Monthly Archives: April 2012

Who can stop Barcelona?

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No club has ever retained the Champions League since the group format was introduced back in 1992, but Catalan giants Barcelona – the current 5/6 outright favourites – will become the first to do so this season.

Barca were the last side to win the tournament in its old guise of the European Cup, with their 1992 win over Sampdoria at Wembley coming thanks to a Ronald Koeman free-kick in extra time at London’s Wembley Stadium.

However, far from heralding the start of years of glory in Europe for the Blaugrana, they then had to wait for 14 painful years before ruling the continent again – with arch-rivals Real Madrid securing three Champions League crowns while Barca were forced to bide their time.

The last six years have been more successful for the Catalans, though, with glory coming in 2006, 2009 and 2011 – and who would bet against them making it to the top again in 2012 in Munich?

Pep Guardiola’s side do, admittedly, look set to relinquish their La Liga title to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid to end their three-year domestic domination – the capital club hold a six-point advantage with eight games to play, but all that will do is spur Barca on in Europe.

Chelsea (9/1 – Champions League Outright) stand in Barca’s way in the semi-finals of the Champions League with the Blues’ run standing in stark contrast to their problems in the Premier League where a top-four finish is looking to be a tall order.

And while this Chelsea squad looks to be past its sell-by date and an overhaul badly needed, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be hoping to make one last stand in Europe after losing the 2008 final on penalties to Manchester United.

Chelsea will be no pushovers, but if Lionel Messi – the best player on the planet – is firing on all cylinders the Argentine has enough to make sure Barcelona prevail over two legs to set up a final against either Bayern Munich (9/2 – Champions League Outright) or Real Madrid (5/2 – Champions League Outright).

Either opponent throws up a unique challenge to Barca as they will either be playing the Bavarians on their own Allianz Arena patch, or facing the side which is set to steal their Spanish crown.

Both scenarios have the makings of a classic Champions League final, but Barca are good enough going forward to turn the tables to their own advantage by either making Bayern the underdogs in their own ground, or having the last word on the season by seeing off Real to gloss over their imminent La Liga glory.

The Champions League final takes place on Saturday 19th May with a 7:45pm kick off.

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Who can stop Barcelona?

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No club has ever retained the Champions League since the group format was introduced back in 1992, but Catalan giants Barcelona – the current 5/6 outright favourites – will become the first to do so this season.

Barca were the last side to win the tournament in its old guise of the European Cup, with their 1992 win over Sampdoria at Wembley coming thanks to a Ronald Koeman free-kick in extra time at London’s Wembley Stadium.

However, far from heralding the start of years of glory in Europe for the Blaugrana, they then had to wait for 14 painful years before ruling the continent again – with arch-rivals Real Madrid securing three Champions League crowns while Barca were forced to bide their time.

The last six years have been more successful for the Catalans, though, with glory coming in 2006, 2009 and 2011 – and who would bet against them making it to the top again in 2012 in Munich?

Pep Guardiola’s side do, admittedly, look set to relinquish their La Liga title to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid to end their three-year domestic domination – the capital club hold a six-point advantage with eight games to play, but all that will do is spur Barca on in Europe.

Chelsea (9/1 – Champions League Outright) stand in Barca’s way in the semi-finals of the Champions League with the Blues’ run standing in stark contrast to their problems in the Premier League where a top-four finish is looking to be a tall order.

And while this Chelsea squad looks to be past its sell-by date and an overhaul badly needed, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be hoping to make one last stand in Europe after losing the 2008 final on penalties to Manchester United.

Chelsea will be no pushovers, but if Lionel Messi – the best player on the planet – is firing on all cylinders the Argentine has enough to make sure Barcelona prevail over two legs to set up a final against either Bayern Munich (9/2 – Champions League Outright) or Real Madrid (5/2 – Champions League Outright).

Either opponent throws up a unique challenge to Barca as they will either be playing the Bavarians on their own Allianz Arena patch, or facing the side which is set to steal their Spanish crown.

Both scenarios have the makings of a classic Champions League final, but Barca are good enough going forward to turn the tables to their own advantage by either making Bayern the underdogs in their own ground, or having the last word on the season by seeing off Real to gloss over their imminent La Liga glory.

