Monthly Archives: May 2010

Barcelona Won’t Slip Up Now

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Lionel Messi Barcelona2 Barcelona Wont Slip Up Now“The fans must not see themselves as champions because that’s not the case and the team shouldn’t think it and that is my job… We have the great fortune of having our destiny in our own hands but Valladolid are coming to us and they need to save themselves under Javi Clemente who I know because I had him as national coach. Since Clemente arrived they have only lost one game to Atletico Madrid and they will be a defensive side looking for their chance. The danger is that everyone thinks it is done and that we are champions – which we aren’t.” – Pep Guardiola.

The title race to be La Liga Champions will conclude on Sunday evening and Barcelona will be crowned champions with a win at home to Real Valladolid. As the comments from Barca coach Pep Guardiola demonstrate, it is not a foregone conclusion.

Real Madrid have been relentless in their pursuit of Barcelona this season and are just one point behind them with one game remaining and they will be hoping Valladolid’s desire to play la Liga football next season will get them a result at the Nou Camp.

Real Valladolid are one of the five teams that can go down next season. Xerez are just three points behind Valladolid, Tenerife, Malaga and Santander but have the better record as they come to a winnable game at Osasuna.

However, Valladolid will have to stop Lionel ‘The Flea’ Messi if they have any chance of taking something from Barcelona. Messi already has 32 league goals to his name this season and is 2.50 to score the first goal.

Barcelona won 3-0 when these two sides last met and despite Valladolid’s fight for survival they won’t be any match for a focused Barcelona who will not allow Real Madrid to pip them to the post.

Back Barcelona to retain their title and win 3-0 at 6.50 with PartyBets.com.

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Martinez starting Wigan overhaul

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Wigan are closing in on the signing of Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz and hope he will be a big hit in the Premiership next season.

The Latics just managed to beat the drop this season and it is going to take more than the arrival of Alcarez to prevent them from being sucked into another relegation battle in the next campaign.

Roberto Martinez’s men played some great stuff at times and looked world beaters when turning over both Chelsea and Arsenal at the DW Stadium but they were far too inconsistent and hovered just above relegation all season.

The 9-1 hammering at Tottenham earlier in the season highlighted all their frailties, while the 8-0 defeat at Chelsea, albeit with 10 men for much of the game, showed Martinez has a stack of work to do.

At least he recognises the problem areas and the Spaniard believes that Alcaraz will add some much-needed quality at the back.

“We are thrilled to have been able to capture a player of calibre of Antolin,” Martinez told the club’s website.

“I think everyone will realise what a quality player he is when we see him at the World Cup for Paraguay.

“He is a highly versatile defender with great awareness and distribution and has great pride in keeping clean sheets.

“He is entering the best period of his career and is looking forward to adding to his international and European experience, as well as playing for his country in the World Cup.”

Martinez needs even more quality if Wigan are to edge their way up towards the top 10 but it is not the only problem he faces this summer.

Trying to keep his best players will also be a difficult job as the vultures are already starting to circulate.

There are already rumours doing the rounds suggesting Charles N’Zogbia is a target for Birmingham, while there will be no shortage of interest in Hugo Rodallega this summer.

Wigan are without doubt a selling club and any big offers that come in will be accepted. That has been proven in the past when the likes of Wilson Palacios, Antonion Valencia and Lee Cattermole have all been allowed to leave as soon as the big money comes out.

Even so there is still plenty to be optimistic about at Wigan. It is not that long since they were playing in the non-league and the fact they are turning themselves into an established Premiership club is a near miracle.

They will flirt with danger again but Martinez will be confident of again beating the drop, especially if he can keep his top men and draft a few more in at the same time.

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Nothing Will Stop Inter Now

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inter roma Nothing Will Stop Inter Now Much like the title race in Spain, Italy’s Serie A season has gone down to the last game of the season before producing the league winners. Inter Milan are two points ahead of Roma at the top of the league and a win against Siena on Sunday night will see Mourinho’s men retain the Scudetto for another year.

Although Mourinho’s future is in doubt as reports linking him with the hot seat at Real Madrid grow ever stronger, one thing that isn’t in doubt is the result of this match. Siena has already been guaranteed relegation to Serie B after conceding the most goals (66) this season. A huge ten points from safety, the Bianconeri have only won once in their last 11 matches.
Inter Milan are on the cusp of wrapping up an historic treble winning season with the Coppa d’Italia already wrapped up, a win on Sunday seals Serie A, then next Saturday they can claim the Champions League with victory over Bayern Munich in Madrid.

