Manchester United p1:1 Chelsea
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Uefa Champions League Final, Moscow, 1945 GMT
These are arguably the best two teams in the world. They've battled it out till the last day in the Premier League and are now playing each other for the most coveted prize in football, the UCL trophy. Chelsea are for the first time in the Final, while Manchester has won two, the first one fifty years ago and the latter in 1999, in a 2-1 thriller against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United come to Moscow after they've won the English Premier League, the most competitive domestic championship in the world. They were losing ground in the last days but they managed to hold off the challenge of Chelsea and finished 2 points ahead. Alex Ferguson said it'll be hard to pick a starting eleven as he has so much talent in the squad and will feel sorry for the ones which won't play. In my opinion he got his wrong eleven against Barcelona in both legs, as United struggled to pull away,but eventually managed a hard-fought qualification. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is a fact that he isn't at his best against major teams. Rooney and Vidic overcame injuries to be fit for this, the most important game of their careers so far.
As did Terry and Drogba, from the Blues side. Now, Chelsea have the momentum, as their star players are all fit and haven't played too many games this season. That's a big plus in terms of freshness. The likes of Carvalho, Ballack, Lampard and Drogba will know that this is their moment to win big. And this is the biggest prize in football. Owner Roman Abramovich invested in football as he wanted to watch his team win Champions League trophies and after four semifinals in five years, this is the chance for Chelsea.
The defences are so great for both United and Chelsea, they've also got great men going forward and I'm certain the battle will be won in midfield. I think Chelsea has the better players in the middle of the park as Ballack and Lampard are two of the best all-around midfielders and Makelele is the best defensive midfielder in the world for the last ten or so years. He won two UCL trophies with Real Madrid and he is said to have been their most important player in the Galactic era. United has also got great midfielders (Scholes, Carrick or Hargreaves), but they haven't got experience playing in this sort of games.
I go for Chelsea winning the Champions League (evens).
Uefa Champions League Final, Moscow, 1945 GMT
These are arguably the best two teams in the world. They've battled it out till the last day in the Premier League and are now playing each other for the most coveted prize in football, the UCL trophy. Chelsea are for the first time in the Final, while Manchester has won two, the first one fifty years ago and the latter in 1999, in a 2-1 thriller against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United come to Moscow after they've won the English Premier League, the most competitive domestic championship in the world. They were losing ground in the last days but they managed to hold off the challenge of Chelsea and finished 2 points ahead. Alex Ferguson said it'll be hard to pick a starting eleven as he has so much talent in the squad and will feel sorry for the ones which won't play. In my opinion he got his wrong eleven against Barcelona in both legs, as United struggled to pull away,but eventually managed a hard-fought qualification. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is a fact that he isn't at his best against major teams. Rooney and Vidic overcame injuries to be fit for this, the most important game of their careers so far.
As did Terry and Drogba, from the Blues side. Now, Chelsea have the momentum, as their star players are all fit and haven't played too many games this season. That's a big plus in terms of freshness. The likes of Carvalho, Ballack, Lampard and Drogba will know that this is their moment to win big. And this is the biggest prize in football. Owner Roman Abramovich invested in football as he wanted to watch his team win Champions League trophies and after four semifinals in five years, this is the chance for Chelsea.
The defences are so great for both United and Chelsea, they've also got great men going forward and I'm certain the battle will be won in midfield. I think Chelsea has the better players in the middle of the park as Ballack and Lampard are two of the best all-around midfielders and Makelele is the best defensive midfielder in the world for the last ten or so years. He won two UCL trophies with Real Madrid and he is said to have been their most important player in the Galactic era. United has also got great midfielders (Scholes, Carrick or Hargreaves), but they haven't got experience playing in this sort of games.
I go for Chelsea winning the Champions League (evens).
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Parma vs Inter
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Parma are in a big slump. With this game left, they need a win to stay in the Italian top-flight and Catania not to get any point at home against Roma. But, it is virtualy impossible, as Inter need the win to take the Scudetto, in front of Roma. It is just out of Parma's reach now.
To add to their misery, coach Cuper was sacked this week.
Inter will welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic for this title clinching game. Zanetti & Co will win another title today.