The Champions League final takes place on Saturday 19th May with a 7:45pm kick off.

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Title race reaches crunch time

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It’s a potentially-pivotal day at the top of the Premier League on Sunday with both Manchester City and Manchester United in action. Roberto Mancini has already said that if his side lose they can forget winning the title but how will things pan out? Here we look at the possibilities on what’s sure to be a nerve-wracking day (totesport – Premier League).

Manchester United v QPR (1.30pm)

Pundits, fans and pretty much the whole football world will view this one as a home banker (United 2/11, QPR 16/1, draw 6/1 – 90 minutes) and who are we to argue?

United, despite from being far from their best against Fulham and Blackburn in their last two games, have managed to grind out results in typically-efficient style and the chance of a slip-up here looks remote.

Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young weighed in with the vital late goals at Ewood Park on Monday and the former’s performances of late has led to Sir Alex Ferguson eschewing plenty of praise on the former Wigan man, who could just be the player that proves to be the difference in the run-in for the Red Devils (8/1 First Goalscorer).

Chasing their 20th title, Ferguson’s men have moved menacingly five points clear of City when it matters most and another three here will leave them eight points ahead of their local rivals before they go to Arsenal, so a comfortable home win it is then.

Former United hero, but City boss, Mark Hughes, may have other ideas as his side still search for victories to move them clear of the relegation zone.

The R’s home form has picked up notably since the Welshman took over and eye-catching victories at Loftus Road over Liverpool and Arsenal last week have boosted their survival chances considerably but they still sit level on points with Blackburn and Wigan, who are 18th and 19th respectively, only just ahead on goal difference.

Sadly for Rangers, they travel to probably the worst ground they could possibly choose looking for a result so a defeat, and possibly an unwelcome return to the bottom three, beckons.

Arsenal v Manchester City (4pm)

It’s a huge game at the Emirates that follows – one City dare must not lose if they are to stand a chance of catching United.

Mancini may have unwittingly heaped more pressure on his players by declaring it a must-win game but they can go to north London and get the required result – provided the real City show up and not the imposters of the last few weeks.

The disappointing 1-1 draw at Stoke was followed up by an unlikely 3-3 draw at home to Sunderland last weekend, and that only thanks to two late goals in what was overall an extremely lacklustre display from a side going for the title.

Mario Balotelli likes his headlines, but also his goals, and the Italian, who Mancini joked this week drives him so mad at times that if he were still playing he would have to “punch him”, can again be the man for the big occasion on Sunday.

His 13 league goals have helped keep City’s title bid afloat and he is well worth backing at 7/4 to score anytime once again.

Arsenal still have plenty to play for themselves, of course, and, sitting in third, a well-placed to claim a top-four finish despite last weekend’s setback at QPR.

Chelsea and Newcastle are breathing down their necks but, aside from the blip at Loftus Road, the Gunners have been very impressive of late and City will be up against a confident side determined to get back to winning ways.

However, we sense this means slightly more to City and fancy them to get the required result to keep their manager happy and maintain their faltering title bid – if only for now.

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Онлайн трансляция «Реал Мадрид» – «Валенсия»! «Анжи» хочет победить ЦСКА!

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Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер-Лига.

ЦСКА – Анжи. Если подойти к этой игре формально, то она может показаться чуть ли не решенной заранее.Carlos ball 1 300x237 Онлайн трансляция Реал Мадрид Валенсия! Анжи хочет победить ЦСКА! Встречаются 2-я и 7-я команды первой восьмерки, ЦСКА 1.72 будет играть дома, а следовательно, получит дополнительное преимущество, но…

Но если взглянуть на то, что «Анжи» 5.00 отстает от зоны Лиги Чемпионов на 6 очков, то становится понятно, как будут настроены махачкалинские парни! Если подопечные Хиддиннка потерпят поражение, то это добавит пищи для разговоров тем, кто утверждает, что приход голландца ничего «Анжи» не принес.

