Porto vs Atletico Madrid
Uefa Champions League, Wednesday 20h45
Atletico are on a terible 7 games-run without winning. That is very dangerous for coach Abel Resino. He has such quality in attack in Forlan and Aguero, Simao and Maxi Rodriguez, but it seems they cannot block opposition attacks at the moment.
Porto has ousted Atletico in last year's first knock-out round after 2 draws. It finished 2-2 in Spain and 0-0 in Portugal. Porto has not lost in its last 5 games against Spanish opposition, 4 being draws and a win. Porto has only won 2 of the last 15 games against Spanish opposition in the European Cups. Atletico has not lost in its last 9 games in this competition. While Porto has not scored in 3 of its last 4 matches.
Porto has virtually no absentees while Atletico will have to do without Asenjo, Raul Garcia, Ignacio Camacho, Pernia and Valera.
I tip Porto to win, at 9/10.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Genoa vs Juventus
Italian Serie A, 20h45
This is another brilliant match in the Italian top-flight. Two very strong teams lock horns at Marassi Stadium.
Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach and has managed a perfect start with 4 wins, two of them coming at rivals AS Roma and Lazio both in the capital city. Diego was essential, but now he is unavailable through injury, as are Del Piero, Tiago, Sissoko and Cannavaro, just to mark the most important of them. So it will be very hard for the Old lady to come away with all the points.
Genoa had a good start with three wins and a loss, beating Napoli and Roma in the process, both at home. They had a very good transfer market bringing in Hernan Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio, as well as Floccari and Amelia. Coach Gasperrini made a very good job at Genoa. They are playing in the group stage of the Europa League. The only absentees are Criscito, Juric and Stankovic.
As for the stats, Genoa has won 6 of its last 8 home games. Juventus lost its last game away at Genoa in April. Genoa has received the highest number of penalty decisions, three. All of which were converted.
I tip Genoa not to lose, at 2/3.
Italian Serie A, 20h45
This is another brilliant match in the Italian top-flight. Two very strong teams lock horns at Marassi Stadium.
Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach and has managed a perfect start with 4 wins, two of them coming at rivals AS Roma and Lazio both in the capital city. Diego was essential, but now he is unavailable through injury, as are Del Piero, Tiago, Sissoko and Cannavaro, just to mark the most important of them. So it will be very hard for the Old lady to come away with all the points.
Genoa had a good start with three wins and a loss, beating Napoli and Roma in the process, both at home. They had a very good transfer market bringing in Hernan Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio, as well as Floccari and Amelia. Coach Gasperrini made a very good job at Genoa. They are playing in the group stage of the Europa League. The only absentees are Criscito, Juric and Stankovic.
As for the stats, Genoa has won 6 of its last 8 home games. Juventus lost its last game away at Genoa in April. Genoa has received the highest number of penalty decisions, three. All of which were converted.
I tip Genoa not to lose, at 2/3.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Inter vs Napoli
Italian Serie A, 20h45
These are two of the best teams in the history of the Italian football. Napoli had its golden age in the late 80s when Maradona played there.
Now it's Mourinho against Donadoni and Eto'o vs Lavezzi. Luis Figo stated that this Inter team is a great one, with the addition of the Camerun striker. They are candidates to win the most coveted trophy in Europe.
Inter had a good start of the season. The partnership between Milito and Eto'o is looking great at the moment, while Sneijder and Stankovic provide the assists. In Julio Cesar they have a great keeper while Lucio is a rock in defence.
Napoli bought Quagliarella in the summer but are not getting the goods yet. They had a poor start of the campaign and go to a stadium where they didn't win for 15 years. Rinaudo and Campagnaro will both miss the trip to Milano.
I tip Inter to win, at 1/2.
Italian Serie A, 20h45
These are two of the best teams in the history of the Italian football. Napoli had its golden age in the late 80s when Maradona played there.
Now it's Mourinho against Donadoni and Eto'o vs Lavezzi. Luis Figo stated that this Inter team is a great one, with the addition of the Camerun striker. They are candidates to win the most coveted trophy in Europe.
