Six journées seulement ont été disputées et si les écarts restent modestes, iln'en reste pas moins vrai que le classement aux points reflète déjà celui des portefeuilles.
Marseille, battu à domicile par le leader Monaco lors de la 4e journée, a "limité la casse" à Bastia samedi (0-0), selon les mots de son entraîneur Elie Baup. Mais avec deux points pris sur neuf possibles, une défaite à la maison en Ligue des champions face à Arsenal (2-1) et un calendrier très chargé, il va falloir aux partenaires de Steve Mandanda un sursaut mardi soirpour rester au contact.
Après l'ASSE, c'est en effet un déplacement à Lorient qui attend l'OM, avant une visite déterminante pour la suite de la compétition dans le chaudron de Dortmund, mardi en Ligue des Champions, suivi le dimanche 6 octobre par un bouillant Marseille/PSG.
Ce match contre Saint-Etienne, "est important au niveau comptable. Il arrive 72 heures après Bastia, donc ça va être difficile mais ce serait bien qu'on réussisse à prendre le maximum de points", a prévenu Elie Baup lundi.
L’Olympique de Marseille reçoit l’AS Saint-Etienne mardi au stade Vélodrome. Une affiche entre les deux plus beaux palmarès du football français et les deux clubs les plus populaires. En jeu, la 3e place derrière Monaco et le PSG.
Par FRANCE 24 (texte)
Après le choc PSG – Monaco dimanche (1-1), la Ligue 1 s’apprête à vivre un nouveau duel alléchant entre Marseille et Saint-Etienne en match avancé de la septième journée du championnat. Deux équipes qui évoluent désormais dans l’ombre du club monégasque et parisien, respectivement 1er et 2e de la L1. L’objectif pour Marseillais et Stéphanois sera donc de rester au contact avec la troisième place, voire, pourquoi pas, chiper la première pendant quelques heures.
Watford vs Norwich September 24, 2013
New signing Gary Hooper will make his first start for the club after making his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Watford midfielder Almen Abdi is still unavailable because of a foot injury that has kept him out since last month.
Midfielder Josh McEachran could make his Watford debut after signing on loan from Chelsea.
Hughton and his team travel to Vicarage Road having defeated League Two’s Bury 6-3 in the previous round at Carrow Road, and the City boss is relishing the prospect of another entertaining game.
"If it's as exciting as our last game then it's another one the fans will enjoy I'm sure," he told reporters.
"It's an exciting tie and one we'll really look forward to, but it's up to us to prepare in the right way to get the right result.
"Of course, you always look for a home draw but we'll look forward to going to Vicarage Road for a good, competitive cup game."
Norwich head into the clash off the back of a disappointing run in the Premier League, having won just once so far this season. They fell to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday to extend their poor streak - a game in which they lost defender Sebastien Bassong to injury, making him a doubt for Tuesday's clash.
Continue reading the main story
“
We'll look forward to going to Vicarage Road for a good, competitive cup game
”
Norwich manager Chris Hughton
Watford are unbeaten at Vicarage Road this season and the Championship side will fancy their chances of beating Premier League Norwich, with only seven league places separating the sides.
The Hornets are already looking like promotion contenders, and head coach Gianfranco Zola, who won the League Cup as a player with Chelsea back in 1998, was delighted with their "excellent victory" on Saturday when they thumped Barnsley 5-1.
In contrast, Norwich go into the tie in desperate need of goals - they have lost three of their last four league games, scoring just once.
But they can take comfort from the fact that their strikers seem to thrive in this competition, having thrashed Bury 6-3 in the previous round.
Watford midfielder Almen Abdi is still unavailable because of a foot injury that has kept him out since last month.
Midfielder Josh McEachran could make his Watford debut after signing on loan from Chelsea.
Hughton and his team travel to Vicarage Road having defeated League Two’s Bury 6-3 in the previous round at Carrow Road, and the City boss is relishing the prospect of another entertaining game.
"If it's as exciting as our last game then it's another one the fans will enjoy I'm sure," he told reporters.
"It's an exciting tie and one we'll really look forward to, but it's up to us to prepare in the right way to get the right result.
"Of course, you always look for a home draw but we'll look forward to going to Vicarage Road for a good, competitive cup game."
