Monthly Archives: April 2011

Gers handed pre-Dons lift

Posted on by
Reply

The fact Rangers duo Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf escaped with just fines from the SFA’s Disciplinary Committee for their conduct in the Scottish Cup clash at Celtic on March 2 should supply the side with the lift required to see off Aberdeen in Wednesday’s must-win SPL clash at Pittodrie (Rangers 1/2 Away Win 90 Minutes).

The Gers’ assistant boss Ally McCoist will also be able to patrol the touchline after winning his appeal against a charge of misconduct following his altercation with Hoops boss Neil Lennon in the same game.

It is a timely boost for Walter Smith’s side, who travel to face the Dons knowing three points are a must to keep the pressure on Old Firm rivals Celtic (4/9 SPL Outright) in the battle for the SPL crown this season.

Rangers (13/8 Outright) could trail Celtic by five points going into the game should the Hoops win at St Johnstone on Tuesday (21/20 Celtic and Rangers Win Old Firm Double Enhanced Multiple), while a shock defeat for Lennon’s men would give the Gers top spot to aim for.

However, despite Richard Foster being ineligible to play under the terms of his loan agreement, Kris Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch and Vladimir Weiss all missing due to respective foot, knee and foot problems, the visitors will fancy their chances of victory.

Rangers have won three and lost just once in their last six away games so go into the match in good shape on the road, despite the recent shock 1-0 home defeat against Dundee United at Ibrox.

Craig Brown’s side have endured a miserable season and they will probably go into the game with one eye firmly on this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final showdown against Celtic.

The Dons chief also has a myriad of injury problems to contend with as defender Rory McArdle and striker Scott Vernon are definitely out and there are serious doubts over David McNamee, Zander Diamond, Derek Young and Nikola Vujadinovic.

Captain Paul Hartley was pulled out of a game at Cove Rangers on Monday and he might have to play some part, despite not being 100% fit.

The Dons lost their previous home game 1-0 to Hibernian on Saturday, while they have won three and lost two of their last six on home soil.

Therefore, the onus is clearly on Rangers to focus fully on securing maximum points against an under-strength and under-performing Aberdeen outfit that is also distracted by a big day out at Hampden Park on Sunday.

There can and will be only one winner in this contest!

Prediction: Draw/Rangers Half Time/Full Time @ 3/1
Value Bet: Diouf & Rangers 2-0 Scorecast @ 22/1

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Can Spurs pull off a miracle?

Posted on by
Reply

Tottenham’s Champions League dream seems almost certain to come to an after being thrashed 4-0 at the Bernabeu last week but midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes the north London outfit still have a chance of reaching the last four (Barcelona are the evens favourites to secure the Champions League, Real Madrid 10/3, Spurs 150/1).

It will take a massive effort and a great deal of luck if Spurs are to overcome a four-goal deficit, but Jenas reckons it is too soon to write off their chances.

“If anyone is going to do it, we can,” he told Talksport. “We’ve produced some amazing comebacks already this season.

“There is always a chance. You just don’t know what will happen here. Who is to say they don’t get a player sent off or something like that happens.

“We know we have to go out and score goals, we’ll go all-out to attack and see where it takes us.”

Spurs need to secure a massive 4-0 victory, which is priced at 100/1, if they’re to force the tie into extra time and smashing Real Madrid by such a margin may seem a mighty task, but they’re still good enough to beat the Spanish giants.

Tottenham were reduced to 10 men in the early stages of the first-leg after Peter Crouch was shown his marching orders and from there on in it was never going to be easy in the intimidating home of Spain’s capital club.  However, with home advantage and, hopefully at least, calmer heads Spurs will be desperate to at least restore some pride after their hammering in the Spanish capital and Spurs are 13/8 to win the tie over 90 minutes.

The White Hart Lane side will have to go out on the attack from the off if they’re to stand any chance of extending their European run, but that will of course leave space at the back for Real’s stars to exploit.  The game should see plenty of goals and both teams to score is priced at 8/15, while over 2.5 goals pays out at 8/13.

Former Real man Rafael van der Vaart will be eager to grab a goal against his former employers after his unsuccessful spell with Los Blancos, the Dutchman is 6/1 to score first or 7/4 to grab a goal at any time.

