Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona
Copa del Rey: Semifinals, Leg 2 (0-1 agg.)
Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Spain
Thursday, February 8th, 2018    3:30PM EST        beIN SPORTS

It’s Leg 2 of the King’s Cup semifinal between the Cules and the Bats!  Somewhat surprisingly, this tie was rather evenly balanced through the first 90 minutes despite the absence of key figures for Valencia in leg 1, such as Kondogbia, Guedes, and Zaza.  Thus, leg 2 should be a real ‘cracker!  It’s assured that the Bats will boast their “A” squad, as will defending Champs Barcelona.  Earlier this season, the two Mediterranean coast clubs played to a controversial 1-1 draw at the Mestalla that saw a Leo Messi goal disallowed, despite the ball clearly crossing the goaline.  Nevertheless, it was a tight— testy affair inside a very hostile Mestalla Stadium.  I fully expect more of the same this match.  Valencia will have to chase the game to some degree,  seeing as though the Bats come in a goal down.  That could spell disaster for the home team as it could give Messi, Suarez, and company more room to operate.  1 away goal for Barca is likely enough, but as we’ve seen time and again this year in Spain, expect the unexpected.

LSB Prediction: Rodrigo, Zaza, and Guedes will press up the pitch early and often, looking for a Barca turnover inside their own half.  The opportunity will come, and Guedes will convert.  However, the Azulgrana will remain poised under pressure, striking for for the match equalizer and tie winner in added time through La Pulga!  1-1 Draw (FC Barcelona advances on 2-1 aggregate)

Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Arsenal FC
North London Derby
Premier League: Matchday 27
Wembley Stadium, London, England
Saturday February 10th, 2018    7:30AM EST        NBCSN

This weekend kicks off with an early bird special and derby day delight in the Hotspur against the Gunners!  Not just a match being played for city bragging rights, this game will be key in the race for finishing within the Premier League’s top 4.  Tottenham currently sits fifth with 49 points and Arsenal in sixth with 45 points.  Their other city rivals, Chelsea, is occupying the fourth and final Champions League slot with 50 points and a game in hand.  Thus, a result in a head to head battle can result in as much as a six point swing.  With the Gunners currently five points adrift from fourth, it’s obvious this match means more to the Gunners, as earning a win is almost imperative.  Meanwhile, Hotspur could afford to draw, keeping the four point gap in tact between them and Arsenal, however they’ll still be chasing Chelsea. 

On the pitch, both clubs possess a bevy of offensive firepower.  For Arsenal, they’ve reloaded during the winter window, acquiring goal scorers extraordinaire Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrick Mkhtaryan.  The two dazzled last weekend in a 5-1 drubbing of Everton at the Emirates.  Aubameyang struck in his first match for the Londoners, and Mkhtarayn produced a hat-trick of assists himself.  As for Tottenham, they have themselves England’s top striker in Harry Kane.  Currently, Kane ranks first in the Premier League in goals, as well as being a top the Golden Boot rankings across all of Europe with 22 goals.

LSB Prediction:  Without question, plenty of goals will be scored in this one.  Kane will net a brace; but Ozil and Mkhtaryan to Aubameyang will be the theme of the day as the Gunners steal all three points at Wembley.  3-2 Arsenal FC