Monthly Archives: January 2012

«Манчестер Юнайтед» едет в гости к «Арсеналу»! «Манчестер Сити» пытается остаться лидером! «Барселона» играет с «Малагой» в ожидании «Эль Классико»!

Posted on by
Reply

Футбол. Англия. Премьер-лига.

Манчестер Сити – Тоттенхэм Хотспур. Если «шпоры» хотят проявить свои чемпионские амбиции, тоToure control 1 223x300 Манчестер Юнайтед едет в гости к Арсеналу! Манчестер Сити пытается остаться лидером! Барселона играет с Малагой в ожидании Эль Классико! настает самый подходящий момент! Много десятков лет «Тоттенхэм» 4.00 оказывался между «небом и землей», как было сказано в одном небезызвестном  фильме… «не вылетали из высшего дивизиона, но и не выигрывали ничего».  На этот раз в Манчестере наступает час икс, подопечные Харри Реднаппа должны, как минимум, не проиграть в матче с лидером чемпионата.

Дела Романа Павлюченко по-прежнему не радуют его персональных болельщиков. Он по-прежнему редкий гость на поле. По причине такой ситуации слухи о его возвращении в Россию не ослабевают. Возможными вариантами его будущего трудоустройства называют «Анжи» и «Локомотив».

«Манчестер Сити» 1.85 имеет все шансы упрочить свое лидерство в чемпионате. Для этого должно совпасть совсем немного: «горожане» должны обыграть «шпор», а «Арсенал» на своем поле обыграет «МЮ».

Арсенал – Манчестер Юнайтед. Этот матч ознаменуется встречей двух «возвращенцев»: Тьерри Анри и Пол Скоулз, участвовали в таких дерби еще десять лет назад, и вот теперь могут передать свой бесценный опыт более молодым товарищам.

Все мы помним, чем в этом сезоне завершился первый матч этих команд. Разгромное поражение «Арсенала» тогда выглядело, как логичное завершение слабой трансферной политики. В тот момент никому и в голову не могло прийти, что «МЮ»2.50 вылетит из Лиги Чемпионов, а «Арсенал» 2.75 в этой самой «Лиге» выйдет в 1/8 финала.

Вот и Майкл Кэррик уверен, что «канониры» попытаются взять реванш за первую игру. Андрей Аршавин считает «МЮ» не таким грозным, как в начале сезона, и не видит ничего невозможного в победе своей команды!

Обе игры будут крайне судьбоносными, поэтому советую отложить все воскресные дела и насладиться прекрасным футболом. Клубы из города Манчестера могут как упрочить сове преимущество, так и обострить интригу до предела.

Кто победит? Команды из Лондона или из Манчестера!?

Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Малага – Барселона. Пожалуй, лучшего времени для игры с «Барселоной» 1.28 не придумаешь. Каталонцам, которые под эмоциями классико, не до игры с «Малагой» 9.00. У парней Пепе Гвардиолы мысли заняты уже следующим классико, так что лучшего момента для победы над «Барселоной» не найти.

Ну, если не о победе, то о ничьей с «сине-гранатовыми» малагцы могут подумать. Все что нарушает эти стройные планы – это отрыв «Барсы» от «Реала», который не позволяет Месси и Ко разбрасываться очками.

Related posts:

  1. Юрий Жирков против ЦСКА! «Реал» Мадрид проверит «Малагу» на прочность. «Юнайтед» и «Сити» – кто в Манчестере сильнейший? Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер Лига Анжи – ПФК ЦСКА. Ну…
  2. «Реал Мадрид» идет за «Кубком Короля»! «Манчестер Сити» у себя дома не проигрывает? Что скажет «Ливерпуль»? Футбол. Кубок Испании. Реал Мадрид – Малага. Новогодние праздники принесли…
  3. «Арсенал» ждет «пробуждения» Андрея Аршавина. «Манчестер Сити» пока опасается только «Манчестер Юнайтед». Футбол. Чемпионат Англии. Премьер-лига. Астон Вилла – Арсенал. В начале…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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

London duo gunning for revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Four of the Premier League’s top five clash on Sunday in what could be one of the most significant weekends of the season so far, not least because of the extraordinary results we witnessed in the reverse fixtures last August.

