Monthly Archives: March 2012

Lions look bet of the weekend

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It looks like being another unpredictable weekend of Championship football as punters study the form book before it traditionally gets thrown out of the window come Saturday afternoon. However, with some shrewd selections, profit really can be achieved from this notoriously tough to call division.

Coventry v Birmingham City (12.30pm)

Birmingham have scored 13 goals in their last three away games in the league, winning all three  but Coventry are tough to beat at the Ricoh Arena, winning five and losing just one of their last seven home games in the league.

However, the most telling statistic lies in their head-to-head results, which have seen four of the last five encounters finish in 1-0 scorelines. Expect this to be another tight encounter with a solitary goal deciding it in favour of Birmingham – who can freshen up their line-up significantly from the midweek FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.

Birmingham to win 1-0 is 6/1.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Portsmouth (3pm)

The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last six Championship games on home soil and should easily overcome a Pompey side that have won just one of their last eight on the road, losing three of the last four and scoring just one goal in the last four away trips.

The 4/6 about a Brighton win is certainly backable but go for Craig Mackail-Smith (4/1 in the First Goalscorer market) to net first – 90 per cent of the goals he has scored since his move from Peterborough have been the first in the match.

Burnley v Crystal Palace (3pm)

Burnley have lost four of their last five Championship games while Palace arrive on an unbeaten run of seven league matches. The Clarets have lacked a killer instinct of late and rely heavily on Jay Rodriguez (8 in 10) to get them their goals.

For this reason, it is tempting to back Rodriguez at 15/8, but why not double it up with the 1-1  draw as a 25/1 Scorecast.

Derby County v Watford (3pm)

Watford have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 league matches so don’t expect them to shut Derby out, but they can grab a half-time lead at Pride Park.

The Rams ability to storm back into matches was shown again in midweek when they turned around a half-time deficit against Blackpool, a few days after they grabbed a point from 2-0 down at Birmingham.

Nigel Clough’s side may have to do it the hard way again on Saturday so back Watford/Draw at 12/1 and Watford/Derby at 25/1 in the HT/FT market.

Hull City v Ipswich Town (3pm)

The Tigers have failed to score in seven of their last 11 league games, but Ipswich have been conceding goals away from Portman Road.

Hull have drawn four of their last six matches and that may be the result that they can best hope for against an improving Ipswich.

This looks like a tight game to call so go for the draw at 23/10 or take Draw/Draw in the HT/FT for a 4/1 payout.


Nottingham Forest v Millwall (3pm)

Forest have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Championship matches and face a Millwall side who have just won their last two on the road, beating Burnley 3-1 and Peterborough 3-0.

The 5/2 about a Millwall win is the standout price on the Totesport Championship football coupon and ought to be backed with confidence.

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Premier League picks

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There are number of games affecting both the top and bottom of the Premier League this Saturday  – but is there any value for the punter? Here are the top picks for Saturday’s six Premier League encounters.

Bolton v QPR

With just two points separating the bottom five clubs any match involving two of those sides will prove decisive come the end of the season.

One of those encounters comes at the Reebok on Saturday where 16th placed QPR take on 19th placed Bolton. To say these teams are out of form is an understatement – Bolton have lost their last four while Rangers have only won one in 15.

Wanderers also have the worst home record in the division, winning eight points from their 13 games at the Reebok this campaign. That poor form, plus the fear of defeat, means this game has draw written all over it. With QPR going 18 straight games without a clean sheet the 1-1 draw is worth backing at 11/2.

Aston Villa v Fulham

Villa boss Alex McLeish will be desperate for a victory to try and ease the pressure that has been placed upon him in recent weeks. The Midlands club have taken just three points from a possible 15 to slip worryingly close to the bottom five and the fans have been quick to voice their displeasure at the Scot’s management of the club.

Fulham meanwhile are bang in form, winning their last three games to rise up to eighth in the table. They thumped Wolves 5-0 last time out with new boy Pavel Pogrebnyak grabbing a hat-trick – his fifth goal in just three appearances. Will he score again? Well he is a handy 6/1 to notch first and a Pogrebnyak/2-1 Fulham scorecast is a very tasty 45/1.