Roma are now clutching at straws. Earlier this week Mourinho stirred things up when he commented that Roma would pay Siena to see off his side and give them the title. In an interview he said: “If it’s true that the president of Siena is happy to beat us and has promised the same prize to his players that he would have given them if they had stayed up, they’ll have extra motivation. And who knows, Roma… might offer some extra money.”

All the money in the world couldn’t buy a Siena win on Sunday and even if Inter don’t have playmaker Sneijder available, they will still have enough options available to pick apart Siena. Bad boy Mario Balotelli is 3.50 to score the first goal.

Back Inter Milan to secure another Scudetto victory with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Siena available at 6.50 with PartyBets.com.

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Fabregas unsure over future

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Cesc Fabregas says he wants his future sorting before the World Cup (Spain 4/1 favourites to win) with Barcelona keen to take him back to Spain.

Speculation linking Fabregas with a return to Spain has refused to go away but now it seems as though the midfielder is pushing for a move, and who could blame him.

Arsenal again finished the season without any silverware to show for their efforts and with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham emerging as major forces in the Premier League, he could now be running out of patience.

The Gunners are 6/1 to win the Premier League next season with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of them in the betting and Fabregas will no doubt feel another trophy free season could be on the cards.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been promised transfer funds this summer but chances are it will not be enough to compete with their Premier League rivals, and the imminent arrival of Marouane Chamakh will not scare anyone.

Not many players in world football could improve Barcelona but Fabregas is certainly one of them and he would no doubt be a regular in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven

Fabregas has insisted he is in no rush to leave the Gunners but reading between the lines it seems as though the midfielder is keen to return to the Nou Camp sooner rather than later.

The fact he wants a decision making over his future suggests he wants to leave. The player is tied down to a long-term lucrative deal at the Emirates Stadium so the only decision that Arsenal have to make is whether to sell him or not.

If he was happy to stay then why bring up the subject of a possible move to Barcelona? He would just concentrate on getting fit for the World Cup and say nothing about his club football.

“I want to make a decision about my future before the World Cup,” Fabregas revealed.

“It’s impossible to perform at a tournament such as the World Cup if you’re not fully focused on the sporting aspects of the game. It does not benefit anyone.

“If I ever leave Arsenal it will be to play for Barcelona. I would like to go, whether they want me or not is another matter.

“I am 23 years old and I have a long career in front of me. I’ve never hidden the fact that playing for Barcelona is a dream that I would like to fulfil.

“I’m very happy at Arsenal. I’m in no hurry to leave the club.

“Barcelona are still playing for the Liga title and I’m still an Arsenal player. It would be a lack of respect to discuss a transfer now.”

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Camoranesi backs Italy for glory

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Mauro Camoranesi believes that no side will want to play Italy (12-1 to win the tournament) at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

The Juventus winger has been named in coach Marcello Lippi’s 30-man preliminary list despite having a disappointing qualifying campaign for the Azzurri.

Whether or not he is given the nod for the final 23-man squad remains to be seen but the Argentine-born Italian feels confident that the reigning champions are still the side to beat at the World Cup, four years on from glory in Germany.

“This is a very strong Italy squad for the World Cup and if I look at our opponents, nobody wants to take us on,” he said.

“The other teams know they’d be facing a side that has lifting the trophy as its sole objective.”

Whether or not teams such as Spain (4-1 favourites to lift the trophy), Brazil (5-1) and England (6-1 to win their first World Cup since 1966) will be quaking in their boots following the Juventus’ winger’s comments is open to question but Camoranesi also revealed whom he feels might have a say in proceedings this summer.

“History tells us the favourites for the World Cup are always the same, basically: Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and France,” he added. “On top of them Spain have proved they are very strong by winning Euro 2008 and will fight to the end.”

The 33-year-old also believes that England have a chance with Fabio Capello in charge as they have improved “a great deal” in recent times.

While the market suggests that Italy could have their work cut out to defend their title over the coming weeks, they are 1-14 to make it out of Group F, with Slovakia priced at 5-4, Paraguay on offer at 1-2 and New Zealand the outsiders at 12-1.

Spain have never won the sport’s most prestigious event but are favourites to go all the way this summer and are, not surprisingly, 21-10 favourites to be top European team.

England are next best priced at 13-5, while Holland trade at 13-2, the Italians can be backed at 7-1 with Germany on offer at 15-2.