Back last summer, with the league only three games old, City crushed Spurs 5-1 at White Hart Lane while Manchester ran riot at Old Trafford, destroying an inexperienced Gunners line-up 8-2.

It is perhaps no surprise then that the two Manchester clubs have led the way for much of the season. But their north London rivals have recovered from those early setbacks to rise back into contention too. Revenge, as well as Premier League points, will be in the minds of Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp.

Manchester City’s clash with Spurs was already a significant encounter, but the game at the Etihad has been made even bigger after the two managers traded pre-match barbs (Man City 10/11 draw 11/4 Spurs 3/1).

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp claims City’s rapid rise up the Premier League table in recent seasons in purely down to the generous backing of owner Sheikh Mansour, rather than any managerial skill by Roberto Mancini.

When told of Redknapp’s comments Mancini didn’t mince his words either, responding: “Harry can borrow money from us if he does not have it. If you have a chance to buy good players – you do.

“We have spent in two years to catch up, were we meant to take 10? For Spurs or Manchester United it’s different. When you’re always at the top you only change two or three players every year.”

The war of words between the two respective managers merely adds extra spice to what should be already feisty encounter, with Spurs just five points behind table-topping City in third (A repeat of City’s 5-1 win is priced at 66/1).

City have a formidable league record at the Etihad Stadium, having not lost there in the Premier League for 13 months, winning their last 15 in a row and conceding just six in their last 17 league games in east Manchester.

However, they have lost their last two cup encounters, against Liverpool in the Carling Cup and Manchester United in the FA Cup. Throw in their last gasp defeat to Sunderland on New Years Day, and City have lost three out of their last five in all competitions.

Injuries, suspensions and the upcoming African Nations have stretched even City’s expensively assembled squad, who are showing the first signs of vulnerability after a previously perfect start to the season.

Tottenham meanwhile have lost just once in the league since that their hammering by City and know a win at the Etihad would lift them – for a few hours at least – above Manchester United into second and just two points off the top (Tottenham to win 1-0 17/2).

It appears to be as good a time as any to take on Mancini’s men, though Spurs will be without Emmanuel Adebayor under the terms of his loan deal from City, giving Jermain Defoe a rare chance to start (Defoe 15/2 to score first).

Tottenham have hit 18 goals away from home so far this season – the fourth highest in the division – while City have scored 31 on their home soil, meaning the +2.5 goals is a value bet at 8/11.

Both sides know they cannot afford to lose this one which is why the tip is to go for a score draw, with 2-2 priced at 14/1.

Arsenal meanwhile go into their game with United on the back of two straight defeats, further denting their hopes of a late title surge (Arsenal 7/4, United 8/5, draw 23/10).

The Gunners have been ravaged by injuries, most notably in the full back positions, with Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Francis Coquelin and Andre Santos all unavailable.

Thomas Vermaelen is also out; Jack Wilshere remains a few weeks away from a possible return while there are  doubts over Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry.

The memories of that 8-2 mauling will no doubt still be fresh in the mind, though boss Wenger will be perhaps keen to remind them of  the fixture at the Emirates last season, when Aaron Ramsey’s goal gave the Gunners a 1-0 win (a 1-0 Arsenal win is priced at 13/2).

Manchester United meanwhile have the best away record in the division, though they did crash 3-0 at Newcastle in their previous league game away from Old Trafford.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones look set to return to boost a defence that has been uncharacteristically leaky so far this campaign, but with the likes Young, Fletcher, Anderson and Cleverly all out, their midfield remains a concern.

With the sheer amount of injuries between both sides expect a far from vintage display, but the value bet perhaps being +2.5 goals priced at 4/5 and a 2-1 United win priced at 17/2.

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

Norwich to give Chelsea the blues

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the ChampionshipWhile there continues to be little action on the transfer front this month the games are coming thick and fast, with eight Premier League matches scheduled for Saturday. We pick out the three best bets for the weekend, starting with Chelsea’s trip to Carrow Road to take on Norwich.