Chelsea v Stoke

The post-AVB era continues for Chelsea with a tough looking clash with Stoke at Stamford Bridge. Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo led the Blues to victory in the FA Cup in midweek but he knows his priority has to be ensuring the club qualify for next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in fifth place, three points behind Arsenal, and know they cannot afford any slip-ups between now and the end of the season.

Stoke go into the game in-form after consecutive wins over Swansea and Norwich but four wins from 23 Premier League away games suggests this will be another tough trip on the road for the Potters. Chelsea haven’t failed to score at home since February 2011, so go for a convincing Blues victory, with 3-0 Chelsea priced at 7/1.

Sunderland v Liverpool

Sunderland will be hoping to close the gap on Liverpool to just two points with a win at the Stadium of Light – a sign of the progress the club has made since Martin O’Neill took over last December. They are, however, counting the cost of last weekend’s feisty derby with Newcastle with captain Lee Cattermole and Stephane Sessegnon suspended following their red cards.

Liverpool have a fine record against Sunderland, with their only defeat in the last 11 games coming thanks to a Darren Bent goal deflected off a beach ball two years ago. You can expect that run to continue with Luis Suarez – who has scored in his two appearances against the Black Cats – to be on the mark again. Suarez is 11/2 to score first, with a Suarez 2-0 scorecast priced at 33/1.

Wolves v Blackburn

Part two of the day’s relegation six-pointer double header sees 18th placed Wolves take on 17th placed Blackburn. Rovers are only out of the bottom three courtesy of goal difference and head to a ground where they won on the final day of last season to ensure their Premier League survival.

Wolves boss Terry Connor will take charge of Wanderers for the first time at home and will be looking for a response after their 5-0 mauling at Fulham last time out. The goals market is the one to back in this one – Wolves have not kept a clean sheet in 12 home games while Rovers haven’t shut the opposition out in 32 away games. 2-3 goals is priced at 10/11, with our score prediction being an entertaining 2-2 draw priced at 14/1.

Everton v Tottenham

After consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United effectively ended their title charge, Spurs will be keen to kick start their season again in order to avoid dropping out of the top four.

History suggests they could well do so at Goodison Park. Spurs have only lost three of 19 Premier League visits to the home of the Toffees. However, they have not won any of their last four and are taking on an Everton side embarking on yet another post-Christmas surge.

Chelsea and Man City have been beaten in successive home games, so the visit of the Londoners will pose no fears for David Moyes’ men. This is another game where there should be goals, with the over 2.5 goals market priced at 5/6, with our scorecast a 2-2 draw at 14/1.

Louis Saha has scored in the last two games between these two sides at Goodison Park but is now wearing a Spurs shirt. The last time he lined up in the opposition against the Toffees at Goodison he scored twice. As such he may be worth a punt at 3/2 to score at anytime on Saturday.

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ЦСКА – «Динамо» – кто останется в чемпионской гонке? Онлайн трансляция матча «Бетис» – «Реал Мадрид». Жозе Моуринью уверенно идет к первому месту!

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Футбол. Россия. Премьер-лига.

ЦСКА – Динамо. Игры команд первой восьмерки дарят нам постоянные противостояния принципиальных Kuranyi topless 1 207x300 ЦСКА Динамо кто останется в чемпионской гонке? Онлайн трансляция матча Бетис Реал Мадрид. Жозе Моуринью уверенно идет к первому месту!соперников, и этот тур не станет исключением. Тем более, что у обоих клубов имеются чемпионские амбиции. И если ЦСКА – это уже сложившийся фаворит последнего десятилетия, то «Динамо» только сейчас начинает восстанавливать былые позиции.

