Saturday, December 05, 2009

Deportivo La Coruna vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
Deportivo has not lost at home to Barca in 4 games. They are also very strong this season having won 4 and drew 1 in 6 home games. The hosts are fifth in the standings and will have to do without Riki tonight.
Barcelona will have their minds set on the crucial UCL match in Kiev next week where they mustn't lose.
Busquets could be on for Toure Yaya and Iniesta for Henry. Barca have won 4 and drew 3 away games this season.
I tip Deportivo not to lose, at 9/10.
Manchester City vs Chelsea
English Premier League, 18h30
Carlo Ancelotti said that the most important matches of this week are the ones against Arsenal and Manchester City. That meant the team against Blackburn was experimental and that game turned out to be a very entertaining one. Now, Chelsea will be at full strength again at the City of Manchester Stadium. The Blues are top of the table, five points clear of second placed Manchester United. Chelsea have won in 10 of the last 12 away games at City. The Sky Blues have not scored in 12 of the last 14 overall against Chelsea, also losing the last consecutive 8 in the process. In their last 5 league games, Chelsea have scored 17 goals and conceded none.

These two are the most disciplined sides in this Premier League season. 
Manchester City have drawn their last 7 games in the Premier League, an English record. Mark Hughes has lost just once in 17 games this season, away at Manchester United.
Bellamy, Ireland, Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips are doubtful for the hosts.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 9/10.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Dinamo Bucuresti vs Sturm Graz
Uefa Europa League, 21h05
The Austrians managed only one point in the group stage of this competition. That was gained in Istanbul after a 1-1 draw with Galatasaray, which is the best team in the group. The Turks have dismantled Dinamo 3-0 and 4-1.
Dinamo has won in Austria 1-0 and seem to have regained their momentum in the domestic league. The Romanian side has far more technical quality in their squad and must be favourite to win this game.

I have to tip Dinamo tonight for a win, at 4/5.
Manchester City 3:0 Arsenal
Blackburn 2:2 Chelsea
Sheriff 1:1 Steaua

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Sheriff vs Steaua
Uefa Europa League, 19h00
As strange as it sounds, a team from Moldova is favourite against a Romanian side. I've lived to see this. Awful.
Sheriff beat Twente and lost to Fenerbahce, having drawn away at Steaua in between.
Steaua are leaders in the domestic league and have to win if they want to have a chance of qualifying further in the competition. I believe the Romanians will have enough to put the hosts down. Mihai Stoichita is a gifted coach and I trust him.
I tip Steaua to win, at a huge value of 2/1.
Blackburn vs Chelsea
English League Cup, 21h00
Blackburn have put together a couple of wins to get out of the relegation zone. They lost heavily at Stamford Bridge and will be without on-loan player Franco di Santo tonight.
Chelsea are at full-strength and I think Carlo Ancelotti will shuffle his troops a little bit as he did all season. Nonetheless the Blues are far to strong and will go through.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 1/2.
Manchester City vs Arsenal
English League Cup, 20h45
Manchester City lost just once in 16 games this season. But they've drawn their last 7 games in a row. They've received good news as Robinho and Micah Richards are match fit after long spells on the sidelines.
Arsenal have recorded 3 of their 4 losses away from home, as they will have to do without van Persie for the next five months. Eduardo will lead the attack for a wounded Arsenal, who just lost 0-3 at home to Chelsea.
The corresponding match from the league finished 4-2 for City.

I tip City to win, at 9/10.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

Unirea Urziceni vs Gloria Bistrita
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Despite defeating Sevilla 1-0 in the UCL, Unirea played awful. The lack of quality, both physical and technical is quite clear. Still, they have a coach who was very down to earth and knew just how to field a formation in order to get the result. In this game they will have to attack.
Bistrita is a team that had a miserable start of the campaign, but has regrouped under new coach Halagian. Gloria is second from bottom with just 12 points, but it won't be too late until they will be safe. They are more resilient and know just how to control a game of football now-a-days.

