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Lisicki and Keys have played one head-to-head match so far. Lisicki won it. The bookmakers gave her the role of the favorite and rightly so. But, the question is whether that bet has any value. Lisicki played a defensive-oriented Italian the first round, while Keys' pace is much faster. She had a poor first service percentage, and the American will know how to take advantage of that. On the other hand, the German proved to be much more consistent when it comes to rallies. Keys tried to end the points as fast as possible against Kuznetsova because she often makes mistakes in longer rallies. Lisicki also often comes on the net, which makes this match an even bigger mystery. But, service is not one of them. Both players are very impressive when it comes to first service, and I'm convinced there will be more than 21,5 games. I do not like to bet on the total number of games in ladies' tennis, but given the serving percentages of these two, and the fact they prefer aggressive game, it's realistic to expect a match with a higher number of games. Details

Dustov is having his best season, and recording good results at challenger level. On the other hand, Williams is far from his best level. The usually nervous 23-year-old has more and more problems. He is often his greatest enemy. Following great performances at challengers last years, he failed at that level this season, having recorded only 5 challenger wins. All of that could seem him lost him Top 250 membeship, while Dustov currently has the best position of his carrier. He's close to Top 100, he's defending the semi final here, and we can expect him to be motivated. Confidence is his strong suit here, and I expect him to beat the nervous Williams for the third time. Details

Steaua's defense proved how much the team can rely on them in the first leg game when they left winger Aktobe alone to score an equalizer. They didn't concede only twice in the eight games they played so far. It was in two games against Stromgodset, who have huge offense problems, and a 7-6 record in the second part of the season. Even if Galca doesn't attack from the start like he said he would (he will probably because he needs fan support), I think the visiting team will at least have enough chances to score one goal.
They scored two goals home deservedly, and scored at least one in the last 12 games. They have good-quality offense, maybe even as good as the home team. The counter-attacks are their specialty and I think they have at least a 50% chance today. Details

Once again, Cilic did another thriller match and in the end finished the job in his first match of this tour. He destroyed Istomin in the first match. The player from Uzbekistan had problems with his shoulder, he started pushing, Cilic started complicating and the drama could begin. Having done one match, Cilic will do better today, against a less dangerous opponent. Jaziri recorded his first Series 1000 tournament. He's definitely not as good as Cilic, and the Croatian should control every aspect of the match. Jaziri's forehand is good, but Marin want to get into Top 10, while Jaziri wants to get into Top 100. They're two different worlds, and the handicap (in theory) could do even with one break per set. Cilic is at least that much better. Details

The plan ahead of the first leg game was to opt for three goals in total, but in the end, we didn't do it, bearing in mind that first leg games are often forcing teams to be careful, thinking they don't have to hurry since there's time. That was a shame because Forsberg scored an early goal for the visiting team, and the game turned into a festival of opportunities and goals.
That is the result of the offense-oriented game both coaches insist on in their respective championships. That is why things should be pretty straighforward today. The bookmakers still offer good odds for the goal over, and Malmo have to score at least two goals to get through. The visiting team's coach said that they don't plan to defend either, and that they're planning to win.
The home team can't count on their play maker Molins, but Malmo don't struggle with scoring, which they proved in the two games against the extremely defense-oriented Ventspils. Sparta will play with the best possible line up, and we have every right right to expect a dynamic, and interesting game ripe with attempts, and goals. We are going for at least three, maybe even more. Details