Inter had a good start of the season. The partnership between Milito and Eto'o is looking great at the moment, while Sneijder and Stankovic provide the assists. In Julio Cesar they have a great keeper while Lucio is a rock in defence.
Napoli bought Quagliarella in the summer but are not getting the goods yet. They had a poor start of the campaign and go to a stadium where they didn't win for 15 years. Rinaudo and Campagnaro will both miss the trip to Milano.
I tip Inter to win, at 1/2.
Fiorentina vs Sampdoria
Italian Serie A, 20h45
Both teams had a good start of the campaign, but mostly the Bluecerchiatti. Luigi del Neri's men managed a perfect 4 match winning run and find themselves top of the table.
Sampdoria has a great striker partnership in Cassano and Pazzini, who is coming back to haunt his previous team. He left Viola when Gilardino was transferred from Milan, as he lost his place in the starting eleven. Still Doria will miss Semioli, who also played a couple of season's in the opposite side's jersey. Palombo has taken a knock and it's uncertain if he plays from the off.
Fiorentina lost 1-3 at Olimpico to Roma on Sunday in a match "they never showed up for" as coach Prandelli said afterwards. Mutu wasn't at his best, while Vargas was injured. Still, the Peruvian starlet is back and will play.
Fiorentina has won 8 of its last 9 home outings. The last four were by the same score, 1-0. Both encounters of last season between these two finished 1-0 for the Viola. Prandelli has 8 wins over del Neri and 1 defeat.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 11/10.
Italian Serie A, 20h45
Both teams had a good start of the campaign, but mostly the Bluecerchiatti. Luigi del Neri's men managed a perfect 4 match winning run and find themselves top of the table.
Sampdoria has a great striker partnership in Cassano and Pazzini, who is coming back to haunt his previous team. He left Viola when Gilardino was transferred from Milan, as he lost his place in the starting eleven. Still Doria will miss Semioli, who also played a couple of season's in the opposite side's jersey. Palombo has taken a knock and it's uncertain if he plays from the off.
Fiorentina lost 1-3 at Olimpico to Roma on Sunday in a match "they never showed up for" as coach Prandelli said afterwards. Mutu wasn't at his best, while Vargas was injured. Still, the Peruvian starlet is back and will play.
Fiorentina has won 8 of its last 9 home outings. The last four were by the same score, 1-0. Both encounters of last season between these two finished 1-0 for the Viola. Prandelli has 8 wins over del Neri and 1 defeat.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 11/10.
Villarreal vs Realmadrid
Spanish Primera Division, 20h00
This will be the first stern test for the new Realmadrid. Having signed players in excess of 250M Euros over the summer, it is expected that los Merengues aim to take the title away from Barcelona.
Realmadrid has a perfect start of the season with three wins, while Villarreal are seeking their first, after 2 draws and a defeat.
Coach Manuel Pelegrini will return to familiar surroundings as he trained Villarreal for the past 5 seasons, helping them reaching the Semifinal stage of the Champions League on two occasions.
As for the unavailable players, the guests will be without Pepe and Arbeloa, while Villarreal will certainly miss Ibagaza. Also, Senna and Nilmar are very doubtful for the Yellow Submarine.
It is expected Higuain, Guti and Granero will be given starts tonight as Raul, Benzema and Gago will figure as substitutes.
I tip Realmadrid to win, at 2/3.
Spanish Primera Division, 20h00
This will be the first stern test for the new Realmadrid. Having signed players in excess of 250M Euros over the summer, it is expected that los Merengues aim to take the title away from Barcelona.
Realmadrid has a perfect start of the season with three wins, while Villarreal are seeking their first, after 2 draws and a defeat.
Coach Manuel Pelegrini will return to familiar surroundings as he trained Villarreal for the past 5 seasons, helping them reaching the Semifinal stage of the Champions League on two occasions.
