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.
Monday, August 24, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Chelsea vs Everton
English FA Cup, 16h00
This is the Final of the world's oldest competition. This is Everton's chance to get a trophy after 14 years. They have won the same competition in 1995 beating Man Utd. David Moyes is a very good manager, having finished fifth in the league this season, just outside the UCL spots.
Chelsea has finished third in the league, has been eliminated by Barcelona in the Semifinals of the UCL in the most dramatic way. They have to win this. Frank Lampard said after being defeated in the last second of the game against Barcelona just by the away goal "We must carry on".
This is Guus Hiddink's last game at Chelsea. Terry said he gave up asking the manager to stay at Chelsea only at the 20th time they talked about it.
I tip Chelsea to win the Cup, at 1/2.
English FA Cup, 16h00
This is the Final of the world's oldest competition. This is Everton's chance to get a trophy after 14 years. They have won the same competition in 1995 beating Man Utd. David Moyes is a very good manager, having finished fifth in the league this season, just outside the UCL spots.
Chelsea has finished third in the league, has been eliminated by Barcelona in the Semifinals of the UCL in the most dramatic way. They have to win this. Frank Lampard said after being defeated in the last second of the game against Barcelona just by the away goal "We must carry on".
This is Guus Hiddink's last game at Chelsea. Terry said he gave up asking the manager to stay at Chelsea only at the 20th time they talked about it.
I tip Chelsea to win the Cup, at 1/2.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Shakhtar Donetk vs Werder Bremen
Uefa Cup Final, 20h45
I picked this game because it will be an entertaining one. Think of the venue, the Sukru Saracioglu Stadium in Istanbul. That's the home stadium of Fenerbahce. The passion for football in Turkey is bigger than in any other part of the world and you cannot get a more passionate atmosphere than at this venue.
Both outfits overcame opponents from their respective countries in the Semifinals. And all 4 matches for full of drama. That's probably why there are some suspended players in the two squads: Hubschmann for the Ukranian side; Diego and Hugo Almeida for the Germans. Also German international Per Mertesacker is out injured for Werder Bremen.
I think Werder will be more affected by the absence of their Brazilian playmaker, while Mertesacker will be a huge loss from the defence. Captain Franck Baumann is also doubtful.
The Germans will put their faith in the Peruvian goalscorer Pizzarro, who is on loan from Chelsea. The Ukranians will try to get the ball to the Brazilians up-front: Ilsinho, Fernandinho, Jadson and Luiz Adriano.
Both managers have won European trophies. Thomas Schaaf won the Cup Winner's Cup as a player with the same side in 1992, while Mircea Lucescu won the European Supercup against Real Madrid in 1999.
I tip Shakhtar to win this trophy, with a price that is around 9/11.
Uefa Cup Final, 20h45
I picked this game because it will be an entertaining one. Think of the venue, the Sukru Saracioglu Stadium in Istanbul. That's the home stadium of Fenerbahce. The passion for football in Turkey is bigger than in any other part of the world and you cannot get a more passionate atmosphere than at this venue.
Both outfits overcame opponents from their respective countries in the Semifinals. And all 4 matches for full of drama. That's probably why there are some suspended players in the two squads: Hubschmann for the Ukranian side; Diego and Hugo Almeida for the Germans. Also German international Per Mertesacker is out injured for Werder Bremen.
I think Werder will be more affected by the absence of their Brazilian playmaker, while Mertesacker will be a huge loss from the defence. Captain Franck Baumann is also doubtful.
The Germans will put their faith in the Peruvian goalscorer Pizzarro, who is on loan from Chelsea. The Ukranians will try to get the ball to the Brazilians up-front: Ilsinho, Fernandinho, Jadson and Luiz Adriano.
Both managers have won European trophies. Thomas Schaaf won the Cup Winner's Cup as a player with the same side in 1992, while Mircea Lucescu won the European Supercup against Real Madrid in 1999.
I tip Shakhtar to win this trophy, with a price that is around 9/11.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Dinamo Bucuresti vs Poli Timisoara
Romanian Liga I, Sunday 19h30
Timisoara had a good season and find themselves in the title fight, a feat that they could not dream of. The guests have a balanced team, that managed to beat a weakened Dinamo side in the Romanian Cup Semifinal by 4-1. This time it should be different. Dinamo has a great record over Poli, having not lost against them for a decade, until this April in the match I mentioned earlier.
Dinamo has the chance to win the league and get to that incredible competition, the Uefa Champions League. Coach Mircea Rednic will field a very experienced side that will give everything to be sure they will find themselves at the top of the standings come the end of the season.
I tip Dinamo to win. The value is at around 9/11.
Romanian Liga I, Sunday 19h30
Timisoara had a good season and find themselves in the title fight, a feat that they could not dream of. The guests have a balanced team, that managed to beat a weakened Dinamo side in the Romanian Cup Semifinal by 4-1. This time it should be different. Dinamo has a great record over Poli, having not lost against them for a decade, until this April in the match I mentioned earlier.
