Monthly Archives: October 2010

Sevilla wingers doubtful for Gigon trip

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Coach Gregorio Manzano is looking to make it a hat-trick of wins for Sevilla (11/10 in Match Betting) when the Andalusians make the long trip north to face a struggling Sporting Gijon (12/5) on Sunday.

The former Mallorca boss has guided Sevilla to impressive back-to-back wins over Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in his first two matches since replacing Antonio Alvarez, who was sacked after a run of one win in five fixtures.

Now, the resurgent rojiblancos face 16th-placed Sporting, who have picked up two points from their last four matches, although Sevilla striker Alejandro Alfaro is not expecting an easy game (8/1 Sevilla 2-0 in Correct Score Betting).

He said: “It will be a fiercely disputed game, but we’re working really hard and we are going there to win it.”

Sporting have a decent home record against Sevilla but lost both meetings with the Andalusians last season, but they catch a break with a couple of injuries potentially depriving Manzano of two key men.

Sporting coach Manuel Preciado recognises the opportunity that presents itself because Sevilla wingers Jesus Navas and Diego Capel may be missing from the line-up.

“It’s better for me,” he told Marca.”Possibly for the fans not, but for me it is. This team has great speed and if neither of them play it’s best for us.”

Sporting captain Rafael Sastre admitted in AS: “We all know the potential that Sevilla have. They have a squad of very versatile and, most notably, very fast players Capel, (Diego) Perotti and Navas being very good examples.

“The change of coach has been good for them, or so it seems, and now they are a more difficult team to beat than a few weeks ago.”

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Black Cats face another stern test

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Bet on Blackburn v SunderlandSunderland defender Michael Turner is expecting a really tough challenge at Blackburn Rovers (23/20 to win the game) on Monday night as the Black Cats prepare for another big month ahead.

In the last four weeks, Turner and co have faced Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United and come through those games unbeaten.

Steve Bruce takes his side to Ewood Park on Monday night to face a Blackburn side level on points with them as the sides sit just two points above the relegation places (Sunderland 12/5 to win the game, draw 23/10).

What will be a huge blow to Sunderland could be the loss of leading scorer Darren Bent. The former Tottenham man sustained a groin injury on England duty and is rated as doubtful for the clash. Their £13million Ghanaian signing Asamoah Gyan (15/2 to be first goalscorer) is set to take his place should Bent fail to make it.

Bruce is also buoyed by the return of Kieran Richardson, Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah, while Danny Wellbeck is available after being ineligible to play against parent club Manchester United in the last game.

Turner knows many Sunderland fans are looking for the side to step up and improve on their results from last season and finish in the Premier League top ten, but the defender is taking nothing for granted with more tough games against Aston Villa and local rivals Newcastle looming on the horizon.

“We have had a good start this year and we just want it to carry on,” said the former Hull defender.

“But we have got a tough game on Monday night and that is what we are concentrating on.

“We know it is going to be a huge contrast to Manchester United and Liverpool in the way Blackburn play, so we know we are going to have to be prepared and roll our sleeves up and be ready for what they throw at us.

“Every team in the league plays with a different style and it is about dealing with whatever is thrown at you.

“We will try to stamp our play on the game and concentrate on that, but we know we are going to have to deal with balls into the box and throw our bodies on the line to keep a clean sheet.”

Blackburn (6/1 to win the game 1-0) manager Sam Allardyce has injury concerns over captain Ryan Nelsen, who is struggling with a thigh problem, while David Dunn is likely to play some part after recovering from a hamstring sprain.

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Injury-hit Inter need win in Cagliari

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Serie A champions Inter Milan travel to face Cagliari (3/1 to beat the Nerazzurri) on Sunday without key men Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito.

Rafael Benitez’s men have picked up one point from their last two league matches and will be desperate to get their title defence back on track, particularly after rivals AC Milan and AS Roma won on Saturday night.

Cambiasso and Milito were injured on international duty with Argentina and are joined on Inter’s injury list by Thiago Motta, Ivan Cordoba, Goran Pandev and David Suazo. Youngsters Jonathan Biabiany and Philippe Coutinho are expected to start on the wings once more, having excelled against Bremen, while Samuel Eto’o is freed up to play down the middle.

But Inter’s problems pale in comparison to those of the hosts, who were beset by internal strife before the international break.

Cagliari coach Pierpaolo Bisoli froze out his captain Daniele Conti and his vice-captain Alessandro Agostini after the pair came to blows.

The club claims the issue has been resolved, although both players are expected to be on the bench on Sunday. The row was the last thing Bisoli needed after rumours emerged suggesting that the players were unhappy with his methods and that his job was at threat.