As for the unavailable players, the guests will be without Pepe and Arbeloa, while Villarreal will certainly miss Ibagaza. Also, Senna and Nilmar are very doubtful for the Yellow Submarine.
It is expected Higuain, Guti and Granero will be given starts tonight as Raul, Benzema and Gago will figure as substitutes.
I tip Realmadrid to win, at 2/3.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Racing Santander vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
It was always difficult for the Blaugrana at El Sardinero Stadium, but this team is seeking perfection under Guardiola.
Racing have a decent start of the campaign, managing 4 points out of a possible 9, while the visitors have a perfect start, as do Realmadrid and Athletic Bilbao.
Abidal and Yaya Toure will return to the starting line-up, while Ibrahimovic will continue fitting in process.
I tip Barcelona to prevail a battling home side, at 5/11.
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
It was always difficult for the Blaugrana at El Sardinero Stadium, but this team is seeking perfection under Guardiola.
Racing have a decent start of the campaign, managing 4 points out of a possible 9, while the visitors have a perfect start, as do Realmadrid and Athletic Bilbao.
Abidal and Yaya Toure will return to the starting line-up, while Ibrahimovic will continue fitting in process.
I tip Barcelona to prevail a battling home side, at 5/11.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Vaslui vs Timisoara
Romanian Liga I, 20h45
These are two good teams in Romania, both have played in this season's European Cups, with Vaslui already eliminated. Both have young coaches.
There was a show everytime this two met. Last year's corresponding game finished 4-3 with dramatic climax. In the last 5 games between them there have been more than 4 goals per game.
Timisoara has drawn 0-0 at Amsterdam ArenA on Thursday.
Both teams are on 10 points and a win will be vital today.
I am predicting an over 2.5 goals game, valued at 8/11.
Romanian Liga I, 20h45
These are two good teams in Romania, both have played in this season's European Cups, with Vaslui already eliminated. Both have young coaches.
There was a show everytime this two met. Last year's corresponding game finished 4-3 with dramatic climax. In the last 5 games between them there have been more than 4 goals per game.
Timisoara has drawn 0-0 at Amsterdam ArenA on Thursday.
Both teams are on 10 points and a win will be vital today.
I am predicting an over 2.5 goals game, valued at 8/11.
Sampdoria vs Siena
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Siena has won only once in their last 6 matches in the Italian top-flight, at Cagliari. They have the worst successful passing percentage this season 67%. The Toscans scored the most headed goals, 3. Maccarone is their best player.
Sampdoria has a perfect start of the season under new coach Del Neri. They have a great striking partnership in Cassano and Pazzini, the last of whom is the most fouled player this season, 15 times. Siena has never won at Marassi.
I predict a win for Sampdoria, at 2/3.
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Siena has won only once in their last 6 matches in the Italian top-flight, at Cagliari. They have the worst successful passing percentage this season 67%. The Toscans scored the most headed goals, 3. Maccarone is their best player.
Sampdoria has a perfect start of the season under new coach Del Neri. They have a great striking partnership in Cassano and Pazzini, the last of whom is the most fouled player this season, 15 times. Siena has never won at Marassi.
I predict a win for Sampdoria, at 2/3.
Cagliari vs Inter
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Cagliari started this season badly, the Sards finding them selves 18th with just a point from 3 games. Still, Allegri's men are the only who are not beaten last season against Inter, drawing at Giuseppe Meazza and winning at Sant'Ellia. They've lost striker Robert Acquafresca in the summer, who was on loan from Inter.
Inter are only on 7 points and have to win in order to keep pace with Juventus, who are on a 4 wins out of 4 start. Eto'o, Milito and Motta are great additions to the squad asa they scored five times between them some far this season. Sneijder is also a great transfer. They've drawn 0-0 in mid-week at home with Barcelona.
I predict a win today for Inter, valued at 3/5.
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Cagliari started this season badly, the Sards finding them selves 18th with just a point from 3 games. Still, Allegri's men are the only who are not beaten last season against Inter, drawing at Giuseppe Meazza and winning at Sant'Ellia. They've lost striker Robert Acquafresca in the summer, who was on loan from Inter.
