Monthly Archives: February 2012

Trio eyeing cup shocks

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Stevenage, Crawley Town and Brighton will be hoping to overcome Premier League opposition in a busy Sunday of FA Cup Fifth Round action.

Crawley v Stoke
League Two high-flyers Crawley are taking on Premier League opposition for the second year in succession in the form of Stoke City (Crawley 11/4 draw 12/5 away Evens). Last season they travelled to Old Trafford in the last 16 and were unlucky to not force a replay after hitting the bar late on in a narrow 1-0 defeat.

The big spending West Sussex club were a non-league team then, but fresh from lifting the Conference title last May they are now chasing a second successive promotion into League One. They have already provided two cup shocks this season having defeated Championship side Bristol City and Hull without conceding a goal.

Stoke meanwhile are hoping to go one better this season after reaching last year’s final before losing to Manchester City. The reward for their May day at Wembley was a spot in the Europa League, a new experience for the club with boss Tony Pulis admitting it has been a challenge trying to combine European and domestic duties.

They travel south on Sunday fresh from a 1-0 defeat to Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie, with Pulis again pledging to shuffle his pack for the return to domestic action.

For that reason, the Broadfield Stadium is the most likely venue for an upset on Sunday, with Crawley’s financial resources meaning they possess a squad far stronger than their League Two standing suggests, making their odds of 11/4 worthy of a punt.

Stevenage v Tottenham
Stevenage manager Gary Smith hasn’t even been in English football management for a month yet he is already preparing his side for a huge tie against Premier League title-chasing Tottenham (Stevenage 9/1 draw 4/1 Tottenham 1/3). The 43-year-old moved to Broadhall Way last month after a three year spell in the MLS with Colorado Rapids.

His first game in charge was a 1-0 fourth round win over Notts County that set-up a plumb tie with Harry Redknapp’s Londoners. The club have yet to concede a goal in their cup adventure so far this year, taking in wins over Hartlepool, Stourbridge, Notts County and Reading. They also know how to knock out Premier league sides after defeating Newcastle at the third round stage last season – the only occasion they have knocked out a top flight side.

Spurs boss Redknapp is open about his desire to guide Tottenham back into the Champions League but will not want to see their momentum checked by a defeat to lower league opposition in the cup. They have lost just once to lower league opposition in 33 attempts and, despite being a touch fortunate to make it past Watford in round four, are unlikely to slip up on this occasion. A comfortable 3-0 Spurs win is my tip and is priced at 7/1.

Liverpool v Brighton
Kenny Dalglish’s reds have already booked one Wembley date this season but the Scot has warned his side that Carling Cup final places are at risk if they under-perform against Brighton at Anfield on Sunday (Liverpool 1/4 draw 9/2 Brighton 11/1). The club have not lost at home in any competition this season but have not made the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since winning it in 2006.

They have already beaten Brighton this campaign, with goals from Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy giving them a 2-1 Carling Cup win at the Amex Stadium in September. Albion meanwhile will be hoping to repeat their heroics of 29 years ago, when they last beat Liverpool en route to the final, where they eventually lost to Manchester United in a replay.

They were giant-killers in round four, knocking out Alan Pardew’s Champions League-chasing Newcastle. Gus Poyet’s men have also yet to lose in any competition this calendar year, winning six and drawing four of their 10 league and cup games.

I expect the sides’ unbeaten runs to continue after Sunday’s contest, with a hard-earned replay the reward for Albion. My prediction is an entertaining 2-2 draw priced at a hefty 28/1.

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Barca can bury Valencia

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Barcelona know they cannot afford another La Liga slip up this weekend with the pressure likely to be turned up again if Real Madrid (1/12 in Match betting) win at home to Racing Santander (22/1, Draw 9/1) 24 hours before Pep Guardiola’s men tackle Valencia.

Real Madrid v Racing Santander

Jose Mourinho’s side are in awesome form, having won all seven of their Primera Division matches since the 3-1 home defeat to champions Barca in December.

That has seen Real forge a ten-point lead, threatening to dethrone the Catalan club from their lofty perch for the first time since 2007/08.

Mourinho appears to have fostered this run while being in conflict with key players in his squad, but, with 16 matches to go, Real fans are beginning to count off the 13 wins they need to collect a record 32nd La Liga title.

