Crucial games make for tough decisions

Crucial games make for tough decisions
(FIFA.com) Thursday 5 March 2009
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FIFA.com sheds light on the toughest games in Round 26 of the FIFA World Leagues Predictor. Results in the five matches below could be the key to winning this week's prize.

Match of the week: Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid (Spain)
The Madrid Derby could not take place at a more exciting and crucial time. Real Madrid have turned an initially unimpressive season into an intriguing title chase, and they host Atletico with ten consecutive La Liga wins behind them. However, facing them is an Atletico team that beat Barcelona 4-3 just days ago. Atletico are massive outsiders at 71 per cent to win, with an 88-point return.

Too close to call: Toulouse-Bordeaux (France)
Fifth-placed Toulouse host fourth-placed Bordeaux in a match both sides will be desperate to win in the race for UEFA Champions League places. Despite both team's recent tendency for deadlocks, a draw would do little for either team's hopes.

The long-shot: Universitario Sucre-La Paz (Bolivia)
Their last encounter may have ended 0-0, but Universitario Sucre host La Paz as overwhelming favourites. La Paz, who narrowly lost out to Universitario Sucre in the Apertura 2008, will be out for revenge regardless of the odds. A La Paz win or draw returns 83 points, while a Universitario Sucre win returns 33 points.

The fight for survival: Bologna-Sampdoria (Italy)
Fourth-bottom Bologna host a Sampdoria team that are undefeated in six Serie A matches, the last of which being a 2-1 win over AC Milan. With Chievo breathing down their necks, and Lecce and Regina facing off this weekend, Bologna simply can't afford to drop points. Bologna are slight favourites at home, but will they cave under the relegation pressure?

The fresh start: Kashima Antlers-Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Current J.League Champions Kashima Antlers may be hot favourites at home to Urawa Red Diamonds, but in football the past has proven to carry little weight when a new season kicks off. Back the Red Diamonds to come out from the rough and you could claim 78 points.

Statistic of the week: In all previous encounters, Real have enjoyed the lion's share of wins: 77 to Atletico's 35, while they have drawn 31 times.

Even if you're not chasing for the 2009 Predictor throne, a signed FIFA World Cup™ winner's jersey could be just ten predictions away from arriving at your door. There are 12 rounds to go and 12 shirts to win, so get predicting!