Reigning champions Inter Milan also appear doomed to stumble in the last eight after slumping to a 5-2 defeat at home to Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 last week.

The Italian outfit have a three goal deficit to recover but will have to score at least four due to the away goals rule, and like Spurs they will have to attack from the start if they’re to stand any chance of retaining their title.

The Nerazzurri are 6/4 to win the match in 90 minutes and 7/2 to be winning at half-time and full-time in the Half-time/Full-time market, both of which could well be worth some consideration considering Inter need to come out flying if they’re to progress further than the last eight.

Schalke striker Raul, who is the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League from the 1992-93 season onwards with 70 goals, found the net in the first-leg and is 13/8 to help himself to a goal in the second-leg on Wednesday.  The veteran frontman has a fantastic pedigree in European competition and will be looking to get on the score-sheet against the Italian giants in front of the Schalke faithful.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Blades look to clip Bluebirds

Posted on by
Reply

It could not be much tighter in the race for promotion and the battle for survival in the Championship and Tuesday night throws up a full list of fixtures with some intriguing games (totesport – Championship outright and match markets).

Sheffield United would not have dreamed that they would be rock bottom of the table after 40 games this season given that they were tipped to push for a return back to the Premier League.

However, they find themselves seven points off safety and will be desperate for all three points when they face Cardiff City at Bramall Lane on Tuesday (Sheffield Utd, 12/5, draw 23/10, Cardiff 21/20 – match prices).

The South Yorkshire club were unlucky not to get a point against Middlesbrough last weekend when they lost 2-1 with Marvin Emnes scoring with a late goal to deny the home side a point.

It’s difficult to see the Blades getting out of this one but if they are to pull off a miracle escape they will have to start with a win against Cardiff.

The Bluebirds have started to find their form again after suffering a blip with a run of four games without a win.

However, victories over Derby and Doncaster have got City firing at the right time and they are looking strong, with just a point between themselves and the automatic places.

It’s hard to see the Blades picking up the three points but with the Red and Whites battling for their lives they might just bag a point against an impressive Cardiff side.

In a game that throws up a similar scenario Scunthorpe United take on Reading at Glanford Park (Scunthorpe 16/5, draw 11/4, Reading 8/11 – match prices).

The Iron are five points off safety thanks to one of the shock results of the weekend as they beat top-of-the-table QPR 4-1 on Saturday.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Scunthorpe fans in recent weeks, as they were thrashed 6-0 by Norwich City in their previous outing.

Reading have been the big movers in recent weeks and currently sit in fifth place in the table thanks to six straight wins on the bounce.

The Royals came through a thrilling encounter against Nottingham Forest in the pick of the weekend’s games with a 4-3 victory at the City Ground.

Once again it’s hard to see Scunthorpe winning against Reading on Tuesday and this time the visitors look too good at the moment not to pick up all three points and strengthen their play-off position.

Forest will be looking to get their season back on track when they take on Burnley at the City Ground on Tuesday (Forest 20/21, draw 23/10, Burnley 11/4 – match prices).

Billy Davies and his men have had a torrid time in recent weeks and have failed to win in their last nine Championship games.

Big defeats to play-off rivals Reading, Leeds United and Swansea have left their dreams of returning to the Premier League this season in the balance.

As for Burnley they too have gone off the boil at just the wrong time, as they are currently on a run of three straight defeats.

The 4-0 hammering by Leicester City won’t do the Burnley squad confidence any good but they must win this if they want any hope of being in the play-offs.

Forest have been slightly unlucky in recent weeks and their fortunes should turn and around with three points against the Clarets.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Torres the key for Chelsea

Posted on by
Reply

Two teams will secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday and whilst one tie already looks a formality, the all-English affair is still on a knife edge. Manchester United will start as favourites with a 0-1 first-leg win behind them, but Chelsea will be desperate for revenge and to secure a European dream for Roman Abramovich.

Manchester United v Chelsea (7:45pm kick-off)

Chelsea will need to create history if they are to reach the last four of Europe’s top club competition, as no team has ever knocked United out of Europe having lost the first leg of a tie at home. Their hopes of upsetting the odds look to rest on the shoulders of one man……Fernando Torres.

