Spurs to avoid Hornets’ sting

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 26, 2012

Watford are hoping to spring a surprise on Friday night when they take on Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round at Vicarage Road, but the north Londoners should have too much for them.

The Hornets will be hoping Spurs are still reeling from their last-gasp defeat by Manchester City in the Premier League last Sunday – a result which put a major dent in their Premier League title aspirations.

Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from that Etihad Stadium loss and may see the FA Cup as their only chance for silverware this season, given that they now trail table-toppers City by eight points.

But Watford, currently 18th in the Championship, are no mugs at home and their recent defeat by Reading was their first in nine games.

Tottenham are favourites at 2/5, though the Hornets will be looking to maintain their decent form at Vicarage Road by attempting to beat their illustrious opponents and are 11/2 to cause an upset.

With a midweek Premier League fixture, Spurs could rest a few players, meaning Jermain Defoe may get another start, and with five goals in his last nine games he may be a decent bet for First Goalscorer at 6/1.

The Championship outfit will fancy their chances of scoring against a Spurs side that has only kept two clean sheets in their last 11 away games, with Marvin Sordell priced at 10/1 to net first.

Tottenham seem likely to edge the match but Watford can hold them until half-time before the north Londoners’ Premier League class tells.

Friday’s other FA Cup tie is an all-Premier League affair, with Everton taking on Fulham at Goodison Park.

With the sides level on points in the Premier League, it may prove to be a close affair with the draw offering value at 9/4. Everton start favourites at 10/11, but Fulham – at 5/2 – go into the match after an impressive 5-2 demolition of Newcastle at Craven Cottage last weekend.

Clint Dempsey scored a hat-trick against the Magpies and the American is in form with that being his second three-goal haul in three games, the first of which was against Charlton in the previous round.

With 15 goals to his name already this season, Dempsey is 6/1 to add to that total by opening the scoring at Goodison.

Everton, on the other hand, are finding goals hard to come by this season, with left-back Leighton Baines their top scorer with four.

The Toffees will hope Tim Cahill will now step up to the goal-scoring plate after netting his first goal in 35 matches in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn last Saturday.

The Aussie is 7/1 to open the scoring in the fourth-round clash as Everton look to embark on a decent FA Cup run to make up for their indifferent Premier League form.

Even though the Goodison club will start favourites, 10/11 offers scant value about such a shot-shy unit and punters may decide an in-form Dempsey can earn Martin Jol’s men a replay back at Craven Cottage.

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Шарапова против Азаренко – не пропустите онлайн трансляцию! Джокович и Маррей разыграют путевку в финал! «Реал Мадрид» не волшебники – они только учатся!

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 26, 2012

Футбол. Испания. Кубок Короля

Барселона – Реал Мадрид 2:2 (счет первого матча2:1). Это была встреча, которая войдет в историю противостояния «гранатово-синих» и «сливочных». Матч был похож на морские волны, которыеkaka gesture 1 300x197 Шарапова против Азаренко – не пропустите онлайн трансляцию! Джокович и Маррей разыграют путевку в финал! Реал Мадрид не волшебники они только учатся! щедро омывают пляжи Барселоны.

Первая даже не половина, а «тридцатиминутка», ознаменовалась практически безграничным преимуществом «Реала», черту которому подвел Месут Озил, пробивший с метров тридцатипяти в перекладину. В той ситуации Хосеп Пинто уже ничем не смог помочь своей команде, и только «родной» для него каркас ворот спас «Барсу» от 0:1 в первом тайме.

Ну а далее началось что-то невообразимое… «Барселоне» удалась разящая контратака и Педро, выскочив один на один с Касильясом, аккуратно пробил в уголок. Для Роналду, Кака и Пепе – это был как ушат ледяной воды. Негодованию Криштиану так и вовсе не было предела, но буквально через пару минут Дани Алвес вколотил сумасшедший по красоте мяч в ворота «Мадрида».