Norwich head into the clash off the back of a disappointing run in the Premier League, having won just once so far this season. They fell to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday to extend their poor streak - a game in which they lost defender Sebastien Bassong to injury, making him a doubt for Tuesday's clash.
Continue reading the main story
“
We'll look forward to going to Vicarage Road for a good, competitive cup game
”
Norwich manager Chris Hughton
Watford are unbeaten at Vicarage Road this season and the Championship side will fancy their chances of beating Premier League Norwich, with only seven league places separating the sides.
The Hornets are already looking like promotion contenders, and head coach Gianfranco Zola, who won the League Cup as a player with Chelsea back in 1998, was delighted with their "excellent victory" on Saturday when they thumped Barnsley 5-1.
In contrast, Norwich go into the tie in desperate need of goals - they have lost three of their last four league games, scoring just once.
But they can take comfort from the fact that their strikers seem to thrive in this competition, having thrashed Bury 6-3 in the previous round.
Celtic vs Morton September 24, 2013
Celtic boss Neil Lennon expects to make changes to his team for the Scottish League Cup tie with Morton on Tuesday.
The Hoops beat St Johnstone 2-1 on Scottish Premiership duty on Saturday but with important Champions League fixtures ahead, the Hoops boss plans to rest some of his key figures.
Lennon has promised to use his squad, which could open the door for Israel midfielder Nir Biton to make his full debut.
Tom Rogic, Dylan McGeouch and Georgios Samaras - all of whom were on the bench for Saturday's 2-1 victory over St Johnstone - are others in contention.
Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley (both groin) miss out along with James Forrest (virus) and long-term absentee Steven Mouyokolo (Achilles).
Definitely not featuring against their Greenock opponents when they visit Celtic Park will be injured midfielders Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley (both groin), winger James Forrest (virus) and long-term victim Steven Mouyokolo (Achilles).
Lennon is desperate to land the only domestic trophy he has so far yet to win, although he does expect to alter his team after their weekend exertions against St Johnstone.
The Northern Irishman said: “The League Cup was the first competition that I won as a player here and first I won as a captain, so it does have some significance for me personally.
“We have only won the trophy 14 times. Even if you go back to Mr Stein’s time, it’s not been a competition that we have dominated. But it’s a competition that we are in and one that we want to win.
“There are a few players who will need a break and we will change the team from the weekend. But they won’t be drastic changes and we will treat Morton with the respect they deserve.”
Morton are again without Thomas O’Ware, who has a foot injury, and Joe McKee (ankle) as they make their first trip to Celtic Park in nearly 16 years.
Dougie Imrie is back in manager Allan Moore’s plans despite being substituted at half-time as the Greenock men went down 2-0 to Queen of the South at the weekend.
Moore said: “I had wanted us to be heading to face Celtic with a good run of form behind us but that is not the case.
The Hoops beat St Johnstone 2-1 on Scottish Premiership duty on Saturday but with important Champions League fixtures ahead, the Hoops boss plans to rest some of his key figures.
Lennon has promised to use his squad, which could open the door for Israel midfielder Nir Biton to make his full debut.
Tom Rogic, Dylan McGeouch and Georgios Samaras - all of whom were on the bench for Saturday's 2-1 victory over St Johnstone - are others in contention.
Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley (both groin) miss out along with James Forrest (virus) and long-term absentee Steven Mouyokolo (Achilles).
Definitely not featuring against their Greenock opponents when they visit Celtic Park will be injured midfielders Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley (both groin), winger James Forrest (virus) and long-term victim Steven Mouyokolo (Achilles).
Lennon is desperate to land the only domestic trophy he has so far yet to win, although he does expect to alter his team after their weekend exertions against St Johnstone.
The Northern Irishman said: “The League Cup was the first competition that I won as a player here and first I won as a captain, so it does have some significance for me personally.
“We have only won the trophy 14 times. Even if you go back to Mr Stein’s time, it’s not been a competition that we have dominated. But it’s a competition that we are in and one that we want to win.
“There are a few players who will need a break and we will change the team from the weekend. But they won’t be drastic changes and we will treat Morton with the respect they deserve.”
Morton are again without Thomas O’Ware, who has a foot injury, and Joe McKee (ankle) as they make their first trip to Celtic Park in nearly 16 years.
Dougie Imrie is back in manager Allan Moore’s plans despite being substituted at half-time as the Greenock men went down 2-0 to Queen of the South at the weekend.
