Chelsea vs Liverpool
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 1945 GMT
This is a classic in the last 3 seasons of the UCL. These two teams have met twice prior to this year, both times at the same stage of the competition and both times the Reds have gone through. It is revenge time for the Blues. Avram Grant tries to do what Jose Mourinho couldn't. And maybe he is got the luck that the West London club needs. Of course Roman Abramovich will be delighted if his men were to go to Moscow for the Final of the UCL. He decided to invest in a club after he fell in love with Champions League football (actually it was a Manchester United vs Real Madrid quarterfinal).
Now for the teams which will lock horns tonight at the Bridge. Liverpool come as underdogs after they drew 1-1 at home, courtesy of an own goal from Riise, on 94 minutes. That event left the players bemoaning their faith, as if they already left the competition. And they were entitled to react that way because of the invincibility that Chelsea boast at home. I revealed on Saturday that Chelsea are on a 100 games undefeated run (which is now 101 after the win over United). If we add that Liverpool players haven't scored there in more than twelve hours of competitive football, there is some task for the Reds tonight. Benitez is full of confidence, but I think that he is bluffing. Fabio Aurelio, his most trusted left full back is out after sustaining an injury in the first leg so it'll be Riise from the start, or Hyypia in the middle, which will shake the entire backline, as Carragher moves right and Arbeloa switches to left.
Chelsea will have Michael Essien back after suspension (he managed a great game over United).
He will very probably play right full back, with Makelele, Lampard and Ballack in the middle. Drogba and Cole will lead be up front joined most probably by Salomon Kalou, who had quite an impact at Anfield, as he came as a substitute in the second half and provided the cross for Chelsea's away goal.
I tip Chelsea to qualify for their first UCL Final (5/11).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Manchester United vs Barcelona
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 1945 GMT
Barcelona do have a big chance of making through to another final, after just two years. The Blaugrana haven't conceded at home, and have a big chance of scoring at Old Trafford. Puyol is back after suspension and Edmilson is included in the squad after overcoming an injury. Messi has played just one game after a one month injury, the first leg of this tie. Ronaldinho and Oleguer are out. Barca are out of the title race in Spain, with Real Madrid almos certain to take it in front of Villarreal.
Manchester United are tied with Chelsea in first spot of the English Premier League. They have a chance of progressing to the UCL FInal and the Red Devils will give their everything to ensure that happens. Rooney and Vidic are uncertain until just before the game, through hip and facial injuries respectively. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 2nd minute of the first leg so he will very tense and really trying to revenge that miss. He will have to be very strong mentally if he is to score tonight.
I will predict United to go through, even to the trend is to back the guests for qualification. The value for Manchester United to qualify is 7/11.
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 1945 GMT
Barcelona do have a big chance of making through to another final, after just two years. The Blaugrana haven't conceded at home, and have a big chance of scoring at Old Trafford. Puyol is back after suspension and Edmilson is included in the squad after overcoming an injury. Messi has played just one game after a one month injury, the first leg of this tie. Ronaldinho and Oleguer are out. Barca are out of the title race in Spain, with Real Madrid almos certain to take it in front of Villarreal.
Manchester United are tied with Chelsea in first spot of the English Premier League. They have a chance of progressing to the UCL FInal and the Red Devils will give their everything to ensure that happens. Rooney and Vidic are uncertain until just before the game, through hip and facial injuries respectively. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 2nd minute of the first leg so he will very tense and really trying to revenge that miss. He will have to be very strong mentally if he is to score tonight.
I will predict United to go through, even to the trend is to back the guests for qualification. The value for Manchester United to qualify is 7/11.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Chelsea vs Manchester United
English Premier League, 1245 GMT
This match-up could decide the title in English football this year, as United have a 3 point lead over Chelsea with 3 games to go. Both teams have prepared for this game with Champions League football in midweek, Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, while United clinched a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou.
Manchester haven't scored at the Stamford Bridge since 2002. They seem though to come full of confidence as they need a victory to all but close the title race. But that should be much more easier said than done. Vidic is the only uncertainty for Sir Alex Ferguson as he wasn't involved in Wednesday's UCL action because of a stomach virus. Cristiano Ronaldo will start from the bench, as news start to come from the scene.
Chelsea will be without Lampard for this one, but still have a great force at the Bridge. This stadium is like a fortress as Chelsea is unbeaten there for a whopping 80 (eighty) games in the Premier League and a four year and two months period, while they haven't lost 100 (one hundred) in all competition .
I think the game will be very very tight indeed, and I will predict a win by the narrowest of margins for the Blues, but with the safety of a very probable draw.