В этот момент показалось, что «Реал» в нокауте, так как переигрывать весь тайм «Барсу» и получить два гола в раздевалку – это мало кто психологически выдержит. Но как показал второй тайм, у этого «Реала» есть характер!
Сперва арбитр не засчитал гол Серхио Рамоса, что также могло окончательно добить мадридистов, но нет, Месут Озил выдал великолепный пас, и Криштиану Роналду мастерски переиграл Пинто. Не прошло и четырех минут, как уже Карим Бензема сравнял счет. В этот момент трибуны «Камп Ноу» замолчали, так как «сливочные» оказались всего в голе от прохода в следующую стадию, а играть оставалось еще двадцать минут.

Но чуда не произошло, и матч так и закончился со счетом 2:2… «Реал», сыграв вничью, сделал хотя бы минимальный, но подарок своему тренеру – Жозе Моуринью сегодня исполняется 49 лет.

Отдельно хочу сказать, что сознательно не стал рассматривать судейские ошибки Фернандо Витьенеса, который провел Классико совсем неоднозначно, так как в этой встрече превыше всего была именно игра…

Теннис. Открытый Чемпионат Австралии

Мария Шарапова – Виктория Азаренко. Россиянка обладала ужасающей статистикой в матчах с Петрой Квитовой, что в итоге не помешало ей в лихо закрученном по интриге матче вырвать победу буквально «на флажке». По словам самой Шараповой, она не могла «зацепиться» на подаче Петры до самого последнего гейма.

В этом матче фаворитом считается Азаренко 1.75, но для белорусской спортсменки это будет первый финал турнира большого шлема, так что нервозность может ей и помешать.

По моему мнению, победу одержит Шарапова 2.00

Новак Джокович – Энди Маррей. Я не вижу почти ни одной причины, которая может помочь Энди пробиться в финал. Плюс ко всему неустойчивая психика британца может стать определяющим фактором, который его туда не пустит.

Новак Джокович 1.38 за все время турнира дал слабину только в матче с Лейтоном Хьютом, позволив австралийцу взять один сет. То физическое состояние, в котором находится серб, позволит ему легко справиться с Марреем 2.95. Да и финал Джокович – Надаль выглядит как-то симпатичнее.

Хочу еще раз напомнить, что все эти матчи вы можете посмотреть в разделе ставок онлайн на нашем сайте!

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  2. Федерер и Надаль в полуфинале австралийского чемпионата! Джокович и Маррей – следующие?! Теннис. Открытый Чемпионат Австралии. Роджер Федерер – Рафаэль Надаль. Теннис,…
  3. Учтет ли «Реал Мадрид» уроки «Малаги»? Евгений Малкин остановит «Нью-Йорк Рейнджерс»? Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера. Реал Мадрид – Гранада. Кубковая игра…

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Five potential Cup shocks

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 26, 2012

FA Cup fourth round weekend is coming up so we assess where the shocks could be with plenty of big Premier League reputations once again on the line.

QPR v Chelsea

The first of five all-Premier League ties in the fourth round gets the action underway on Saturday and, after all the off-field shenanigans in the build up to the game, expect a fiery encounter at Loftus Road.

The Rs managed a 1-0 win in the infamous league game between the two and Mark Hughes’ men can match that feat and cause a minor shock (QPR 9/2, Chelsea 4/6, draw 13/5).

Much of the focus will be on John Terry and Anton Ferdinand but afterwards all the talk could be about another disappointing day for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas and an early FA Cup exit for his side.

Derby v Stoke

The Potters survived a banana skin in the third round when they overcame Gillingham but they are sure to be tested once again when they head to Derby on Saturday (Derby 5/2, Stoke 11/10, draw 9/4).

The Rams made a fine start to the season in the Championship but have been inconsistent of late as their play-off bid has faltered. But in Nigel Clough they have one of the most respected young managers in the game and he will have his side well prepared to take on last season’s beaten finalists.

Derby have been difficult to beat since the turn of the year and have kept four consecutive clean sheets so a narrow 1-0 home win, on offer at 17/2, looks tasty in this one.

Sheffield United v Birmingham

The Blades host the Blues at Bramall Lane with the League One club good value at 13/8 to cause an upset and dump out the Championship side.

United are well in touch in the League One promotion race and have lost just twice at home all season ahead of this fourth-round tie.