The Spanish international has yet to score for the Blues since his headline-making £50million January move from Liverpool and looks a shadow of the player we know he is. But his record at Old Trafford is decent – with two goals in five appearances at United’s home – and he has terrorised Nemanja Vidic on several occasions.

The United backline is strong and, although Didier Drogba scored in Chelsea’s league win at United last season, can and have coped with the Ivorian in the past….it’s the pace of Torres that will worry them.

Due to his recent form, you would have to give Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and co every chance of shackling the Spaniard, but if he clicks then he could produce a night to remember for Carlo Ancelotti (Utd 23/20, Draw 9/4, Chelsea 9/4 – Match Betting).

At the other end of the pitch, Wayne Rooney will be out champing at the bit after being forced to sit out Saturday’s win against Fulham. With seven goals in his last eight games, the England striker can put the game beyond Chelsea with another top notch display.

Expect the second leg to be another tight affair, with Chelsea unlikely to over commit until late in the game, and the ‘Under 2.5 goals‘ market looks a decent bet at 4/7.

Shakhtar Donetsk v Barcelona (7:45 kick-off)

Forget one foot in the semis, Barca (Evs Outright Winners) have nine toes already in the last four following a 5-1 thumping of their Ukrainian opponents in the Nou Camp.

Pep Guardiola’s men were inspired in the first leg, in a game that could have quite easily seen 10 ten goals with a bagful of chances for both teams. The mounting fixture list could have a major bearing though on Tuesday’s clash, with Barca expected to make several changes.

The Catalan giants are expected to face Real Madrid four times in quick succession, in a La Liga clash, the Copa Del Rey final and then likely, in a two-legged Champions League semi-final. The manager will use his strong squad to full effect, starting with a tough trip to the Ukraine.

Andres Iniesta is suspended for Tuesday’s game and Shakhtar (23/10 to beat Barca on the night) could take full advantage, as they look to win a fifth consecutive Champions League home game in this season’s competition.

The home side have an 11-point lead in their domestic league and could claim a big scalp on Tuesday….even though Barca will still qualify.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

City set for Liverpool tussle

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool and Manchester City go head-to-head at Anfield on Monday with one side having little to play for and the other facing a crucial five days which will define their season.

In the past you’d expect the team still fighting for honours to be the Reds but it is City who are still in the hunt for European football and the FA Cup. City manager Roberto Mancini certainly won’t be looking to far ahead, despite an FA Cup semi-final to come next Saturday, as he looks for his multi-million pound squad to make sure of Champions League football. In contrast all Liverpool have to look forward to is what the future might bring.

We preview what should be an intriguing contest on Merseyside on Monday night.

For City fans all that might be on their minds is the giant arch of Wembley and the chance to end rivals Manchester United’s hopes of winning the treble. However, Monday represents a tough challenge for City on their quest for Champions League football. Mancini says he wants his team to attack the challenge of securing a place in the top four in an aggressive fashion and got his wish last week when they tore Sunderland to pieces.

City (1/5 top four finish) were hardly challenged by the Black Cats but it was the way they went about finishing off the Wearsiders that was so impressive. Even Mario Balotelli looked to have the bit between his teeth last week and the Eastlands faithful will hope the Italian can continue to make amends after all his off and on-field exploits. Balotteli is 7/1 to be the unlikely hero and score the last goal in what is likely to be a tight game.

City have a rock solid defence and Mancini will set up his team first and foremost not to lose, despite his talk of being aggressive. It certainly won’t be as negative as the game at Chelsea but don’t expect them to be going gung-ho at Liverpool.

The Reds are liable to be fairly cautious themselves, based on how Dalglish has set up his team recently. With that in mind under 2.5 goals might be worth a look at 4/6, especially when you consider there has only been over three goals in total in one of the last five meetings at Anfield.

Liverpool haven’t had the best of weeks in the build-up to this game with the news Steven Gerrard will miss the rest of the season after a groin operation. He joins Daniel Agger in the stands for what remains of this campaign, while Dalglish won’t be able to call on Glen Johnson or Martin Kelly for this game.