I tip Chelsea to keep their invincibility at the Bridge. This is priced at 2/5.
English Premier League, 1245 GMT
This match-up could decide the title in English football this year, as United have a 3 point lead over Chelsea with 3 games to go. Both teams have prepared for this game with Champions League football in midweek, Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, while United clinched a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou.
Manchester haven't scored at the Stamford Bridge since 2002. They seem though to come full of confidence as they need a victory to all but close the title race. But that should be much more easier said than done. Vidic is the only uncertainty for Sir Alex Ferguson as he wasn't involved in Wednesday's UCL action because of a stomach virus. Cristiano Ronaldo will start from the bench, as news start to come from the scene.
Chelsea will be without Lampard for this one, but still have a great force at the Bridge. This stadium is like a fortress as Chelsea is unbeaten there for a whopping 80 (eighty) games in the Premier League and a four year and two months period, while they haven't lost 100 (one hundred) in all competition .
I think the game will be very very tight indeed, and I will predict a win by the narrowest of margins for the Blues, but with the safety of a very probable draw.
I tip Chelsea to keep their invincibility at the Bridge. This is priced at 2/5.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Barcelona vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 1945 GMT
Barcelona are in crisis. They managed 8 wins and two draws in this season of European football, the same as United, but the Blaugrana haven't faced opposition from the three best leagues, the Premier League, Serie A and the Primera Division. Ronaldinho is out of favour, while Henry is struggling with injuries. Messi comes from another injury and Puyol is suspended for this game. Barca are 11 points behind Real Madrid in the domestic league.
Manchester United look like the best team in England and in Europe. The Red Devils have great attacking prowess with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, while the defence looks so strong with Rio Ferdinand alongside Nemanja Vidic, backed by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. United beat AS Roma away in the previous round and I expect goals from the guests tonight.
I predict Manchester United to come away with at least a draw. The odds are so good (1/2).
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 1945 GMT
Barcelona are in crisis. They managed 8 wins and two draws in this season of European football, the same as United, but the Blaugrana haven't faced opposition from the three best leagues, the Premier League, Serie A and the Primera Division. Ronaldinho is out of favour, while Henry is struggling with injuries. Messi comes from another injury and Puyol is suspended for this game. Barca are 11 points behind Real Madrid in the domestic league.
Manchester United look like the best team in England and in Europe. The Red Devils have great attacking prowess with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, while the defence looks so strong with Rio Ferdinand alongside Nemanja Vidic, backed by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. United beat AS Roma away in the previous round and I expect goals from the guests tonight.
I predict Manchester United to come away with at least a draw. The odds are so good (1/2).
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Fiorentina vs Palermo
Italian Serie A, 1930 GMT
This is one of the most spectacular match-up in the Italian championship. These are two of the most offensive sides.
Fiorentina are fourth and favourites for Uefa Champions League qualification. They come after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter, but la Viola are far more powerful at home. Frey has shaken off an injury sufferred in that match and will be in goal. Victory for Fiorentina will almost certainly come from the likes of Mutu and Pazzini.
Palermo will be without their valuable captain, Andrea Barzagli. Amauri will start upfront, with Jankovic and Caserta playing on the flanks.
i predict a win for Fiorentina, which is valued at 6/11.
Italian Serie A, 1930 GMT
This is one of the most spectacular match-up in the Italian championship. These are two of the most offensive sides.
Fiorentina are fourth and favourites for Uefa Champions League qualification. They come after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter, but la Viola are far more powerful at home. Frey has shaken off an injury sufferred in that match and will be in goal. Victory for Fiorentina will almost certainly come from the likes of Mutu and Pazzini.
Palermo will be without their valuable captain, Andrea Barzagli. Amauri will start upfront, with Jankovic and Caserta playing on the flanks.
i predict a win for Fiorentina, which is valued at 6/11.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Gloria Buzau vs Unirea Urziceni
Romanian Cup Semifinal
Gloria Buzau are strugglers in the championship, but managed a good run in the Cup. They have some young players loaned from Steaua. Otherwise, they have a pretty much mediocre squad. They have a bigger purpose at the moment, and that is the fight to avoid relegation. They have a very important match against "U" Cluj at the weekend.
Unirea rested some 10 players in their last league game. They are fourth in the standings and are playing a very good football, enhanced by a tight formation. They have some quality players in Mara and Bogdan Stancu and a very determined coach in Dan Petrescu.
I tip Unirea to go through to the final, which is valued at 5/11.
Romanian Cup Semifinal
Gloria Buzau are strugglers in the championship, but managed a good run in the Cup. They have some young players loaned from Steaua. Otherwise, they have a pretty much mediocre squad. They have a bigger purpose at the moment, and that is the fight to avoid relegation. They have a very important match against "U" Cluj at the weekend.
