Rapid 3:0 "U" Cluj
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Stoke vs Manchester City
English Premier League, 16h00
It has been more than 30 games since City haven't lost when Tevez scored. Mancini also got this team on the right track. The Sky Blues have kept 7 clean sheets this season, second only to Chelsea's eight. Balotelli is back after suspension.
Stoke have got their season back on track after a poor start. They are the worst team if you count only the first half performances, but also the joint first in the second.
I do tip City to win this one, at 6/5.
English Premier League, 16h00
It has been more than 30 games since City haven't lost when Tevez scored. Mancini also got this team on the right track. The Sky Blues have kept 7 clean sheets this season, second only to Chelsea's eight. Balotelli is back after suspension.
Stoke have got their season back on track after a poor start. They are the worst team if you count only the first half performances, but also the joint first in the second.
I do tip City to win this one, at 6/5.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Rapid vs "U" Cluj-Napoca
Romanian Liga I, 19h30
Rapid is 3rd in the standings but went through a horrible form recently. They did not manage to win in the last 4 games, losing twice in the process. That came after a great start of the season. But that is just common for this side. The match will be played without spectators due to a penalty thrown at the home side.
"U" Cluj will be at full strength tonight and has always played good football against sides from the upper half of the standings, losing just to Steaua in the process. Do expect lots of goals tonight.
I tip "U" Cluj to score anytime during the game, at 7/10.
Romanian Liga I, 19h30
Rapid is 3rd in the standings but went through a horrible form recently. They did not manage to win in the last 4 games, losing twice in the process. That came after a great start of the season. But that is just common for this side. The match will be played without spectators due to a penalty thrown at the home side.
"U" Cluj will be at full strength tonight and has always played good football against sides from the upper half of the standings, losing just to Steaua in the process. Do expect lots of goals tonight.
I tip "U" Cluj to score anytime during the game, at 7/10.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
England vs France
International Friendly, 21h00
This will be a clash between two big powers of International football. Still, after a woeful World Cup in which both were dispatched home in the early stages, England and France seek a rebuilding of their respective squads. The Three Lions confide in the same man Capello do to the job, while les Bleus have appointed Laurent Blanc in charge.
Both teams will be full of youngsters which are trying to establish themselves at International level. Carroll and Henderson are the ones to watch for the Brits, while M'Vila and Rami.
I can feel a more determined French side and that said the odds are higher than I think they should be.
So, I back up France not to lose, at 3/5.
International Friendly, 21h00
This will be a clash between two big powers of International football. Still, after a woeful World Cup in which both were dispatched home in the early stages, England and France seek a rebuilding of their respective squads. The Three Lions confide in the same man Capello do to the job, while les Bleus have appointed Laurent Blanc in charge.
Both teams will be full of youngsters which are trying to establish themselves at International level. Carroll and Henderson are the ones to watch for the Brits, while M'Vila and Rami.
I can feel a more determined French side and that said the odds are higher than I think they should be.
So, I back up France not to lose, at 3/5.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Spanish Primera Division, 21h00
This is the Madrid derby. It is now most important for Atletico, because they are the ones who will try to prove something. Atletico have managed to win away in the Europa League on Thursday which is a big boost of confidence. They will also have Forlan and Aguero up front, which means chances to score.
Real Madrid boast the best defence and attack force in La Liga. Mourinho is the best manager if you ask me and Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the world in my opinion. But, :)
I tip Atletico to score anytime tonight, at 4/5.
Spanish Primera Division, 21h00
This is the Madrid derby. It is now most important for Atletico, because they are the ones who will try to prove something. Atletico have managed to win away in the Europa League on Thursday which is a big boost of confidence. They will also have Forlan and Aguero up front, which means chances to score.
Real Madrid boast the best defence and attack force in La Liga. Mourinho is the best manager if you ask me and Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the world in my opinion. But, :)
I tip Atletico to score anytime tonight, at 4/5.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
Universitatea Craiova vs "U" Cluj
Romanian Liga I, 17h30
These teams are two of the better supported sides in Romania. Universitatea Craiova represents a region with very passionate people and has been the proudness of its fans. "U" Cluj is the most popular team in almost 1/3 of Romania. Both have something in common. They've started a resurgence in seek of performance that has eluded both for some decades.
The hosts have put Piturca in charge, who coached the national team at Euro 2008. He is a very respected manager in Romania, having also been a very good footballer. He has brought fresh air to a youthful team that was underachieving, having won just 2 points in 4 games before his arrival. With Piturca on the bench they've managed 2 wins, a loss and a draw against the second placed team, Rapid.