I tip Bistrita to get at least a point today, at 3/2.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Arsenal 0:3 Chelsea
Inter 1:0 Fiorentina
Everton 0:2 Liverpool
Cagliari 2:0 Juventus
Everton vs Liverpool
English Premier League, 14h30
This is the Liverpool derby. One of the fiercest in the world. This is all about pride.
These two teams managed this season to lose as many matches between them, as they did the entire last season, 11 that is. And last season they finished in the top 5.
Everton are plagued with injuries but will throw themselves at their arch rivals. Liverpool are keen to know if Torres will be fit to play, while Gerrard is still not 100% fit, but will play as he is so devoted to the colors. Benitez is on the brink of disaster, as he is out of the UCL and out of the top four so early in the season.
The last time this two met, Everton won 1-0 in injury time.
I will go for Everton not to lose this one, at 1/2.
CS Otopeni 2:0 "U" Cluj-Napoca
Wigan 1:0 Sunderland

Friday, November 27, 2009

Inter vs Fiorentina
Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00
Inter has beaten Fiorentina in the last 7 games at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. The Nerazzuri have not conceded in the last four match-ups with the Viola in the Italian championship. Mourinho's men have scored the most goals in Italy to date, 32, while Fiorentina have the most clean-sheets, 6.
Inter lost 2-0 at the Camp Nou, a match in which they never shown up, while Fiorentina qualified for the knock-out stage of the UCL after defeating Lyon 1-0. Liverpool were left out of the competition. 
Fiorentina will travel without Mutu, Gamberini and Donadel, while Inter will miss Maicon and probably Sneijder.
I tip Inter to win, at 6/11.
Cagliari vs Juventus
Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00
Juventus had a miserable game at Bordeaux on Wednesday. They lost 2-0, but they showed they had no ideas, no game plan. Diego couldn't find his place, Del Piero is just back from injury, while Iaquinta and Trezeguet are still out with injuries. Juventus won four of their last five in the domestic league, as did Cagliari.
The Sicilians managed that without conceding, but in the last game at the San Siro they were beaten 4-3 in a memorable match which could have ended with anyone's triumph.
Juventus' coach Ferrara is expected to shift his tactics in order to gain some balance, but this move could fail. Watch out for Cagliari forward, Matri.

I tip Cagliari not to lose, at 4/5.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
English Premier League, Sunday 17h00
Chelsea's 4-1 win at Ashbuton Grove in May was the worst home defeat in the Premier League for Arsenal and also the last time Wenger had lost there. Didier Drogba scored 8 goals in 8 matches against Arsenal, while the Gunners managed to defeat Chelsea just twice in 14 competitive matches. 
Chelsea have got the meanest defence in the league, having conceded only 8 goals in 13 outings, while they haven't conceded in 7 of the last 8 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal have a lot of injuries to contend with:; the most important are Robin van Persie, Bendtner and Gibbs. Chelsea will miss Bosingwa for 3 months, other than that Frank Lampard will be back from injury.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 17/10.
Wigan vs Sunderland
English Premier League, Saturday 16h00
These two teams had different kind of results last week-end. Wigan lost soundly at Spurs (9-1), while Sunderland defeated Arsenal by the only goal. 
Still Wigan have not lost in 4 games at home, while Sunderland have won just once in 16 away games. To add to that, the visitors have won just once in 7 attempts against tomorrows opponents.
Wigan play attacking football, while Sunderland are managed by formar Latics' manager, Steve Bruce.
I tip Wigan to bounce back from their dismantling at Tottenham and win, priced at 16/10.
CS Otopenti vs "U" Cluj-Napoca
Romanian Liga II, Saturday 12h00
These are the teams that have scored the most goals this season. But the guests have conceded the least. That is the most important I reckon.
"U" has a very good Brazilian youngster, Machado. He has managed 7 goals to date. I think the tactical advantage will favor the best side and that is "U". They've managed to beat the leaders last Saturday by 2-0 and that was a breath-taking performance, the guests having just one shot on goal and even that came in injury time when there was nothing left to do.