Unirea rested some 10 players in their last league game. They are fourth in the standings and are playing a very good football, enhanced by a tight formation. They have some quality players in Mara and Bogdan Stancu and a very determined coach in Dan Petrescu.
I tip Unirea to go through to the final, which is valued at 5/11.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Inter vs Fiorentina
Italian Serie A, 1930 GMT
This is the most awaited for game of today's fixtures in Italy. Inter is first, four points ahead of Roma in the standings. Inter are in a slight slump, as they lost a couple of games recently after they were undefeated from the start of the season. Fiorentina are fourth, four points in front of Udinese and Milan, in a fight for that last qualifying spot for next season's elite club competition, the Uefa Champions League. Milan lost on Saturday, while Udinese entertains Roma earlier today.
Inter has quite a few injuries to cope with, as superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out through knee injury, as are Cordoba, Samuel and Dacourt. Inter drew at Lazio 1-1 a week ago, after they took the lead.
Fiorentina come from a 2-0 win on Thursday at PSV, which earned them a semifinal meeting against Glasgow Rangers in the UEFA Cup. Mutu is in ecstatic form for the Viola, as he scored once at the weekend and grabbing a brace in the european competition in midweek.
Gamberini will be rested and Pazzini is favourite for the lone striker role, but Vieri will get his minutes.
I say the most probable result is a draw, with Mutu most surely to score.
I predict Fiorentina to score anytime, which is valued at 6/11.
Italian Serie A, 1930 GMT
This is the most awaited for game of today's fixtures in Italy. Inter is first, four points ahead of Roma in the standings. Inter are in a slight slump, as they lost a couple of games recently after they were undefeated from the start of the season. Fiorentina are fourth, four points in front of Udinese and Milan, in a fight for that last qualifying spot for next season's elite club competition, the Uefa Champions League. Milan lost on Saturday, while Udinese entertains Roma earlier today.
Inter has quite a few injuries to cope with, as superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out through knee injury, as are Cordoba, Samuel and Dacourt. Inter drew at Lazio 1-1 a week ago, after they took the lead.
Fiorentina come from a 2-0 win on Thursday at PSV, which earned them a semifinal meeting against Glasgow Rangers in the UEFA Cup. Mutu is in ecstatic form for the Viola, as he scored once at the weekend and grabbing a brace in the european competition in midweek.
Gamberini will be rested and Pazzini is favourite for the lone striker role, but Vieri will get his minutes.
I say the most probable result is a draw, with Mutu most surely to score.
I predict Fiorentina to score anytime, which is valued at 6/11.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Unirea Urziceni vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, 1830 GMT
cfr lost first place to steaua, after they had an 11-point lead, just 7 matches earlier in the season. Their morale has to be so low at the moment. Last season there was a similar scenario, as they lost an 8-point advantage in 8 games and steaua has finished second, before playing Champions League football. Captain Cadu is out with suspension, while keeper Hirschfeld is injured.
Unirea Urziceni is in a fight for third place and looks very strong at home. They're a very competitive team in Romania. They're formation is very tight.
Dan Petrescu's men like to play explosive attacking and because cfr is so poor at the moment, I can see an upset tonight.
I predict that Unirea won't lose tonight, which is priced at 7/11.
Romanian Liga I, 1830 GMT
cfr lost first place to steaua, after they had an 11-point lead, just 7 matches earlier in the season. Their morale has to be so low at the moment. Last season there was a similar scenario, as they lost an 8-point advantage in 8 games and steaua has finished second, before playing Champions League football. Captain Cadu is out with suspension, while keeper Hirschfeld is injured.
Unirea Urziceni is in a fight for third place and looks very strong at home. They're a very competitive team in Romania. They're formation is very tight.
Dan Petrescu's men like to play explosive attacking and because cfr is so poor at the moment, I can see an upset tonight.
I predict that Unirea won't lose tonight, which is priced at 7/11.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Fiorentina vs Reggina
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Reggina are battling to avoid relegation this season, as they are second last from bottom, two points of the safety zone. But, in my opinion they haven't got the strength to preserve their top-flight spot. Also, Reggina hasn't won away from home all season long.
Fiorentina are fourth and in a big fight for that last Uefa Champions League qualifying berth. They drew on Thursday against PSV in the first leg of the Uefa Cup quarterfinal. Today Prandelli counts on Montolivo, Pazzini and Mutu to get the vital three points, as Udinese, Sampdoria and Milan are chasing the Viola.
I predict a straight win for the home side, priced at 1/2.
