Barcelona 1:0 Inter
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Barcelona vs Inter
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 20h45
It will be the Catalans' passing against Inter's resilience one against each other tonight at the Camp Nou. The stakes are huge, as the winner will play FC Bayern in the Final in Madrid. Inter are favourites after a 3-1 win in the 1st leg and Mourinho will be up for it again tonight.
In the first leg Barcelona had huge numbers: 72% possession of the ball, 650 passes compared to Inter's 250 and also more shots on goal. The Italian side was the realistic one, as they scored three goals from 4 shots.
The home players are very confident as they managed a 2-0 against Inter in the group stage, a result that will put them through if it is repeated tonight. Puyol and Iniesta miss out for Barcelona, as Sneijder has been declared fit for Inter. Messi did not score in 6 precedents against Mourinho's teams, while Inter are on a 6 win run, which will probably stop tonight, but I cannot seem them losing by more than the odd goal.
I tip Inter to go through, at 6/11.
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 20h45
It will be the Catalans' passing against Inter's resilience one against each other tonight at the Camp Nou. The stakes are huge, as the winner will play FC Bayern in the Final in Madrid. Inter are favourites after a 3-1 win in the 1st leg and Mourinho will be up for it again tonight.
In the first leg Barcelona had huge numbers: 72% possession of the ball, 650 passes compared to Inter's 250 and also more shots on goal. The Italian side was the realistic one, as they scored three goals from 4 shots.
The home players are very confident as they managed a 2-0 against Inter in the group stage, a result that will put them through if it is repeated tonight. Puyol and Iniesta miss out for Barcelona, as Sneijder has been declared fit for Inter. Messi did not score in 6 precedents against Mourinho's teams, while Inter are on a 6 win run, which will probably stop tonight, but I cannot seem them losing by more than the odd goal.
I tip Inter to go through, at 6/11.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Arsenal vs Manchester City
English Premier League, 18h30
It will be a game of great importance for Manchester City, as they are fighting for 4th spot. Arsenal have wasted their chance to go all the way for the title with a mind-blowing defeat at Wigan, after they were winning 2-0 after 80 minutes of play.
As I said Arsenal will play only for pride, whereas City will play for reaching Europe's elite competition for the first time in history. Adebayor is in the middle of controversy, as he acted savagely in the reverse fixture, both defying Arsenal supporters and stamping his ex-teammate van Persie.
I tip City not to lose this one, at 3/5.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
English Premier League, 13h45
Manchester United are battling out with Chelsea for the title, trailing by one point as it stands. They welcome 4th place Spurs today, in an attempt to gain an advantage on the Blues, which themselves lost a week ago at White Hart Lane, 2-1. United are without Rooney in this one and it will be a question of resilience if they are to beat a strong team that have all to lose.
For Spurs it will be a monumental feat to win today, as they have not beaten a Top Four side away in 66 previous attempts. Watch for the likes of Bale and Modric to perform.
I tip Spurs not to lose, at 6/5.
English Premier League, 18h30
It will be a game of great importance for Manchester City, as they are fighting for 4th spot. Arsenal have wasted their chance to go all the way for the title with a mind-blowing defeat at Wigan, after they were winning 2-0 after 80 minutes of play.
As I said Arsenal will play only for pride, whereas City will play for reaching Europe's elite competition for the first time in history. Adebayor is in the middle of controversy, as he acted savagely in the reverse fixture, both defying Arsenal supporters and stamping his ex-teammate van Persie.
I tip City not to lose this one, at 3/5.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
English Premier League, 13h45
Manchester United are battling out with Chelsea for the title, trailing by one point as it stands. They welcome 4th place Spurs today, in an attempt to gain an advantage on the Blues, which themselves lost a week ago at White Hart Lane, 2-1. United are without Rooney in this one and it will be a question of resilience if they are to beat a strong team that have all to lose.
For Spurs it will be a monumental feat to win today, as they have not beaten a Top Four side away in 66 previous attempts. Watch for the likes of Bale and Modric to perform.