В первом туре, после возобновления чемпионата, «армейцы» 2.15 сыграли в ничью с «Зенитом» – это конечно осложнит их погоню за питерцами, но «крест» на чемпионстве не ставит. А вот «Динамо» 3.30 проиграло на своем поле «Анжи», и вот этот результат может крайне негативно сказаться на атмосфере в коллективе, так как остаток турнира весьма скоротечен.

Одной из причин поражения «бело-голубых» стало отсутствие Балажа Джуджака, который перешел в «Динамо» как раз из «Анжи». Как выяснилось, при переходе в московскую команду в трансфере было указано, что венгр не сможет выступить в первом матче против  своего бывшего клуба.

Если бы Сейду Думбия находил в той же форме, что и в конце прошлого сезона, то шансы «армейцев» я бы оценил, как 60% на 40%, но сейчас ивуариец  лишь тень самого себя, поэтому шансы 50% на 50%.

Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Бетис – Реал Мадрид. Этот матч вы можете посмотреть на нашем сайте. Прямая трансляция доступна для всех зарегистрированных пользователей.

Ситуация в испанском чемпионате мне напоминает соревнование стрелков. Причем один из, как начал укладывать свои выстрелы в 10-ку, так и продолжает это делает. Всем кажется, что вот сейчас он промахнется или допустит помарку, но нет он с ледяным спокойствием продолжает укладывать свои выстрелы в цель. Имя это стрелка «Реал Мадрид».

Все что могут противопоставить севильские «зеленые» 6.50 парни – это самоотдача, помноженная на сумасшедшую поддержку стадиона. Севилья  вообще самое жаркое место даже в самой Испании, и болеют здесь очень горячо! По всем остальным пунктам «Реал» 1.45 сильнее.

Да, безусловно, у команды Жозе Моуринью есть потери. Например, во встрече не сможет принять участие Карим Бензема, но при наличии Гонсало Игуаина – это не проблема. Единственной проблемой, которая может возникнуть у «сливочных» – это потеря Криштиану Роналду. Сообщается, что португалец пропустил вчерашнюю тренировку по причине гриппа, но как обещают, он точно сыграет в субботу. Вопрос только зачем рисковать лидером, когда в чемпионате практически все решено…

Рано или поздно «Реал» должен если не проиграть, то хотя бы сыграть вничью. Может пора?

Related posts:

  1. Онлайн трансляция матча «Реал Мадрид» – «Эспаньол». «Динамо» – «Анжи» – Гус Хиддинк дебютирует в чемпионате России! Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера Реал Мадрид – Эспаньол. Этот матч…
  2. Онлайн-трансляция матча «Райо Вальекано» – «Реал Мадрид»! Андрей Аршавин возвращается в «Зенит», а «Арсенал» сыграет с «Тоттенхэмом». Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера Райо Вальекано – Реал Мадрид. На…
  3. «Реал Мадрид» готовится к матчу с ЦСКА, играя с «Расингом»! Онлайн-трансляция матча «Барселона» – «Валенсия»! Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера Реал Мадрид – Расинг. В последнем…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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Friday football picks

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Fleetwood Town can consolidate pole position at the top of the Blue Square Premier on Friday – and Stuttgart should not be scoffed at at odds-on to beat rock-bottom Kaiserslautern in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Kidderminster v Fleetwood

Conference table-toppers Fleetwood look well priced at evens to collect maximum points away to Kidderminster on Friday. The Cod Army have not lost on the road since early September last year and have only conceded two goals in their last six away trips. They could go eight points clear of nearest-challengers Wrexham at the top of the Blue Square Premier and in midweek proved the can go to the final whistle when securing a last-gasp win at home to Grimsby Town.

Andy Mangan and Jamie Vardy have more than 40 goals between them so far this season and, given that Kidderminster have not kept a clean sheet at home in five in the Conference, will again be looking to get among the goals.

Even relegation-threatened Hayes and Yeading managed to find the net at Aggborough Stadium and the recent home form about Steve Burr’s men does not bode well for the visit of the league leaders. Harriers (9/4, draw 9/4 – totesport match prices) have lost their last two on home soil and have only won one of their last seven games in all competitions.