Cagliari were known for their attacking style under ex-coach Massimiliano Allegri, but they have lost their verve and Bisoli must rediscover it soon, for his own sake and that of the team.

Four of the six Serie A fixtures the Sardinians have played this season have ended 0-0.

However, Cagliari are free from injury and suspension worries.

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Henry wants winning mentality

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New Liverpool owner John Henry insists “we’re here to win” after he finally completed his protracted takeover of the Reds (Evens – Top Six finish).

The New England Sport Ventures group finally crossed the I’s and dotted the T’s on a deal after another day of negotiations, this time out of the High Court after Liverpool’s former owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks had their injunction against the sale dismissed.

Henry’s NESV group agreed in principle a deal to buy the club last week but had been held up by Hicks and Gillett.

However, the American duo finally admitted defeat on Friday meaning the £300million deal could go ahead.

Henry takes charge of a club who have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season and find themselves currently entrenched in the bottom three with just one win from their last seven matches.

Liverpool (11/1 to be relegated) have looked a shadow of the side that pushed Manchester United all the way in the title race two years ago and Henry appears to have his work cut out to turn the club around.

The Reds’ first test under their new owners will come against local rivals Everton (6/4 to beat Liverpool) on Sunday, who themselves have also made a sloppy start to the season.

The Merseyside duo could both find themselves inside the bottom three by the time they kick off on Sunday – should either Wolves or West Ham win on Saturday.

It would be the first time the ‘friendly derby’ has seen the two sides both start the match in the relegation zone.

Henry has said he will tackle the club’s on and off-field problems “head on” as he looks to restore the Reds’ glory days.

“I am proud and humbled,” said Henry. “We have a lot of work to do and I cannot tell you how happy I am to have finally got the deal done.

“It’s too early to say what we’re going to do but we’re here to win, we have a tradition of winning – we (the Boston Red Sox) are the second-highest spending club in Major League Baseball and we’re here to win, we will do whatever is necessary.”

Given Liverpool’s threadbare squad Henry will be expected to invest heavily in new players if he is to give Hodgson the tools necessary to do the job he was brought in to do.

The former Fulham manager has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks given Liverpool’s poor start to the season, but hopes things will now get better.

Hodgson has admitted that the ownership saga and the instability of the club has taken its toll on the players and is now hoping the takeover will put their minds at rest ahead of Sunday’s big match.

“The fact is we have six points from seven games because we have lost games we should have done better in,” said Hodgson, when asked about how it had affected his players.

“But it would also be naive of me to think that these things don’t matter.

“We are very proud of club, very proud to work at club and when club is in a bad situation it is bound to affect you in some way.”

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Redknapp calls for caution

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that his side will be taking a cautious approach to their upcoming fixture against the current Champions League title holders Internazionale FC (12/1 – Champions League outright).

Spurs go to the San Siro hoping to continue the strong start to their first outing in the Champions League after an away draw with Werder Bremen and a home win against FC Twente.

The north London club are on four points in Group A alongside Inter (11/10 Serie A outright) and Redknapp believes that a cautious approach is the right way to go against the European champions.

He said: “We can’t go out there and be wide open. We’ve got to be sensible against the better teams.

“We have to be difficult to beat, first and foremost. I wouldn’t sit here and kid ourselves – if we came back with a point we would all be delighted.

“We want to win, obviously, but you have got to hit them on the break. You are not going to suddenly start swarming all over them. They are a top team.”

Spurs have had their big challenge made easier as Inter will be without Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso, who both picked up injuries playing for Argentina.

Cambiasso is key in midfield for the Italian side as he manages to break up play and has a strong passing game.

Milito was key for the San Siro club last season, scoring vital goals in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich as well as hitting the back of the net in the Italian domestic cup final and scoring important goals in the Serie A.

Redknapp thinks that Spurs will still face a tough task despite the absence of the two Argentineans.

He said: “They have real dangers. [Samuel] Eto’o is playing fantastic at the moment for them. It will be a great game for the players to go there and show what they can do.

“We have always got attacking players. Whoever we pick we will have our share of players who want to go forward and create and score goals. That is how we play.

“It’s a big challenge and a fantastic game to look forward to.”

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Holloway makes cash claim

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Ian Holloway says he has told his Blackpool players to forget the financial differences between his side and Manchester City (4/7 to beat the Seasiders) ahead of their visit to Bloomfield Road.

Arguably the richest side in the world will travel to Blackpool on Sunday to take on a side who broke their transfer record in the summer with the signing of DJ Campbell for £1.25million.