Boss Danny Wilson is scenting a shock and this week described Saturday’s game as a “fantastic clash” between two in-form sides.

Blues (13/8) will fancy their chances too, and have risen up the Championship table in recent weeks and could yet mount an automatic promotion bid in the second half of the season.

But a passionate home crowd can inspire Wilson’s men in this one and a narrow home win is well worth backing.

Brighton v Newcastle

The evening game on the south coast has been picked for live TV because of the very real prospect that another Premier League side could going tumbling out (Brighton 11/4, Newcastle Evens, draw 12/5).

The Magpies have exceeded expectations so far this season and remain in the hunt for a top-six finish in the Premier League but will face a stiff examination against Gus Poyet’s side.

The Seagulls have been good at their new Amex Arena home this season, losing just three times in the league, and expect another packed stadium to make things difficult for Toon, who are likely to make changes for the tie.

Without top-scorer Demba Ba, Pardew’s men may struggle to penetrate the Brighton defence so the Championship side could easily spring a shock.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

Another of the all-top flight games rounds off the action on Sunday with Villa, buoyed by a 3-2 win at Wolves last weekend, eyeing the Gunners’ scalp and brave punters can be rewarded by backing Alex McLeish’s side at 5/1.

Arsenal (4/7) have hit another sticky patch in recent weeks, losing against Fulham, Swansea and Manchester United to scupper their top-four hopes.

Arsene Wenger usually rotates his squad for the FA Cup and while that could mean a first start since his return for Thierry Henry, several inexperienced youngsters may also get the chance to impress.

That could play into Villa’s hands, however, and they can take advantage of the current gloom at the Emirates and come away with a hard-fought away win.

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Elephants set to stampede

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 25, 2012

The second round of Group B games on Thursday sees Africa Cup of Nations favourites Ivory Coast (11/8 Outright) attempt to see off Burkina Faso to book a place in the last eight while Angola are a victory over Sudan away from joining them.

IVORY COAST V BURKINO FASO (7pm)

The Elephants were not too convincing in their opening group game as a header from Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was enough to see off Sudan to leave the side close to progression into the knockout stages.

The Stallions coach Paulo Duarte claimed his side were guilty of “schoolboy errors” in defence as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat in their opening game against Angola so will be looking for them to tighten up significantly in the face of arguably much stronger opposition in Malabo.

Francois Zahoui’s Ivory Coast side will be bolstered by the likes of Premier League stars Drogba, Chelsea team-mate Salomon Kalou and Arsenal’s Gervinho as they will no doubt look to improve on their opening performance.

The Burkinabe, who must avoid defeat to stay in the competition, have problems going into the game as they have lost midfielder Abdou Razak Traore due to passport problems. It looks a foregone conclusion on paper with Ivory Coast seemingly much too strong for their opponents.

But let’s not forget that Bukino Faso held them to a cagey goalless draw in their last meeting in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cabinda, Angola at the 2010 tournament.

Drogba bemoaned the way the Burkino Faso side defended with 10 men behind the ball following that game so expect him to be doubly determined to break them down on Thursday.

Prediction: Ivory Coast Home 90 Minutes @ 4/9
Value Bet: Ivory Coast 3-0 Correct Score @ 8/1

ANGOLA V SUDAN (4pm)

Thursday’s action in Malabo gets underway with current group leaders Angola (9/2 Group B Winner) looking for the win which will take them into the quarter-finals before Ivory Coast.

The group winners may come down to goal difference so it could be in Angola’s interests to go for goals if they want to put pressure on the Elephants ahead of their clash against Burkino Faso.

However, the Black Antelopes laboured in their opening 2-1 win against the Burkinabe thanks to goals from Mateus and Manucho so coach Lito Vidigal will be looking for a much-improved display against the Sudanese.

Vidigal has already called on his Angola side to improve on their quarter-final finishes in the 2008 and 2010 editions, particularly as the latter was on home soil and they were expected to do a lot better in front of their watching fans.

But Sudan, who are the only team at the tournament representing east Africa and draw all of their players exclusively from their domestic league, will have been encouraged by their battling defensive display against Ivory Coast in which they were narrowly beaten by the tournament favourites.