The defeat at West Brom might have been hard on the Reds but they are looking like a team running on empty. Liverpool are eight points behind Tottenham in the battle for fifth and despite what they say many of the team looked to have given up on European football next season.

The Reds are there for the taking and it will be up to City to take advantage of them. With that in mind 17/10 for City to win looks a good value bet, despite Liverpool’s habit of upsetting the applecart in the past. The Reds are 13/8 to get the win, while the draw is 11/5. City could take a draw and still be comfortably in control of their own destiny in the race for the Champions League.

Don’t expect the game to be a great advert for the Premier League but it should have enough to keep City and Liverpool fans on the edge of their seats.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Gunners set for goals on Sunday

Posted on by
Reply

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and there will be repercussions at both ends of the table at Bloomfield Road when Blackpool host Arsenal, while Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their necks above the relegation zone when they entertain Newcastle.

There is plenty to play for in the opening match at 1.30pm with the Tangerines desperate to get back on the winning trail in their bid to avoid the drop but there will not be too many who argue with the fact that Arsenal are the favourites in the match betting – although they are as short as 4/11.

The Gunners are not second in the Premier League table by fluke but there form has dipped since suffering that shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger’s men have won only one match since then – 5-0 against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fifth round replay – while they have been knocked out of both domestic competitions, losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and to Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Although there is no disgrace in those defeats, the Premier League form has also suffered with successive draws against struggling sides – Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn – two of which were at home, which has seen them fall seven points adrift of leaders United, although they do have a game in hand.

Ian Holloway has targeted two more wins to guarantee Premier League football next term and the Tangerines do have home advantage for five of their remaining seven games, with the next four on the bounce taking place at Bloomfield Road.

It sounds like a case is being made for a shock home win on Sunday but with just one win from the last eleven matches, and only two in the calendar year, it is difficult to talk up a side that was also comprehensively beaten 3-0 last time out at Fulham.

Such was the manner of the performance at Craven Cottage that Holloway sent his players out ‘for a beer in midweek’  – sounds like an excuse for another poor performance.

The Gunners know that they cannot afford any more slip-ups in the run-in if they are to end their barren spell in terms of silverware and are fancied to make the running against a defence that has leaked 63 goals this season – and 27 at home – and should be backed in the Half Time/Full Time market at 10/11.

Arsenal beat Blackpool 6-0 in the reverse fixture early in the season and another convincing scoreline is expected with the visitors available at 10/11 in the handicap betting (-1).

The other game sees the home side anxiously looking over their shoulder and Aston Villa have that and a revenge mission on their minds and can justify 5/6 favouritism against Newcastle, who are available at 16/5.

Gerard Houllier has endured a difficult time since taking the hotseat at Villa Park but has home advantage (six of the last seven matches between the two has ended with a home win, while the other was drawn) and a fully-fit squad to choose from – a luxury that opposite number Alan Pardew does not have.

Newcastle of course lost Andy Carroll in the transfer window but now Leon Best has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stephen Ireland is ineligible and there are suspensions for Kevin Nolan, James Perch and Cheik Tiote.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Fergie should fear firing Fulham

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the Champions LeagueManchester United usually have their way with Fulham but Saturday’s Premier League clash could be an uncomfortable affair for the leaders, sandwiched between their Champions League quarter-final skirmishes with Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have had an interesting week with Wayne Rooney’s ban for swearing at West Ham dampening the mood after their 1-0 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge.

Rooney’s absence boosts Fulham’s chances of getting a result at Old Trafford, a ground where the Cottagers last won in 2003, as does the return of Bobby Zamora.

The striker grabbed a brace on his first Premier League start since August against Blackpool last week and ought to be backed to score again, anytime at 9/4.

Bet: Zamora anytime goalscorer (9/4)

Chelsea, still smarting from Wednesday’s controversial defeat, entertain Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge and can be backed with confidence to win with a clean sheet.

The Latics are the Premier League’s lowest scorers this season and their recent record boasts two goals from the last five matches, four of which have seen them draw a blank.