Campbell’s transfer fee pales into insignificance when compared to the amounts City have spent over the past two years, breaking the British transfer record when they signed Robinho for £32million.

The likes of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and James Milner have all cost over £20million, loose change to the Abu Dhabi United Group which currently owns City.

The financial gap between City and Blackpool might be massive but in the Premier League the sides are separated by just four points.

Holloway’s men have been the surprise package this season, beating Liverpool at Anfield last time out as they moved up to ninth in the division.

Sunday’s game against City will represent another chance for Blackpool to claim the scalp of one of England’s biggest teams.

City (15/2 Premier League Outright) made a sluggish start to the season but have recently found some form, moving up to second in the league with a 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Despite Blackpool’s recent performances victory for Roberto Mancini’s side will be seen as a formality as they look to keep up the pressure on current leaders Chelsea.

However, Holloway has other plans and believes money won’t necessarily buy City victory against his plucky outfit.

“To outsiders, this will be the biggest mismatch in the history of football because of our financial situations,” said Holloway.

“But let’s see what we can do. If it was all about how much you’re on, we’d be bottom of the league by a zillion miles.

“Before Liverpool, I was reminding my lads we were a point above them, and this is a league game – we’re in the same division as them on merit.

“And I’ll be doing the same thing with Manchester City.”

Holloway will have to hope he can work his magic from the stands as he serves a one-match touchline ban for his abuse of the officials during Blackburn’s win at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool (5/4 to stay up) fans will be hoping Holloway is the only regular face missing on Sunday as they wait to hear whether Craig Cathcart and Neal Eardley have recovered from the problems which forced them off against Liverpool.

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Villa not haunted by Chelsea mauling

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Aston Villa defender Luke Young admits Chelsea (7/1 to win the game) are looking a strong force already this season, but his side will not be running scared after their 7-1 humiliation last time the two teams met.

Back in March, Carlo Ancelotti’s side ran riot at Stamford Bridge and condemned Villa to their heaviest defeat for 24 years.

Young was part of former manager Martin O’Neill’s side that day, but claims that defeat has “no relevance” ahead of the two teams meeting at Villa Park at the weekend.

Gerard Houllier has begun masterminding a revolution at the club since taking charge in September, introducing double training sessions at Villa (19/5 to beat Chelsea, draw 5/2) to improve the players’ fitness and preparing them for a new brand of attacking, passion football he wants them to play.

Results have improved since he took over, despite their loss to Spurs last time out, and they sit in eighth in the table – though are a distant eight points behind Chelsea (8/13 to win Premier League title) after only seven games.

The west London outfit have been impressive going forward so far this season, and already have a mammoth plus-21 goal difference already.

Despite this, veteran defender Young claims there is “nothing to be daunted about” for Villa.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “They’ve been scoring bundles of goals.

“They’re always a good side and one we’ve got to be at our best against.

“But if we put in a performance like the one we did at Spurs we won’t be far short of picking up some points. You know whenever you play any of the top sides it’s going to be a tough game.

“We’re at home and hopefully we can build upon the results we have had at home so far.”

Chelsea go into the game sweating over the fitness of their captain John Terry after he sustained a back problem that forced him out of England duty in midweek.

He is doubtful for the clash and with Alex and Jeffrey Bruma already out injured, Ancelotti may have to call on Paulo Ferreira or Jose Bosingwa – the latter has not played since sustaining a terrible knee against Villa 12 months ago.

It is expected that Frank Lampard (7/1 to be first goalscorer) will return to the first team after being out with a hernia problem since the end of August as Chelsea look to preserve their four-point lead over Manchester City (15/2 to win title) at the top of the Premier League table.

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Carragher commits to Reds

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Liverpool (Evs – Top 6 Premier League Finish) have announced that Jamie Carragher has committed his future to the club, penning a new two-year deal at Anfield.

The 32-year-old was due to run out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, putting into his doubt his run as a one-club man.

Carragher has made 641 appearances for the Reds, after making his debut back in January 1997, and always stated that he wanted to finish his career at Liverpool (10/1 – 2010-11 Europa League outright).

There were some doubts, under Rafa Benitez, last season as to whether the former England international would be offered a new deal.

But Roy Hodgson has always made it clear that he wants to keep the defender and Carragher has been more than happy to commit to the club.

The Bootle-born star has been a massive influence, winning 10 major honours during 15 years with the club, and now looks likely to see out his playing career with Liverpool.

After a week of court battles, Carragher’s new deal is the latest bit of good news for the Reds as they prepare for the Merseyside derby this weekend.

Fernando Torres (18/1 Premier League Top Scorer 2010-11) has been passed fit to start Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, having recovered from an abductor muscle injury.