Moore said: “I had wanted us to be heading to face Celtic with a good run of form behind us but that is not the case.
West Ham vs Cardiff September 24, 2013
Mark Noble will also definitely be absent as he serves a one-match ban.
Like Hammers' manager Sam Allardyce, Cardiff boss Malky Mackay will also rotate his squad.
New signing Peter Odemwingie could make his first start but Andreas Cornelius is still struggling with an ankle injury picked up in the last round.
MATCH PREVIEW
Continue reading the main story
“
It will be a hugely competitive match because there will be a lot of players out there who will be trying to convince both myself and Malky that they should be playing in the first team on a more regular basis
”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce
West Ham and Cardiff go into Tuesday's League Cup tie locked together in the Premier League, with both teams having won one, drawn two and lost two of their five league matches so far.
In fact, the only difference lies in the goals conceded column, where Cardiff have let in two more than the Hammers - goals that can be traced back to their 2-0 defeat at Upton Park on the opening day of the season.
West Ham's only subsequent win was against League Two Cheltenham in this competition, and they have suffered home defeats to both Stoke and Everton.
The League Cup has been bitter-sweet for Cardiff in recent years. The Welsh club reached the final in 2012, only to suffer the heartbreak of losing to Liverpool in a penalty shoot-out. And they fell at the first hurdle last year, with League Two side Northampton dumping them out.
Cardiff City will be hoping for a role reversal as they prepare to take on West Ham in the Capital One Cup third round on Tuesday.
Malky Mackay's side lost 2-0 at Upton Park on the opening day of the Premier League season after goals from Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan, but the Welsh club have seen an upturn in fortunes since that early setback.
Like Hammers' manager Sam Allardyce, Cardiff boss Malky Mackay will also rotate his squad.
New signing Peter Odemwingie could make his first start but Andreas Cornelius is still struggling with an ankle injury picked up in the last round.
MATCH PREVIEW
Continue reading the main story
“
It will be a hugely competitive match because there will be a lot of players out there who will be trying to convince both myself and Malky that they should be playing in the first team on a more regular basis
”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce
West Ham and Cardiff go into Tuesday's League Cup tie locked together in the Premier League, with both teams having won one, drawn two and lost two of their five league matches so far.
In fact, the only difference lies in the goals conceded column, where Cardiff have let in two more than the Hammers - goals that can be traced back to their 2-0 defeat at Upton Park on the opening day of the season.
West Ham's only subsequent win was against League Two Cheltenham in this competition, and they have suffered home defeats to both Stoke and Everton.
The League Cup has been bitter-sweet for Cardiff in recent years. The Welsh club reached the final in 2012, only to suffer the heartbreak of losing to Liverpool in a penalty shoot-out. And they fell at the first hurdle last year, with League Two side Northampton dumping them out.
Cardiff City will be hoping for a role reversal as they prepare to take on West Ham in the Capital One Cup third round on Tuesday.
Malky Mackay's side lost 2-0 at Upton Park on the opening day of the Premier League season after goals from Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan, but the Welsh club have seen an upturn in fortunes since that early setback.
Sunderland vs Peterborough September 24, 2013
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland tonight in the wake of the sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over MK Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
Sunderland
Westwood, Celustka, Diakite, O’Shea, Colback, Johnson, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini, Borini, Altidore
Peterborough
Olejnik, Alcock, Payne, Swanson, Bostwick, Assombalonga, Tomlin, Rowe, Kearns, Barnett, Gordon
Date: Tuesday, September 24 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Sunderland begin life without manager Paolo Di Canio as they welcome Peterborough to the Stadium of Light for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash.
Team News
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland tonight in the wake of the sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over MK Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over MK Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
Sunderland
Westwood, Celustka, Diakite, O’Shea, Colback, Johnson, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini, Borini, Altidore
Peterborough
Olejnik, Alcock, Payne, Swanson, Bostwick, Assombalonga, Tomlin, Rowe, Kearns, Barnett, Gordon
Date: Tuesday, September 24 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Sunderland begin life without manager Paolo Di Canio as they welcome Peterborough to the Stadium of Light for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash.