Chievo v Inter Milan

Claudio Ranieri will roll out his big guns when Internazionale make the trip to the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona to take on Chievo attempting to end a nine-game winless run. The Nerazzurri ended a five-game losing stretch with a come-from-behind 2-2 draw against Catania last Sunday, but it was not enough to stop speculation about the future of under-pressure coach Ranieri.

Goals have become a major issue for Inter – prior to last weekend they had not scored in five games in all competitions – but the Italian will again turn to Diego Forlan and Diego Milito for a solution. Inter also have the small task of overturning a 1-0 first-leg defeat by Marseille in the Champions League next week, but Ranieri cannot afford to be tinkering at such a critical stage of his Nerazzurri tenure.

Chievo must not be underestimated home – they have only lost three in Serie A all season – but they have only scored 11 goals in the top flight in Verona, only Cesena (nine) have scored less goals at home, so it may play to go with a low-goals projection.

Stuttgart v Kaiserslautern

Free-scoring Stuttgart will view the visit of basement club Kaiserslautern as a perfect opportunity to make it three wins on the bounce at Mercedes-Benz-Arena.

The recent visits of fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin and Freiburg can be used as collateral lines of form and Die Roten run out comfortable winners, prevailing 5-0 and 4-1 respectively, with in-form striker Martin Harnik helping himself to five goals over the two games.

Kaiserslautern simply do not travel well – they have won only one game on the road this season – and have conceded in every away trip in Bundesliga. They have only won three top-flight games all season and not scored in 180 minutes, while they are also the joint-lowest scorers on the road with Nurnberg with nine.

As such Stuttgart are priced accordingly (4/7 draw 14/5 Kaiserslautern 9/2 – totesport match prices), but it may pay to follow the 5/4 about Stuttgart half-time/full-time given that this would have landed in their last two games.

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Los Che set for Dutch test

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Valencia are rated as one of the favourites to win the Europa League this season but the Spanish giants will first have to get past PSV Eindhoven if they wish have any chance of claiming the European title (Valencia 8/13, draw 14/5, PSV 9/2 Match Betting).

Were it not for Real Madrid and Barcelona, Los Che (7/1 Europa League outright) would be the premier team in La Liga and the outfit from the Mestalla are deservedly one of the favourites to lift the trophy outside of the Manchester giants United and City.

With the likes of Ever Banega pulling the strings in the midfield and Roberto Soldado banging in the goals up front, Valencia have a host of players that will be looking to cause PSV problems on Thursday night.

Manager Unai Emery had to negotiate his side past the challenges Stoke City presented them in the last round and despite getting drawn into a niggly second-leg at the Mestalla, Valencia managed to outplay the Potters.

PSV will pose very different problems for the Spanish tactician as they look to bounce back from their 6-2 defeat at the hands of FC Twente in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

The Rood-Witten did see off Turkish outfit Trabzonspor in the last round of the Europa League and will be no pushovers when they make the trip to Spain.

However Valencia should prove to be too strong at home, as they have been for much of the domestic season, and put themselves in a strong position before the return trip to the Netherlands.

Twente will still be flying high after their convincing victory over PSV, as they look ahead to their matchup with Schalke 04 at De GrolschVeste (Twente 5/4, draw 9/4, Schalke 21/10 Match Betting).

The Reds are currently sitting in second place in the Eredivisie with a game in hand over league leaders AZ Alkmaar and will be confident of getting a result against their German opponents.

They might well be taking on Schalke at a good time as the Bundesliga side have suffered defeats in their last two domestic outings against Bayern Munich and Freiburg.

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar  will be looking to get one over on Twente on Thursday, if he has managed to shake off the concussion he sustained in the 3-2 victory over England.

With the kind of form Schalke are in at the moment, Twente might just edge this one on home soil, in what should be a closely fought contest.

Fellow Dutch side Alkmaar also face a tough matchup when they take on Udinese, who have come on leaps and bounds in Serie A this season (Alkmaar 6/5, draw 11/5, Udinese 12/5 Match Betting).