It has all the potential to be a closely-fought encounter, but with Angola having experience of progressing into the last eight in recent tournaments while Sudan have failed to get past the first round since they won it in 1970, we feel the Black Antelopes will have just too much on the night.

Prediction: Angola Away 90 Minutes @ 17/20
Value Bet Draw/ Angola HT/FT @ 10/3

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Онлайн трансляция «Эль Классико». «Реал Мадрид» попытается обыграть «Барселону» на «Ноу Камп» – невозможное возможно?!

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 25, 2012

Футбол. Испания. Кубок Короля

Барселона – Реал Мадрид (счет первого матча 2:1). Хочу вам сообщить, что вы можете наблюдать этот матч на нашем сайте в прямом эфире, для этого вам необходимо просто зарегистрироваться. ВидеотрансляцииBenzema Ronaldo diMaria 11 226x300 Онлайн трансляция Эль Классико. Реал Мадрид попытается обыграть Барселону на Ноу Камп невозможное возможно?! находятся в разделе ставок онлайн, таким образом, вам не надо разрываться между компьютером и телевизором во время матча, вы можете делать ставки и смотреть игру одновременно.

Но вернемся непосредственно к Эль Классико. За прошедшую неделю в жизни «Реала» и «Барселоны» 1.65 произошло немало событий. Оба клуба обыграли своих соперников по чемпионату с одинаковым счетом 4:1, так что в «Примере» ситуация не изменилась ни на грамм.

А вот в «королевстве» Жозе Моуринью обстановка накалилась. Серхио Рамос позволил себе прилюдно вступить в словесную перепалку с тренером. Произошло это на первой тренировке после прошедшего Классико. Защитник сборной Испании «уколол» тренера в самое больное место; сказав ему, что он не понимает всей ситуации на поле, так как никогда сам в футбол не играл.

Не исключено, что немалую роль в этом конфликте играют испанские газеты, которые подливают масла в огонь. По словам все того же Рамоса, газетные заголовки не отображали того, что на самом деле говорили футболисты «Реала».

В «Барселоне» в этот момент преобладают самые миролюбивые настроения, если уже Хосеп Гвардиола готов поверить в то, что Пепе случайно наступил на руку Месси. По данным из стана «сливочных» бразилец пропустит ответный матч в любом случае, так как у него микротравма, а Жозе Моуринью хочет попробовать новую расстановку полузащитников.

Португальский специалист на предматчевой пресс-конференции был как всегда резковат в суждениях, но другого мы от него и не ждем. Жозе сказал, что вылет «Реала» из Кубка Короля станет событием только для «Барселоны», а не для его команды, так как «Реал» 5.00 лидирует в чемпионате Испании и продолжает выступление в Лиге Чемпионов!

Как известно, у победы много отцов, а поражение всегда сирота, вот и Жозе Моуринью оказался сейчас в сложной ситуации. «Реал» обязан идти вперед на «Ноу Камп», а следовательно, раскрываться. Чем это может быть чревато в игре с «сине-гранатовыми», мы все знаем. Да и забивать «мадридистам» нужно как минимум два мяча.

Итог матча кажется предрешенным, но часто именно самые очевидные ставки являются провальными. Ведь любые серии удачные или неудачные рано или поздно заканчиваются…

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Another Real struggle at Camp Nou

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 24, 2012

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes his side can overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday, but we sense more disappointment for the Portuguese coach (Barca 8/13, Real 9/2, draw 14/5 – match prices).

Real raced into a 1-0 lead in the first game when Cristiano Ronaldo scored early on before second-half goals from Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal gave Barca their narrow advantage.

The quarter-final is finely balanced then, so it’s likely to be another closely-fought battle between the old foes at the Nou Camp but, with home advantage and a first-leg lead, Barca should have enough to go through.

As is often the case when these two heavyweights go head-to-head, the first leg was overshadowed by fiery clashes on the pitch, with Real defender Pepe the villain on this occasion as he appeared to stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand.

Pepe has insisted it was purely an accident but he can expect a rough reception from the Barca fans – if he is selected for the second leg.