Many pundits are predicting a wide open contest in southern Africa this time around and Italy’s aging squad might find the conditions catch up with them, despite Camoranesi’s bullish comments heading into the pre-tournament warm-up games.

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Drogba would welcome Torres

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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has stated that he would love to play alongside Fernando Torres for the Blues next season (Chelsea 13/8 with totesport to win the 2010/2011 Premier League outright), as speculation continues over the Spaniard’s future.

Drogba netted 29 goals for Chelsea this season after enjoying a flourishing partnership with French international Nicolas Anelka, but the former Marseille man has said that he would welcome a move this summer for the Spanish striker.

The Golden Boot winner stated: “I have heard the talk about Torres maybe coming in and I would welcome it, of course. Every time there is a new player coming here it’s making the club bigger and giving us a lot of strength.

“If there is a chance for him to come he will be welcome, because any help is welcome, he added.

With reports claiming that Liverpool’s debts are in the region of £351.4m and having missed out on Champions League football for next season, talk continues to mount over the possible sale of  star players with Torres their prized asset.

Along with Chelsea, Manchester City have also been linked with the former Ateltico Madrid star and they could lead the chase with their financial backing.  The Blues have not spent the kind of money that the Eastlands club have splashed out in recent seasons, although Chelsea’s continued success may prove a more tempting offer for a player who is yet to win anything during his time at Anfield.

Drogba, the Premier League’s top goalscorer his season, was part of a Chelsea side that scored more than 100 Premier League goals and have not found the back of the net hard to come by.

However, the Ivory Coast striker believes that the club can always improve as they go into their FA Cup final clash with Portsmouth on Saturday (Chelsea 1/5, draw 11/2, Portsmouth 12/1).

The Blues are going for the first League and FA Cup double in their 105-year history and Drogba feels that it would great to win for everyone at the club.

He said: “I want to finish the job this year with the FA Cup final. To win the double would mean a lot to the club and to us as players.”

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Ferdinand fit for World Cup

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Captain Rio Ferdinand claims he is over his recent spate of injuries and should be capable of leading England (6/1 to win World Cup) when they head to South Africa next month.

The 31-year-old made only 24 appearances for club and country this season having been troubled by back and leg problems throughout the campaign.

There had been suggestions England coach Fabio Capello could leave Ferdinand at home should he fail to prove his fitness before the end of the domestic campaign.

However, the Italian has backtracked on his previous promise of only taking fit players to South Africa and has now stated that some players were too important to leave behind.

Ferdinand appears to fall into that bracket having been in and out of the Manchester United side as the season came to a conclusion.

The former Leeds and West Ham defender has said he went to see a back specialist two weeks ago to discover whether he would be hampered by the long-standing problem when he went away on England (13/5 to be the Top European team) duty.

Ferdinand now believes his injury problems are behind him and is looking forward to leading his country for the first time at an international tournament.

“It has been a frustrating time but you’ve got to get on with it,” said the Three Lions skipper.

“Hopefully now I’m coming out the back end of it and, fingers crossed, I will not get any more injuries.”

Capello’s 30-man squad will head to a training camp in Austria in four days time to begin their preparations for the World Cup before they face Mexico and Japan in two pre-tournament friendly matches.

England then play their first group match against the USA (5/1 to beat England – 90 minutes market) on June 12 and Ferdinand says it will be a dream to come true to lead his nation out at a World Cup.

“It’s every kid’s dream (to be captain). It’s an incredible honour and I think it will only sink in when the time comes.”

Ferdinand’s statement comes a day after an injury scare involving his central defensive partner John Terry, reports emerging on Wednesday the Chelsea star had broken a metatarsal in training.

However, the 29-year-old has undergone a scan which gave him the all clear and is now back training with the Blues ahead of their FA Cup final against Portsmouth on Saturday.

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Milan Juvenutus Serie A Clash – A Battle of Pride

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Inter Milan Scudetto Milan Juvenutus Serie A Clash A Battle of PrideTwo giants of Italian football go head-to-head on Saturday, but both clubs have endured a season to forget.

Milan’s local rivals, Inter, look likely to wrap up the Scudetto on Sunday – which is why this match has been brought forward to Saturday evening, to avoid any clashes on the streets of Milan between the two sets of supporters. The sight of their neighbours winning Serie A once again is bad enough for the Rossoneri, but a sub-par season which has seen their form deteriorate in the latter stages of the season has created an anti-climax.

Juventus will be feeling much the same way as they will be finishing 7th this season regardless of Saturday’s result – and that means no European football next season.