Norwich v Chelsea 12:45pm

Who would have thought that at the start of the season Norwich would be 11 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone and seemingly cruising towards safety. While the Canaries have as many points as Blackpool did at this time last season they have shown no signs of hitting the self destruct button and undoing all their good work from earlier in the campaign.

However, there are some similarities between Paul Lambert’s men and Blackpool. The amount of goals they score is phenomenal, with only the top five having banged in more. As such the first bet to look out  for should be over 2.5 goals at 8/13 in this game, even if Fernando Torres plays.

Chelsea are looking for a fourth win on the bounce win but showed they still aren’t over the issues that have dogged them right throughout the season in the 1-0 win over Sunderland last week. The Black Cats were unlucky not to take anything from the game and as such you have to think Norwich have a great chance of recording their first win over one of top teams in the Premier League, despite the Andre Villas-Boas recently signing England defender Gary Cahill.

The Blues price of 8/13 to win is too short when taking into consideration how unpredictable the season has been. Norwich are 9/2, while the draw is 3/1 in the match betting.

Everton v Blackburn 3pm

It’s fair to see you wouldn’t want to trade places with either David Moyes or Steve Kean this season given their respective issues. Kean might have seen results improve recently but that hasn’t stopped Chris Samba putting in a transfer request as Rovers battle to hold onto their star men. The Blackburn boss will be desperate to keep Samba given how well he has played this season and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the big centre-half started at Goodison Park on Saturday.

While they might have struggled at Ewood Park Rovers form on the road hasn’t been too bad. They have lost one of the last seven on the road in the league, although they have only won once as well. That victory was at Manchester United though and the trip to Goodison Park looks as though it could be fruitful.

Everton won’t have to deal with former striker Yakubu but at 6/1 Blackburn are too big a price to ignore. Everton are the lowest scorers in the Premier League, managing just 21 goals in 21 games so far. Moyes has managed to bring in Darron Gibson this month but there looks like there isn’t much cash left to improve what he has at this creaking club. Everton are 4/7, with the draw 11/4 and if Blackburn don’t take all three points they should take at least one.

Wolves v Aston Villa

If Mick McCarthy isn’t a worried man, then he should be because his Wolves team are slipping badly at the moment. He might have made ten changes for the game against Birmingham City in midweek but his squad is looking devoid of confidence and the 1-0 loss to their Midlands rivals will not have helped.

Saturday brings McCarthy another derby match up and he will hope things can improve against the increasingly unpredictable Villa. Alex McLeish’s team should have picked up three points against Everton last week but were caught on the counter attack and shouldn’t be too downbeat as they make the short trip to Molineux.

Villa have been tough to beat on the road, losing just two of their ten matches away from home. The game is unlikely to be a classic and 8/11 for under 2.5 goals should be a safe bet. The future looks gloomy for Wolves and expect Villa to heap more misery on them. Villa are 9/5 to win, with Wolves 8/5 and the draw 9/4 in the match betting.

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

Old boy threatens Coventry hopes

Posted on by
Reply

The three teams in The Championship’s bottom three desperately need to start picking up the points if they are to stand any chance of survival, but expect the trio to struggle this weekend.

Coventry City are rock-bottom of the Championship, seven points adrift of safety, and the Sky Blues need to start picking up points sooner rather than later if they are to avoid the drop.

However, Andy Thorn’s side could well struggle this weekend as they entertain Middlesbrough, who have a formidable record away from the Riverside Stadium.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to a resurgent Burnley last time out and the north east outfit will be desperate to get back to winning ways to put the pressure on Southampton and Cardiff.

Boro are 11/10 to secure an eighth victory on the road in the Championship this season, and considering Coventry’s recent record Mowbray’s men should be able to take all three points.

The Sky Blues have managed just one win in their last 14 fixtures and to compound their woes key striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has moved on, to Boro.

Jutkiewicz is 3/2 to score any time and 11/2 to open the scoring, both of which are certainly worth some consideration.