I tip "U" Cluj-Napoca to win, at 13/10.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

APOEL 1:1 Atletico Madrid
Bordeaux 2:0 Juventus

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I boast a marvelous rate of success. 
That's 70.57% (331 successful tips out of 469 published).
Bordeaux vs Juventus
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Bordeaux have assured qualification after twice beating FC Bayern. They have since lost two matches in the domestic league, the last one being 0-1 at home to lowly Valenciennes. Chamakh is very doubtful, while Gourcuff will certainly miss the tie.
Juventus travel to France knowing a win will all but put them through with a game in hand. It will spare them the blushes come the last group game against FC Bayern at home. Iaquinta and Trezeguet are out and they are important, but other than that the Bianconeri boast a full squad, including talismatic captain Alessandro del Piero who is back from a groin injury. He played as a second half substitute in a Sunday 1-0 against Udinese.
I tip Juve to win, at 8/5.
APOEL vs Atletico Madrid
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
The two teams have failed to qualify further. Still, they fight it out tonight for a place in the Europa League. The reverse game finished 0-0 in Madrid and it was an embarrassment for the home side as they were superior for the whole 90 minutes.
Quique Sanchez Flores, the Spaniards coach, will through all his fire power at the opposition tonight, including Maxi, Simao, Forlan and Aguero. I reckon it will be too much for the home side.
I tip Atletico to win, at 6/5.
Fiorentina 1:0 Olympique Lyonnais

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Fiorentina vs Lyon
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Fiorentina needs a win tonight to assure they qualify for the knock-out stage and oust Liverpool of this competition. It will be a tough job as they lost to nil in the reverse match and are missing three of their most important men: Mutu, Jovetic and Gamberini. Still, it is not make or brake time for Viola, who mantain high chances to qualify even if they don't manage it today.
Lyon are already qualified but not assured of the 1st place. Bodmer and Toulalan are the big absentees from the French squad. All their attacking men are available, including Pjanic, Bastos, Gomis and Lisandro.
I tip both teams to score, at 4/5.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Tenerife 1:2 Sevilla
Athletic vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Liga, 22h00
Athletic are a decent side. They are playing physical and direct football. Athletic have always started well against Barca before eventually succumbing to the passing of the Blaugrana.

Barcelona will look forward to facing Inter and Realmadrid next week. Ibrahimovic, Yaya Toure and Henry will miss this game.
I tip Bilbao not to lose after the first half, at 5/4.
Tenerife vs Sevilla
Spanish Primera Division, 18h00
Tenerife are looking for wins in order to stay in the Spanish flight come the end of the season.
Sevilla are 3rd and as president del Nido said they are looking to battle for the crowns. There are a lot of injuries in the Andalusian squad, but the likes of Jesus Navas, Perroti, Luis Fabiano and Negredo will put an enormous attacking pressure on the hosts.
I believe Sevilla will win it, at 8/11.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Ukraine vs Greece
FIFA 2010 Qualification Play-Off 2nd leg, 19h00
The first leg finished 0-0 in Athens, despite the guests having most of the goal situations. Greece has two decent forwards, Gekas and Samaras, both playing their football in Great Britain, but they lack the men to supply them with assists.
Ukraine has won Shevchenko back, while they have loads of young talent in the attacking formation they will field. The likes of Milevsky, Rotan, Aliyev will pose a big threat for the 2004 European Champions.
I tip Ukraine to go through, at 6/11.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Brasov 3:0 Gloria Bistrita
Brasov vs Gloria Bistrita
Romanian Cup Quarterfinals, 18h00
Brasov is a good team for Romania. They have a young coach and a lot of experienced players with many games in the European competitions. They are in the leading pack of the domestic top-flight.
Gloria Bistrita are struggling in the league, floating in the relegation zone, but since they've changed the coach they managed a rack of good results, including ousting Steaua on penalties. in this same competition.
I tip Brasov to win, at 1/2,