Team News
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland tonight in the wake of the sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over MK Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
Everton vs Fulham September 24, 2013
On Tuesday Everton takes on Premier League side Fulham in the Capital One Cup as Roberto Martinez continues his quest for a trophy. We were able to talk to Cottagers Confidential, SB Nation's Fulham blog to get the skinny on just how the club is doing ahead of the match. A big thanks to them for taking the time to talk with us. You can read our answers to their questions at Cottager's Confidential.
Fulham manager Martin Jol is expected to hand a trio of recalls to Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Hughes and Bryan Ruiz following respective injuries.
However, Matthew Briggs and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg remain sidelined.
Everton duo Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone are expected to feature at some stage after making their comeback from injury.
Manager Roberto Martinez will however continue to be without the services of Antolin Alcaraz, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, who lack match fitness and will not be risked.
Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Hughes and Bryan Ruiz could all return for Fulham's Capital One Cup third-round clash with Everton.
Berbatov (hamstring), Hughes (thigh) and Ruiz (ankle) missed Saturday's 2-0 loss at Chelsea but could improve Martin Jol's options in the all-Premier League clash as the Cottagers bid to end a six-match winless run at home.
Matthew Briggs (hernia) and first-choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) are out.
Midfielder Darron Gibson could be set for his first appearance of the season in the Capital One Cup tie at Fulham.
The Republic of Ireland international has been out with a knee injury but manager Roberto Martinez now considers him fully fit.
Changes are expected from the side which beat West Ham at the weekend but midfielder Steven Pienaar, Antolin Alcaraz (both hamstring) and Leon Osman (groin) will not be risked.
Fulham manager Martin Jol is expected to hand a trio of recalls to Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Hughes and Bryan Ruiz following respective injuries.
However, Matthew Briggs and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg remain sidelined.
Everton duo Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone are expected to feature at some stage after making their comeback from injury.
Manager Roberto Martinez will however continue to be without the services of Antolin Alcaraz, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, who lack match fitness and will not be risked.
Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Hughes and Bryan Ruiz could all return for Fulham's Capital One Cup third-round clash with Everton.
Berbatov (hamstring), Hughes (thigh) and Ruiz (ankle) missed Saturday's 2-0 loss at Chelsea but could improve Martin Jol's options in the all-Premier League clash as the Cottagers bid to end a six-match winless run at home.
Matthew Briggs (hernia) and first-choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) are out.
Midfielder Darron Gibson could be set for his first appearance of the season in the Capital One Cup tie at Fulham.
The Republic of Ireland international has been out with a knee injury but manager Roberto Martinez now considers him fully fit.
Changes are expected from the side which beat West Ham at the weekend but midfielder Steven Pienaar, Antolin Alcaraz (both hamstring) and Leon Osman (groin) will not be risked.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham September 24, 2013
Last week we saw the Champions League group stage kick off with a plethora of games, this week we have some Capital One Cup games. It is a competition started in 1960 that is similar to the FA Cup, which allows significantly more teams to enter (758 entered in 2012-13) from all levels of soccer, the Capital One Cup only allows the 20 Premier League clubs and  72 Football League clubs to enter.
The current champion is Swansea City, who won their first title last year. Liverpool is the most dominant club having one the competition 8 times.
In this match up two English Premier League sides face off as Aston Villa hosts Tottenham Hotspur.
The Portuguese has lamented the fact his side travel to Villa Park for their third game in six days following a 3-0 Europa League win over Tromso and a 1-0 victory against Cardiff City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Prior to those confidence-boosting wins, the latter of which was sealed with a stoppage-time goal, Villas-Boas claimed that the hectic schedule is asking too much of his players and could prove to be dangerous.
"How can a game be scheduled after two days, immediately putting careers at risk with injuries?" he said.
"I find it absolutely incredible that we have to risk injuries to our players in a game that they play on that Tuesday. The problem is that it puts the players in a very difficult situation.
"It's also nothing new in English football. I had the same thing once with Wolverhampton (Wanderers) and Chelsea, when I was at Chelsea, and I spoke the same way."
The game will represent Spurs’ first involvement in this year’s competition due to their European commitments, but Villas-Boas expressed his concerns over the welfare of his squad.
"The second day of recovery is the most dangerous day for a player to pick up an injury," he said.
"If this is not taken into account I think it's bad. Other things have to be respected - televised games, fixture organisation, the police - comes into account because of the fixtures that are being played on the Tuesday and Wednesday.
