Chelsea 2:1 Everton
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Barcelona vs Chelsea
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This is about pride, about rivalry, about success. Tonight footballing history will be written.
Barcelona are tipped as favourites to win the most coveted competition of all. They have a very talented squad, a dream team as most pundits will tell you. They scored 130 goals this season alone, with 90 of them coming from the trio playing up-front Messi, Eto'o and Henry. The midfield is also spectacular with talents like Iniesta and Xavi, who provide the avantgarde with assists. Theire real weakness seems to be the defence, where goalkeeper Valdes and centre backs Pique and Marquez are not world class.
Pep Guardiola has managed to control the team's drive for success and keep low the hype surrounding the Blaugrana, who are facing a daunting task this week. On Saturday they play Real Madrid away, whilst next Wednesday is the return leg of this Semifinal at Stamford Bridge.
These teams met several times in Europe in the last seasons. In two cases Barcelona progressed, while Chelsea defeated the Blaugrana under Mourinho, after a thrilling 4-2 show at the Bridge four seasons ago. There has always been balance between these two. Chelsea have scored 9 while Barca scored 7 in the last meetings.
Chelsea have recovered so well under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink. The Blues won 3-1 at Anfield in a scintilating display of power and control against Liverpool, after being one goal down. The way Lampard & Co played that game was extraordinary and must have put Guardiola on guard.
Didier Drogba looks rejuvenated; he has regained his joy, his morale. He knows he plays for the team. He is the spearhead of the Blues. His presence is so overwhelming for the opposite defence. Puyol and Marquez know that, as the Ivorian powerhouse has scored in the last 5 matches against them.
The fact that three of four teams remaining in this competition are English based is enough evidence for everyone to understand that Chelsea are no underdogs tonight. The sheer strength of Terry, Lampard and Drogba will blow Barcelona away.
I tip Chelsea to score away, valued at 6/11.
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This is about pride, about rivalry, about success. Tonight footballing history will be written.
Barcelona are tipped as favourites to win the most coveted competition of all. They have a very talented squad, a dream team as most pundits will tell you. They scored 130 goals this season alone, with 90 of them coming from the trio playing up-front Messi, Eto'o and Henry. The midfield is also spectacular with talents like Iniesta and Xavi, who provide the avantgarde with assists. Theire real weakness seems to be the defence, where goalkeeper Valdes and centre backs Pique and Marquez are not world class.
Pep Guardiola has managed to control the team's drive for success and keep low the hype surrounding the Blaugrana, who are facing a daunting task this week. On Saturday they play Real Madrid away, whilst next Wednesday is the return leg of this Semifinal at Stamford Bridge.
These teams met several times in Europe in the last seasons. In two cases Barcelona progressed, while Chelsea defeated the Blaugrana under Mourinho, after a thrilling 4-2 show at the Bridge four seasons ago. There has always been balance between these two. Chelsea have scored 9 while Barca scored 7 in the last meetings.
Chelsea have recovered so well under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink. The Blues won 3-1 at Anfield in a scintilating display of power and control against Liverpool, after being one goal down. The way Lampard & Co played that game was extraordinary and must have put Guardiola on guard.
Didier Drogba looks rejuvenated; he has regained his joy, his morale. He knows he plays for the team. He is the spearhead of the Blues. His presence is so overwhelming for the opposite defence. Puyol and Marquez know that, as the Ivorian powerhouse has scored in the last 5 matches against them.
The fact that three of four teams remaining in this competition are English based is enough evidence for everyone to understand that Chelsea are no underdogs tonight. The sheer strength of Terry, Lampard and Drogba will blow Barcelona away.
I tip Chelsea to score away, valued at 6/11.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Hull vs Liverpool
English Premier League, 16h00
Although Hull was 6th in the tables on Boxing Day, they went all the way down having big troubles to retain their place in the top flight for next season. The Tigers really look dreadful in 2008.
Liverpool are hoping to win the title, which is only Manchester United's to lose. The Reds will miss Gerrard, but they had a good season and Fernando Torres will prove his worth today.
I tip Liverpool to win; at 5/11.
English Premier League, 16h00
Although Hull was 6th in the tables on Boxing Day, they went all the way down having big troubles to retain their place in the top flight for next season. The Tigers really look dreadful in 2008.
Liverpool are hoping to win the title, which is only Manchester United's to lose. The Reds will miss Gerrard, but they had a good season and Fernando Torres will prove his worth today.
I tip Liverpool to win; at 5/11.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Farul vs Dinamo
Romanian Liga I, 17h00
These two teams are in opposite situations. Farul are in the relegation zone with little chances of surviving, whilst Dinamo are top of the league day-dreaming of Uefa Champions League football come September.
The fixtures between these two have always been tight, but Farul are awful these days. They have also a very bad pitch that will not suit Dinamo; still I expect the leaders to win even by only one goal and put pressure on the chasers.
I tip Dinamo to win, at 6/11.
Romanian Liga I, 17h00
These two teams are in opposite situations. Farul are in the relegation zone with little chances of surviving, whilst Dinamo are top of the league day-dreaming of Uefa Champions League football come September.
The fixtures between these two have always been tight, but Farul are awful these days. They have also a very bad pitch that will not suit Dinamo; still I expect the leaders to win even by only one goal and put pressure on the chasers.
I tip Dinamo to win, at 6/11.
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