With Fernando Torres out of form, Carlo Ancelotti may turn to Nicolas Anelka or Salomon Kalou for the goals and they should run out comfortable winners by 3-0 (7/1) or 4-0 (9/1).

Bet: Chelsea 3-0 & 4-0 (7/1) & (9/1)

Wolves are in dire need of a lift too after taking a 4-1 hammering at Newcastle last week and losing their Republic of Ireland stars Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt to injury.

Mick McCarthy’s side host Everton in the early kick-off with the visitors having the incentive of closing the gap to rivals Liverpool to just a point if they can win at Molineux.

However, a draw (11/5) looks a more likely result – an outcome that has happened in each of the three Premier League matches since Wolves were promoted back to the top flight (1-1, 0-0 and 1-1).

Bet: Draw (11/5)

Blackburn against Birmingham could be the ugliest match of the season, let alone the weekend, with so much at stake in terms of the relegation picture and momentum.

Rovers’ form has been woeful in the last two months and Steve Kean is under pressure after eight matches without a win, but this will be no easy task against a Blues side scrapping for their lives.

A check of the result results has revealed that ‘Both Teams to Score’ could be a profitable way to bet this weekend with both teams having scored in the last six Birmingham matches and in four of the last six involving Blackburn.

Bet: Both teams to score (10/11)

West Ham must be one of the most consistently infuriating teams to bet on and that will be the only time that Avram Grant’s side have been termed consistent this season.

The manner of their capitulation from 2-0 to 4-2 down in the last quarter of their home match with Manchester United suggests that they remain mentally fragile – and they look vulnerable away to Bolton this weekend.

The Trotters will battle for a win in this match, but may have to settle for a second-half winner – as the vast majority of their goals have come in the second period.

Bet: Draw HT/Bolton FT in Double Result (7/2)

Only two points seperate Sunderland and West Brom after last week’s results and the two sides meet on Wearside this weekend in no doubt as to which club has the momentum.

The Baggies’ win over Liverpool was thoroughly deserved – as was Sunderland’s 5-0 thumping at Manchester City.

West Brom have not last since Roy Hodgson was brought in to save them from the drop, but this could be a tough test with Sunderland likely to be fired up by Steve Bruce. The value is for a Sunderland home win.

Bet: Sunderland win (6/5)

Finally, Tottenham come back to earth after their trip to the Bernabeu in midweek and need to collect three points at home to Stoke City.

Tony Pulis’ men could be forgiven for having one eye on their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next weekend, but if they do, they are surely going to be punished.

Gareth Bale is back and, if Aaron Lennon declares himself fit to play, Stoke’s full-backs will be in for a tough time.

Bet: Spurs HT/Spurs FT in Double Result (13/8).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Canaries look to cull the Swans

Posted on by
Reply

It is another massive weekend in the Championship with 12 games all taking place on Saturday. Champions-elect QPR (1/33 Outright) look virtually home and dry, so the battle is on to see which two teams will join them in the Premier League via automatic promotion and the play-offs, while the battle to stay in the Championship continues at the other end of the table.

Here are five games which we feel will have a big impact on issues at both ends of the Championship on Saturday.

SWANSEA V NORWICH (5.20pm)

Arguably the biggest game in the Championship has been picked for TV coverage and will kick off in the early evening at the Liberty Stadium. This could well be the game that Norwich make a significant stride towards securing that second automatic spot (Norwich 5/6 Promotion) if they win in South Wales.

Paul Lambert’s side currently sit four points clear of the Swans following last weekend’s stunning 6-0 win against Scunthorpe and they are unbeaten in over two months.
Red-hot striker Grant Holt will look to celebrate his new three-year deal with a goal for the Canaries (6/1 First Goalscorer) following his treble against the Iron.

Brendan Rodgers’ side, whose promotion hopes have been dented by three successive away defeats to struggling Preston, Derby and Scunthorpe are usually a lot stronger on home soil and will no doubt pose a big threat to Norwich.
It should be a closely-fought encounter and it is therefore hard to pick a winner.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: S Sinclair 1st Goal 1-1 Draw Scorecast  @ 22/1

DONCASTER V CARDIFF (3pm)

This encounter at the Keepmoat Stadium will have implications at both ends of the table with Cardiff (8/5 Promotion) sat in third spot and looking for maximum points to keep pressure on second-placed Norwich.