Ну и конечно, Самюэль Это`О  должен начать забивать, так как для такого форварда «ноль» в графе забитые мячи – просто моветон. Несомненно, и для Юрия Жиркова этот матч станет большим испытанием, так как играть против своего бывшего клуба, да еще и на его поле – занятие не из приятных.

У армейцев до конца чемпионата не сыграет Алан Дзагоев, который сломал палец ноги в матче с «Локомотивом». Это, безусловно, осложнит борьбу за вторую строчку в таблице. Как справится с такой потерей Слуцкий?

Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера

Реал Мадрид – Валенсия.

Этот матч вы может посмотреть на нашем сайте в прямом эфире, для этого вам требуется только зарегистрироваться.

«Сливочные» 1.22 вступают в самый сложный график игр за весь сезон. Посудите сами, за ближайшие 2 недели будут сыграны матчи с «Валенсией» 11.00, «Атлетико Мадрид», «Баварией» и «Барселоной»! Я даже не стал вспоминать про игру со «Спортингом», так как на фоне таких соперников он смотрится несерьезно.

Матчи будут проходить в таком плотном графике, что случись такое с российской командой, то мы бы услышали «плач Ярославны», мол сыграем, как сможем, сами видите, какой график. А вот в Мадриде понимают, что именно от этой серии и будет зависеть сезон.

Жозе Моуринью уже заявил, что в финале Лиги Чемпионов точно сыграет «Барселона». По его мнению, осталось выяснить только второго претендента.

Обыграть «Валенсию» с таким же счетом как АПОЭЛ для «Реала» вполне возможно, но вот стоит ли? Забив пару мячей, «сливочные» могут уверенно покатать мяч в центре поля, так что я бы рискнул и поставил Тотал Меньше 2.5, хотя в победе «Реала» сомнений нет.

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Saints to add to Pompey’s woes

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Saturday promises to be a crucial day in the Championship, both at the top and the bottom of the league. Let’s take a look at the key fixtures in the promotion race.

Southampton v Portsmouth

Both of these bitter rivals need the three points in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture, albeit for different reasons. The Saints are currently riding high at the top of the Championship while second from bottom Pompey will be hoping to stave off the very real threat of relegation.

The return of Saints’ top scorer Rickie Lambert, who missed last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Blackpool, is ominous for a Portsmouth side that have conceded 48 goals this season. They are coming into this match after shipping five goals at home against Burnley so back Lambert at 11/4 to score the first goal.

Despite the Saints’ drubbing last time out, they have kept three clean sheets in their last six games and will be determined to get their promotion push back on track against their local adversaries. Pompey have only scored 41 goals this season so Southampton could easily win this game to nil.

A scorecast of Lambert first goalscorer and a Saints 3-0 win at 18/1 looks tempting.

Birmingham City v Crystal Palace

The Midlands side are firmly ensconced in the play-off places and will be hoping to consolidate this position against mid-table Palace.

The St Andrew’s outfit will hope to welcome back midfielder Keith Fahey, who has missed the last three games through injury, but boss Chris Hughton may have one eye on the match against promotion rivals West Ham on Monday and could rest players.

With defenders Stephen Carr (knee), Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) all unavailable, the 11/2 on Palace looks a good price. However, they are coming into this game on the back of a 3-0 home defeat to lowly Nottingham Forest and Birmingham are on a run of successive 3-1 wins. Totesport pay 10/1 on this result being repeated.

Middlesbrough v Cardiff City

This clash at the Riverside is a battle between two teams on the fringes of the play-off places. Only two points separate seventh-placed Boro and eighth-placed Cardiff in the league standings.

If recent form is anything to go by, expect a draw at 12/5 in this one. Cardiff travel to the North-East on the back of four straight stalemates, while Boro have remarkably been held to 1-1 draws in each of their last four games. 11/2 on the same scoreline is tempting.

The return of midfielder Faris Haroun is set to boost Tony Mowbray’s side and the 9/4 for him to score anytime is a good punt as he is a player who makes things happen.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds have no new injury or suspension worries, although boss Malky Mackay will have to decide whether to drop misfiring striker Kenny Miller who has not scored in any of his last 14 outings.