Mourinho has said he is yet to finalise his starting XI amid reports Pepe will be left out, while Lassana Diarra remains a major injury doubt for the visitors ahead of the game.

Following the controversy at the Bernabeu, a spiky Mourinho was coy at his pre-match press conference as to his plans for the second leg but he insists Real can secure a win and progress through to the last four.

“I will not answer [any question related to what team I will pick]. I’m the coach and I do not have to explain what approach I choose publicly,” he said.

“I think my team has a chance to play the semifinals, so we will try our best. But we know against our opponent we lost 2-1 the first time, so there is also a chance we won’t make it.”

There have also been claims that Barca counterpart Pep Guardiola will make changes for the second leg but he is still likely to field big guns Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and co as he aims to guide his side through to the semi-final stage.

Real know they will need to strike early to get back into the game and it’s worth backing Ronaldo to open the scoring again at 11/2 but, overall, another Barca win looks on the cards with a 3-1 home win in the correct score market at 10/1 worth a punt.

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Федерер и Надаль в полуфинале австралийского чемпионата! Джокович и Маррей – следующие?!

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 24, 2012

Теннис. Открытый Чемпионат Австралии.

Роджер Федерер – Рафаэль Надаль. Теннис, как никакой другой вид спорта подвержен изменениям ситуацииFederer Blue volley 1 300x217 Федерер и Надаль в полуфинале австралийского чемпионата! Джокович и Маррей следующие?! на площадке. Поэтому мы можем посоветовать вам делать ставки онлайн с прекрасными коэффициентами.

Самое главное, что все ключевые матчи вы можете наблюдать онлайн на нашем сайте, для этого вам надо лишь зарегистрироваться на www.partybets.com

Нам не дано понять, что чувствуют Роджер 1.63 и Рафаэль 2.25, когда в очередной, уже бессчетный раз, выходят на площадку и видят друг друга. У швейцарца на этом турнире произошло много юбилейных событий. Для начала сегодняшний матч с Дель Потро стал для него тысячным в туре, а встреча с Рафой станет 30-м матчем в полуфиналах турниров большого шлема.

Рафа и Роджер сегодня будут наблюдать за играми Маррея и Джоковича, которые должны обыграть своих конкурентов и оформить воссоединение «Фантастической Четверки» в полуфинале Открытого Чемпионата Австралии.

Екатерина Макарова – Мария Шарапова. В этом году чемпионат Австралии казался «крайне антироссийским», а Екатерина Макарова 3.75 чуть ли не в одиночку сгладила это впечатление! Обыграть Серену Уильямс – это дорогого стоит! И главное как! Это не был нервный матч в лучших традициях женского тенниса, когда все меняется от партии к партии, это была спокойная победа в двух сетах. Вопрос только в том, хватит ли у нее эмоций на Марию Шарапову?

Стоит отметить, что так же все размышляли и после её победы над Верой Звонаревой. А уж полуфинал Австралийского Чемпионата должен стать той целью, которая может воодушевить на подвиги.

Для Марии Шараповой 1.25 ничего нового в этом мире уже не существует. Вот и эта встреча с соотечественницей станет рядовым матчем турнира. Другой дело, что для четвертой сеянной на этом турнире, поражение станет маленькой трагедией. Безусловно, «горький опыт» Серены Уильямс должен ей помочь.

Но еще раз хочу повторить, что в женском теннисе  возможно все!  Ярким примером тому может служить сегодняшний матч Виктории Азаренко против Агнешки Радвански: проиграв первый сет на тай-брейке, она взяла два последующих со счетом 6:0 6:2. Такие матчи просто «непаханное поле» для любителей ставок онлай.

Футбол. Кубок Короля

Барселона -  Реал Мадрид ( счет первого матча 2:1). Теннис теннисом, но уже завтра случится очередное эль классико, которое в очередной раз всколыхнет всю футбольную Европу. Но об этом уже завтра…

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  2. Мария Шарапова и Каролина Возняцки – встреча неизбежна?! «Ред Булл» правит балом, но в последний раз. «Динамо» рвется в лидеры чемпионата. Теннис. Уимблдон. За всю историю Уимблдона только пять турниров прошли…
  3. Джокович и Маррей лечат травмы, Федерер хочет победить! Россия сыграет на берегах Эллады! Теннис. Мастерс. Париж. В этом году календарь АТП тура сверстан…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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City set to break Anfield spell

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 24, 2012

Attention turns to the all-Premier League Carling Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday as Liverpool look to maintain their slender advantage over big-spending Manchester City, with the two sides having endured mixed fortunes of late.