Doncaster Rovers have become a hard side to beat at the Keepmoat but their away form is abysmal, with two wins and eleven losses from their 13 matches to date.

Dean Saunders’ side travel to Bristol City and will struggle to get anything out of the Robins at Ashton Gate. Bristol City, who have seven points from the last 12 available on home soil, are priced at 5/6 to secure the victory over the struggling Yorkshire side.

Brighton have lost three of their last four away games and could be set for another defeat when they travel to Peterborough on Saturday afternoon.

The Posh have scored 27 goals at London Road this season, a record only bettered by league-leaders Southampton, while the Seagulls have hit the back of the net just eight times on their travels this season.

Posh are priced at evens to seal the win and record their seventh home win of the campaign to date.

Nottingham Forest face a daunting trip to West Ham as they continue their battle against the drop and Forest’s woes look set to continue at Upton Park.

The City Ground side have managed to pick up more wins on their travels than they have on home soil this season but with West Ham seeking to secure promotion they face a tricky tie in east London.

Forest boss Steve Cotterill has no new injury or suspension concerns, but he remains without a number of key players, including influential midfielder Chris Cohen.

West Ham are 4/7 to seal the win and move to the top of the table, as Southampton don’t play until Monday.

The Hammers are the 6/5 favourites to win the Championship title, Southampton can be backed at 9/4 and Sam Allardyce’s side are 1/3 to secure promotion, either through a top-two finish or the play-offs.

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

«Реал Мадрид» проигрывает Эль Классико! Жозе Моуринью берет вину на себя. Джокович, Надаль, Федерер и Маррей – «Фантастическая Четверка» на зеленом континенте!

Posted on by
Reply

Футбол. Испания. Кубок Короля

Реал Мадрид – Барселона 1:2. Жозе Моуринью самозабвенно взял всю вину на себя и сказал, что к игрокам у него претензий нет… Единственное в чем виноваты футболисты «Реала»,Puyol Zaragoza 1 300x189 «Реал Мадрид» проигрывает Эль Классико! Жозе Моуринью берет вину на себя. Джокович, Надаль, Федерер и Маррей – «Фантастическая Четверка» на зеленом континенте! так это в том, что им противостоит лучшая команда в истории мирового футбола. Хотя с другой стороны, что здесь удивительного??? Чемпионы Мира – испанцы! Чемпионы Европы – испанцы! И если в составе «Реала» – это Серхио Рамос, Икер Касильяс и Хаби Алонсо, а остальная часть сборной есть ничто иное как «Барселона»!

Вот и получается, что даже «Галлактикос» не в состоянии справиться с «Барселоной», а ведь в её составе в данный момент нет Давида Вильи, который восстанавливается после перелома ноги.

С точки зрения чемпионата мы видим, что Жозе четко разобрался, как должна играть его команда, но вот классико… Это совсем другое дело. В принципе, на «Реале» можно было бы ставить «крест», но стоит вспомнить, что именно Моуринью с его «Интером» остановил «Барсу» два года назад в рамках «Лиги Чемпионов». Не исключено, что  этот факт и сподвиг Флорентино Переса пригласить португальца.

Мы с вами можем лишь рассуждать о том, как обыгрывать «Барсу», которая выглядит просто фантастически! А вот задача Моуринью сродни работы алхимика, который исключительно эмпирическим методом вынужден эту головоломку решать. Единственными постоянными элементами при собрании этого «пазла» являются Роналду и Касильяс.

Про подлый поступок Пепе по отношению к Леонелю Месси могу сказать одно, если вы в течение года играете семь матчей с принципиальнейшим соперником, а выигрываете всего раз, то в какой-то момент можете потерять контроль над собой… Но я ни в коем случае не оправдываю действия бразильца, который заслуживает самого сурового наказания за это.

В любом случае, даже Хосеп Гвардиола заявил, что для «Реала» и четыре мяча на поле соперника не выглядят невозможным. Все самое интересное нас ждет в следующем матче!