Opponents Racing Santander are sat in the bottom three, but Juanjo Gonzalez’s side have picked up three useful points in the last three weeks against top six outfits Valencia, Levante and Atletico Madrid.

It would be foolish to discount the Verdiblancos’ chances of upsetting the form book altogether, but their record at the Bernabeu suggests this should be a home win for Mourinho’s men.

There is no value to be had in the match markets by backing a Real Madrid win at 1/12 or 2/9 to be ahead at half and full-time.

But it could be worth a punt on Racing Santander being level at half-time only to lose the match after 90 minutes.

A draw/Real Madrid bet (9/2) would have paid out in each of their last three home Primera Division matches – when they fell behind to Atletico, Real Zaragoza and Levante only to level up before the interval.

Barcelona v Valencia

Barcelona got back to winning ways in midweek with a typical Champions League display against Bayer Leverkusen when they enjoyed a whopping 75 per cent possession in the first half.

Barca led at half-time, courtesy of Alexis Sanchez’s first Champions League goal, for the 14th time in their last 18 European matches, but they conceded straight after the break – highlighting their worrying defensive weakness.

Guardiola must be concerned about the number of goals his side are shipping, eight in six matches since the win at the Bernabeu – costing them five points in the title race.

But they have been better defensively at home, where they have only allowed three opposition goals – so it will be tough for Sunday’s visitors Valencia (9/1 in Match Betting) to add to their problems (Barcelona 1/4, Draw 5/1).

Valencia have had 48 hours less rest than Barca, who played on Tuesday night, after their 1-0 win at Stoke in the Europa League, but Los Che rested key players ahead of the trip to the Nou Camp.

Roberto Soldado will be their main hope of getting a goal against the champions, while left-sided duo Jeremy Mathieu and Jordi Alba have caused havoc against Barca when Brazilian full-back Dani Alves has been exposed defensively.

Guardiola left Alves out of the first leg of their recent Copa del Rey tie and he may decide that Carles Puyol is his preferred choice at right-back on Sunday.

But Barcelona will surely win the game and with some cheeky suggestions that Valencia could pinch second place from them if they continue their domestic decline, expect the home side to be ruthless in their play once more.

Barca to win 4-0 is 10/1 and 5-0 is 18/1 in the correct score market and these odds may look quite generous if Lionel Messi is on his best form.

The Catalan club have won their previous five home league games against Valencia with a combined score of 17-1.

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«Реал Мадрид» готовится к матчу с ЦСКА, играя с «Расингом»! «Барселона» обязана побеждать «Валенсию»!

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Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Реал Мадрид – Расинг. В последнем матче чемпионата Испании «мадридисты» поиграли в «кошки-мышки» Ronaldo celebrates 11 224x300 Реал Мадрид готовится к матчу с ЦСКА, играя с Расингом! Барселона обязана побеждать Валенсию!с «Леванте», но в итоге одержали убедительную победу со счетом 4:2. И это даже не самое главное, параллельно с этим «Барселона» потерпела поражение от «Осасуны».

Это осечка «сине-гранатовых» позволила мадридскому «Реалу» 1.08 оторваться на 10 очков! Такой отрыв выглядит практически непреодолимым, несмотря на то, что «Эль Классико» пройдет на «Камп Ноу» и победа в нем «Барсы» немало вероятна.

В любом случае, победа «Реала» в чемпионате кажется делом решенным, так как «сливочные», помимо матчей с «Барселоной», практически не дают соперникам шансов.

В матче с «Расингом» 23.00 Жозе Моуринью может дать отдохнуть своим лидерам, так как полет в Москву не прибавит сил Криштиану Роналду и компании. С другой стороны, терять очки на своем поле – тоже не хочется.

Плюс ко всему, даже те, кто не выходит в стартовом составе «Реала» – это совсем не резервисты… В любом случае, победа «Реала» смотрится как данность, но, наверняка, много сил в преддверии матча с ЦСКА «мадридисты» тратить не захотят.

Барселона – Валенсия. Еще совсем недавно бесконечные «Эль Классико» как будто отбрасывали нас в «день сурка». Теперь в Испании новая «забава»: матчи «сине-гранатовых» с «летучими мышами», два матча в рамках кубка, и теперь встреча в чемпионате.