"But the problem is that in the end Tottenham were chosen to play on Tuesday, with only the Monday to recover from the last match, and that puts us in a very difficult position."
Villa, semi-finalists in last year’s competition, booked their place in the third round with a comfortable 3-0 home win over League One side Rotherham United.
Date: September 24
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
The current champion is Swansea City, who won their first title last year. Liverpool is the most dominant club having one the competition 8 times.
In this match up two English Premier League sides face off as Aston Villa hosts Tottenham Hotspur.
The Portuguese has lamented the fact his side travel to Villa Park for their third game in six days following a 3-0 Europa League win over Tromso and a 1-0 victory against Cardiff City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Prior to those confidence-boosting wins, the latter of which was sealed with a stoppage-time goal, Villas-Boas claimed that the hectic schedule is asking too much of his players and could prove to be dangerous.
"How can a game be scheduled after two days, immediately putting careers at risk with injuries?" he said.
"I find it absolutely incredible that we have to risk injuries to our players in a game that they play on that Tuesday. The problem is that it puts the players in a very difficult situation.
"It's also nothing new in English football. I had the same thing once with Wolverhampton (Wanderers) and Chelsea, when I was at Chelsea, and I spoke the same way."
The game will represent Spurs’ first involvement in this year’s competition due to their European commitments, but Villas-Boas expressed his concerns over the welfare of his squad.
"The second day of recovery is the most dangerous day for a player to pick up an injury," he said.
"If this is not taken into account I think it's bad. Other things have to be respected - televised games, fixture organisation, the police - comes into account because of the fixtures that are being played on the Tuesday and Wednesday.
"But the problem is that in the end Tottenham were chosen to play on Tuesday, with only the Monday to recover from the last match, and that puts us in a very difficult position."
Villa, semi-finalists in last year’s competition, booked their place in the third round with a comfortable 3-0 home win over League One side Rotherham United.
Date: September 24
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad September 24, 2013
Last season, Barcelona lost just two games in La Liga, a pretty remarkable feat.
One of those losses came against Real Madrid, while the other was a more perplexing 3-2 loss at Real Sociedad.
But Barca won this home fixture 5-1 last season and, given Real Sociedad's shaky form so far this campaign, a similar result would hardly be shocking.
Let's break down this mid-week La Liga showdown.
FC Barcelona entertain UEFA Champions League qualifiers Real Sociedad tomorrow at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana look to maintain their 100% start to this La Liga campaign. Tomorrow's visitors are without a goal in their last three matches (two draws and one defeat), but regardless of that fact, last season’s fourth place finishers boast too much quality to be underestimated, particularly by a suspect Barça defense.
While Barcelona may have achieved two successive shut-outs, they have relied heavily upon the resurgent Victor Valdés who has saved a penalty kick in each of his last two appearances. Usually dependable characters like Javier Mascherano and Adriano Correia are also making rare mistakes, further contributing to this sense of unease which surrounds the Barça defense.
Fortunately for head coach Gerardo Martino, Barcelona's fabled offense is continuing to produce. With a staggering 14 goals in their last four matches, the Blaugrana boast the most potent strike-force in all of Europe. It's spearheaded by the greatest player of all-time Lionel Messi – who also continues to amaze on a weekly basis – and in Pedro, Neymar and Alexis Sanchez, the Argentine can finally count upon the support of his offensive colleagues.
FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Martinez, Gonzalez, Inigo, Angel; Pardo, Bergara; Vela, Prieto, Castro; Agirretxe
When: Tuesday, September 24 at 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. BST)
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
La liga española no para entre semana, y el martes arranca una sexta fecha que sigue teniendo al Barcelona y al Atlético de Madrid como líderes puros, indiscutibles y perfectos con pleno de victorias.
Con 15 puntos de los 15 posibles, el vigente campeón figura primero por diferencia de goles, mientras que el Atlético que dirige el argentino Diego Simeone marcha segundo sin bajar el pistón, marcando distancia de dos unidades de ventaja respecto al Real Madrid, clasificado tercero y con el que se enfrentará el sábado en el clásico capitalino por la séptima fecha.
Pero el calendario manda y antes Atlético y Real deberán enfrentar a Osasuna y Elche, respectivamente, mientras que el Barsa recibirá el martes a un rival de peso: la Real Sociedad.