Monday, November 09, 2009

Chelsea 1:0 Manchester United
Dinamo 1:1 Rapid

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Dinamo vs Rapid
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Dinamo has performed very well in important matches this season, winning all of them. But they have disappointed in Europe.
Rapid are a rejuvenated team that is very difficult to play against. They have an open style of football.
I tip Dinamo to prevail, at 7/5.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Chelsea vs Manchester United
English Premier League, Sunday 17h00
Manchester United find themselves 2nd in the standings, 2 points behind their opponents. Both teams managed to qualify for the knock out stages of the Uefa Champions League, despite 2 draws in midweek's action.
United travel to London without Ferdinand and Park Ji Sung with Fletcher struggling. Neville is also out, while Vidic and Berbatov have recovered. Sir Alex Ferguson told the press that this is not a title decider, even though he went on to say that if his team were to retain the title they would have to surpass Chelsea in the standings.
Chelsea are firing on all cylinders under Carlo Ancelotti, with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in top form. Joe Cole is back with his magic, while Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka and Ricardo Carvalho are the ones who complete the Blues' firing power.
I predict a Chelsea win, at 6/5.
Villarreal 4:1 Lazio

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Villarreal vs Lazio
Europa League, 21h05
Lazio lost once and won twice, including an injury time victory over today's opponent. Villarreal won just once in this group.
But the Yellow submarine are high on morale as they dismantled Tenerife 5-0 in the weekend Primera Division action. It will be a great spectacle to watch and I think the hosts will come up on top.
I tip a Villarreal win, at 7/10.
Dinamo Kiev 1:2 Inter
Sevilla 1:1 Stuttgart

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Sevilla vs Stuttgart
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Stuttgart has just 2 points and has again disappointed its fans with the Champions League outings. Vfb comes to Spain without Khedira, Cacau, Marica and Osorio.
Sevilla is on its way to qualifying already for the next stage. The Rojiblancos are the team that scored the most goals and alongside Lyon, the only side that has managed only wins to the moment.
Renato said that wins make teams better and that will be the case tonight as Sevilla fans will see a show from their attacking players Jesus Navas, Perotti, Negredo and Luis Fabiano.
I think Sevilla will win. The price is 1/2.
Dinamo Kiev vs Inter
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Inter are 4th in a group that contains also Rubin Kazan and Barcelona. The Italians have 3 points while all the others have 4. The Nerazzurri have not won in the supreme European competition in the last 8 games, drawing 5 in the process. Mourinho as inter coach has managed to beat just 2 opponents: Panathinaikos and Anorthosis.
But the Special One is going to use all his knowledge to escape this bad situation.
Inter will field the likes of Eto'o, Maicon, Stankovic and Zanetti.
I tip Inter to win, at 6/5.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Bolton vs Chelsea
English Premier League, 16h00
Bolton has played Chelsea on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge. It finished 4-0 for the Blues in the 1/16 finals of the League Cup.
Chelsea played with a second string team and showed incredible craft with Joe Cole and Deco on song. I expect the Blues to keep their top place in the standings after this weekend. Carlo Ancelotti has found a fantastic team at Chelsea with great physical and mental power. He added the touch that brings the show and might won them the Uefa Champions League trophy for the first time.
Gary Megson, the Bolton manager had only words of praise for his fellow manager.
I tip Chelsea to win it, at 5/11.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Manchester City 2:2 Fulham
West Ham 2:2 Arsenal
West Ham vs Arsenal
English Premier League, 17h15
West Ham has a woeful start of the season. They are second from bottom having secured only one win to date. And the future of the club doesn't feel that bright.
Arsenal try to keep pace with Manchester United and Chelsea, if they are to bid for the title. The Gunners managed only a draw in the Champions League midweek action at Alkmaar, being equalised in the dying seconds.
Arsenal have won 3 of the last for 4 meetings with the Hammers.
I tip Arsenal to win, at 1/2.
Sevilla 0:0 Espanyol