I tip Inter to win (1/2).
Ajax vs Twente
Holland Champions League Play-Off 2nd leg, 1330 GMT
In the first leg it finished 2-1 for Twente, as they seek their first UCL participation. Ajax though have a much bigger experience and power and they enjoy playing this kind of red hot matches.
I just have to tip Ajax to win today, priced at 5/11.
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Parma are in a big slump. With this game left, they need a win to stay in the Italian top-flight and Catania not to get any point at home against Roma. But, it is virtualy impossible, as Inter need the win to take the Scudetto, in front of Roma. It is just out of Parma's reach now.
To add to their misery, coach Cuper was sacked this week.
Inter will welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic for this title clinching game. Zanetti & Co will win another title today.
I tip Inter to win (1/2).
Ajax vs Twente
Holland Champions League Play-Off 2nd leg, 1330 GMT
In the first leg it finished 2-1 for Twente, as they seek their first UCL participation. Ajax though have a much bigger experience and power and they enjoy playing this kind of red hot matches.
I just have to tip Ajax to win today, priced at 5/11.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Zenit ST Petersburg vs Glasgow Rangers
UEFA Cup Final, 1945 GMT
This game will be played at the City of Manchester Stadium, very close to Scotland. It is understood that over 100,000 Rangers fans will be in Manchester to celebrate this event, even if no more than 50,000 people can attend, having also in mind that 10,000 of which will be Russians.
Now, Gers haven't conceded in six out of eight matches in the UEFA Cup and that is a big feat. They will have the back four at full strength, while striker Cousin is suspended.
Zenit have a big blow to face, as their top goalscorer, Pogrebnyak, is out through suspension. He has scored more than half of his teams goals in this competition, scoring 11 times in 16 matches.The Russians defeated Leverkusen (4-2 agg) and Bayern Munich (5-1 agg) to come this far. Dick Advocaat's men will attack mostly through Arshavin, who is a very talented player, but he hasn't got Pogrebnyak's strength and penetration skills.
I really think it'll be a tight game, as the Scots are very very disciplined. That comes courtesy of Walter Smith's appreciation of Italian football.
I predict a match with less than three goals scored. This is priced at 6/11.
UEFA Cup Final, 1945 GMT
This game will be played at the City of Manchester Stadium, very close to Scotland. It is understood that over 100,000 Rangers fans will be in Manchester to celebrate this event, even if no more than 50,000 people can attend, having also in mind that 10,000 of which will be Russians.
Now, Gers haven't conceded in six out of eight matches in the UEFA Cup and that is a big feat. They will have the back four at full strength, while striker Cousin is suspended.
Zenit have a big blow to face, as their top goalscorer, Pogrebnyak, is out through suspension. He has scored more than half of his teams goals in this competition, scoring 11 times in 16 matches.The Russians defeated Leverkusen (4-2 agg) and Bayern Munich (5-1 agg) to come this far. Dick Advocaat's men will attack mostly through Arshavin, who is a very talented player, but he hasn't got Pogrebnyak's strength and penetration skills.
I really think it'll be a tight game, as the Scots are very very disciplined. That comes courtesy of Walter Smith's appreciation of Italian football.
I predict a match with less than three goals scored. This is priced at 6/11.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
PSG vs Saint Etienne
French Ligue I, 1945 GMT
Usually, this is a league to avoid when betting, but this I think should be a sure tip. PSG is the second most wealthy club in France. They are 18th, level on points with the two teams in front of them, Toulouse and Lens, 39 that is. This will be the second to last game this season, and the last at home. Also, it'll be Pauleta's last game in front of the home crowd. I really think PSG will avoid the drop to the second division. I said French Ligue I should be avoided as it proposes a very physical approach and it is very hard to predict the outcome.
PSG is a very young and talented team; being coached by Paul Le Guen. St Etienne are fifth and are in search of a UEFA Cup spot for next season. Dernis will miss from Les Verts. They are a very good team at home, but kind of awful away, with only one win and three draws.
I predict a win for PSG, priced at 4/5.