Оба клуба участвовали на этой неделе в еврокубках, причем, оба играли на выездах. «Барса» успешно прокатилась до Леверкузена, а «Валенсия» 10.00, пусть не столь уверено, но обыграла «Сток Сити». Но стоит учитывать, что «Барса» свой матч проводила во вторник, а валенсийцы в четверг, так что эти два дня явно играют в пользу «сине-гранатовых».

Хорошей новостью для фанатов «Барселоны» 1.25 послужило известие о том, что Давид Вилья уже восстановился после перелома ноги, и, как заявляет сам футболист, к 22 аперля он хочет быть в полной боевой готовности. Дата эта естественно не случайна, на этот день назначено очередное свидание «Мадрида» и «Барселоны».

К этому туру сложилась необычная для Испании ситуация, когда идущая на втором месте «Барселона» отстает от «Реала» на 10 очков, а вот опережает «Валенсию» всего на 5. Если в этом туре «Барса» и не приблизится к «Реалу», то вот от «Валенсии» наверняка оторвется…

Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/8 Финала

ЦСКА – Реал Мадрид. Неминуемо приближается день встречи испанского гранда и лидера российского футбола. Сам матч пройдет 21 февраля в ближайший вторник, так что ждать осталось недолго!

Нынешний защитник «Анжи», а в прошлом «мадридист» Роберто Карлос, уверен, что «Реалу» в Москве придется крайне непросто. Бразилец при этом уповает на мастерство «армейцев», а не на силу морозов!

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  1. «Манчестер Юнайтед» возьмет реванш у «Ливерпуля»? Онлайн-трансляция матчей «Реал Мадрид» – «Леванте» и «Осасуна» – Барселона»! Футбол. Чемпионат Англии. Премьер-Лига Манчестер Юнайтед – Ливерпуль. Для болельщиков…
  2. Ставки на матч «Байер» – «Барселона»! «Лион» принимает АПОЭЛ в рамках Лиги Чемпионов. ЦСКА – «Реал Мадрид» – ставки на этот матч уже здесь! Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/8 Финала Байер Леверкузен – Барселона. В…
  3. «Реал Мадрид» сразится с «Барселоной» – «Эль Классико» во всей красе! Футбол. Испания. Примера Реал Мадрид – Барселона. Ну, вот мы…

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Lions to add to Bolton woes

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The FA Cup returns this weekend with a host of intriguing fifth round fixtures to look forward to. Could we finally have a couple of upsets in what has been an FA Cup where shocks have been few and far between thus far?

Chelsea v Birmingham City 12:30pm

Depending on which Blues you support you are either rather depressed or pretty optimistic about what the rest of the season could bring. For Chelsea fans you’ve seen your team win just two of the last ten in the Premier League and are perhaps considering a season without Champions League football next year.

If you are a Birmingham fan then a 13-match unbeaten run has given you hope of bouncing back at the first time of asking and maybe causing another FA Cup upset. Blues have already claimed one Premier League scalp, when defeating Wolves at Molineux, and are now setting their sights on another.

Chelsea look to be a team in turmoil, with manager Andre Villas-Boas hinting this week that not everyone is happy with his plans for the future at Stamford Bridge. A player revolt is the last thing Villas-Boas needs and as such Birmingham fans might feel as though they have chance.

Chelsea will be without John Terry, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Salomon Kalou, while Villas-Boas could rest some players with the midweek trip to Napoli in mind. Birmingham are without their main goal threats in Marlon King and Nikola Zigic, so one goal is about as much as they are likely to manage.

A Chelsea win is priced at 2/7, with a Birmingham upset 9/1. However, the draw looks to be as close as we will get to an upset, which is available at 9/2. No matter the result Frank Lampard has a good record against lower league opposition and can be backed at 5/1 to score first.

Millwall v Bolton 3pm

After last week’s disastrous defeat to Wigan the last thing Bolton would want is a tough FA Cup tie at the New Den. Given the Trotters current position in the bottom three, the FA Cup might be seen as something of a distraction and as such you’d expect Coyle to rotate his squad for the clash.

Millwall had found themselves in a similar position to Bolton recently, but a run of just two defeats in the last eight has seen them make steady progress away from the relegation zone. They caused something of an upset in the last round when they won at Southampton and at 7/4 are worth a punt to make it through to the quarter-finals.