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Reggina are battling to avoid relegation this season, as they are second last from bottom, two points of the safety zone. But, in my opinion they haven't got the strength to preserve their top-flight spot. Also, Reggina hasn't won away from home all season long.
Fiorentina are fourth and in a big fight for that last Uefa Champions League qualifying berth. They drew on Thursday against PSV in the first leg of the Uefa Cup quarterfinal. Today Prandelli counts on Montolivo, Pazzini and Mutu to get the vital three points, as Udinese, Sampdoria and Milan are chasing the Viola.
I predict a straight win for the home side, priced at 1/2.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Manchester City vs Chelsea
English Premier League, 1500 GMT
Manchester City are sailing in the middle of the table with no prospects of gaining a European qualification spot for next season. So most of the players are really thinking about the summer.
Micah Richards, their best defender and player, if you ask me, is out through injury. The sky blues form is dismal as they only won once in the last six.
Chelsea come to Manchester after being defeated 2-1 by Fenerbahce in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League quarterfinal. The Blues have a big record against City. Chelsea has won 6-0, last autumn at home, and hasn't conceded in five games versus City. A very big news for Chelsea is that Lampard is back after a stomach bug that prevented him from playing the last two games. Chelsea is five points behind leaders Manchester United and are confident they can have a shot at the Premier League honors come the end of the season.
I predict a Chelsea win today, priced at 4/5.
Aston Villa vs Bolton
English Premier League, 1500 GMT
Villa has lost three in a row, while Bolton won just one point from the last 21. Bolton are 4 points shy of a spot keeping them in the top flight. Villa are in a fight for the European places. Martin O'Neill has the smallest squad in the Premier League, and the fatigue should be a factor in the actual form of the team. Bolton are without influential captain Kevin Nolan and also without keeper Jussi Jaskeleinen. Since they sold striker Anelka to Chelsea, goals don't come easy for the Wanderers. Many people see them relegated come the end of the season.
I predict a straight win for Villa, priced at 7/10.
English Premier League, 1500 GMT
Manchester City are sailing in the middle of the table with no prospects of gaining a European qualification spot for next season. So most of the players are really thinking about the summer.
Micah Richards, their best defender and player, if you ask me, is out through injury. The sky blues form is dismal as they only won once in the last six.
Chelsea come to Manchester after being defeated 2-1 by Fenerbahce in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League quarterfinal. The Blues have a big record against City. Chelsea has won 6-0, last autumn at home, and hasn't conceded in five games versus City. A very big news for Chelsea is that Lampard is back after a stomach bug that prevented him from playing the last two games. Chelsea is five points behind leaders Manchester United and are confident they can have a shot at the Premier League honors come the end of the season.
I predict a Chelsea win today, priced at 4/5.
Aston Villa vs Bolton
English Premier League, 1500 GMT
Villa has lost three in a row, while Bolton won just one point from the last 21. Bolton are 4 points shy of a spot keeping them in the top flight. Villa are in a fight for the European places. Martin O'Neill has the smallest squad in the Premier League, and the fatigue should be a factor in the actual form of the team. Bolton are without influential captain Kevin Nolan and also without keeper Jussi Jaskeleinen. Since they sold striker Anelka to Chelsea, goals don't come easy for the Wanderers. Many people see them relegated come the end of the season.
I predict a straight win for Villa, priced at 7/10.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Roma AS vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League, 1945 GMT
These teams met at the same stage last season. United won 8-3 on aggregate. But Roma has much more experience this year and I definitely think this tie will be very close. In the last round, Roma defeated Real Madrid twice, 2-1.
Roma suffered a big blow a couple days ago, when they learned that Italian superstar and idol of Giallorossi fans, Francesco Totti has been ruled out of this match with an injury. Another player missing will be Simone Perrotta, through suspension.
United will miss Gary Neville and Michael Carrick. Sir Alex Ferguson's men are not that good in Europe, when they play away.
I predict that Roma will put pressure on United, as they will win or at least draw tonight. This tip is priced at 1/2.
Uefa Champions League, 1945 GMT
These teams met at the same stage last season. United won 8-3 on aggregate. But Roma has much more experience this year and I definitely think this tie will be very close. In the last round, Roma defeated Real Madrid twice, 2-1.
Roma suffered a big blow a couple days ago, when they learned that Italian superstar and idol of Giallorossi fans, Francesco Totti has been ruled out of this match with an injury. Another player missing will be Simone Perrotta, through suspension.
United will miss Gary Neville and Michael Carrick. Sir Alex Ferguson's men are not that good in Europe, when they play away.
I predict that Roma will put pressure on United, as they will win or at least draw tonight. This tip is priced at 1/2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)