Теннис. Открытый Чемпионат Австралии

Добро пожаловать на зеленый континент! Первый турнир большого шлема этого сезона пока проходит без больших сенсаций, особенно это касается мужской части сетки. Здесь, как обычно, балом правит «Фантастическая Четверка», которая не собирается обращать внимание на соперников.

И у каждого из них есть своя мотивация…

Новак Джокович хочет доказать всем, что успехи прошлого года совсем не случайны.

Мотивы Рафаэля Надаля и Роджера Федерера примерно одинаковы, так как каждый хочет доказать, что спад прошлого года всего лишь временная тенденция. Швейцарец может сослаться на уже немолодой возраст, а вот испанцу пенять можно только на травмы.

Энди Маррей, чтобы как-то переломить ситуацию, которая складывается для него тяжело, начал сотрудничать с Иваном Лендлом. Опыт великого чешского теннисиста должен ему помочь.

Напоследок хочу сообщить, что, если вы сделаете ставку и  выбранный вами игрок не дойдет до полуфинала, мы компенсируем до 25 евро от Вашей ставки! Просто сделайте ставку на победителя Открытого Чемпионата Австралии по теннису, выбрав любого из нашей «Фантастической Четверки», и если он не достигнет полуфинала – Вы получите свои деньги назад.

Related posts:

  1. «Реал Мадрид» против «Барселоны» – Эль Классико в рамках Кубка Короля! Футбол. Испания. Кубок Короля. Реал Мадрид – Барселона. На моей…
  2. «Барселона» – «Реал» последнее «Эль Классико» этого сезона!!! Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/2  Финала. Барселона – Реал (2:0 счет…
  3. Роналду и Месси в битве за «Кубок Короля»! «Арсенал» и «Тоттенхэм» – «разборки» в северном Лондоне! ЦСКА с «Зенитом» встретятся на Неве. Футбол. Кубок Испании. Финал Барселона – Реал. Мы добрались до…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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

«Реал Мадрид» против «Барселоны» – Эль Классико в рамках Кубка Короля!

Posted on by
Reply

Футбол. Испания. Кубок Короля.

Реал Мадрид – Барселона. На моей памяти такое количество игр между «Реалом» и «Барселоной» происходит впервые! Второй год подряд два непримиримых соперника сходятся друг с другом почти во всех турнирах, в которых принимают участие.Real Ronaldo Barca Messi 1 300x199 Реал Мадрид против Барселоны Эль Классико в рамках Кубка Короля!

Вот и в этом сезоне их пути вновь сошлись в рамках Кубка Короля. Есть большие шансы на их встречу и в Лиге Чемпионов, но пока не будем об этом…

Сколько бы эти команды не играли между собой,  интерес к таким встречам не утихает. Все наперебой спрашивают игроков и тренеров об их ощущениях. Криштиану Роналду рассказал, что старается расслабиться перед каждой игрой, правда методов своих он не поведал. Но то, что в этих матчах ему потребуется выложиться на 100%, сомневаться не приходится.

Голкипер «Реала» Икер Касильяс в недавнем интервью заявил, что уже устал от этих бесконечных «классико». И его можно понять, для Икера это будет 28-е противостояние в рамках «Эль Классико» за последние 12 лет. И только подумайте, это 7-е «классико» за последние два года! Поэтому пресыщение этими играми у игроков определенно есть.

Многое будет зависеть не только от того, в каком физическом состоянии окажутся команды. В составе «Реала» много травмированных; бразилец Пепе получил повреждение бедра в последнем матче с «Мальоркой», но его появление на газоне «Сантьяго Бернабеу» еще возможно, Анхель Ди Мария долго восстанавливался после травмы, полученной еще в прошлом году, но умудрился получить повреждение на вчерашней тренировке и теперь пропустит от восьми до десяти дней. К проблемам дружины Жозе Моуринью добавляется и повреждение Сами Хедиры.

Одной из главных новостей из стана «сине-гранатовых» 2.60 стало известие от Хосепа Гвардиолы, котрый принял решение поставить в ворота на первый матч кубкового противостояния Хосе Пинто. Это надо иметь большую уверенность в своем резервисте, чтобы выставлять на такой матч.