Lions manager Kenny Jackett has promised to attack from the off and he will hope to have topscorer Darius Henderson fit after a number of weeks out. Over 2.5 goals at even money could also be worth a look given Bolton’s poor defensive record.

Sunderland v Arsenal 5:15pm

The Black Cats should be licking their lips at the prospect of Arsenal coming to visit on Saturday. They might have lost the Premier League encounter between these two last week but after the Gunners took a beating at AC Milan they look right for the picking.

The last few seasons for Arsenal have followed a familiar pattern, with everything going wrong in February. Last season they started February in four cup competitions and ended it with no hope of any silverware. This season could be a similar story, with Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill desperate for his team to go on a run in the FA Cup.

The Gunners once again have defensive problems with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker sidelined, meaning the unreliable Johan Djourou could get a run out. Sunderland have been boosted by the news that Lee Cattermole is fit to return and on his day he could prove to be a thorn in Arsenal’s side.

Sunderland are 15/8 to defeat Arsenal, with the Gunners 7/5 and the draw 12/5.

Elsewhere, Everton host Blackpool in what should be an intriguing clash in which the Toffees should come out on top. Everton are struggling defensively while Blackpool score for fun so over 2.5 goals at 4/5 could be worth a few quid.

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Royals to reign over Clarets

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Friday’s Championship match pits two of the in-form teams in the division, Reading and Burnley, against one another as the battle for a play-off spot heats up.

The Royals have been steadily climbing the table and currently occupy that coveted sixth place, however, Burnley are desperately trying to claw their back into the play-off picture and three points could go a long way to helping their cause.

These two former Premier League clubs made poor stars to the season but have enjoyed an impressive turnaround in fortunes, Reading winning eight of the last ten to catapult themselves back into the top six.

The Royals came within the width of a post to securing a return to the top flight last season, losing out to Swansea in the play-off final.

As a result of their failure to make it back into the Premier League Reading were forced to sell off the likes of Shane Long and Matt Mills in order to balance the books. It was no surprise then that Reading made a slow start to the season, which has picked up recently following the takeover of Thames Valley Sports Investment.

The takeover by the Russian-backed consortium has given the whole club a lift, especially after they persuaded star winger Jimmy Kebe to sign a new deal.

As far as recent form goes the Royals have produced a mixed bag of results at home, losing to Stevenage in the FA Cup but battering West Ham and Brighton 3-0 in the league.

When they do win at home the Royals have kept clean sheets in six out of seven matches recently. As a result Reading to win 1-0 at 6/1 and 2-0 at 7/1 could well be worthwhile bets.

A look back at recent meetings between the two teams suggests Reading should win this one, bettering Burnley in their last four meetings.

However, the Clarets have happy memories of the Madejski Stadium having secured a place in the play-off final there in 2009. Burnley were ultimately promoted, but have struggled since coming straight back down the following season.

The board at Turf Moor decided to bring Eddie Howe in as manager in a bid to rebuild the club and after a shaky start their patience finally seems to be paying off. Burnley have lost three of the last 14 in the Championship, winning six of those games to move within five points and four places of Reading and the play-offs.

The Clarets picked up another three points against Barnsley at home in midweek, but it is their away form that has probably been more impressive, winning at the likes of Middlesbrough, Hull City, West Ham and Brighton in recent months.

Howe’s men are 11/4 to claim another victory on the road and with their crippling injury crisis finally starting to ease this price might tempt a few. Reading are 4/5, with the draw 12/5, and as previously mentioned the Royals to win to nil is the best bet if you fancy Brian McDermott’s men.

The Royals look to have the momentum, but as many punters have learned the outcome of matches in the Championship are tough to predict, especially when two in-form clubs meet.

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Italians set for Europa glory

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The surprise inclusion of Champions League flops Manchester United and Manchester City may dominate the Europea League headlines but there are plenty of other contenders for the top prize and Serie A is well represented in the last-32 stage.

Lazio host Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid on Thursday night and both sides are likely to rest some key players for Europe, with league commitments the more pressing priority for the two clubs.

Lazio are currently third in Serie A and on course to book a spot in the Champions League, while Atletico Madrid are off the pace in their own hunt for a top-four finish and will be keen to keep their key men fresh for domestic action.

However, Lazio have an impressive record in Rome, both in Serie A and Europe, and could well be too strong for a weakened Atletico side, who managed just one win away from the Vicente Calderon in the Europa League group stages.