I tip Spurs not to lose, at 6/5.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
FC Bayern vs Olympique Lyonnais
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 20h45
It will be a passionate affair tonight at the Allianz Arena in Munich as the Bavarian giants take on the best team of the last decade in France. Lyon have reached this stage of the competition for the first time, after several years when they were knocked out in the Round of 8. They have beaten Real Madrid and Bordeaux to get this far and it should be noted that les Gones were the team that passed the ball the least in the previous round, merely 5 times less than Barcelona players did. Lyon have a very good coach in Claude Puel, whose mentor is Arsene Wenger. Look out for a possible tactical genius arising. The players to look out for are Lisandro Lopez, Delgado and Pjanic.
As for Bayern, they have reached this stage by upsetting both Fiorentina and Manchester United, by the same 4-4 score and qualifying on the away goals rule. They have put on a show at the weekend defeating Hannover 7-0. No wonder are they called FC Hollywood. Ribery and Robben are the most explosive players the Germans have, but look out also for Olic. Louis van Gaal will sweat over the defensive block as van Bommel and Badstuber miss out.
I tip both teams to score, at 3/4.
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 20h45
It will be a passionate affair tonight at the Allianz Arena in Munich as the Bavarian giants take on the best team of the last decade in France. Lyon have reached this stage of the competition for the first time, after several years when they were knocked out in the Round of 8. They have beaten Real Madrid and Bordeaux to get this far and it should be noted that les Gones were the team that passed the ball the least in the previous round, merely 5 times less than Barcelona players did. Lyon have a very good coach in Claude Puel, whose mentor is Arsene Wenger. Look out for a possible tactical genius arising. The players to look out for are Lisandro Lopez, Delgado and Pjanic.
As for Bayern, they have reached this stage by upsetting both Fiorentina and Manchester United, by the same 4-4 score and qualifying on the away goals rule. They have put on a show at the weekend defeating Hannover 7-0. No wonder are they called FC Hollywood. Ribery and Robben are the most explosive players the Germans have, but look out also for Olic. Louis van Gaal will sweat over the defensive block as van Bommel and Badstuber miss out.
I tip both teams to score, at 3/4.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Inter vs Barcelona
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 20h45
This is a real showdown. It will be Mourinho against the best Barcelona team ever, as most reckon. The Blaugrana have traveled to Milano by bus due to air traffic problems. Iniesta is the only absentee for the visitors who will try to go to the Santiago Bernabeu Final.
Inter has clashed with Barca two more times this season, scoring none, drawing once and losing once by 2-0 at Camp Nou. Mourinho himself has started as a translator for Barcelona and since then he has developed into a real enemy for the Catalans, spearing swords with them when he was Chelsea manager. In the contests between Mourinho and Messi, the Portuguese seems to have the upper hand, as the Blaugrana no 10 did not score against the Special One, Barca winning one, drawing three and losing one in the process.
Inter will know how to contain Messi, because of their coach' passion for detail and tactical craftsmanship. As he did against Chelsea, in the round of 16, Mourinho will be brave in controlling a passing machine and blowing them appart with quick counterattacks.
I tip Inter not to lose tonight, at 1/2.
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 1st leg, 20h45
This is a real showdown. It will be Mourinho against the best Barcelona team ever, as most reckon. The Blaugrana have traveled to Milano by bus due to air traffic problems. Iniesta is the only absentee for the visitors who will try to go to the Santiago Bernabeu Final.
Inter has clashed with Barca two more times this season, scoring none, drawing once and losing once by 2-0 at Camp Nou. Mourinho himself has started as a translator for Barcelona and since then he has developed into a real enemy for the Catalans, spearing swords with them when he was Chelsea manager. In the contests between Mourinho and Messi, the Portuguese seems to have the upper hand, as the Blaugrana no 10 did not score against the Special One, Barca winning one, drawing three and losing one in the process.