However, Rovers are not completely safe from relegation so they will look for three points to virtually secure Championship football for next season.

Cardiff drew 3-3 at Millwall in their last away game, although they will go into this clash on the back of last week’s thumping 4-1 home win against Derby.

Michael Chopra is still ruled out due to injury, but the Bluebirds have more than enough firepower to see them through this one.

Doncaster are without their influential striker Billy Sharp so will again be lacking up front as they have only managed one goal in their last four outings.

Sean O’Driscoll will point to Cardiff’s recent 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace to give his side hope, but the Welshmen will have just too much.

Prediction: Cardiff Away Win 90 Minutes @ 6/5
Value Bet: Cardiff to Win 2-0 Correct Score @ 8/1

MILLWALL V LEEDS (3pm)

A big game in south London between two sides with slightly differing targets at this moment in time. Kenny Jackett’s Lions are six points off a play-off place, while Leeds sit in fifth spot and are six points off the automatic promotion places (Leeds 7/2 Promotion).

Victory for Millwall would push them closer to those top-six places with just six matches remaining, while Simon Grayson’s men could be left to focus on staying in those places if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

Millwall (14/1 promotion)  have won three of their last four, including a 2-0 success against league leaders QPR at the intimidating Den, so they will fancy their chances of another positive result against Leeds, who they also have a good record against on home soil.

Leeds smashed Nottingham Forest 4-1 at Elland Road last week, but lost 2-0 at struggling Sheffield United in their last away game.

The Whites will have to improve dramatically on that display, but are good enough to get at least a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: Millwall/Draw HT/FT @14/1

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V READING (3PM)

This match-up at the City Ground sees a Forest side which is in free-fall against a Royals outfit which is one of the in-form Championship sides. As a result Brian McDermott’s men have usurped Billy Davies’ injury-hit Forest in the final play-off spot in the past week.

Therefore, Forest must try and use their usually reliable home form to claw their way back into contention of a top-six finish, but it will not be easy given that they have now not won in eight league outings and have Chris Cohen suspended after his red card at Leeds.

In the meantime Reading (7/2 Promotion) moved three points clear of Forest after the midweek win against Preston made it five successive victories and stretched the unbeaten run to nine.
Forest have only lost once at home all season and for that reason you’dfancy them not to be beaten, although it will be a close contest.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 23/10
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw Correct Score @ 12/1

SHEFFIELD UNITED V MIDDLESBROUGH (3pm)

The game of the day at the wrong end of the Championship sees third-bottom Sheffield United facing fellow strugglers Boro at Bramall Lane in a game they simply cannot afford to lose. In fact anything less than three points could be fatal for the Blades, who are currently seven points adrift of safety.

The omens are good for the South Yorkshire outfit given that they have a history of coming out on top in this fixture, while they have beaten Nottingham Forest and Leeds in their previous home games.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro are unbeaten in four league games with two wins and two draws to see them sit 10 points clear of the third-bottom Blades. They will be boosted by the return of captain Matthew Bates from a two-month hamstring injury lay-off and know a win would virtually guarantee their safety.

An interesting clash in store but United’s pure desperation for three points will see them edge this encounter.

Prediction: Sheffield United Home win 90 Minutes @ 13/10
Value Bet: R Cresswell 1st goal Sheff United win 1-0 Scorecast @ 28/1

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Spartak can upset the odds

Posted on by
Reply

Despite a lack of British involvement in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, there remains some tasty-looking encounters between some top European sides on Thursday.

Liverpool, Man City and Rangers were all dumped out of the often-derided competition in the last round to underline the quality of sides left in the tournament and also highlights the fact it still remains one of the toughest trophies to win.

Big-hitters from Portugal (Porto, Braga and Benfica), Spain (Villarreal), Holland (FC Twente and PSV), Russian giants Spartak Moscow and experienced Ukrainians Dynamo Kiev make up the last eight and all four first-leg ties look difficult to call.

