this first skirmish of the new season.

NiajaBet Odds

As at this post Arsenal has 2.80 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Chelsea  has 2.43 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.26

Copa America Final 2015: Date, Schedule, Preview And Bet for Chile vs. Argentina

Chile-vs-Argentina-copa-america-2015-finalThe 2015 Copa America champion will be decided on Saturday evening as tournament hosts Chile seek to send favourites Argentina packing from Santiago trophyless.

Two of South America’s best and brightest have fought through adversity to reach the Estadio Nacional, but Argentina’s 6-1 semi-final rout of Paraguay would see them enter the final in higher spirits.

Read on for full preview of Saturday’s closing encounter, along with details of where and when to watch this year’s Copa America crescendo.

 

Date: Saturday, July 4

Time: 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET

Venue: Estadio Nacional, Santiago

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)

 

Chile Hoping Home Advantage Works Wonders

More so now than ever, the throngs of home fans in Santiago must back La Roja and help instil the belief they are capable of moving mountains, because the foe opposite them is a daunting one indeed.

La Albiceleste showed with a demolition of would-be dark horses Paraguay just how devastating they can be when firing on all cylinders, with Lionel Messi one particularly important cog in their machine.

Up until now, not all Chile’s attacking weapons have been working at their optimum, with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez one of those yet to really hit his stride. The final is the opportune moment to change that.

There has been talk of Chile being granted an easier path to the Santiago final, but Bleacher Report’s Tim Vickery writes to dispel that myth, with the greatest task now in front of Jorge Sampaoli‘s side:

If they’re to beat Argentina, Chile will most certainly require some stroke of fortune to go along with whatever success they conjure on the pitch, but then that’s part and parcel of the Copa America.After all, Argentina had their chance to take a certain other major title in Brazil last year before finding themselves nullified at German hands, with Chile now hoping the Estadio Nacional can have a similarly intimidating effect.

Argentina’s Brawn Takes On Chilean Brains

 Both Chile and Argentina have a chance of seeing one of their players presented with this year’s Copa America Golden Boot award as Eduardo Vargas (4), Arturo Vidal (3) and Sergio Aguero (3) all sit high in the goal charts.

However, one would be inclined to agree with the notion that it’s Argentina chief Gerardo Martino who possesses the more potent attacking threats, with Messi, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain backing up Aguero.


Sampaoli showed a global audience at the 2014 World Cup the tactical ingenuity his Chile side possess, but we perhaps haven’t seen as glamorous a side of it this year.

This is particularly true in defence, with La Roja conceding three goals to Mexico early on in the competition and being exposed by Peru in the semi-finals. However, Portugal coach Fernando Santos has provided Sampaoli with some advice on how to beat the Argentinians, per Chilean newspaper El Mercurio (h/t Goal’s Tom Webber):

Argentina is a very strong opponent, they have great players. To win, you have to play the perfect match and have a little luck.

You cannot mark [Messi] man to man, because the only thing you gain is a problem. He is so good that he always finds a way of having more freedom.

It is better to use zonal marking … you have to prevent him from receiving the ball.

A midfield trio of Marcelo Diaz, Vidal and Charles Aranguiz may be up to the task of taking on Messi and Co., but Martino possesses vast resources up front that will prove hard to exhaust.

David Cartlidge of beIN Sports noted earlier in the competition that superior teams could expose Chile as the contest progresses, with Argentina as likely as any to pick holes:

Although they currently sit as the tournament’s top scorers, Chile’s main concern will lie in restraining Argentina first and doing their own damage second.Should the hosts be caught early on, they may find themselves at risk of being torn to shreds in a manner not dissimilar to that of the recently departed Paraguay.

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Chile has 3.58 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Argentina  has 2.14 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 336. –

Chile – Uruguay Preview: Copa America hosts dodge tough ties

Chile-vs-Uruguay-Quarter-Final-Preview-2015-Copa-AmericaArgentina and Brazil cannot be faced until the final of the tournament but first Jorge Sampaoli’s side must beat the reigning champions after finishing top of Group A

Chile will be relishing the relatively straightforward path to the Copa America final they have been handed ahead of Wednesday’s quarter-final against Uruguay.

Should La Roja defeat the Celeste – who do not look like the side who conquered the competition four years ago – then they would face Bolivia or Peru in the last four, dodging Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay until at least the final.

Host nation Chile are the competition’s top scorers with 10 from their three games as Jorge Sampaoli’s side booked their place in the last eight by topping Group A.

Having taken four points off Ecuador and Mexico, Sampaoli’s men hammered Bolivia 5-0 to set up a quarter-final tie with a Uruguay team yet to hit such heights, claiming just four points in their group campaign.

The defending champions have only scored twice – the long-term absence of suspended striker Luis Suarez undoubtedly a contributing factor – although captain Diego Godin returns from suspension for the match in Santiago.

While Tabarez can welcome back influential skipper Godin into his back line, full-back Alvaro Pereira will serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards.

It is up front where Tabarez has problems, with Edinson Cavani struggling to fire in a central position. Reports suggest that the Uruguay boss could opt for a three-man defence with Cristian Rodriguez used as one of two full-backs.

The city of Santiago was shut temporarily on Monday due to smog concerns, although things have since improved in the capital, with Godin playing down any fears over the pollution.