По мнению Хави, в этом сезоне арбитры часто принимают решения не в пользу «Барселоны», но по словам полузащитника, каталонцы не хотят жаловаться на это. Хави имеет в  виду пенальти в матче с «Эспаньолом» и последнюю желтую карточку Иньесте в игре с «Бетисом».

Занимательный факт: Хави дебютировал в матчах против «Мадрида» в том же году, что и Икер Касильяс, и ему остается сыграть еще всего в четырех матчах, чтобы стать рекордсменом «Барселоны» по числу проведенных «классико».

Такие матчи всегда могут завершиться абсолютно разным счетом. Единственное что можно прогонозировать – так это борьбу на каждом участке поля. В этой встрече, так как она проходит в Мадриде, небольшим преимуществом будет пользоваться «Реал» 2.60. Его победа кажется мне более вероятным событием. Что касаемо тотала, то не будем забывать, что это кубковое противостояние, а значит, в первом матче соперники могут осторожничать.

Related posts:

  1. «Реал Мадрид» сразится с «Барселоной» – «Эль Классико» во всей красе! Футбол. Испания. Примера Реал Мадрид – Барселона. Ну, вот мы…
  2. «Реал Мадрид» и «Барселона» в предвкушении «Эль Классико»! Футбол. Испания. Примера Спортинг Хихон – Реал Мадрид. На самом…
  3. «Эль Классико» – «Барселона» и «Реал» снова вместе! Футбол. Суперкубок Испании. Реал Мадрид – Барселона. Не уверен, но…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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

Barca to edge El Clasico

Posted on by
Reply

Spain’s two giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona, meet again on Wednesday, this time in the Copa Del Rey, and both sides will be looking to get one over on their bitter rivals (Real Madrid 13/8, drew 23/10, Barca 13/10 – match prices).

Barcelona have once again dominated the ‘Clasicos’ this season coming out on top over two legs in the Super Cup in August before coming back from an early goal down to win 3-1 and silence the Bernabeu crowd in December.

However, despite their apparent weakness when it comes to facing Barca, Real Madrid certainly have the talent to beat them and possess arguably the world’s best squad. Furthermore, while other coaches sometimes demean certain competitions, Jose Mourinho always goes out to win every game and is sure to put out a strong side.

After so many disappointing displays against the Catalan club, it is surely time for Madrid’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo (9/2 first goalscorer) to produce a world class performance against the ‘Blaugrana’. The Portuguese star seems to play well for his side every week but has hit the buffers against Barca. It often appears as if he trying too hard in these matches rather than playing his natural game but having scored the winner in last season’s Copa Del Rey final, he may feel less pressure and could finally show his class in possible the biggest club game in world football.

On the other hand, Barcelona will of course be full of confidence going into the match and after yet another stunning year in 2011, will be looking at Wednesday’s match as the perfect chance to get 2012 off in the same  vain.

Pep Guardiola has so many stars to pick from with world class players in defence, midfield and attack. However, three time Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi (9/2 first goalscorer) must surely be their one to watch. The little Argentine is undeniably the planet’s greatest talent and unlike Ronaldo always plays well on the big stage. He also has a superb scoring record against the Madristas and will be an almost certain bet to continue his run at the Bernabeu.

However, for all their dominance, Barca may have one weak link on Wednesday and that will be in goal where Antonio Pinto is likely to star ahead of Victor Valdes. The veteran only plays in the Copa Del Rey and Guardiola appears to be loyal to him whoever they face in the competition. However, he is not in the same class as Valdes and has a habit of making big mistakes. His performance could prove vital and will undoubtedly have a bearing on the game.

With the game being played over two legs neither team will want to give too much away in the first meeting meaning it could be a tight encounter. However, with Xavi and Andres Iniesta in their side Barca can unlock any defence, however tight and should just nick it (Barcelona 9/1 to win 2-1).