Udinese (20/1 Europa League outright) have seen off the likes of Celtic and PAOK Salonika in previous encounters in this competition and could be a dark horse for the Europa League title in 2012.

Frontman Antonio Di Natale is a prolific striker and he will certainly be someone the AZ defence will have to look out for.

Despite topping the Eredivisie and looking in good form, Udinese could get the win in Holland to take back with them to the Stadio Friuli.

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Manchester eyes Europa progress

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Manchester City (11/4 Outright) and Manchester United (10/3) will continue their quest for Europa League success on Thursday evening as they look to secure positive results in their respective last-16, first-leg ties against Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao respectively.

City are up first as they make the trip to Portugal to face Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium with a 6pm kick-off. Roberto Mancini’s men booked their place against Sporting thanks to a 4-0 home win against holders FC Porto in the previous round, although they were trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal which will no doubt give the hosts hope of emulating their league leaders going into this game.

However, City are in strong form having won their last six games, conceding just one goal in the process, so will be optimistic of making life easier for themselves in this round. Mancini is set to hand Sergio Aguero and David Silva starting roles after resting them for Saturday’s 2-0 win against Bolton, while James Milner and Edin Dzeko are set to start having only played minor roles in that game.

Kolo Toure is likely to play at right-back due to injuries to Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta, with Nigel de Jong set to replace the suspended Yaya Toure.

Sporting go into the game on the back of their first defeat under new coach Ricardo Sa Pinto, 1-0 away at Vitoria Setubal on Saturday, having won the previous three to occupy fourth spot in the Portuguese league.

However, they have been strong on home soil in Europe, having won every tie played in front of their own fans so far this season, which is a stern warning to City that they should not turn up and be complacent for this test.

Sporting have been hit by the loss of top scorer Ricky van Wolfswinkel due to injury so Matias Fernandez and Andre Carillo will fight it out to feature, with Uruguayan Sebastian Ribas ineligible to play.

The two sides have not faced each other competitively, but with Sporting boasting a formidable record at home and City in a rich run of form, they could well cancel each other out.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 5/2
Value Bet: Sporting/Draw HT/Ft @ 12/1

Manchester United get their last-16 clash with Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao underway at Old Trafford at 8.05pm looking to shake off their uncertain home form of one win in four games in European competition this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage after dropping points on home soil to the likes of Basel and Benfica, while a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Ajax at the Theatre of Dreams almost ended their Europa League bid after they had won the first leg 2-0 in Amsterdam.

However, the Red Devils’ form has been on the up in the Premier League since that defeat, with successive wins at Norwich and Tottenham keeping them within two points of league leaders Manchester City.

And they will be looking to avoid any more problems against Athletic Bilbao as Ferguson will want a comfortable lead to take to Spain for the second leg.

United do have problems on the injury front as Paul Scholes sat out training on Wednesday, while Michael Owen was also absent and Antonio Valencia trained on his own as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.

Ferguson blamed a lack of experience for the defeat to Ajax and will want to inject some older heads into the starting XI to ensure they do not have to travel in a week’s time chasing the tie against a Bilbao side with a strong home record in Europe.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa has guided the side to within a point of the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot in La Liga courtesy of a 2-0 Basque derby win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, while they have won three and drawn one of their home games in the Europa League when looking ahead to the second leg.

Midfielder Ander Herrera is adamant that his side are making the trip to Old Trafford to come back as winners, while towering frontman Fernando Llorente (15/2 – First Goalscorer) is a player who could pose a real threat to the United goal if he is not carefully marshalled.

It looks set to be an open tie and with United knowing they could do with a win to take to Spain next week, expect a few goals and the hosts to come out on top.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 1/2
 Value Bet: United To Win 3-1 Correct Score @ 9/1

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Pain in Spain for Bayer

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Barcelona offer scant value in the outright markets to book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals and their excellent home form in Europe makes it difficult to build a case for Bayer Leverkusen – and APOEL, the first Cypriot side to reach the knockout stage, will look to keep the fairytale alive against Lyon.