Curiosamente, el equipo que pudo fichar primero al argentino Gerardo "Tata" Martino será el que comprometa el excelente inicio del técnico del Barsa, a un partido de igualar el mejor arranque de la historia del club de seis victorias al hilo, que compartiría con tres timoneles previos, incluido su predecesor, Tito Vilanova.
El Barcelona recibe este martes 24 de septiembre a la Real Sociedad en el Camp Nou en un partido que enfrenta a dos equipos de la Champions League, pero que llegan en rachas totalmente opuestas.
El Barcelona, líder de la Liga BBVA junto al Atlético de Madrid, han ganado todo lo que han jugado esta temporada. El equipo del ‘Tata’ Martino suma 15 puntos en cinco jornadas, mientras que en la Champions League golearon 4-0 al Ajax.
El equpo azulgrana volverá a presentar rotaciones, ya habituales en el ‘Tata’ Martino pese a estar al comienzo de la temporada. El Barcelona intentará evitar volver a perder la posesión, algo que ocurrió ante el Rayo Vallecano por primera vez en cinco años.
Neymar será titular. El brasileño, a medida que acumula minutos, se ve su mejor versión, mientras que Andrés Iniesta, noticia al haber sido suplente en varios encuentros, podría volver a repetir titularidad.
Sergio Busquets volverá al equipo. El mediocentro podría sustituir a Cesc Fábregas.
Por su parte, la Real Sociedad, bajo las órdenes de Arrasate, podría contar de nuevo con el mexicano Carlos Vela y Griezmann en las bandas, mientras que la recuperación de Imanol Agirretxe y la posible presencia de Seferovic, añadirán un poder ofensivo superior.
One of those losses came against Real Madrid, while the other was a more perplexing 3-2 loss at Real Sociedad.
But Barca won this home fixture 5-1 last season and, given Real Sociedad's shaky form so far this campaign, a similar result would hardly be shocking.
Let's break down this mid-week La Liga showdown.
FC Barcelona entertain UEFA Champions League qualifiers Real Sociedad tomorrow at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana look to maintain their 100% start to this La Liga campaign. Tomorrow's visitors are without a goal in their last three matches (two draws and one defeat), but regardless of that fact, last season’s fourth place finishers boast too much quality to be underestimated, particularly by a suspect Barça defense.
While Barcelona may have achieved two successive shut-outs, they have relied heavily upon the resurgent Victor Valdés who has saved a penalty kick in each of his last two appearances. Usually dependable characters like Javier Mascherano and Adriano Correia are also making rare mistakes, further contributing to this sense of unease which surrounds the Barça defense.
Fortunately for head coach Gerardo Martino, Barcelona's fabled offense is continuing to produce. With a staggering 14 goals in their last four matches, the Blaugrana boast the most potent strike-force in all of Europe. It's spearheaded by the greatest player of all-time Lionel Messi – who also continues to amaze on a weekly basis – and in Pedro, Neymar and Alexis Sanchez, the Argentine can finally count upon the support of his offensive colleagues.
FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Martinez, Gonzalez, Inigo, Angel; Pardo, Bergara; Vela, Prieto, Castro; Agirretxe
When: Tuesday, September 24 at 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. BST)
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad ESPANA
La liga española no para entre semana, y el martes arranca una sexta fecha que sigue teniendo al Barcelona y al Atlético de Madrid como líderes puros, indiscutibles y perfectos con pleno de victorias.
Con 15 puntos de los 15 posibles, el vigente campeón figura primero por diferencia de goles, mientras que el Atlético que dirige el argentino Diego Simeone marcha segundo sin bajar el pistón, marcando distancia de dos unidades de ventaja respecto al Real Madrid, clasificado tercero y con el que se enfrentará el sábado en el clásico capitalino por la séptima fecha.
Pero el calendario manda y antes Atlético y Real deberán enfrentar a Osasuna y Elche, respectivamente, mientras que el Barsa recibirá el martes a un rival de peso: la Real Sociedad.
Curiosamente, el equipo que pudo fichar primero al argentino Gerardo "Tata" Martino será el que comprometa el excelente inicio del técnico del Barsa, a un partido de igualar el mejor arranque de la historia del club de seis victorias al hilo, que compartiría con tres timoneles previos, incluido su predecesor, Tito Vilanova.