Both sides have faltered of late and will be desperate to get their play-off push back on track. Expect a result that will benefit no-one – a fifth successive draw for both sides.

Millwall v Hull City

The Tigers currently sit in ninth place in the Championship, five points off the play-off places, and will be targeting this game as a must-win if they are to keep their faint hopes of promotion alive.

Four straight defeats, including to lowly Portsmouth and Coventry in the last two, has derailed Hull’s promotion bid and, even though Millwall are facing a midfield injury crisis, this is the sort of game the Tigers have been losing.

Skipper Jack Hobbs and fellow defenders James Chester and Joe Dudgeon will all be absent meaning the relatively inexperienced duo of Liam Cooper and Sonny Bradley will form the heart of the defence. Hull have shipped two goals in each of their last four games so a 2-0 success for Millwall in this one at 9/1 looks the stand-out pick.

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Saints to add to Pompey’s woes

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Saturday promises to be a crucial day in the Championship, both at the top and the bottom of the league. Let’s take a look at the key fixtures in the promotion race.

Southampton v Portsmouth

Both of these bitter rivals need the three points in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture, albeit for different reasons. The Saints are currently riding high at the top of the Championship while second from bottom Pompey will be hoping to stave off the very real threat of relegation.

The return of Saints’ top scorer Rickie Lambert, who missed last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Blackpool, is ominous for a Portsmouth side that have conceded 48 goals this season. They are coming into this match after shipping five goals at home against Burnley so back Lambert at 11/4 to score the first goal.

Despite the Saints’ drubbing last time out, they have kept three clean sheets in their last six games and will be determined to get their promotion push back on track against their local adversaries. Pompey have only scored 41 goals this season so Southampton could easily win this game to nil.

A scorecast of Lambert first goalscorer and a Saints 3-0 win at 18/1 looks tempting.

Birmingham City v Crystal Palace

The Midlands side are firmly ensconced in the play-off places and will be hoping to consolidate this position against mid-table Palace.

The St Andrew’s outfit will hope to welcome back midfielder Keith Fahey, who has missed the last three games through injury, but boss Chris Hughton may have one eye on the match against promotion rivals West Ham on Monday and could rest players.

With defenders Stephen Carr (knee), Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) all unavailable, the 11/2 on Palace looks a good price. However, they are coming into this game on the back of a 3-0 home defeat to lowly Nottingham Forest and Birmingham are on a run of successive 3-1 wins. Totesport pay 10/1 on this result being repeated.

Middlesbrough v Cardiff City

This clash at the Riverside is a battle between two teams on the fringes of the play-off places. Only two points separate seventh-placed Boro and eighth-placed Cardiff in the league standings.

If recent form is anything to go by, expect a draw at 12/5 in this one. Cardiff travel to the North-East on the back of four straight stalemates, while Boro have remarkably been held to 1-1 draws in each of their last four games. 11/2 on the same scoreline is tempting.

The return of midfielder Faris Haroun is set to boost Tony Mowbray’s side and the 9/4 for him to score anytime is a good punt as he is a player who makes things happen.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds have no new injury or suspension worries, although boss Malky Mackay will have to decide whether to drop misfiring striker Kenny Miller who has not scored in any of his last 14 outings.

Both sides have faltered of late and will be desperate to get their play-off push back on track. Expect a result that will benefit no-one – a fifth successive draw for both sides.

Millwall v Hull City

The Tigers currently sit in ninth place in the Championship, five points off the play-off places, and will be targeting this game as a must-win if they are to keep their faint hopes of promotion alive.

Four straight defeats, including to lowly Portsmouth and Coventry in the last two, has derailed Hull’s promotion bid and, even though Millwall are facing a midfield injury crisis, this is the sort of game the Tigers have been losing.

Skipper Jack Hobbs and fellow defenders James Chester and Joe Dudgeon will all be absent meaning the relatively inexperienced duo of Liam Cooper and Sonny Bradley will form the heart of the defence. Hull have shipped two goals in each of their last four games so a 2-0 success for Millwall in this one at 9/1 looks the stand-out pick.