Inter are only on 7 points and have to win in order to keep pace with Juventus, who are on a 4 wins out of 4 start. Eto'o, Milito and Motta are great additions to the squad asa they scored five times between them some far this season. Sneijder is also a great transfer. They've drawn 0-0 in mid-week at home with Barcelona.
I predict a win today for Inter, valued at 3/5.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Maccabi Haifa vs Bayern Munich
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This I reckon to be a walk in the park for the Bavarian outfit. They have a very good coach in Louis van Gaal and managed to keep Frank Ribery while signing Arjen Robben from Realmadrid. The hopes are high, as general manager Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wants his side to win the competition. Bayern managed an average of 2.5 goals in last season's run in this same competition, the best in the world.
Maccabi has lost both previous meeting with German sides, while Bayern have scored in 14 of their last 15 away games in the UCL.
I tip Bayern to win at a huge price for me, 1/2.
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This I reckon to be a walk in the park for the Bavarian outfit. They have a very good coach in Louis van Gaal and managed to keep Frank Ribery while signing Arjen Robben from Realmadrid. The hopes are high, as general manager Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wants his side to win the competition. Bayern managed an average of 2.5 goals in last season's run in this same competition, the best in the world.
Maccabi has lost both previous meeting with German sides, while Bayern have scored in 14 of their last 15 away games in the UCL.
I tip Bayern to win at a huge price for me, 1/2.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tottenham vs Manchester United
English Premier League, Saturday 18h30
Manchester United had a rather mediocre start of the campaign, with 3 wins and a loss. They lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Realmadrid in the summer and that is a definite minus in my eyes. Last season they have struggled away at Spurs even with the Portuguese on the pitch. I think they will suffer all evening as they take on a very talented team, a mixture of English internationals and talented foreign players.
Harry Redknapp has always tried his hardest to win against Ferguson and that will be the case again on Saturday. Another advantage for the Spurs is their current form, as they stand up-front with a 100% record four days into the season.
I tip Tottenham to upset Manchester United (X2), at 3/5.
English Premier League, Saturday 18h30
Manchester United had a rather mediocre start of the campaign, with 3 wins and a loss. They lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Realmadrid in the summer and that is a definite minus in my eyes. Last season they have struggled away at Spurs even with the Portuguese on the pitch. I think they will suffer all evening as they take on a very talented team, a mixture of English internationals and talented foreign players.
Harry Redknapp has always tried his hardest to win against Ferguson and that will be the case again on Saturday. Another advantage for the Spurs is their current form, as they stand up-front with a 100% record four days into the season.
I tip Tottenham to upset Manchester United (X2), at 3/5.
Stoke vs Chelsea
English Premier League, Saturday 16h00
It has been a perfect start for Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. The Blues have won the Charity Shield against Manchester United and the first four matches in the Premier League. The last win was the most convincing (3-0 at home against Burnley), but all were impressive because of the manner they played. Chelsea had more than 20 shots at goal every single game, with the full-backs always pushing forward.
Stoke had a good start of the campaign finding themselves 5th with 2 wins, a draw and a loss. They were strong at home last season, mostly at set pieces. They play typical English football. I reckon they will find in Chelsea a formidable adversary which they will not know how to crack.
I tip Chelsea to win this one, at 5/11.
English Premier League, Saturday 16h00
It has been a perfect start for Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. The Blues have won the Charity Shield against Manchester United and the first four matches in the Premier League. The last win was the most convincing (3-0 at home against Burnley), but all were impressive because of the manner they played. Chelsea had more than 20 shots at goal every single game, with the full-backs always pushing forward.
Stoke had a good start of the campaign finding themselves 5th with 2 wins, a draw and a loss. They were strong at home last season, mostly at set pieces. They play typical English football. I reckon they will find in Chelsea a formidable adversary which they will not know how to crack.
I tip Chelsea to win this one, at 5/11.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)