Porto v Spartak Moscow

The third Portuguese club still in the competition, Porto, face a tricky home tie against Spartak on Thursday but are favourites at 2/5 to come out on top in the first leg, with the Russian side traditionally a much more formidable outfit back in Moscow than they are on their travels.

However, an impressive 1-0 win at Ajax in the last round will give them hope of another away win here and the fact they have started their domestic campaign poorly (one win, two defeats) suggests they are concentrating on Europe for now. A bold prediction it may be, but Spartak can win at 15/2 on Thursday.

Benfica v PSV Eindhoven

Expect the home side to edge out PSV here, as they look for a first-leg lead to take to the Netherlands. Benfica are trailing arch-rivals Porto by a huge 16 points at the top of the Primeira Liga at the minute, so the Europa League remains their only realistic chance of success this season.

A 2-1 home defeat against Porto last time out has only increased the pressure on coach Jorge Jesus but, with talent like Oscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola to call upon up front and a vociferous home crowd backing his side, a narrow win should be achieved. Go for a 1-0 win to Benfica with totesport at 11/2.

Dynamo Kiev v Braga

These two upset the odds and the chance of an English winner with impressive victories over Liverpool and Manchester City in the last round, so whoever progresses out of the tie should not be underestimated.

Kiev appear to have the more in-depth quality in their squad, but Braga can come away from Ukraine with a draw (11/4) as they look to continue what has been an extremely enjoyable European adventure for them this season.

Villarreal v FC Twente

Villarreal were only narrowly beaten 1-0 by Barcelona on Saturday and overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the last round, but are unlikely to have it all their own way against Dutch league leaders Twente at El Madrigal. Guisseppe Rossi remains the ‘Yellow Submarines’ star man and they will be relying on him for goals, but this again looks a tight contest.

Twente nearly threw away a 3-0 first-leg lead in the last round, when they went down 2-0 at Zenit St Petersburg, so expect them to have learned from that experience as they aim to keep it tight in Spain. 1-1 here at 11/2 looks an interesting option.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Scottish Premier League preview

Posted on by
Reply

There are three SPL matches on Wednesday with Celtic hosting Hibs the pick of the games. Neil Lennon’s side could well find themselves in second beforehand if Rangers overcome St Johnstone on Tuesday so a win is vital for the Hoops’ title aspirations (Celtic 4/7 Rangers 5/4 – SPL outright winner).

It is shaping up to be a tight finish at the top of the table as we head into the final furlong of a season that, truth be told, has been overshadowed by the ugly scenes of confrontation between the Old Firm duo in last month’s Scottish Cup tie.

A six-point plan has now been drawn up by the SFA to try and quell the level of ill-feeling between the two clubs that was described as “shameful” by the governing body in the aftermath of that now infamous game. But with the top-two as closely-matched in the table as they are ahead of the midweek games, the intense rivalry between Glasgow’s two clubs is again the main focal point – but at least this time it’s on the pitch.

Rangers are currently two points behind Celtic ahead of Tuesday’s game but know they cannot afford another slip-up like the 3-2 home defeat against Dundee United on Saturday if they are to go on and win the title. With all the off-field issues over the club’s ownership also dominating the agenda this week, it’s tempting to say Saints can grab a draw in this one but a narrow win for Walter Smith’s side looks on the cards. Take 2-1 to the Gers at 7/1.

Celtic then host Hibs 24 hours later and, again, we can’t see anything but a win for Lennon’s side as they will be spurred on by the prospect of regaining top spot. The weekend clash at  was postponed so the Hoops will be fresh and raring to go. Celtic HT/FT at 4/6 does not offer too much value so Draw/Celtic at 16/5 is worth a punt with Hibs restricting the Bhoys for 45 minutes.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Motherwell host Dundee United and these two have so far enjoyed decent campaigns with the former currently sixth and the latter fourth in the table. A recent 3-0 win for Motherwell in the Scottish Cup is fresh in the memory so we go with another win for Craig Brown’s side here.

Fellow-strugglers St Mirren entertain Aberdeen as well on Wednesday with the Dons still having an outside chance of securing a top-half finish before the table splits into half for the final run-in. They are currently nine points behind Motherwell but this is their game in hand so an away win here is well worth considering at 15/8.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.