Dinamo has the chance to win the league and get to that incredible competition, the Uefa Champions League. Coach Mircea Rednic will field a very experienced side that will give everything to be sure they will find themselves at the top of the standings come the end of the season.
I tip Dinamo to win. The value is at around 9/11.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 20h45
This game will settle the team that will face Manchester United in the Final. These are two of the best teams in the world. Chelsea are for sure the best when you judge in terms of strength while Barca are the most attractive team, having score 146 goals to date in all competitions. Still in the first leg, it was 0-0 thanks to a realistic approach by the Blues.
Hiddink welcomes back Ashley Cole from suspension, while Guardiola will be without his two first choice center-backs, Marquez and Puyol.
It will be so tight as Ballack, Lampard and Essien take on Iniesta and Xavi; Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda will make Dani Alves and Messi suffer; Eto'o and Henry will try to test Cech, Alex and Terry. But I think Drogba will make the difference tonight, with one of his best performances.
I think Chelsea has the minor advantage as they play at home.
I tip Chelsea to qualify, priced at 5/4.
Uefa Champions League Semifinal 2nd leg, 20h45
This game will settle the team that will face Manchester United in the Final. These are two of the best teams in the world. Chelsea are for sure the best when you judge in terms of strength while Barca are the most attractive team, having score 146 goals to date in all competitions. Still in the first leg, it was 0-0 thanks to a realistic approach by the Blues.
Hiddink welcomes back Ashley Cole from suspension, while Guardiola will be without his two first choice center-backs, Marquez and Puyol.
It will be so tight as Ballack, Lampard and Essien take on Iniesta and Xavi; Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda will make Dani Alves and Messi suffer; Eto'o and Henry will try to test Cech, Alex and Terry. But I think Drogba will make the difference tonight, with one of his best performances.
I think Chelsea has the minor advantage as they play at home.
I tip Chelsea to qualify, priced at 5/4.
Poli Iasi vs FC Arges
Romanian Liga I, 14h00
Arges is a team that has no immediate goals. Today's guests are placed in the middle of the table with no chance to enter the European Cups and also safe from relegation. They have a young and talented squad, play good football, win mostly at home. They haven't won away since October.
Poli Iasi has to escape the relegation squad. The entertainers are coached by ex-Lazio footballer Cristiano Bergodi. They are very good at home.
I expect Iasi to win, with prices set at evens.
Romanian Liga I, 14h00
Arges is a team that has no immediate goals. Today's guests are placed in the middle of the table with no chance to enter the European Cups and also safe from relegation. They have a young and talented squad, play good football, win mostly at home. They haven't won away since October.
Poli Iasi has to escape the relegation squad. The entertainers are coached by ex-Lazio footballer Cristiano Bergodi. They are very good at home.
I expect Iasi to win, with prices set at evens.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Dinamo vs cfr
Romanian Liga I, 19h45
Dinamo are leaders in the league and aim to play Champions League football come autumn. They are very powerful at home and just thrived when they played against attacking formations, like today. The visiting team are without their captain.
They beat Rapid 3-0 and one can expect quite a show is on the cards tonight.
I tip Dinamo to win, with a price set at 9/11.
Romanian Liga I, 19h45
Dinamo are leaders in the league and aim to play Champions League football come autumn. They are very powerful at home and just thrived when they played against attacking formations, like today. The visiting team are without their captain.
They beat Rapid 3-0 and one can expect quite a show is on the cards tonight.
I tip Dinamo to win, with a price set at 9/11.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Spanish Primera Division, 20h00
This is one of the most awaited matches on the planet. El Clasico. This year it will be so special, as Real Madrid managed to put a wonderful run and find themselves just 4 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Robben recovered from injury faster than expected and Los Merengues will welcome his presence. Raul & Co defeated Sevilla away last week 4-2 and had a whole week to prepare this game.
Barcelona are in the midst of a Semifinal clash with Chelsea. They also lost Rafa Marquez for the whole season. The Blaugrana can lose it all in just a matter of days. On Wednesday they play Chelsea away.
Real Madrid has got just this one aim. La Liga. This will be one hell of a footballing spectacle.
I predict more than 2,5 goals, valued at 8/11.
Spanish Primera Division, 20h00
This is one of the most awaited matches on the planet. El Clasico. This year it will be so special, as Real Madrid managed to put a wonderful run and find themselves just 4 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Robben recovered from injury faster than expected and Los Merengues will welcome his presence. Raul & Co defeated Sevilla away last week 4-2 and had a whole week to prepare this game.
Barcelona are in the midst of a Semifinal clash with Chelsea. They also lost Rafa Marquez for the whole season. The Blaugrana can lose it all in just a matter of days. On Wednesday they play Chelsea away.
Real Madrid has got just this one aim. La Liga. This will be one hell of a footballing spectacle.
I predict more than 2,5 goals, valued at 8/11.
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