"U" Cluj have promoted this summer after almost a decade of lower league football and have great ambitions. The guests have started very well, positioned in 8th spot after 9 games with 14 points. They've beaten Dinamo Bucharest away, as well as last season's runners up. They have also drawn with the reigning champions and also against Vaslui, both 1-1; while beating the current leaders.
Claudiu Niculescu is the main striking power, at 34. He scored 6, but has a total of 145 goals in the Romanian First Division, which is the 2nd highest at the moment behind ex-teammate and good friend Danciulescu. Niculescu has great respect for the opposite coach, while the latter has said that they will take every measure needed in order to keep the striker at bay. Piturca said "U" Cluj is a team that can always score 3 times in a game.I have to mention the fact the "U" has scored in every single game this season.
I tip "U" Cluj to score at least once today, at 1/2.
Romanian Liga I, 17h30
These teams are two of the better supported sides in Romania. Universitatea Craiova represents a region with very passionate people and has been the proudness of its fans. "U" Cluj is the most popular team in almost 1/3 of Romania. Both have something in common. They've started a resurgence in seek of performance that has eluded both for some decades.
The hosts have put Piturca in charge, who coached the national team at Euro 2008. He is a very respected manager in Romania, having also been a very good footballer. He has brought fresh air to a youthful team that was underachieving, having won just 2 points in 4 games before his arrival. With Piturca on the bench they've managed 2 wins, a loss and a draw against the second placed team, Rapid.
"U" Cluj have promoted this summer after almost a decade of lower league football and have great ambitions. The guests have started very well, positioned in 8th spot after 9 games with 14 points. They've beaten Dinamo Bucharest away, as well as last season's runners up. They have also drawn with the reigning champions and also against Vaslui, both 1-1; while beating the current leaders.
Claudiu Niculescu is the main striking power, at 34. He scored 6, but has a total of 145 goals in the Romanian First Division, which is the 2nd highest at the moment behind ex-teammate and good friend Danciulescu. Niculescu has great respect for the opposite coach, while the latter has said that they will take every measure needed in order to keep the striker at bay. Piturca said "U" Cluj is a team that can always score 3 times in a game.I have to mention the fact the "U" has scored in every single game this season.
I tip "U" Cluj to score at least once today, at 1/2.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Manchester City vs Juventus
Uefa Europa League, 21h05
Juventus have a mediocre start of the season, condimented with a couple of thumpings (4-0 at Udinese and 4-2 at home to Cagliari). The bianconeri are really scoring for fun under new coach Del Neri, but also tend to concede a lot of goals (see consecutive 3-3 results against Sampdoria and Lech Poznan and a 1-3 loss to Palermo, all at home). They changed a lot of personel during the summer, bringing in Bonucci, Pepe, Quagliarella, Aquilani or Krasic (all at huge costs) and selling the likes of Diego, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Giovinco or Poulsen. Having in mind the injury suffered by Buffon, they have brought in Storari from Milan, whose play was bad to this moment in the season. Expect him to concede a couple tonight.
Manchester City have had a big test at the weekend, beating free-scoring Chelsea, 1-0. Mancini imposed a defensive approach and it was the way to win against the Blues. City have had another busy summer, bringing in players for huge sums of money, like David Silva, Kolarov, Jerome Boateng, James Milner, Balotelli, Adam Johnson or Yaya Toure. The Sky Blues are on a high and I think Mancini will drive them to UCL qualification come next summer. They've won their previous game in this competition, away at Salzburg
I tip City to win, at 2/3.
Uefa Europa League, 21h05
Juventus have a mediocre start of the season, condimented with a couple of thumpings (4-0 at Udinese and 4-2 at home to Cagliari). The bianconeri are really scoring for fun under new coach Del Neri, but also tend to concede a lot of goals (see consecutive 3-3 results against Sampdoria and Lech Poznan and a 1-3 loss to Palermo, all at home). They changed a lot of personel during the summer, bringing in Bonucci, Pepe, Quagliarella, Aquilani or Krasic (all at huge costs) and selling the likes of Diego, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Giovinco or Poulsen. Having in mind the injury suffered by Buffon, they have brought in Storari from Milan, whose play was bad to this moment in the season. Expect him to concede a couple tonight.