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Saturday’s Premier League preview

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Easter is often viewed as a crucial time of the season when titles can be won and relegation sealed. On Saturday there are seven Premier League games and plenty of those could have big ramifications at both ends of the table.

Stoke v Wolves (5.30pm)

It’s almost getting to the last-chance saloon for Wolves (9/2 – match prices) as they stare down the barrel of relegation, six points adrift of the other strugglers and with just seven games to save themselves.

Another defeat on Saturday would be the latest nail in the coffin so Terry Connor must do all he can to motivate his side for what is always a difficult trip to the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters 4/6 themselves are 10 points clear of the relegation places but will be looking for at least a couple more wins to guarantee another season of top-flight football. Expect them to pick up three points in this one to keep them safely in mid-table and leave Wolves virtually needing a miracle.

Prediction: Home win.

Chelsea v Wigan (3pm)

The Blues (1/4) made it through to the Champions League semis in midweek but it’s been a domestic season of disappointment so far for the top-four chasers. Roberto Di Matteo has done a fine job since being placed in interim charge but his side are still five points behind Spurs in the race for fourth.

While that’s not insurmountable, it looks like a forlorn chase at this stage with the focus now very much on Europe and the FA Cup semi-final against London rivals Spurs.

Wigan, on the other hand, remain very much in the mire but have proved in recent years they have the stomach for the fight and they might just shock a jaded Chelsea at the Bridge. An away win (11/1) looks too far-fetched but the Latics could easily come away with a vital point at what is a mouth-watering 5/1 chance.

Prediction: Draw.

Bolton v Fulham (3pm)

Bolton (13/8) have rallied in recent weeks to move themselves out of the drop-zone but are still just a point clear of 18th place, although they do have a game in hand.

It’s been a season of struggle for the Trotters with boss Owen Coyle’s reputation taking a few knocks along the way but they, too, now look up for the fight and can claim another big three points in this one.

For Fulham, on offer at 7/4 to win, who sit comfortably in mid-table, this match does not seem as important but they are always a tricky outfit to contend with and Martin Jol never settles for going through the motions.

However, this one means far more to Bolton than the Cottagers and a home win at 13/8 should be backed.

Prediction: Home win.

West Brom v Blackburn (3pm)

The Baggies (10/11) have moved themselves clear of trouble in recent weeks and are have an eight-point cushion going into the weekend, despite two straight defeats.

Roy Hodgson will want to put that record straight when struggling Rovers visit the Hawthorns but it’s likely to be a tight encounter between two well-drilled, organised sides.

Rovers (3/1) were a tad unlucky not to take a point off leaders Manchester United on Monday and will feel they can get something from the Baggies so a draw also looks good here at 5/2.

Prediction: Draw.

Liverpool v Aston Villa (3pm)

This game is big for both clubs but for different reasons. Liverpool’s shocking run of form has seen them lose six of their last seven games in the league and slip out of the top six with local rivals Everton edging ahead in the process.

Results and performances have led some fans to question whether ‘King Kenny’ Dalglish is really the right man for the job and, while he generally retains the support of the majority, another home defeat to out-of-form Villa will not be tolerated.

With (7/1) that in mind, a narrow home win (4/9) looks on the cards but don’t expect a classic. Villa have a poor recent record at Anfield and Alex McLeish’s men are on a bad run themselves, so much so that the Scot has admitted they could be drawn into the relegation scrap.

The Midlanders are surely too good to go down but are likely to have to search elsewhere in the rest of the season for those much-needed points to ensure safety.

Prediction: Home win

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Whites to stall Royals’ charge

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The Easter weekend in the Championship starts on Good Friday with games that involve teams battling it out for automatic promotion, play-off places and to avoid relegation. We take a look at two massive fixtures that will have an impact on who will be in the Premier League next season.

READING V LEEDS (2pm)

A monumental game is in store at the Madejski Stadium as Brian McDermott’s Royals can go top of the Championship table above Southampton and move seven points clear of third-placed West Ham with a win.

Reading are in impressive form with 11 wins in 13 outings going into this game, while they have won six consecutive matches in front of their own fans ahead of the Whites’ clash.

The Royals are also looking for their first-ever double over Leeds having won 1-0 at Elland Road earlier in the season.