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009

Sevilla vs Espanyol
Spanish Primera Division, Saturday 22h00
This will be an entertaining game of football with a hot crowd in the stadium. Sevilla is in a rich vein of form at the moment and looks to extend it. Also, they welcome back Negredo, Renato and Konko from injury.
Espanyol has picked up from a woeful start of the season, and is looking for points. Still they do have to cope with a situation as emblematic striker Raul Tamudo has been left out of the squad for the second time in a row by coach Pochettino.
Sevilla has won 5 of the last 6 meetings with Espanyol.
I tip Sevilla to win, at 1/2.
Manchester City vs Fulham
English Premier League, Sunday 16h00
Manchester City is eyeing a top four position and the people at the club look very ambitious indeed. They have spent some 200 million Euros in the summer to bring in players such as Tevez and Adebayor, Barry and Kolo Toure. Mark Hughes is the man which should bring success to Eastlands.
City have a great record at home in the English top-flight winning its last 6 games and 12 out of 13.
But the one loss in those games came at the hand of Fulham.
Fulham had a busy week as they beat Hull 2-0 on Monday and drew 1-1 with Roma on Thursday's Europa League action.
I tip City to win, at 6/11.
"U" Cluj-Napoca vs Drobeta
Romanian Liga II, Saturday 10h00
Drobeta is a mid-table team and is coming to Cluj-Napoca to defend.
"U" has no other option then to finish top of the standings come the end of the season. There was a change of coach, as Cristi Dulca took charge. He is a very ambitious man, and I'm backing him to succeed.
I tip "U" to win at 5/11.
Shakhtar 4:0 Toulouse

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Shakhtar vs Toulouse
Europa League, 19h00
The Ucrainian side have an impresive record in Europe. They managed to win last year's Uefa Cup.
They have also started this group with two impressive wins over Club Brugge and Partizan, both by the same score 4-1. Mircea Lucescu has a bunch of very talented Brazilians at his disposal.
Toulouse is a talented young side, containing a couple of French internationals as well as good players from Norway and Portugal. The French side have drawn with Brugge and won to Partizan.
The home stadium will give Shakhtar the edge they need to win tonight.
I tip Shakhtar to win, at 1/2.
FC Zurich 0:1 Olympique Marseille
Realmadrid 2:3 AC Milan

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

FC Zurich vs Olympique Marseille
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
These are the teams that conceded the most in the first two matches of the competition, five times each. Also, Swiss teams have lost the last 6 games held at home in the UCL. OM has lost its last 6 away games also.
But there is a sheer difference in quality between these sides, which recommends Didier Deschamps' troops to prevail tonight.
I tip OM to beat Zurich, at values around evens.
Realmadrid vs AC Milan
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This will be the showdown between the two most famous clubs in Europe and in the world, I should add. These two have won UCL the most times. The Spaniards have won it 9 times, while the Italians have triumphed 7 times. That is huge.
Realmadrid has spent the most this summer, bringing in player worth 300 million Euros. Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol are the most important of them. The Merengues have also appointed coach Manuel PelLegrini, who has the job to bring them to the UCL Final which will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next May. Realmadrid has scored 8 times in two games in this competition. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only big absentee.
Milan had it tough after the departures of superstar Kaka and coach Carlo Ancelotti in the summer. Leonardo had to imagine a team without the Brazilian forward, but had to deal also with the ageing squad. Still he managed the revival of Pippo Inzaghi who will play for the first time at the Bernabeu at 36. The striker is one goal away from equaling Gerd Mueller's record of goals scored in European competitions. Pato has its chance to star tonight for the Rossoneri, who are huge underdogs tonight. Milan has not won in the last five games played in Spain in this competition scoring just twice in the process.
I tip a win for Realmadrid, valued at 1/2.
Liverpool 1:2 Lyon
Debrecen 3:4 Fiorentina
Stuttgart 1:3 Sevilla