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

Wolves to give City the Blues

Posted on by
Reply

Bet on the FA CupFollowing their goalless draw at St Andrew’s in their first FA Cup encounter earlier this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City are set to do battle once again in the replay clash at Molineux on Wednesday night (Wolves 21/20, draw 12/5, Birmingham 13/5 – Match Betting).

It was a dreary match between the two West Midlands rivals on January 7, with very little action taking place until the dying moments when Wolves’ Matt Jarvis nearly clinched it for the Premier League outfit.

However, Blues keeper Colin Doyle was equal to the effort and both sides will now need another 90 minutes and maybe more to decide who will make the trip to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round.

With Wolves in the midst of a Premier League relegation dogfight and Birmingham looking to use their games in hand to climb into the Championship play-off places, neither side would have wanted a replay in the cup.

But with this derby on the horizon both will be determined to get one over on their neighbours and it should be an open game at Molineux with both squads boasting attacking threats.

The Blues head into the game on the back of a 6-0 mauling of Millwall in Championship last weekend, with Marlon King (15/2 – First Goalscorer) bagging himself a brace against the Lions, who saw two men sent off.

King will be a threat for the Wolves defence alongside fellow striker Nikola Zigic but one man who has really caught the eye this season is the promising youngster Nathan Redmond.

The 17-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the English top flight, with a number of Premier League teams reportedly keeping tabs on the talented teenager.

Blues boss Chris Hughton has insisted the club are not interested in selling Redmond (9/2 -  To Score Anytime) in the January transfer window and why would they, considering his threat down the flanks and in front of goal?

Redmond bagged his second ever league goal in stoppage time against Millwall and would love to get on the score sheet against Wolves on Wednesday night to try to force his way in the starting XI in the future.

As for Wolves their priority will be to remain in the Premier League for next season but a win over their rivals this week would give fans something to cheer.

Steven Fletcher (4/1 – First Goalscorer) has been their main goalscoring threat this term with nine goals to his name in the Premier League.

Manager Mick McCarthy has relied on the Scotland international and he will cause the Blues problems if the Wolves boss decides to give him a run out, with another derby against Aston Villa taking place this weekend.

With Wolves showing great character in their 1-1 draw with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, there seems to be a real spirit in the camp at Molineux.

Home advantage and that extra bit of quality in their ranks should give Wolves the edge in this one, but expect a far more open game than the drab affair at St Andrew’s.

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

Wrexham can finish Brighton off

Posted on by
Reply

Tuesday sees five FA Cup third round replays with Wrexham, MK Dons and Macclesfield among those hopeful of causing an upset against higher-ranked opposition at the second time of asking (FA Cup – totesport).

Bolton V Macclesfield (Winners home to Swansea)

It’s been a season to forget for the Trotters (1/4 to win) and Saturday’s defeat at Manchester United in the league means they are just a point ahead of bottom-of-the table Wigan in 19th place.

So this is hardly the time to welcome League Two side Macclesfield (11/1) to the Reebok seeking a giant-killing.

The first game ended 2-2 a couple of weeks ago (draw 9/2 – match prices) and Macc will again fancy their chances of hurting a Bolton side short on confidence and quality at the minute.

It could end up going to extra time but back the Premier League strugglers to eventually book their place in the fourth round, if only just – with draw/draw – HT/FT at 15/2 worth a punt.

Prediction: Home win (aet).

QPR v MK Dons (Winners home to Chelsea)

Mark Hughes began his tenure in charge of Rangers with a narrow defeat at Newcastle on Sunday but he will have seen enough from his new side to believe they have enough to see off the Dons at home (QPR 4/5, MK Dons 10/3, draw 13/5 – match prices).

Like the Bolton-Macclesfield tie, this was heading for a shock until a late equaliser rescued the top-flight side but you sense MK Dons’ best chance of making it through and getting a crack at Chelsea in the fourth round has now gone.

Their players will be well rested after their home clash with Carlisle was called off on Saturday but, with the R’s squad out to impress their new boss, this should be a fairly comfortable home victory with QPR to win 3-0 at 12/1 particularly appealing.