French Ligue I, 1945 GMT
Usually, this is a league to avoid when betting, but this I think should be a sure tip. PSG is the second most wealthy club in France. They are 18th, level on points with the two teams in front of them, Toulouse and Lens, 39 that is. This will be the second to last game this season, and the last at home. Also, it'll be Pauleta's last game in front of the home crowd. I really think PSG will avoid the drop to the second division. I said French Ligue I should be avoided as it proposes a very physical approach and it is very hard to predict the outcome.
PSG is a very young and talented team; being coached by Paul Le Guen. St Etienne are fifth and are in search of a UEFA Cup spot for next season. Dernis will miss from Les Verts. They are a very good team at home, but kind of awful away, with only one win and three draws.
I predict a win for PSG, priced at 4/5.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
"U" Cluj vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, last day, 1500 GMT
cfr are one point in front of steaua and the title is in their hands. But they are facing opposition from their most fierce rivals.
"U" Cluj is last in the standings, but they've beaten four big teams (Steaua, Universitatea Craiova, Otelul at home, and Rapid in Bucharest). The stakes are massive, as it's for the first time the Romanian champions qualify straight to the UCL group stage, which is a big financial boost. Steaua should make big pressure on this game also, as they can take advantage of a slip-up from the guests. Goga is a very gifted player, as he is wanted by teams from Germany and is rumoured he was scouted by Manchester United staff this season. He is the captain and the home team's most valuable player, at only 23.
The home fans have put unbearable pressure on their own players, as a loss will mean a great humiliation.
I predict "U" Cluj not to lose, with odds as high as FOUR.
Romanian Liga I, last day, 1500 GMT
cfr are one point in front of steaua and the title is in their hands. But they are facing opposition from their most fierce rivals.
"U" Cluj is last in the standings, but they've beaten four big teams (Steaua, Universitatea Craiova, Otelul at home, and Rapid in Bucharest). The stakes are massive, as it's for the first time the Romanian champions qualify straight to the UCL group stage, which is a big financial boost. Steaua should make big pressure on this game also, as they can take advantage of a slip-up from the guests. Goga is a very gifted player, as he is wanted by teams from Germany and is rumoured he was scouted by Manchester United staff this season. He is the captain and the home team's most valuable player, at only 23.
The home fans have put unbearable pressure on their own players, as a loss will mean a great humiliation.
I predict "U" Cluj not to lose, with odds as high as FOUR.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Cagliari vs Fiorentina
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Of course, Fiorentina have lost dramaticaly in the semifinal of the UEFA Cup, on penalties, against Rangers. After 180 minutes of attacking football, the Italians were left ruing their chances, after Liverani and Vieri missed from the penalty spot.
But, the Viola have a great chance to stay fourth and play Champions League football come autumn. They are 2 points in front of Milan, with the Rossoneri playing Inter today. Montolivo is the only big absentee today, with Mutu and Pazzini leading the attack.
Cagliari managed something of a miracle this year, as they are almost safe from relegation. Their most dangerous man, striker Acquafresca hasn't trained all week long after he sustained an injury in the match with Inter. He is a target for a number of big clubs in Italy.
As Fiorentina have a lot to play for today, and after they were frustrated time and time again by the Scottish players in the last week, I really think they will come back to Florence with at least a point.
I tip Fiorentina not to lose this game, priced at 2/5.
Italian Serie A, 1400 GMT
Of course, Fiorentina have lost dramaticaly in the semifinal of the UEFA Cup, on penalties, against Rangers. After 180 minutes of attacking football, the Italians were left ruing their chances, after Liverani and Vieri missed from the penalty spot.
But, the Viola have a great chance to stay fourth and play Champions League football come autumn. They are 2 points in front of Milan, with the Rossoneri playing Inter today. Montolivo is the only big absentee today, with Mutu and Pazzini leading the attack.
Cagliari managed something of a miracle this year, as they are almost safe from relegation. Their most dangerous man, striker Acquafresca hasn't trained all week long after he sustained an injury in the match with Inter. He is a target for a number of big clubs in Italy.
As Fiorentina have a lot to play for today, and after they were frustrated time and time again by the Scottish players in the last week, I really think they will come back to Florence with at least a point.
I tip Fiorentina not to lose this game, priced at 2/5.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
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