Barcelona v Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen’s traditionally poor away form in the Champions League makes it difficult to predict anything other than a comfortable passage into the quarter-finals for Barcelona.

The Germans have gone 12 matches without an away win on the road in Europe, while the Catalan giants, who lead 3-1 from the first leg, have been in imperious form domestically since the last encounter, and are unbeaten in 14 home games in the Champions League.

At 20/1 (match prices), it’d be unwise to back Bayer Leverkusen to win at Camp Nou, while there is little value to be gained from backing Barca at 1/7.

But the Germans, for whom striker Stefan Kiessling is good form, have scored eight goals in their last three Bundesliga matches and haven’t failed to score in Europe since September. At 4/1 to score anytime, 28-year-old Kiessling is certainly worth consideration.

Barca have scored 30 goals in their last 10 home Champions League matches and should be expected to continue that attacking form, particularly with the reassurance of a two-goal cushion heading into the match.

It’s likely that the irrepressible Lionel Messi will be at the centre of any action in the final third, and for him to score first in another 3-1 Barcelona win is not beyond the realms of probability. At 16/1, that particular score-cast is definitely worth a look at.

APOEL v Lyon

It is more difficult to predict a winner in Cyprus, where APOEL will look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit when they host Lyon on Wednesday.

The Cypriots have been strong at home in Europe of late, with a group match defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk this season their only home reverse in seven home Champions League fixtures.

Lyon, meanwhile, have been in poor form since their first-leg win over APOEL, conceding six goals in two Ligue 1 matches. That’s worth bearing in mind, particularly when you consider that you can get 11/4 on four or more goals being scored on the night.

“It’s hugely disappointing, but we have to stand right behind the team…we need to bounce back mentally,” said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, after the embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Nancy.

The Cypriots, on the other hand, are doing well domestically, and represent good value at 2/1 to beat their French opponents after 90 minutes.

APOEL rarely concede more than once at home so it’d be wise to avoid a correct score selection in favour of Lyon of anything other than 1-0. At 5/1, that particular correct score selection isn’t a bad option for those who fancy the French outfit to steal a win.

Bafetimbi Gomis has already netted five times in the Champions League this season, and is decent value at 5/1 to score first. If Gomis does find the net for Lyon then they are at 20/1 to defend that lead.

For APOEL, expect Brazilian striker Ailton to be on the end of a few searching balls. He’s worth considering at 7/4 to convert at least one of them into a goal and add to the three he’s already grabbed in Europe so far this season.

If Ailton does find his form, then expect more goals to follow. Ailton’s goal being the first of a 2-2 draw on the night can be bought at 75/1 and, though Remi Garde’s men are favourites to win the win the match, a 3-1 victory for APOEL following an Ailton opener is still great value at 100/1.

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Spurs’ class to tell at Lane

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Bet on the FA CupTottenham take on Stevenage in an FA Cup fifth round replay on Wednesday night looking to book a clash with Bolton in the last eight. The sides drew a blank at Broadhall Way on February 19 but the home side are strong favourites to take care of business this time around (Spurs 1/5, Stevenage 14/1, draw 5/1 – Match Prices).

Spurs have enjoyed a superb season and had just beaten Newcastle United 5-0, but they were unable to get past an inspired Stevenage side in the first match, who deserved the draw and earned the right to play at White Hart Lane.

Spurs were not at the best, with the north London derby possibly on their mind, and it showed as they were kept at bay by a hard-working Hertfordshire side.

If the tie follows the rule book then the hosts should triumph comfortably in midweek as it is widely regarded that the minnows will only get one crack at victory, with the bigger teams not taking them so lightly next time around.

And Harry Redknapp’s men will not want to slip up as they are now out of the title race following their hammering at the Emirates Stadium and loss to Manchester United, and will see the FA Cup as a good chance to land some silverware this term (Spurs 5/2 – FA Cup Outright).