The Reds of course secured a 1-0 lead through Steven Gerrard’s penalty in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium two weeks ago, which inflicted a second successive home defeat on Roberto Mancini’s men following their FA Cup loss to Manchester United.

The result was perhaps particularly surprising as the Citizens had cruised to a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League fixture just before those two Cup shocks.

Mancini’s squad though has recovered and will be going into Wednesday’s fixture after edging to a nervy 1-0 win at Wigan before an injury-time penalty sealed three points against Spurs to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The way the season has gone, there will be those who believe 13/8 on the country’s big spenders to win away is too big to ignore as they have demonstrated their capabilities on the road this season, winning 5-1 at Spurs and 6-1 at Manchester United.

However, those results were some time ago and City have been beaten at Sunderland as well as being held at West Brom recently, failing to score in both. Furthermore, they are travelling to a venue where they have a particularly poor record.

It has been nine years since City last won at Anfield and although there has been a financial revolution in the blue half of Manchester since then, Mancini’s star-studded line-up was held 1-1 there earlier this season and were trounced 3-0 last term.

Backing Liverpool at 13/8 is certainly taking a chance though, given the Reds’ abject performance at Bolton at the weekend. This led to boss Kenny Dalglish publicly criticising his players – some of which, of course, he brought to the club following his return to the hot seat.

It has to be expected that – whoever is selected – the Reds will not play as badly again but as they do not have to score to book a Wembley appearance, Dalglish may look to be solid at the back first, given the ease with which Bolton were able to score three goals on Saturday (draw 23/10 in the match betting).

There are some key absentees from both sides in this fixture as well, with the Toure brothers missing for City along with captain Vincent Kompany, who serves the last game of his four-match ban.

It has yet to be confirmed whether the Eastlands outfit will contest the FA charge Sunday’s match-winner is facing, although it is debatable whether Mario Balotelli would have displaced either Edin Dzeko or Sergio Aguero (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) in the starting XI anyway.

Luis Suarez remains unavailable for Liverpool but it says a great deal about Andy Carroll’s lack of form that Reds fans are pining for the Uruguayan’s return as the former Newcastle man has mustered just four goals in all competitions this season.

Liverpool have made Anfield something of a fortress under their new manager as he has tasted defeat just once in 23 games at home, although an unbeaten league record on Merseyside this season masks the fact they have drawn seven of their 11 games.

It is difficult to see a host of goals in this one, despite Stefan Savic’s nervy attempts to fill the void left by Kompany, but City at least look like they can score goals – and they need to. Therefore, they are fancied to sneak through.

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Coppa Italia takes centre stage

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 23, 2012

Italy’s top teams switch their focus to the Coppa Italia and Tuesday sees possibly the tie of the round with Serie A leaders Juventus hosting sixth place Roma (Juve evens, draw 12/5, Roma 11/4 – match prices).

The Galliorossi are currently on a run of four consecutive wins and will travel to Turin full of confidence. However, Antonio Conte’s side have been the epitome of consistency this season and are yet to lose.

After a few years in the doldrums, it now appears as if Juve are back to where they belong and with an exciting young squad, many are predicting that they will soon re-establish themselves as European powerhouses.

Despite not being beaten this season, the Bianconeri have been plagued by draws recently and seem to have lost some of the cutting edge that saw them dominate the early months of the campaign.

Despite this, looking down the squad, it’s obvious they have the potential to score goals from anywhere. However, much of their chances are provided by playmaker Claudio Marchisio (9/4 to score at anytime) who has matured into one of the world’s best players this season. The 26-year-old has been tipped for stardom ever since making his debut in 2006 but has often suffered from inconsistency.