Inter will know how to contain Messi, because of their coach' passion for detail and tactical craftsmanship. As he did against Chelsea, in the round of 16, Mourinho will be brave in controlling a passing machine and blowing them appart with quick counterattacks.
I tip Inter not to lose tonight, at 1/2.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Chelsea vs Bolton
English Premier League, 20h00
This is a disproportionate encounter because of the standigs and also of the quality of the 2 squads. Chelsea are first while Bolton are 3 places above the relegation zone, mostly clear of threats.
Chelsea are 1 point ahead of United with one game in hand and can make it 4 points with a simple win tonight. The Blues have managed 17 goals in the last 4 games which ended with a 3-0 FA Cup Semifinal mauling of Aston Villa on Saturday.
Bolton have lost 2 times to Chelsea this season, both 4-0; home in the PL and away in the FA Cup.
It will be a show on the roll tonight so do not miss it.
I tip Chelsea to score 3 or more goals, at 3/4.
English Premier League, 20h00
This is a disproportionate encounter because of the standigs and also of the quality of the 2 squads. Chelsea are first while Bolton are 3 places above the relegation zone, mostly clear of threats.
Chelsea are 1 point ahead of United with one game in hand and can make it 4 points with a simple win tonight. The Blues have managed 17 goals in the last 4 games which ended with a 3-0 FA Cup Semifinal mauling of Aston Villa on Saturday.
Bolton have lost 2 times to Chelsea this season, both 4-0; home in the PL and away in the FA Cup.
It will be a show on the roll tonight so do not miss it.
I tip Chelsea to score 3 or more goals, at 3/4.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
English FA Cup Semifinal, 18h00
Chelsea have beaten Villa 7-1 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. The Blues aim to win this trophy again after being successful in the Cup in recent years.
The Villans had a good PL season, trying to get a grip on a UCL spot. But now they look jaded, while starting to pour in lots of goals. The match at Wembley will be entertaining to say the least.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 1/2.
English FA Cup Semifinal, 18h00
Chelsea have beaten Villa 7-1 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. The Blues aim to win this trophy again after being successful in the Cup in recent years.
The Villans had a good PL season, trying to get a grip on a UCL spot. But now they look jaded, while starting to pour in lots of goals. The match at Wembley will be entertaining to say the least.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 1/2.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
This is a match-up that beats all rivalries on Earth. It is El Clasico and this only is expected to be the best one in history. These two teams are having a magnificent season. They are head to head, both with 77 points, 21 in front of 3rd placed Valencia. This is unprecedented.
It is expected as a Final and it should be, just for the fact that we will be entertained with the best players of the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. But also, with a lot of others world class footballers. It will be Casillas against Valdes, Xabi Alonso against Xavi, Ramos versus Pedro, Higuain against Pique, Van der Vaart versus Yaya Toure, Marcelo against Dani Alves and the list can continue.
Real Madrid has one goal advantage in the standings which is nothing. But the people around football claim this is arguably the hottest Real Madrid side ever when it comes to stats. Though it is not in everybody's eyes because of this formidable Barcelona team or Pep Team how it is called. The Catalans won the first leg by 1-0 and it is revenge time for the Merengues tonight. The Whites are also out of the UCL which was a huge blow, having in mind that the Final will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Barcelona will play Mourinho's Inter in the Semifinal stage.
Real Madrid are without Pepe and Kaka, while Barcelona have Abidal and Ibrahimovic on the sidelines for the most anticipated game of the Spring.
I tip Real Madrid to win it, at 3/2.
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
This is a match-up that beats all rivalries on Earth. It is El Clasico and this only is expected to be the best one in history. These two teams are having a magnificent season. They are head to head, both with 77 points, 21 in front of 3rd placed Valencia. This is unprecedented.
It is expected as a Final and it should be, just for the fact that we will be entertained with the best players of the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. But also, with a lot of others world class footballers. It will be Casillas against Valdes, Xabi Alonso against Xavi, Ramos versus Pedro, Higuain against Pique, Van der Vaart versus Yaya Toure, Marcelo against Dani Alves and the list can continue.