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Liverpool vs Lyon
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Liverpool has lost two games in a row and seems to be in trouble. Gerrard is back from injury, but Torres will miss tonight's game. It is obvious for me that the Reds have lost quality and balance with the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Lucas cannot fill the void. Never.
Liverpool will travel to Manchester United at the weekend.
Lyon had a good start of the campaign, but lost its first game on Saturday at home to Sochaux. Pjanic is in great form in UCL, as he has contributed to 4 of the 5 goals scored by the French side.
Liverpool has lost only one game at home in this competition since 2002 and that was against French opposition, Olympique Marseille in 2007.
I tip Lyon to score at least once tonight, valued at 1/2.
Debrecen vs Fiorentina
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Debrecen has lost two from two in this season UCL, conceding 5 goals in the process. A Hungarian newspaper has offered a sum of money for the first goal in UCL for Debrecen. They are the team that was most shot at, 35 times. No Hungarian side has won a home match in this competition.
Fiorentina has a good start of the season. Having just drawn 1-1 at Juventus and having beaten Liverpool 2-0 in the UCL. Jovetic is the man that scored Viola's last 3 goals in this competition while Mutu is waiting around the corner to get his chance. Gilardino and Vargas are in top form, so do expect an Italian win tonight.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 1/2.
Stuttgart vs Sevilla
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Stuttgart is in all sorts of problems this season, as they are in the relegation zone of the domestic league. In the UCL they managed 2 draws, at home to Rangers and at Unirea. Marcus Babbel is not an experienced coach, Hleb has trouble settling in the area and Mario Gomez is a huge loss for them. Stuttgart has won only one of the last 11 games played in this competition in addition to always conceding in the last 8 outings. These two played each other in last year's Uefa Cup. Sevilla won 2-0.
Sevilla has a very good start of the season. They are 3rd in La Liga, only losing twice. They have a very good record in this competition, where they've won twice, scoring 6 and conceding once in the process. With a win tonight they are virtually through to the next round.
Negredo, Palop and Renato are missing out this game, while Luis Fabiano is coming back after he was rested at the week-end. The Andalusians have two men on every position and that is why I think they will go all the way in this competition, battling out for the title.
I predict a win for Sevilla, which is rated at 7/6.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Sevilla 2:1 Realmadrid
Sevilla vs Real Madrid
Spanish Primera Division, 21h00
Sevilla will be a very tough opposition for the new Realmadrid. The Andalusians have always given los Merengues a good match. As a testimony you can look at the stats which say that in the last five games there have been more than 5 goals per match between them. That is really huge.
Sevilla is 3rd while Realmadrid is just above them. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only big name that will miss this game. As of that Granero and Raul will begin this game alongside Kaka and Benzema. They will be supplied by the likes of Guti and Xabi Alonso.
Sevilla will start with the usual attacking formation: Renato, Jesus Navas and Perrotti supporting Kanoute and Luis Fabiano.
Realmadrid beat OM 3-0 and Sevilla won 4-1 at Rangers in the midweek Champions League games.
I predict an over in this game (more than 2 goals), valued at 6/11.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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.

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.
Fiorentina 2:0 Sampdoria
Villarreal 0:2 Realmadrid
Inter 3:1 Napoli

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.
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.
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.
Racing Santander 1:4 Barcelona