However, this term he has come on leaps and bounds and is now the heartbeat of Conte’s side. His combination with Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo in the heart of the midfield is sure to prove vital and he’ll be looking to have a major impact on the game.

As already mentioned, Roma are currently one of Italy’s form sides and, after a few early season hiccups, now look like a genuine threat to the Champions League places. The Roman club went through somewhat of a changing of the guard in the summer and saw a number of new faces arrive at the Olimpico. However, the players now seemed to have adapted to coach Luis Enrique’s style of play and are now flying.

As with everything good that has happened to the i Lupi over the last decade or so, Francesco Totti’s (15/8 to score at anytime) form has seemed to reflect his side this season. However, he has now rediscovered his consistency prompting calls from Italy coach Cesare Prandelli for him to end his international retirement ahead of Euro 2012.

The veteran trequartista will surely have a say on the outcome of the match and if Roma they’re likely to have Totti to thank.

Both sides are undoubtedly going to be looking to go all out to win the match as in Italy the Cup is held in much higher regard than in other nations. This is sure to help produce an entertaining game but home advantage could make the difference and Juve should take the win but it?ll certainly be close (Juve 7/1 to win 2-1 – correct score).

In the other ties in the Coppa Italia, Chievo take on Siena and Napoli entertain FC Internazionale Milano on Wednesday, while AC Milan play Lazio on Thursday.

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Eagles set for Wembley swoop

By SoccerCapper | Published: January 23, 2012

Crystal Palace head to Cardiff on Tuesday looking to finish the job in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg after winning the first match between the two sides 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

The Bluebirds have a phenomenal home record and will fancy their chances of over turning Palace’s slender advantage. However, on the big occasions in the past they have choked.

Can Cardiff cope with the jitters or will Palace be making the short trip to Wembley?

Cardiff had earnt the reputation as chokers under former boss Dave Jones after a string of play-off failures, the most recent of which saw them beaten 3-0 at home by Reading in the second leg last season.

The season before that they had been beaten in the play-off final by Blackpool having looked odds on for automatic promotion before a late slump.

Despite a change in manager since those debacles the Bluebirds did seem to freeze in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final in south London. Anthony Gardener’s goal was enough to give Palace the win on that occasion, and while Cardiff wrongly had a goal chalked off they never looked like getting back into the game once they had fallen behind.

Ahead of the return match in Wales, Palace manager Dougie Freedman has seemingly taken great delight in pointing out Cardiff’s recent failures, predicting they will be “scared stiff” for Tuesday night’s game.

No doubt the game will come down to who copes with the pressure best, with thoughts of being 90 minutes away from Wembley likely to make a few stomachs churn before kick-off.

Malky Mackay has rubbished talk of his team getting stage fright and says Saturday’s last-gasp win over Portsmouth has filled his players with confidence ahead of the arrival of Palace.

Cardiff are a different animal at home, winning 13 out of 17 matches on their own patch this year. The Bluebirds’  home record means they are the 8/11 favourites to win the match inside 90 minutes, with Palace 4/1 and the draw 5/2.

Obviously only a win will do for Cardiff  and as such you can expect Mackay’s team to be a lot more open than they were at Selhurst Park, with the Scot likely to play two up front. The Bluebirds boss named a fairly strong team for the win over Portsmouth so expect the majority of the same eleven to start again on Tuesday.

As for Palace, it is clear that for Freedman this is potentially the biggest game they will play this season after he decided to rest ten first-team players for the trip to Blackpool. Having made a flying start to the season Palace have dropped down the Championship table a little and clearly see the Carling Cup as their main chance of success this season, rather than promotion.

Palace’s form on the road has varied from one end of the scale to the other, Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Blackpool making six losses in the last nine away from home. However, they did win the other three matches and one of those was at Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Palace’s main strength this season has been their defence, allowing just two sides to score more than two goals in 16 games away from Selhurst Park. The Eagles’ backline is likely to be tested by Cardiff on Tuesday and while the Bluebirds can get the win they need it will probably only be good enough to force extra time.

The draw HT/Cardiff FT bet at 10/3 looks to be inviting given how the first game went, with Palace to go through to next month’s showdown at Wembley being the eventual outcome.

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