El Barcelona recibe este martes 24 de septiembre a la Real Sociedad en el Camp Nou en un partido que enfrenta a dos equipos de la Champions League, pero que llegan en rachas totalmente opuestas.
El Barcelona, líder de la Liga BBVA junto al Atlético de Madrid, han ganado todo lo que han jugado esta temporada. El equipo del ‘Tata’ Martino suma 15 puntos en cinco jornadas, mientras que en la Champions League golearon 4-0 al Ajax.
El equpo azulgrana volverá a presentar rotaciones, ya habituales en el ‘Tata’ Martino pese a estar al comienzo de la temporada. El Barcelona intentará evitar volver a perder la posesión, algo que ocurrió ante el Rayo Vallecano por primera vez en cinco años.
Neymar será titular. El brasileño, a medida que acumula minutos, se ve su mejor versión, mientras que Andrés Iniesta, noticia al haber sido suplente en varios encuentros, podría volver a repetir titularidad.
Sergio Busquets volverá al equipo. El mediocentro podría sustituir a Cesc Fábregas.
Por su parte, la Real Sociedad, bajo las órdenes de Arrasate, podría contar de nuevo con el mexicano Carlos Vela y Griezmann en las bandas, mientras que la recuperación de Imanol Agirretxe y la posible presencia de Seferovic, añadirán un poder ofensivo superior.
Manchester City vs Wigan September 24, 2013
Back in May, a last-minute goal from Ben Watson saw the Latics lift the FA Cup at the expense of Tuesday's illustrious opponents, who were mired in talk surrounding the future of then manager Roberto Mancini.
Manchester City defender Micah Richards is expected to play his first game of the season after returning as an unused substitute at the weekend.
David Silva and Gael Clichy are unlikely to be risked and Jack Rodwell is a major doubt.
Wigan boss Owen Coyle is dealing with the demands of his side's third fixture in six days so may make a host of changes.
Grant Holt, Gary Caldwell, Ivan Ramis and Ali Al Habsi remain out.
The Italian was sacked soon afterwards, and his replacement, Manuel Pellegrini, will lead City into the rematch on the back of a resounding 4-1 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Latics have also changed manager since then, with former Bolton Wanderers and Burnley boss Owen Coyle replacing Roberto Martinez, who moved to Everton after overseeing relegation to the Championship.
Fast forward 136 days to this fixture and a lot has changed for both clubs. Wigan are, of course, now a Championship club and both teams have different managers at the helm.
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini is currently basking in the glory of the stunning derby day demolition of Manchester United and his side seem to have hit their stride after the shock of losing away at Cardiff in August.
Wigan shrugged off playing away in Belgium on their European debut on Thursday night by comfortably beating Ipswich on Sunday. Manager Owen Coyle knows what a tricky challenge it is going to be trying to balance the demands of a promotion push as well as playing a minimum of six matches in the Europa League, defending the FA Cup and playing in this competition.
Both sides enter the competition at this stage, alongside the rest of England's European representatives.
City enjoyed a fine start to their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win at Viktoria Plzen last Tuesday while Wigan, having qualified for the Europa League courtesy of their FA Cup triumph, were pleased with the 0-0 draw garnered from their first European tie away against Belgium's Zulte Waregem.
With both sides strongly fancied to challenge for honours in their respective divisions before the season began, neither have had the start they may have desired in the league - although they both head into the encounter buoyed by superb wins at the weekend.
Manchester City defender Micah Richards is expected to play his first game of the season after returning as an unused substitute at the weekend.
David Silva and Gael Clichy are unlikely to be risked and Jack Rodwell is a major doubt.
Wigan boss Owen Coyle is dealing with the demands of his side's third fixture in six days so may make a host of changes.
Grant Holt, Gary Caldwell, Ivan Ramis and Ali Al Habsi remain out.
The Italian was sacked soon afterwards, and his replacement, Manuel Pellegrini, will lead City into the rematch on the back of a resounding 4-1 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Latics have also changed manager since then, with former Bolton Wanderers and Burnley boss Owen Coyle replacing Roberto Martinez, who moved to Everton after overseeing relegation to the Championship.
Fast forward 136 days to this fixture and a lot has changed for both clubs. Wigan are, of course, now a Championship club and both teams have different managers at the helm.
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini is currently basking in the glory of the stunning derby day demolition of Manchester United and his side seem to have hit their stride after the shock of losing away at Cardiff in August.