McDermott, who celebrates his 51st birthday on Sunday, will hope to have Jem Karacan, Jimmy Kebe and Jay Tabb fit after they picked up knocks in the 4-2 win at West Ham last week.

Leeds will arrive in Berkshire in confident mood, despite looking for just a fourth win in 12 matches after last week’s 2-0 home defeat against Watford, because they have not lost or conceded away from home under Neil Warnock as they search for a third straight away win.

Warnock has problems in defence so Zac Thompson and Leigh Bromby could return for suspended duo Darren O’Dea and Paul Connolly.

It looks favourable for Reading but Leeds are doing well on the road and we would not be surprised if they snatched a share of the spoils as they look to make up the six-point gap between themselves and the play-off places.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 11/4
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw Correct Score @ 14/1

BARNSLEY v WEST HAM (5.15pm)

The late game in the Championship sees West Ham make the trip to South Yorkshire desperate for maximum points to keep alive their bid to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Depending on the outcome of the earlier game between Reading and Leeds, Sam Allardyce’s side could be seven points adrift of the Royals should they come out on top at the Madejski Stadium.

Even if Leeds do the Hammers a favour, they are still four points behind before a ball is kicked so they will not want to pass up this chance of three points at Oakwell.

West Ham have only won one game in seven, but have one defeat in 12, which tells you they are drawing far too many matches at the business end of the season.

However, they enjoy a good record against the Tykes with five successive wins in league and cup – including this season’s 1-0 victory at Upton Park – going into this clash.

Papa Bouba Diop, who scored the winner in December, is fit after his recovery from a hamstring injury, while defenders Winston Reid and Guy Demel are also available.

Keith Hill’s Barnsley are embroiled in a nightmare run at the moment with nine defeats and just two wins from the last 12 which leaves them nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Hill has no new injury or suspension problems, but is still without seven first-team players going into the encounter.

West Ham’s need for points is greater than Barnsley’s at this moment in time and anything less than a win for the Londoners could be catastrophic for their promotion hopes.

Prediction: West Ham Away 90 Minutes @ 4/5
Value Bet: Nolan 1st Goal West Ham 2-0 Scorecast @ 30/1

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Good Friday in store for Swans

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A hectic Easter weekend of Premier League action kicks off on Good Friday as Swansea City welcome Newcastle United to the Liberty Stadium. The Swans will be looking for the point they need to reach the magical 40-pointer marker, while the Magpies could go within two points of the top four with a win. We pick out the best bets from this intriguing contest.

The trip to the Liberty Stadium is the longest one any Premier League fan can make, with the Toon Army poised to cover around 700 miles in getting to and from South Wales. As a result, they will certainly be hoping it is worth it as they keep their fingers crossed Newcastle can make it three straight wins. A European spot looks all but assured after last week’s 2-0 win over Liverpool gave them a 10-point lead over seventh-placed Everton.

While the Reds were bad last week, Newcastle looked eager to end the season well having exceeded all expectations up to this point. Manager Alan Pardew has turned the Magpies into a formidable outfit with some shrewd signings, none more so than Papiss Cisse. The Senegal striker has seven goals in eight appearances since his mid-season switch from Freiburg, four of which have been the first goals of the game. As such Cisse to break the deadlock again at 11/2 may be worth an investment.

Newcastle’s last away trip resulted in a 3-1 win over West Brom but before then Pardew’s men hadn’t been prolific at picking up points on their travels recently. Before the victory at the Hawthorns they had managed two wins in a nine away matches, a run of which includes six defeats.

Given Swansea’s excellent home form this season it’s tough to see Newcastle coming away with all three points.  If you do fancy Newcastle to become only the third team to win at the Liberty Stadium then they can be backed at 2/1, with the Swans 11/8 and the draw 12/5 in the match betting.

While Newcastle fans may feel they have overachieved this season then there is no doubt Swansea’s campaign has exceeded the expectations for their supporters. The Swans are on 39 points heading into the Easter weekend and, barring a remarkable comeback by those at the bottom, should be safe even if they don’t win another game.