The Spanish international was forced to sit out his country’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland, but has returned to training this week.

Hodgson told the club’s website: “We see a livelier and a better Fernando every day. It was really unfortunate he got that injury against Blackpool but luckily it came in the international break.”

Liverpool could also have two defenders, Paul Konchesky and Fabio Aurelio, back in the squad for the short trip across Stanley Park (Everton 6/4, draw 11/5, Liverpool 17/10 – Match Betting).

Koncheskey missed the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool, while Aurelio is yet to feature this season having returned to the club in the summer.

Both left backs are under consideration though, and one is expected to start against Everton, with Daniel Agger a doubt with a back injury.

Liverpool will be without Dirk Kuyt for Sunday’s Merseyside derby, after the Dutch ace was ruled out for a month with an ankle injury picked up on international duty.

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Bale eyes England upset

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Wales star Gareth Bale is determined to put a spanner in the works for England when the two sides meet in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on March 26 (England 1/6 to win Group G).

The Welsh saw any faint hopes of qualifying for the finals in Ukraine and Poland evaporate when they went down 4-1 to Switzerland on Tuesday night – their third consecutive Group G loss following 1-0 reverses against Montenegro and Bulgaria.

The defeat left Wales with no points from three matches and they sit at the bottom of the standings, 10 points behind table-topping Montenegro and seven points behind England in second place.

The Welsh are currently without a permanent manager following the resignation of John Toshack after the Montenegro defeat, with Brian Flynn handling team affairs on a caretaker basis until a permanent replacement is appointed.

There have been a number of high-profile candidates for the job, with Liverpool legend Ian Rush and former Arsenal and Celtic star John Hartson throwing their hats into the ring.

Flynn has also made it clear that he wants the job on a full-time basis but back-to-back defeats under his stewardship will have done his cause no good at all.

England are expected to qualify easily from the group and will fear little from their clash with Wales, but Bale, who admits the banter with his England international Spurs’ team-mates has already been flying about, has made it clear that he and his Welsh colleagues will not just lay down and die against Fabio Capello’s men.

“We’re not going to go out there to concede a loss – we’re going to go out there and give it our all,” he said. “It’s a massive rivalry in country terms and we’ll be giving it 110 per cent. We want to cause a little upset.

“We’ve spoken about it previously, and it’s going to be a big game. They obviously fancy themselves to beat anybody on their day and we’re just going to have to play with no pressure and try to express ourselves.”

Following the England clash, Wales have to wait until September 2 for their next qualifier, with Montenegro set to visit the Millennium Stadium, before the daunting prospect of playing England (8/1 Euro 2012 Outright) at Wembley just four days later.

Matches with Switzerland and Bulgaria follow but, barring a miracle, Wales will be playing for nothing but pride with a new boss in place at the back end of the group stage of the tournament.

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Fab opens up on Barca deal

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Cesc Fabregas has admitted he missed out on a “good opportunity” when his move to Barcelona failed to come off over the summer but says now he is solely concentrating on helping Arsenal “win titles” (Arsenal 8/1 – Premier League outright).

The Gunners skipper was the subject of several very public offers from Barca over the close-season but Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger resisted all bids for the under-contract star.

It was reported that the La Liga giants were prepared to spend £35million on the player they let leave for England as a youngster but ultimately they failed in their pursuit.

The Spain international has been linked with Barca again in a deal for next summer but the 24-year-old maintains talk of a move back to Catalonia is behind him – for now at least.

He has paid tribute to Wenger and the way he has nurtured him at Arsenal but he admits to pull on the famous Barca shirt remains a “dream” for the midfielder.

He said on radio station Cadena Cope: “I maintain that I was right because (to play for Barcelona) is a dream I have had since childhood.

“The truth is that the coach is like a second father to me. I told him what I thought.”

Fabregas could be back following injury for the Gunners in the Premier League clash at home to Birmingham City on Saturday (Arsenal 12/1 to win 4-0) and he has revealed how he was told in no uncertain terms by Wenger over the summer that the deal would not be happening.

“In the end, when I spoke to Wenger he told me ‘no’ – he was very emphatic, that the transfer was impossible,” he added.

“I am satisfied for all parties. It wasn’t to be and that’s that, though in my head I keep thinking it could have been a good opportunity.

“But here (at Arsenal) I have everything. I am still happy. I am very comfortable here, I like the club, lead the team, play football.”

Fabregas is hoping to lead Arsenal to their first trophy in five years this season but he admits they need to engender a winning mentality at the Emirates if they are to be successful once again.

“We just need to start winning titles because we have a wealth of quality. A winning mentality is missing,” he said.

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