Wigan shrugged off playing away in Belgium on their European debut on Thursday night by comfortably beating Ipswich on Sunday. Manager Owen Coyle knows what a tricky challenge it is going to be trying to balance the demands of a promotion push as well as playing a minimum of six matches in the Europa League, defending the FA Cup and playing in this competition.
Both sides enter the competition at this stage, alongside the rest of England's European representatives.
City enjoyed a fine start to their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win at Viktoria Plzen last Tuesday while Wigan, having qualified for the Europa League courtesy of their FA Cup triumph, were pleased with the 0-0 draw garnered from their first European tie away against Belgium's Zulte Waregem.
With both sides strongly fancied to challenge for honours in their respective divisions before the season began, neither have had the start they may have desired in the league - although they both head into the encounter buoyed by superb wins at the weekend.
Swindon vs Chelsea September 24, 2013
The Robins have a close relationship with the north London club, and signed six Tottenham academy graduates this summer: Massimo Luongo, Nathan Byrne and Jack Barthram joined permanently, along with loanees Alex Pritchard, Ryan Mason and Grant Hall.
Given that influx of new players it is perhaps understandable that Swindon's form has been inconsistent this term, but Mark Cooper's side
Chelsea travel to Swindon, kicking off their Capital One Cup campaign.
The Blues made it to the semifinals last year, before being dumped out by Swansea City. Although the bigger clubs often take this competition lightly, it was still a disappointing result for Chelsea. They'll be looking to at least make another deep run this season.
Mourinho's Blues may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Tottenham, but they will face several players with Spurs connections on Tuesday.
Mourinho's Blues may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Tottenham, but they will face several players with Spurs connections on Tuesday.
The Robins have a close relationship with the north London club, and signed six Tottenham academy graduates this summer: Massimo Luongo, Nathan Byrne and Jack Barthram joined permanently, along with loanees Alex Pritchard, Ryan Mason and Grant Hall.
Given that influx of new players it is perhaps understandable that Swindon's form has been inconsistent this term, but Mark Cooper's side have not lost at home since February.
Those odds reflect the remarkable strength in depth at Stamford Bridge. While Mourinho will not field his first-choice side against Swindon, the Robins are unlikely to take encouragement from a visiting team-sheet set to include David Luiz and Juan Mata.
For Swindon Town, this is an opportunity to claim a major scalp this year. The Capital One Cup and FA Cup are the only chances a smaller club like Swindon has to go up against the big sides in England.
You always see a few upsets in the early rounds of both knockout tournaments.
Here's a quick preview for this Capital One Cup fixture.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 2:45 p.m. ET; 7:45 p.m. BST
Where: County Ground, Swindon, England
Given that influx of new players it is perhaps understandable that Swindon's form has been inconsistent this term, but Mark Cooper's side
Chelsea travel to Swindon, kicking off their Capital One Cup campaign.
The Blues made it to the semifinals last year, before being dumped out by Swansea City. Although the bigger clubs often take this competition lightly, it was still a disappointing result for Chelsea. They'll be looking to at least make another deep run this season.
Mourinho's Blues may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Tottenham, but they will face several players with Spurs connections on Tuesday.
Mourinho's Blues may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Tottenham, but they will face several players with Spurs connections on Tuesday.
The Robins have a close relationship with the north London club, and signed six Tottenham academy graduates this summer: Massimo Luongo, Nathan Byrne and Jack Barthram joined permanently, along with loanees Alex Pritchard, Ryan Mason and Grant Hall.
Given that influx of new players it is perhaps understandable that Swindon's form has been inconsistent this term, but Mark Cooper's side have not lost at home since February.
Those odds reflect the remarkable strength in depth at Stamford Bridge. While Mourinho will not field his first-choice side against Swindon, the Robins are unlikely to take encouragement from a visiting team-sheet set to include David Luiz and Juan Mata.
For Swindon Town, this is an opportunity to claim a major scalp this year. The Capital One Cup and FA Cup are the only chances a smaller club like Swindon has to go up against the big sides in England.
You always see a few upsets in the early rounds of both knockout tournaments.
Here's a quick preview for this Capital One Cup fixture.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 2:45 p.m. ET; 7:45 p.m. BST
Where: County Ground, Swindon, England
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