Lazio are 13/10 to secure the win, while the draw can be backed at 9/4 and Atletico Madrid are 21/10 to pick up a victory in the Italian capital.

Udinese are in the hunt for Champions League qualification and the Serie A side have also made changes for their European fixtures to date in the current campaign, opting to rest men for their midweek Europa fixtures.

However, despite the changes made by boss Francesco Guidolin for their European ties, Udinese remain unbeaten at home in Europe and have won 10 of their 12 Serie A fixtures to date at the Stadio Friuli.

Udinese host Greek side PAOK on Thursday and should be able to seal the victory which is priced at 8/11.  The draw is available at 5/2 and a PAOK win is 4/1.

Lokomotiv Moscow are a tough side to beat on home soil and the Russian outfit host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Bilbao have taken their European commitments seriously this season, naming strong squads throughout the group stages, but Moscow is always a tricky place to go regardless of which side you happen to be facing. It should be a tight contest but home advantage could well be crucial and Lokomotiv can be backed at 7/5 to secure the win.

However, while Lokomotiv could win at home the second leg is a different matter all together and over the course of 180 minutes Bilbao should come out on top, with Athletic Bilbao 1/2 to qualify for the next round.

German side Schalke boast an unbeaten away record in Europe this season and the Bundesliga outfit travel to FC Viktoria Plzen, who failed to qualify from a Champions League group that included AC Milan and Barcelona.

Plzen are in the Europa League as they finished third in Group H ahead of BATE Borisov but they managed just one victory in their Champions League campaign and will struggle against Schalke.

Schalke are 6/5 to seal the victory and take an advantage back to Germany for the second leg, while a draw is priced at 11/5 and a home win is available at 12/5.

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«Зенит» теряет игроков перед встречей с «Бенфикой». Андрей Аршавин сразится с «Миланом»!

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Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/8 финала

Зенит – Бенфика. Вот и настал черед российских клубов вступить в лиго-чемпионскую борьбу. Первым этоKerzhakov reacts 1 300x200 Зенит теряет игроков перед встречей с Бенфикой. Андрей Аршавин сразится с Миланом! предстоит сделать парням с Невы.  Домашний матч обязывает «Зенит» 2.50 играть только на победу, иначе на выезде в Португалию у них будут серьезные проблемы.

Хотя проблемы, такое ощущение, просто преследуют «Зенит». Вот казалось бы, межсезонье и все должны быть более или менее здоровы, но нет. Лазарет питерцев забит до отказа, и ощущение, что на дворе окончание трудного сезона. Переоценить потерю Данни для команды Лучиано Спалетти практически невозможно. Нехватка португальца может стать невосполнимой не только в рамках Лиги Чемпионов, но и национальном первенстве.

Практически как контрольный выстрел выглядят потери Кришито и Малафеева, плюс еще и Широков только восстановился после травмы, полученной на сборах. Вообще такое количество повреждений во время подготовительного периода выглядит крайне странно. Но хочется верить, что это стечение обстоятельств, а не нехватка профессионализма тренерского состава. При этом Спаллетти заявил, что травмы футболистов не станет объяснением поражения его команды.

Александр Кержаков в свою очередь пообещал одержать победу над «Бенфикой» 2.75 для Данни, который выбыл на столь длительный срок. С другой стороны, тренер московского «Локомотива» Жозе Коусейру  считает, что у «Бенфики» больше шансов в этом противостоянии, так как помимо травмированных на игре «Зенита» скажется и отсутствие игровой практики.

Я бы предположил, что первая встреча в холодном Петербурге может завершиться ничьей…

Милан – Арсенал. Первый клуб Андрея Аршавина сегодня сыграет с «Бенфикой», а он сам отправился в Милан, чтобы начать воплощать мечту Арсена Венгера – выиграть Лигу Чемпионов! Французский специалист много лет «спит и видит» этот серебряный трофей в своих руках.

Возвращение Тьерри Анри еще больше добавляет симпатий «Арсеналу» 3.60, но Лига Чемпионов такой турнир, который не терпит сантиментов, здесь побеждают самые сильные, а не самые хорошие. Хотя, если в этом сезоне Анри и Венгер поднимут над собой этот кубок – об этом точно надо будет снять фильм!