It is likely that Redknapp will play a strong side, while resting a few stars, with the weekend’s Premier League clash with Everton in mind.

It remains to be seen whether the managerial situation surrounding Redknapp does affect Tottenham’s performances over the remainder of the season, but at least the former West Ham chief has ruled himself out of the running for the Chelsea job.

Stevenage boss Gary Smith has already made it known that he feels his charges can pull off  a major shock and beat Spurs on their own patch and it is true that he does have a decent set of players, who are currently seventh in League One.

But playing a side third in the Premier League away from home will be a tough ask for his men and class should tell in the end.

Smith insists there is an air of confidence among his squad that they can beat anyone on their day and he refused to rule out going through on penalties or in extra time. But they will have to face one of the hottest properties in English football, with Gareth Bale now recovered from illness and set to start.

The Welshman is being linked with several big foreign clubs and he will be tough to contain for the Boro rearguard.

Scott Parker is back from suspension and may play while William Gallas could feature after missing the last two months with a calf injury. Rafael van der Vaart faces a late fitness test but whatever side takes the pitch in north London, it will be confident of progression.

For the visitors, recent loan signing Jordan Slew is cup-tied, having played in Blackburn’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle earlier in the competition, while Chris Day is expected to start in goal, marking a return to the club where he began his career 17 years ago.

The FA Cup is a competition where dreams can come true but Smith will be hoping that this tie does not turn into a nightmare against one of the Premier League’s very best.

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«Бенфика» жаждет обыграть «Зенит»! «Арсенал» – «Милан» – все или ничего!? «Барселона» сыграет с «Байером» вторым составом?

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Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. 1/8 финала

Бенфика – Зенит (счет первого матча 2:3). В этой паре все предельно ясно. «Бенфика» 1.75 проиграла на берегах Невы,Kerzhakov reacts 1 300x200 Бенфика жаждет обыграть Зенит! Арсенал Милан все или ничего!? Барселона сыграет с Байером вторым составом? теперь попытается наверстать упущенное у себя дома. Проблемой для россиян может быть только то, что  победа «Бенфики» со счетом 2:1 выведет в следующий этап португальцев.

В последнем матче «Зенит» 4.50 сыграл с ЦСКА вничью 2:2, дублем отметился Александр Кержаков. С учетом того насколько это моторный форвард, он может стать незаменимым при игре на контратаках, так как мячом в этом матче по всем канонам жанра должна владеть «Бенфика».

Андрей Аршавин сегодня будет зрителем на этом празднике футбола, так как в своей нынешней команде он играть в Лиге Чемпионов не может, а в «Арсенале» он сейчас не нужен. Лучано Спаллетти обладает внушительной скамейкой запасных, чтобы пережить и такую трудность.

Мы должны понимать, что сейчас в России начало сезона, и физическое состояние футболистов может стать решающим фактором в этой игре. Плюс, не будем забывать, что в обоих таймах матча с ЦСКА «Зенит» уставал к концовкам таймов. Была ли это слабость «сине-бело-голубых» или сила «армейцев» – мы сможем понять только сегодня вечером.

«Бенфика» выиграет в основное время, и игра будет результативной.

Арсенал – Милан (счет первого матча 0:4). Счет первого матча говорит сам за себя. Включаться в объяснения почему так произошло я не буду. Я только напомню, что совсем недавно тот самый «Арсенал» 2.10 проигрывал «Тоттенхэму» со счетом 0:2 к концу первого тайма, а итоговый счет на табло был 5:2 в его пользу.

Мы прекрасно понимаем, что оборона «Милана» – это не «паника Харри Реднаппа», но чем черт не шутит? Я считаю, каждый, кто видел голы Уолкота и Ван Перси в этот момент, подумали о «Милане» 3.30. Помнится в финальном матче все той же Лиги Чемпионов в Стамбуле «Милан» умудрился пропустить от «Ливерпуля» 3 мяча всего за один тайм!

Победа «Арсенала» в основное время выглядит более чем реально.