Real Madrid has one goal advantage in the standings which is nothing. But the people around football claim this is arguably the hottest Real Madrid side ever when it comes to stats. Though it is not in everybody's eyes because of this formidable Barcelona team or Pep Team how it is called. The Catalans won the first leg by 1-0 and it is revenge time for the Merengues tonight. The Whites are also out of the UCL which was a huge blow, having in mind that the Final will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Barcelona will play Mourinho's Inter in the Semifinal stage.
Real Madrid are without Pepe and Kaka, while Barcelona have Abidal and Ibrahimovic on the sidelines for the most anticipated game of the Spring.
I tip Real Madrid to win it, at 3/2.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Pandurii vs Dinamo
Romanian Liga I, 19h30
Pandurii is a team that fights to avoid relegation. They have an experienced coach in Sorin Cirtu, an out-going human being with some similarities to Jose Mourinho. He was a very talented player instead, unlike the Special One.
Dinamo is going for the title and should win this one as they posses much more quality than today's counterparts. Also, the Red Dogs have a good recent history in matches at Pandurii.
I tip Dinamo to nick this, at 4/5.
Poli Iasi vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, 17h30
cfr is first in the standings and look for another 1-0 win to keep their good momentum. The guests have a good balanced squad and seem favourites for this game. Almost all their rivals lost points in midweek.
Poli Iasi is in the bottom half of the table. They have young talented players and a temperamental coach in Grigoras, a man much like Cirtu, but with an attacking mind set. This team did upset cfr last season and I expect another performance like that, even though with young teams you can't know.
I tip Poli Iasi not to lose, at 4/5.
Romanian Liga I, 19h30
Pandurii is a team that fights to avoid relegation. They have an experienced coach in Sorin Cirtu, an out-going human being with some similarities to Jose Mourinho. He was a very talented player instead, unlike the Special One.
Dinamo is going for the title and should win this one as they posses much more quality than today's counterparts. Also, the Red Dogs have a good recent history in matches at Pandurii.
I tip Dinamo to nick this, at 4/5.
Poli Iasi vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, 17h30
cfr is first in the standings and look for another 1-0 win to keep their good momentum. The guests have a good balanced squad and seem favourites for this game. Almost all their rivals lost points in midweek.
Poli Iasi is in the bottom half of the table. They have young talented players and a temperamental coach in Grigoras, a man much like Cirtu, but with an attacking mind set. This team did upset cfr last season and I expect another performance like that, even though with young teams you can't know.
I tip Poli Iasi not to lose, at 4/5.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Gloria vs Steaua
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Gloria have had a good start of the second part of the season, winning five from six matches. They have a new coach with a good youthful and positive approach and have climbed out of the relegation zone.
Steaua are aiming for the title but this is not a friendly venue to come to. Gloria has not lost at home since September.
I'm tipping the home side not to lose, at 3/5.
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Gloria have had a good start of the second part of the season, winning five from six matches. They have a new coach with a good youthful and positive approach and have climbed out of the relegation zone.
Steaua are aiming for the title but this is not a friendly venue to come to. Gloria has not lost at home since September.
I'm tipping the home side not to lose, at 3/5.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Cagliari vs Milan
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Milan are in the hunt for the title but have been not excellent in the last few games. They miss the edge in my opinion. Pato should be missing again and that is a big blow for Leonardo's men.
The reverse game produced 7 goals and I expect Cagliari to be a very good match for Milan again today. They have lost only once in 12 games at home.
I tip Cagliari not to lose, at 9/10.
Italian Serie A, 15h00
Milan are in the hunt for the title but have been not excellent in the last few games. They miss the edge in my opinion. Pato should be missing again and that is a big blow for Leonardo's men.
The reverse game produced 7 goals and I expect Cagliari to be a very good match for Milan again today. They have lost only once in 12 games at home.
I tip Cagliari not to lose, at 9/10.
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