AC Milan vs SS Lazio
TIM Cup: Semifinal, 1st Leg
San Siro, Milan, Italy
Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 2:45PM EST
A rematch of last weekend’s Serie A fixture, Milan and Lazio will be squaring off once again from the San Siro this Thursday. Instead of the match simply being one of 38 league matchdays, this time the stakes are a tad more important as it’s the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals. Milan, who spent big this past off-season, has struggled mightily in Serie A. Already they have almost assuredly sealed their fate of failing to qualify for the Champions League, once again. Thus, Milan will be putting all of its eggs into the TIM Cup’s basket in an effort to claim a major trophy this season. Meanwhile, Lazio, who have surprised this season, currently sit third in Serie A. They have already beaten Juventus at the start of the year to claim the Supercoppa de Italia, but will be seeking revenge after losing to the Diablos this past Sunday. It will no doubt be a feisty affair. Lazio will seek to at minimum register a crucial away goal, before heading home to the Stadio Olimpico for Leg 2. Meanwhile, Milan will likely need a win at home, to have a chance of winning the tie in Rome.
LSB Prediction: Despite the White and Sky Blues losing 2-1 to Milan just days ago, and still being without star forward Ciro Immobile, I foresee the Eagles flying high in attack. Led by breakout Brazilian Filipe Anderson, Lazio will redeem themselves and not only strike for an away goal, but beat Bonucci’s Screwdrivers 1-0. 1-0 SS Lazio
FC Barcelona vs Valencia CF
Copa del Rey: Semifinal, Leg 1
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalunya
Thursday, February 1st, 2018 3:30PM EST beIN SPORTS
Without question this is the most even match of the round for the Copa del Rey. Two clubs steeped in Spanish footballing history, Barcelona and Valencia are set to clash in Thursday’s semifinal first leg. The Cules have won a record 29 Copas del Rey, including the last three on the bounce. Meanwhile, the Bats have won the trophy seven times of their own, whilst finishing runners up an additional nine times. Combine that rich history with present day talent, and it’s no question that this match will provide us with offensive fireworks at both ends of the pitch. Lionel Messi has been playing at his usual magisterial best, leading FCB to an unbeaten LaLiga season through 21 matchdays. Meanwhile, Valencia has produced the goods en route to a third place standing in LaLiga themselves this season, thanks to an infusion of top quality youngsters. The Bats have been known for developing players of the highest caliber for years. Just look at Barcelona’s squads of recent years: Jordi Alba, Paco Alcacer, and Andre Gomes are all Valencia youth products. Lets not forget current Galactico Isco, also, came up through the Bats ranks. With that said, the current squad is no exception as players such as Santi Mina, Carlos Soler, Jose Gaya, and Ferran Torres are all extraordinary young talents. Expect them and 21 year old PSG loanee Goncalo Guedes to press Barcelona up the pitch in search of turnovers and quick counters.
LSB Prediction: Valencia’s youth has shown up time and again this season, but will it at the Camp Nou in the Copa semifinals? I think not. Barcelona’s wealth of riches in terms of talent and experience wins out in Leg 1. Plus, the Azulgrana have this little guy nicknamed La Pulga, only the world’s best player….ever. Good luck Valencia. 3-1 FC Barcelona