Барселона – Байер Л (счет первого матча 3:1). В принципе в этом матче все решено. Вернее не в матче, а в противостоянии. У «Байера» были бы шансы, если бы именно он победил со счетом 3:1 на своем поле, а сейчас…

Сейчас Гвардиола может оставить Месси в запасе, а Хави и Иньеста выйдут на замену. Думаю завтра этот матч точно уступит по накалу игре, которая пройдет на Кипре АПОЭЛ – «Лион».

Related posts:

  1. ЦСКА должен остановить «Зенит»! Онлайн трансляция «Барселона» – «Спортинг Хихон». Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер-лига ЦСКА – Зенит. Чемпионат России возвращается…
  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. «Зенит» едет на Кипр! Сможет ли «Милан» противостоять «Барселоне». Аршавин попытается обыграть «Боруссию» Дортмунд. Футбол. Лига Чемпионов. АПОЭЛ – Зенит. После не самой удачной…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


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Hammers out to avoid Hornets’ sting

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Midweek Championship matches usually throw up a few surprise results but with three of the four teams in action on Wednesday desperate for the three points in the battle for promotion surely there won’t be any shocks on the cards?

West Ham will fancy their chances against Watford, while Cardiff will be looking to bounce back from defeat to the Hammers against Brighton.

West Ham v Watford 7:45pm

Depending on how Tuesday night’s matches go West Ham could go top of the Championship with a win over Watford. The Hammers look to be building a head of steam for the final 13 matches of the season, losing just once in their last eight outings.

Sunday’s win in Cardiff was as professional a performance as you are likely to see in the Championship, West Ham taking full advantage of a demoralised Bluebirds team to pick up another three points. Away from home Sam Allardyce’s men have been performing well recently, the win in Wales coming after they had put Blackpool to the sword.

At home though West Ham have drawn the last two – against Southampton and Crystal Palace. Maybe the pressure placed on them by the expectant West Ham supporters is taking its toll? Whatever it is, it will give Watford hope of causing an upset.

The Hornets are what you would call a typical Championship team, unpredictable, and on their day capable of beating anyone. Before last Saturday’s remarkable 3-2 win over Burnley, Watford had been stuffed by Crystal Palace and Southampton. Manager Sean Dyche will hope the victory over the Clarets will have restored his team’s confidence and that they will at least put on a show at Upton Park.

West Ham are 4/7 to beat Watford , who have won just three times away from Vicarage Road all season. However, it won’t be easy and draw half-time/ West Ham full time result at 3/1 should appeal. Watford won on their last visit to Upton Park and if you expect them to cause another upset you can get them at 5/1.

Brighton v Cardiff City 7:45pm

Based on Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, Cardiff’s Carling Cup exploits could have a detrimental effect on their hopes of being promoted. The Bluebirds have lost four of the last five in the league, and rather than galvanise the squad their fine performance in the final against Liverpool appears to have taken a lot out of the players.

Malky Mackay has conceded a top-two finish is beyond Cardiff’s reach and has called on his team to get their act together or risk missing out on the play-offs. Victory for the Welsh side would lift them back into the play-off places but it won’t be easy at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton’s away form might be patchy but at home they are a tough nut to crack, losing just one of the last 11 on their own patch and keeping clean sheets in four of the last five on the south coast. The Seagulls could be in the play-offs had it not been for a late El Hadji Diouf penalty rescuing a point for Doncaster and they will be keen to make amends.

Brighton were excellent in their last outing at home against in-form Ipswich, beating the Tractor Boys 3-0. Gus Poyet seems to have rediscovered some of that gold dust which gave them such a flying start in the Championship and they will be confident of picking apart Cardiff.

Brighton are 11/8 to win at home and that looks a solid enough bet, as does Craig Mackail-Smith to score first at 13/2. The Scottish striker recently ended his goal drought and has got two in the last two, prompting thoughts he could be about to go on a run of finding the back of the net. You can get 40/1 on Mackail-Smith as first goalscorer and Brighton to win 2-0 if you are feeling extra brave.

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