However, manager Brendan Rodgers won’t be allowing his players to think about their summer holidays just yet and despite losing at Tottenham last week they put in a much improved display at White Hart Lane after a limp-wristed defeat against Everton at home.

In front of another bumper crowd Rodgers will be hoping his team can claim another big scalp, having beaten Arsenal and Manchester City and taken points off Chelsea and Tottenham. Having worked with opposite number Pardew while working as a coach at Reading, Rodgers might have a few ideas as to what the Toon might throw at them.

The goalless draw at St James’ Park certainly gave an indication that Rodgers’ team can stifle the north-east outfit, although there was no Cisse for the Toon that day.

The partnership of Cisse and Demba Ba could be the deciding factor but if Swansea can keep them quiet and play their own game there is no reason why they can’t get a result. Draw HT/ Swansea FT is 9/2 and could be the value bet for punters.

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Europa semi spots up for grabs

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Bet on La LigaAttention turns to the Europa League on Thursday and, after four superb first legs, it could be yet another great evening of football, with the likes of Athletic Bilbao (15/8 favourites Europa League outright) and Atletico Madrid (11/4 outright) looking to seal their place in the semi-finals. Here we preview the return games (First leg scores in brackets).

Athletic Bilbao v Schalke (4-2)

The aforementioned Athletic are involved in what could turn out to be the most exciting game of the night when they take on Schalke at the San Mames (Bilbao 10/11, draw 11/4, Schalke 11/4).

The two sides played out one of the most entertaining games of the campaign last week, with Marcelo Bielsa’s men claiming a 4-2 victory in Gelsenkirchen. Bilbao are undoubtedly the favourites to go through and, with the likes of Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain likely to be in their line-up, they will be confident of their chances of continuing their run.

However, it won’t be easy and Schalke certainly come with European pedigree, having reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. They also have European football’s highest scorer in Raul and he will be relishing the prospect of playing in his homeland again.

Despite this, Bilbao should have enough and expect them to win in another high-scoring match.

Hannover v Atletico Madrid (1-2)

The second of the three Spanish sides still left in the competition are Atletico, who travel to Germany to face Hannover 96 (Hannover 15/8, draw 13/5, Atletico 13/10).

Diego Simeone’s men grabbed a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon but, with the German side scoring a crucial away goal, there’s still plenty to play for. Both teams are in good form in their respective domestic leagues and this promises to be an open and exciting game.

However, Madrid have previous experience of winning this competition, having defeated Fulham in the final in 2010, and this extra know-how should see them through by a single goal.

Valencia v AZ Alkmaar (1-2)

The third Spanish team still in the tournament are Valencia, who are currently 2-1 down to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar after the first leg (Valencia 4/9, draw 10/3, AZ 13/2).

‘Los Che’ are currently on a poor run of form which has led to a number of fans calling for boss Unai Emery to be sacked from his job. However, with the likes of Roberto Soldado in their squad they are always dangerous and Alkmaar will need to be on their guard.

AZ have also slumped in the league recently and now sit second in the Eredivisie table behind Ajax. Despite this, they will not be afraid of going to the Mestalla and look out for Swedish international Rasmus Elm to make an impact.

With the tie so evenly balanced, it is hard to pick a winner in this one, but with Valencia’s current form they will not be confident and AZ could just nick it with an away draw.

Metalist v Sporting (1-2)

The final game sees another intriguing clash with Metalist Kharkiv hosting Sporting Lisbon in a tie which, like two of the other matches, is currently separated by a single goal following Sa Pinto’s men sneaking the first match at home (Metalist evens, draw 12/5, Sporting 11/4).

Kharkiv have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament but don’t be fooled by their lack of experience as, on home soil, they can beat anyone and their away goal in Portugal could make all the difference in this one.

Sporting overcame Man City in the last round and impressed with their stylish attacking play but it is their defending that seems to constantly cause them problems. They can be brilliant going forward and the combination of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Matias Fernandez could prove vital.

However, home advantage should  end up proving to the difference in this one and the Ukrainian side will be confident of progressing to their first European semi-final.

Prediction: Bilbao, Athletico, AZ and Metalist all to go through to semis.

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