Enyimba welcome Zamalek and the 4 matches to watch this weekend

Enyimba need to put their poor league form behind them as they welcome Zamalek to Port Harcourt in the CAF Champions League, while Cristiano Ronaldo must do the business on the pitch instead of throwing tantrums at the Euros.

Enyimba vs. Zamalek @Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium @4pm on June 19

The Aba Elephants begin their CAF Champions League phase against formidable foes in Zamalek of Egypt. Many epic clashes are wrought in history between this Egyptian team and various Nigerian club sides over the last four decades but this would be the first meeting between the two clubs.

If Enyimba are thinking of going far in this year’s Champions League then they must ensure that they at least win all their home matches but they do not come harder than this.

The NPFL defending champions have gone slightly off the boil in the league with no win in four and three defeats in their last four matches. But the bigger concern for Paul Aigbogun would be the paltry return of just two goals in their last four matches. They would need Mfon Udoh, who scored seven goals in qualifying for the group stage to get his shooting boots on when Zamalek come calling on Sunday.

Recent form: Enyimba [L-D-L-L-W]; Zamalek [W-W-W-W-W]

Prediction: Enyimba 2-1 Zamalek

Portugal vs. Austria @Parc des Princes @8pm on June 18

Cristiano Ronaldo threw a tantrum when rank outsiders, Iceland, held his country to a surprise 1-1 in Portugal’s first match. Against Austria, the Real Madrid striker must show up with goals to ensure that they get their first win in France.

The head-to-head record shows that the Austrians have the edge in 10 encounters with three wins and five draws. They have also scored 19 goals as against 11 for Portugal.

Recent Form: Portugal [D-W-L-W-W]; Venezuela [L-L-W-L-W]

Head to head

11/10/95     ECQ    Austria         1 – 1   Portugal

13/11/94     ECQ    Portugal       1 – 0   Austria

01/09/92     FRI     Austria        1 – 1   Portugal

03/09/91     FRI     Austria        1 – 1   Portugal

21/11/79     ECQ    Portugal       1 – 2   Austria

Prediction: Portugal 3-1 Austria

Argentina vs. Venezuela @Gillette Stadium @12:00PM on June 19

Argentina have lost just once to Venezuela in 13 matches and Sunday’s encounter should not be any different as in their last five matches, the Venezuelans have scored just once whilst conceding 13!

But this is football and anything is possible in 90 minutes and extra time if that is needed to separate the teams. Lionel Messi, who should start after his recent injury problems, should buoy Argentina, who would be looking to a semi-final clash with hosts, the USA.

Recent Form: Argentina [W-W-W-W-W]; Venezuela [D-W-W-D-L]

Head to head

23/03/13     WQS   Argentina    3 – 0   Venezuela

12/10/11     WQS   Venezuela    1 – 0   Argentina

02/09/11     FRI     Venezuela    0 – 1   Argentina

17/03/11     FRI     Argentina    4 – 1   Venezuela

28/03/09     WQS   Argentina    4 – 0   Venezuela

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela

MFM vs. Shooting Stars @Agege Stadium @4pm on June 19

The Olukoya Boys have been one of the surprises of the season and have made their Agege ground a fortress – having not lost at the venue at all this season. the visitors, former league champions, Shooting Stars are not having the best of seasons and are currently in a relegation battle.

But the return of Gbenga Ogunbote to the Oluyole Warriors dugout is expected to be the tonic for a resurgence up the table.

But if they are to start a climb up the table, they have to start picking points away and they could start in neighboring Lagos as the second stanza of the NPFL hots up.

Recent Form: MFM [L-W-D-W-D]; Shooting [W-L-W-L-W]

Head to head

27/02/16     NPF    Shooting Stars       3 – 0   MFM

Prediction: MFM 2-0 Shooting