Manchester City have had a big test at the weekend, beating free-scoring Chelsea, 1-0. Mancini imposed a defensive approach and it was the way to win against the Blues. City have had another busy summer, bringing in players for huge sums of money, like David Silva, Kolarov, Jerome Boateng, James Milner, Balotelli, Adam Johnson or Yaya Toure. The Sky Blues are on a high and I think Mancini will drive them to UCL qualification come next summer. They've won their previous game in this competition, away at Salzburg
I tip City to win, at 2/3.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
The Basques have a good start of the campaign, just 2 points behind their opponents. Bilbao have always had been so powerful at home, that Barca will find it again so difficult in San Mames.
Messi is injured, while Puyol is doubtful.
I tip Athletic not to lose this one, at evens.
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
The Basques have a good start of the campaign, just 2 points behind their opponents. Bilbao have always had been so powerful at home, that Barca will find it again so difficult in San Mames.
Messi is injured, while Puyol is doubtful.
I tip Athletic not to lose this one, at evens.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Everton vs Manchester United
English Premier League, Saturday 13h45
The club football is back after the international fixtures and I am picking an intriguing encounter to analyze. Everton take on Manchester United at Goodison Park and the stats are not on the hosts side. Everton has only one point from 3 games compared to United's seven. Everton are used to getting off to poor start of the season. The last couple of season's it was the same old story for them, having to get back in the pack. The good news for David Moyes is the fact that he has his three better players injury-free and we will enjoy watching Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar battling out with Sir Alex Ferguson's troops.
Last year's corresponding feature finished 3-1 for the hosts. United will have had more players on international duty and maybe that will be a disadvantage. Rio Ferdinand, Hargreaves and Anderson will miss out, while Rooney was doubtful but will play following the press scandal he was involved in last week.
I tip Everton not to lose this tie, at 4/5.
English Premier League, Saturday 13h45
The club football is back after the international fixtures and I am picking an intriguing encounter to analyze. Everton take on Manchester United at Goodison Park and the stats are not on the hosts side. Everton has only one point from 3 games compared to United's seven. Everton are used to getting off to poor start of the season. The last couple of season's it was the same old story for them, having to get back in the pack. The good news for David Moyes is the fact that he has his three better players injury-free and we will enjoy watching Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar battling out with Sir Alex Ferguson's troops.
Last year's corresponding feature finished 3-1 for the hosts. United will have had more players on international duty and maybe that will be a disadvantage. Rio Ferdinand, Hargreaves and Anderson will miss out, while Rooney was doubtful but will play following the press scandal he was involved in last week.
I tip Everton not to lose this tie, at 4/5.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Blackburn vs Arsenal
Premier League, 13h45
Arsenal are looking for an away win since March. The good news for the Gunners is that Fabregas and Van Persie could feature after injuries that prevented them to play 90 minutes in the previous games.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has not lost to Wenger at home. He managed 4 wins and 3 draws in the past while coaching Bolton, Newcastle and Rovers. A win for the hosts would mean their 1000th top flight victory.
I tip Blackburn not to lose, at 11/10.
Premier League, 13h45
Arsenal are looking for an away win since March. The good news for the Gunners is that Fabregas and Van Persie could feature after injuries that prevented them to play 90 minutes in the previous games.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has not lost to Wenger at home. He managed 4 wins and 3 draws in the past while coaching Bolton, Newcastle and Rovers. A win for the hosts would mean their 1000th top flight victory.
I tip Blackburn not to lose, at 11/10.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lille vs Vaslui
Uefa Europa League Play-Off, 20h45
It will be a difficult task for Lille tonight, as they were kept quiet a week ago in Romania. It was a goalless draw in the 1st leg and I believe Vaslui are to be taken seriously. The Romanian team has a decent coach and very good athleticism which will pose the hosts some threat. The technique of the visitors is above average as they include two of the best players in Romania, Sanmartean and Wesley.
Lille drawed 3 matches out of 3 in Le Championat scoring only once in the process, while Vaslui managed only 5 points from a possible 15. These are quite low performances for two teams that must be challenging for the title.
I tip Vaslui not to lose in 90 minutes, at a huge 6/5.
Uefa Europa League Play-Off, 20h45
It will be a difficult task for Lille tonight, as they were kept quiet a week ago in Romania. It was a goalless draw in the 1st leg and I believe Vaslui are to be taken seriously. The Romanian team has a decent coach and very good athleticism which will pose the hosts some threat. The technique of the visitors is above average as they include two of the best players in Romania, Sanmartean and Wesley.
Lille drawed 3 matches out of 3 in Le Championat scoring only once in the process, while Vaslui managed only 5 points from a possible 15. These are quite low performances for two teams that must be challenging for the title.
I tip Vaslui not to lose in 90 minutes, at a huge 6/5.
Friday, August 20, 2010
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