Alberto Zaccheroni, the Juve boss, has admitted the clash will lack importance, but not commitment.

You can bet on this match: Inter v Juventus

Dummed Down Fixture?

“The match at the San Siro will not be as important as in other years, also because it is the last of the league season,” he suggested to the Italian press.

“[Based] on the allure of competition, it is not a positive situation. This is my advice for next year: Milan – Juve should happen during the peak time of the season.”

However he also stated the desire to win will still be shown on both sides: “It’s true, in terms of rankings, this game means nothing. On the field, however, there are players of great quality.”

“This is the top level of football, it is impossible not to have incentives.”

When these two sides last met in Turin in January, Milan demolished Juve 3-0 with a brace from Ronaldinho.

Recent form is not good for both sides and both have been very inconsistent in the last few games of the season. Last weekend saw both sides slump to defeat against sides lower down in the league.

You can bet on this match: Inter v Juventus

Milan will be able to do the double over Juve, with players like Pirlo, Pato, and Ronaldinho in the starting eleven they will be capable of scoring goals. Back AC Milan to win 2-0 which is going at 7.00 with PartyBets.com.

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England boss targets final

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England manager Fabio Capello has stated that he will consider the World Cup a failure if his side not make it to the final in South Africa (England 6/1 to win the World Cup outright).

Capello has already picked his 30-man squad which will be whittled down to 23 on June 1 after friendlies against Mexico and Japan and a training camp in Austria (England 1/3 to win Group C).

The England boss has stated that it will be hard to choose which unfortunate seven will not go to the World Cup, but he will be telling them personally when he has made his decision.

Capello’s final squad are aiming to go all the way in this year’s tournament and the manager has said that the English media has affected how he coaches the side.

He said: “Every day the media here comes up with something new and the media has a lot of clout, they really influence public opinion.

“But you have to recognise that, at the same time, they have the pulse of English society. It’s part of the job and that’s why I’m here. If we don’t at least reach the final, we will have failed,” he added.

Capello has also revealed his opinions on the state of the England squad before he took over from former manager Steve McClaren.

He said: “When I arrived, I saw players who were switched off, scared, without a sense of belonging. I was surprised.

“So I tightened the screws, I demanded professionalism and this cemented our team,” he added.

Capello wants his side to focus fully on their task at the World Cup and not let distractions of potential summer transfers take precedence.

Speculation on the future of some of the England players have been in the media recently with Steven Gerrard’s position at Liverpool in question after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.

The England manager said: “I hope the players do not change their team or have negotiations,” he remarked. “It disturbs the players all the time.”

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Forlan Wrecks Fulham Hopes

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europa league 300x214 Forlan Wrecks Fulham HopesThe Europa League Final proved to be one match too far in Fulham’s long season, Diego Forlan’s second strike of the match won the game with five minutes of extra time to go.

Though the Cottagers put in a typically disciplined performance Atletico Madrid always carried more threat in the contest. With Bobby Zamora hampered by his Achilles injury, Fulham just couldn’t put their Spanish opponents under enough pressure at the back.

Atletico’s much vaunted strikers were the difference. Forlan scored the goals but his partner Sergio Aguero took the eye for his quick feet and darting runs, which left Fulham chasing shadows.

It is testimony to Roy Hodgson’s organisational skills that his players were able to cope. In fact, there was a period in the second half of normal time when Fulham appeared to be the side most likely to win.

Fulham’s equalising goal was typical of their season as Simon Davies produced a great volley from one of the few attacks that penetrated the Atletico box. Throughout their campaign, Fulham have taken every chance offered and lived on scraps- the final was no different.

Fulham’s goal came when then Spanish team were pushing on and looked capable of adding a second to Forlan’s poacher’s strike. The equaliser set them back and it wasn’t until midway through the second period that they started to put Fulham under concerted pressure again.

During the second half of normal time Hodgson had to withdraw Zamora and Damian Duff, probably his two best creative talents. The introduction of Clint Dempsey and Erik Nevland offered more running and graft but the ball failed to stick up front.

Atletico had more of the ball in extra time and though Fulham defended well there was always the feeling that the Madrid team would get one more gilt-edged chance.

Aguero provided it by besting Aaron Hughes and delivering a wicked ball across the six yard box. That man Forlan ghosted into the right place again and applied a delicate flick though the legs of his marker ands past Mark Schwarzer.

It was too late for a tired side to force yet another improbably comeback and at least the final wasn’t settled on the dreaded penalties. Fulham were always in the contest but Atletico were the better side and deserved their victory.

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