Prediction: Home win.

Leicester v Nottingham Forest (Winners home to Swindon)

This East Midlands derby ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the City Ground earlier in the month so they go at it again at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday (Leicester 8/11, Forest 4/1, draw 5/2 – match prices).

The game may well come as a welcome distraction for struggling Forest, who were beaten 3-0 by Championship leaders Southampton on Saturday – a result that leaves them in the final relegation spot in the table.

Leicester also lost at home at the weekend, 2-1 against Barnsley, and are in desperate need of some inspiration following a disappointing season to date.

Nigel Pearson’s return as manager has not had the desired effect of moving them up the Championship and they remain firmly in mid-table, despite spending heavily in the summer and many back then tipping the Foxes for automatic promotion.

So a Cup run could be just what the doctor ordered for these two sleeping giants. Expect a tight game with Leicester just about squeezing through.

Prediction: Home win.

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Winners home to Southampton)

The Lions (2/5 to win – match prices) will probably still be in shock following the 6-0 home defeat against Birmingham City on Saturday so will be desperate to get that out of their system and see off League Two outfit Dagenham and Redbridge (15/2) in this replay.

The Daggers are in a relegation fight and lost 1-0 at home to Hereford on Saturday but will approach the trip to The Den with nothing to lose.

Expect a reaction from Kenny Jackett’s side, though, and another home win looks on the cards here.

Prediction: Home win

Wrexham v Brighton (winners home to Newcastle)

Welsh outfit Wrexham (7/4 – match prices) are enjoying a fine season in the Conference and stayed on course for a return to league football when they won 2-1 at Tamworth over the weekend – three points that moved them back to the top of the table.

Securing promotion is likely to be their priority this season but, with the prospect of a potential home date with Newcastle to play for in the fourth round, they will also be desperate to progress past Championship side Brighton (6/4).

This tie was another that ended 0-0 first time around and it should be tight again but there is scope to back the non-leaguers here to cause the upset of the night.

Prediction: Home win.

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

City to shine at DW

Posted on by
Reply

After another exciting weekend of Premier League action, Monday sees what could be a crucial match at both ends of the Premier League table as title chasers Manchester City travel to the DW Stadium to face relegation candidates Wigan (Wigan 8/1, draw 7/2, Man City 2/5).

Both teams are in the midst of some patchy form and a win on Monday could go some way to help either side achieve their respective goals for the season.

After a solid run before Christmas, the Latics have struggled in the last few games and have lost three of their last five. Despite their form, coach Roberto Martinez is staying positive and believes they will once again stave off relegation.

It is likely that they will persevere with the 3-5-2 formation that they’ve been using recently, meaning they could dominate the City midfielders.

Key to this will be the performance of young Irish midfielder James McCarthy (11/2 to score at any time) who is one of the Lancashire side’s true quality players.

McCarthy has had a torrid time with injuries during his short career but he always performs when fit and will be looking to impress against the Citizens.

A number of top teams have tried to prise him away from the D.W. Stadium and the former Hamilton Academical player will be hoping to prove he can compete with the league’s best.

City are in a similarly poor run of form and with the talismanic Yaya Toure away at the African Cup of Nations as well as captain Vincent Kompany suspended, they’re beginning to look vulnerable.  However, the Eastlands side are still top of the table and will look at the game at Wigan as the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

Boss Roberto Mancini has almost unlimited quality in his squad and is always able to field a world-class team. In the absence of Toure, Dutchman Nigel de Jong (10/1 to score at any time) has regained his place in the side and will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Monday’s match.

Kompany’s absence means the inexperienced Stefan Savic is likely to start and after a shaky performance in the Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool, he could be struggling for confidence. This means it will be De Jong’s job to protect the City goal so expect a big game from the former Ajax man as he looks to prove he’s good enough for a starting spot.

De Jong’s influence could be vital due to City’s recent poor defensive performances but despite these frailties, they will be confident of winning the match. However, Wigan always try to attack so it should be an exciting game and there are sure to be goals (City 25/1 to win 3-2).

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