Проблемы «Арсенала» в чем-то очень схожи с «Зенитом», вот буквально накануне Мертезакер выбыл минимум на месяц. Но есть человек, который, как мне кажется, сможет решить исход этого противостояния в пользу «канониров» – это Робин ван Перси!

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England trio begin Europa tilt

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The European adventure continues for England’s top two clubs although not in the competition that either would have liked as they get their Europa League campaigns underway on Thursday, while surprise package Stoke are also in action, looking to put their poor domestic run behind them.

Big spending Manchester City head the outright betting at 5/1 for Europa League glory in Bucharest in May, which is hardly a surprise given the riches at manager Roberto Mancini’s disposal.

However, the question is how seriously will the Premier League leaders be taking this competition, given the way their season has gone so far.

When they were banging in goals for fun and thumping title challengers Manchester United and Spurs away, the talk was about winning every competition they were in.

However, they have been knocked out of the Champions League at the first opportunity, albeit from a tough looking group, were knocked out of the FA Cup (again as early as possible) while they fell at the semi-final stage in the Carling Cup.

Despite a magnificent start to the Premier League campaign, the Citizens have not run away with it as yet, particularly as they have been far from consistent in 2012.

Mancini’s men take on defending champions FC Porto in the first leg of their last-32 clash at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday, with the Portuguese giants as, if not more, disappointed that they failed to make it further in the Champions League.

Porto’s home form was the principal reason for their failure to get out of Group G, just one win and two draws to finish behind APOEL FC and Zenit St Petersburg.

This is perhaps reflected in the match betting with both sides available at 13/8 to take a first-leg advantage, while the draw is on offer at 23/10.

Mancini will have the Toure brothers back from African Nations Cup duty to bolster the ranks, while Mario Balotelli is available despite his domestic ban.

But whether the Italian tactician decides to go with his fringe players remains to be seen, although his squad is arguably the strongest in Europe.

However, indifferent away form has been the problem of late and Porto are likely to go all out for the win to maintain the defence of their trophy, with Hulk (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) leading the charge up front.

United, 7/1 outright second favourites, have named a strong-looking squad as they make their bow in Europe’s second tier competition, although Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra have been left at home.

The Red Devils did not appear to have the toughest of groups in the Champions League but still failed to progress with a 2-1 defeat in Basel condemning them to a place in the Europa League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take on another Champions League drop-out, although Ajax were far from disgraced in their failure to progress, only losing out on goal difference to Lyon in a group which also included Real Madrid.

The betting suggests that this is a foregone conclusion with United odds on favourites at 5/6 to win at the Amsterdam Arena, with Ajax available at 10/3 and the draw at 5/2.

United have improved their form of late to remain in Premier League contention but it is still taking something of a chance backing them at the prices, given only one away victory in Europe this year – and that was 2-0 at group whipping boys Otelul Galati.

Ajax are not the force they once were but, with the draw of United, the players will no doubt be up for this one and it is set to be a tight affair.

Stoke have surprised a few in getting this far and their reward is a tough draw against Spanish giants Valencia, who consolidated third place in La Liga with a 4-0 demotion of Sporting Gijon.

Stoke’s form has been poor of late, losing their last three games, but they did enjoy dominance at the Britannia in Europe before Christmas, winning two and drawing one in Group E.

Valencia’s form on their travels in the Champions League cost them progression but they have enjoyed previous success in this competition and, as the third best side in Spain, obviously are no mugs.

It will be a real contrast of styles and although Valencia have been installed as the 6/4 favourites in the match betting, Stoke (7/4) can take something into the second leg – albeit a draw, priced at 23/10.

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Gunners eye Italian Job

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Wednesday’s football highlight is undoubtedly Arsenal’s trip to AC Milan in the Champions League as Arsene Wenger puts aside the Gunners’ Premier League top-four chase and instead focuses on his quest for European glory (Arsenal 20/1 – Champions League Outright).

The north Londoners may have returned to fourth spot after a dramatic win at Sunderland last time out, but with the top three of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham almost home and dry, the pressure will be on Arsenal right up until the end of the season.

The 2005/06 finalists travel to Milan for the first leg of the last-16 tie and Wales star Aaron Ramsey certainly believes attack is the best form of defence against the current Serie A leaders, who have shipped just five goals domestically in the San Siro this term.

The midfielder wants the Gunners to go for the jugular although it could be argued his view is one seen through rose-tinted spectacles.