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.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sampdoria 4:1 Siena
Cagliari 1:2 Inter
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
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.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Steaua 0:1 Dinamo
Portsmouth 0:1 Manchester City
Steaua vs Dinamo
Romanian Liga I, 19h45
This is the Derby in Romania. It brings up all the passion, all the excitement of football. It will be a feast as the two teams are in very good spirit. They've just qualified for the groups of Europa League. Dinamo did it in some spectacular fashion. They've ousted Slovan Liberec after losing 3-0 at home (the match was abandoned due to crowd invasion on the pitch), winning 3-0 away and then going through on penalties.
It will be also a Italian affair as the two coaches are both from the Peninsula. Dario Bonetti (Dinamo) played for Roma, Juventus and Milan (appearing in two Champions Cup Finals), while Cristiano Bergodi was captain at Lazio.
Both teams possess great attacking forces and questionable defensive options. That's why I think it will be an even more entertaining game of football.
I predict that Dinamo will not lose, which is valued at 6/11.
Barcelona 1:0 Shakhtar
Portsmouth vs Manchester City
English Premier League, 14h30
Portsmouth have started this campaign in a dreadful manner. They managed to score just once, conceding six as they won none and lost three in the process. They were bought by a sheik this week, but nevertheless I do not think they have time to steady themselves just yet.
City have made big spendings in the transfer market. They caught the imagination of their fans by bringing in Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure and Emanuel Adebayor. They won both matches they've played this season, scoring three and conceding none in the process. I think the Sky Blues will have too much for the hosts today.
I predict a win for City, valued at 3/5.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Barcelona vs Shakhtar
European Super Cup, Monte Carlo
Tonight it's the Uefa Champions League Winners against the Uefa Cup holders. Pep Guardiola has won all competition he entered with Barca last season, while Mircea Lucescu has already won this fixture once, with Galatasaray ten years ago.
The Spaniard said that his players should be aware that Uefa Cup winners have won this fixture seven times, as Champions League winners won it just four times.
Lucescu will have all his Brazilian attacking players as his disposal. They will come up against the most feared attacking force in Europe last season, Messi, Henry & Co.
I am expecting a surprise tonight, but my bet will be a safe one.
I tip Shakhtar to score at least once. The value is 7/11.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Liverpool vs Aston Villa
English Premier League, 21h00
Liverpool are tipped alongside Chelsea with a good change of claiming the Premier League honours come the end of the season. They didn't do well at all in the transfer market as they lost Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. This was one of the arguments of the loss at Tottenham in the opening day of the season. Since then, the Reds managed a 4-0 thumping of Stoke at Anfield and seem back on track. Aston Villa had a poor transfer market also. They've lost captain Gareth Barry to Manchester City, while they captured still injured Stewart Downing. The Villans lost 0-2 at home to Wigan and then 0-1 at Rapid Vienna in the Europa League play-off. They'll play the return leg of that one on Thursday at Villa Park.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 16 top-flight games against Aston Villa. The Reds have won more points against the Villans than any other club (62). The corresponding fixture last season finished 5-0, with Steven Gerrard netting a hat-trick. The Liverpool captain managed to score 10 times against Villa in his career, his biggest tally against any one club.
I tip Liverpool to nick this one. The value is decent at 5/11.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Sunderland vs Chelsea
English Premier League, 20h45
Sunderland has a new boss Steve Bruce and two good signings in Bent and Cana. They managed to win away at Bolton 1-0 at the weekend.
Chelsea didn't spend much in the summer but appointed Italian Carlo Ancelotti as manager. He won Uefa Champions League twice as coach of Milan and the Champions Cup as player of the same team. The Blues will rely on the power of Drogba, Terry and Essien and the magic provided by Lampard & Co.
I tip Chelsea to win at 1/2.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Ceahlaul vs Steaua
Romanian Liga I, 19h45
The hosts are a promoted team to the Romanian top-flight. Still, they do have some experience as they have been in the 2nd Division only for one year after 10+ years in Liga I. Ceahlaul has the home advantage, but Steaua had a great start of the season.
It's early days in the league, this being the first game for the two sides, but the guests have already played three games this season in the preliminary rounds of the Uefa Europa League. Steaua managed to score 7 without conceding and played fairly well in the process. The credit has to be given to new coach Cristiano Bergodi who inspires passion for the game and a positive approach to the tactical side.
I tip Steaua to win this one, with values around 1/2.