“We saw on TV about the pollution but we have not discussed anything with the doctor,” Godin said, before turning his attentions to the pressures that Chile may face.

“Chile are favourite. They are local and want to win the title for the first time, they are with their people and have that pressure. We know it is their opportunity to earn a historic title.”

NaijaBet

As at this post Chile has 1.76 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Uruguay  has 5.07 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.57.

England U21s – Italy U21s Preview

England-vs-Italy-702x336The Young Lions looked lethargic against Sweden despite securing a 1-0 win that puts them close to qualification, and their manager admits he wants to see more from his team

England Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate admits his side must improve as they strive to secure a place in the semi-finals with a positive result against Italy.

The Young Lions lost their opening game to Portugal and then narrowly overcame Sweden thanks to Jesse Lingard’s late volley.

Despite claiming an important three points, England looked unconvincing and struggled to break down Hakan Ericson’s resolute and well-organised side for long periods.

Southgate praised his team for ultimately getting the job done, but he believes they are capable of much more.

“We had faith that we had the players on the field that could get the goal. We started to create more chances as the game went on and we had to hold our nerve,” he told reporters.

“In the end it was a wonderful piece of skill that wins us the game, but we had dominated possession.

“Sweden are always a threat because of the way they work, but today I thought we deserved the victory, although maybe we weren’t as fluid as we were the other night.

“We take it to the third game now and after the game against Portugal that was the first objective – now it is in our hands. We can be better, but it has given us a good chance of going through.”

Alex Pritchard was forced off 10 minutes into the second half after picking up an ankle injury and will play no further part in the tournament, but John Stones looks to have recovered from the head injury he sustained in training last week.

Italy boss Luigi Di Biagio, meanwhile, believes his side can still progress to the last four despite currently sitting at the bottom of Group B.

The Azzurrini battled back from an opening game defeat to Sweden to draw 0-0 with Portugal, a result that still gives them a chance of finishing in the top two.

Whereas a draw could be enough to see England advance, though, Italy must claim all three points from their final encounter to stand any chance of making the semi-finals.

Di Biagio nevertheless remains upbeat about his team’s chances, and has praised the attitude shown by his players.

“We played a good game but we didn’t score. The team had the right mentality, and they did exactly what we prepared over the last few days. I can’t blame them for anything,” he told reporters.

“Portugal are a team that let us play more than Sweden did, and this aspect was better for us. But we missed chances and that’s our regret, as it was against Sweden when we didn’t kill the game.

“It’s time to focus on England now. We have to stay hopeful because we still have a chance of going through. I’m always confident, even when something is impossible to pull off. I’ll be confident ahead of our last game.”

Stefano Sturaro is Italy’s only absentee, the Juventus midfielder serving the second game of a three-match ban following his sending off against Sweden.

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post England has 2.45 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Italy has 3.09 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.19.

England U21 v Portugal U21 – Preview: Hopes v Expectations

and begin their European Under-21 Championship campaign on Thursday evening as they face off in a Group B encounter at the Stadion Miroslava Valenty in Uherske Hradiste.

Both sides qualified for the tournament in fine fashion going unbeaten in qualifying before letting their guard slip a little in post-qualifying friendlies.

The Esperancas topped Group 8 and scored 22 goals as they won all eight of their qualifiers, conceding just six times – and half of those in a pulsating 4-3 win in Israel.

In the six team Group 1, the Young Lions drew an early away game 1-1 in Finland, before pushing on to win nine of their ten qualifiers. The Three Lions scored at a rate of more than three goals a game and conceded just one more goal in their group.

However, since securing their place in the Czech Republic, both sides have lost one of their friendlies; indeed earlier this year, England triumphed against their Iberian opponents at Turf Moor, with Danny Ings scoring twice. A few days after that match, Gareth Southgate’s side were defeated, losing a close encounter in France.

In eight previous U21 Euros meetings between the two sides, Portugal have a slight edge, having won four to England’s three – those three have been the most recent meetings, though Portugal did emerge triumphant in the Toulon Tournament last summer.

England will go into the game expecting for fireworks from their potent strike force, which contains West Bromwich Albion’s , scorer of 10 goals in qualifying. However, he faces a battle to be selected in a likely 4-2-3-1 formation with of Tottenham.

Kane’s rise has been meteoric, and he netted six times in his eight qualifying appearances. Berahino’s current tally of 10 goals leaves just him three behind the national record held jointly by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers (13) going into the tournament.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s qualifying goals were spread around the team, with Porto’s Ricardo Pereira top scoring for Rui Jorge’s side with five. Ivan Cavaleiro of Benfica offers a different threat; a magician when the mood takes him, and Ben Gibson will have to pay the wideman close attention.

Form Guide: England (W-W-W-W-W-W), Portugal (W-W-W-W-W-W)

Expected Starting XIs

England: Butland; Jenkinson, Moore, Gibson, Garbutt; Ward-Prowse, Carroll; Redmond, Hughes, Pritchard; Kane

Portugal: Jose Sa; Esgaio, Oliveira, Guerriro, Ilori; Neves, Carvalho, Bernardo Silva; Cavaleiro, Ricardo Pereira, Mane

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post England has 2.64 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Portugal  has 2.80 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.23.