Ramsey told Arsenal’s website: “If we can go there and get a few goals and then come back to the Emirates then that’s going to be a fantastic result for us.

“Hopefully, we can get a couple of goals and keep them out as well.”

True, Arsenal do have a 100% winning record from two European trips to the San Siro but it must be remembered the last time they went there was four years ago and much has changed at the Emirates since then.

In 2008, Wenger’s side managed a 2-0 win thanks to goals in the last eight minutes and the same scoreline this time around is an 11/1 shot.

Milan used to enjoy a commanding record against British clubs on home soil but that has changed over recent seasons, although they could well restore their reputation this year against a leaky Arsenal defence.

The one fear hanging over them must be Thierry Henry who returns to MLS after this game following a loan spell and the Frenchman is – along with captain Robin van Persie – a tasty 13/2 to score the last goal.

Serving as a palatable starter to the main course in Milan is the night’s other Champions League game on Wednesday between rank outsiders Zenit St Petersburg (80/1 – Outright) and Benfica (50/1), which is an early kick-off at the Stadion Petrovskiy.

Neither the Russians nor the Portuguese outfit are expected to be crowned the Kings of Europe but one must make the quarter-finals.

Zenit eliminated another Portuguese side in their last European game after a goalless draw at Porto, although they did ride their luck at times.

However, the cold of a Russian winter might not appeal to Benfica on the night and they will be happy to return to Portugal still in touch with the 2008 UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup winners so the 6/5 about a home win looks too inviting a price to miss out on.

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Ставки на матч «Байер» – «Барселона»! «Лион» принимает АПОЭЛ в рамках Лиги Чемпионов. ЦСКА – «Реал Мадрид» – ставки на этот матч уже здесь!

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Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/8 Финала

Байер Леверкузен – Барселона. В день всех влюбленных Лига Чемпионов возобновляет свой турнир. У нас Messi scored 1 300x222 Ставки на матч Байер Барселона! Лион принимает АПОЭЛ в рамках Лиги Чемпионов. ЦСКА Реал Мадрид ставки на этот матч уже здесь! остались лучшие 16 команд Европы, проходные матчи закончились и начинается самое интересное!

А интересного похоже будет много, так как даже сама «Барселона» 1.36 едет в Леверкузен не в самом прекрасном расположении духа. «Гранатово-синие» несолоно хлебали в Памплоне. В последнем туре чемпионата Испании они проиграли «Осасуне» со счетом 3:2! Забить три мяча «Барселоне» не удавалось даже мадридскому «Реалу»!

Одной из причин этого я вижу отсутствие в составе «Барсы» полузащитников сборной Испании Хави и Иньесты. Ранее я высказывался, что именно они, а не Леонель Месси являются ключевыми игроками для подопечных Пепа Гвардиолы. Так что матч в Германии может получиться весьма напряженным, тем более, что играть теплолюбивым испанцам предстоит не в самой теплой обстановке,  в Леверкузене будет -1 градус.

К сожалению, для леверкузенцев 8.50 в матче не сможет принять участие Микаэль Баллак, который получил повреждение икроножной мышцы на утренней тренировке. С учетом трений между ним и руководством клуба может это не так и плохо.

В любом случае, если немцы хотят реально претендовать на прохождение в следующий круг, им нужно сегодня побеждать «Барселону» во что бы то ни стало…

Лион – АПОЭЛ. Если бы такой матч произошел на предварительной стадии Лиги Чемпионов, то мало кто бы вообще захотел его смотреть, так как данная «вывеска» не предвещает для киприотов ничего хорошего.

Но кто бы мог подумать, что скромный АПОЭЛ 7.50 сможет выйти из группы где с ним будут «Зенит», «Порту» и «Шахтер». И выйти не чудом, а прямо с первого места!!! Вот и тренер «Лиона» 1.45 Реми Гард предостерегает всех от ощущения, что в этой паре уже все ясно. Тем более, что ответный матч будет сыгран на Кипре, а о том, как киприоты поддерживают своих – мы хорошо знаем.

ЦСКА – Реал Мадрид. Этот матч пройдет на следующей неделе, но делать ставки на него вы можете уже сейчас! Одним из подтекстов этого противостояния станет сражение тренерской мысли между Жозе Моуринью и его «русской версией» Леонидом Слуцким.

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