Monthly Archives: May 2012

Powell the key for Alex

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The focus for Sunday is very much on the fourth tier of English football as Cheltenham and Crewe do battle at Wembley to earn the right to play in League One next season.

It is perhaps something of a surprise that these two will be striding out at Wembley given the fact that they finished the regular season in sixth and seventh place respectively.

However, the sides are there on merit with Cheltenham easing past Torquay 4-1 on aggregate and, although the scoreline was much tighter, Crewe missed a number of chances to wrap up a convincing victory as they saw off Southend 3-2 on aggregate.

Having led 1-0 from the first-leg, the Alex should really have sealed their Wembley place long before Southend equalised on the night and, although it set up a frantic finale, that could just work in their favour come Sunday.

Crewe have been installed as very marginal favourites in the match betting as they are priced at 8/5, with Cheltenham a shade bigger at 17/10, while the draw is on offer at 12/5.

Cheltenham have been a surprise package this season, having started their League Two campaign as one of the market leaders for relegation, but defied the critics to make it to the play-offs.

Perhaps not one of the highest scorers in the divsion, the Robins were strong defensively at home – conceding just 16 goals – making life difficult for visiting teams at Whaddon Road.

The manner of their victory over Torquay was also impressive, winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 away, which should give them confidence after going into the play-offs with some indifferent form.

Crewe by contrast are enjoying an 18-match unbeaten streak which stretches back to February 18, gaining revenge for that loss by getting the better of Southend in the semi-finals.

A fair number of those games have been draws though, 10 in total with eight wins, but they should also be full of confidence as they have scored in every game since that defeat at Roots Hall.

What is also in the Alex’s favour is the fact that they won both regular season meetings between the two sides, winning 1-0 at Whaddon Road in October – albeit with an injury-time penalty – while the 1-0 at home came just three matches before the end of the season.

Those two matches suggest that Sunday’s clash could be a tight affair, although there is the obvious difference that this game takes place on the hallowed turf of Wembley in front of the cameras in a final.

Defender Luke Garbutt is available for Cheltenham after being released by England Under-19s after recovering from a hamstring problem, and he could displace the man who replaced him against Torquay – Keith Lowe.

Crewe are also able to welcome back a player as midfielder Luke Murphy has recovered from his own hamstring injury to give boss Steve Davis a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Jermaine McGlashan has hit form at the right time for the Robins with a goal in both legs of the semi-final and is on offer at 10/1 to score first/last and 11/4 anytime, although the big game atmosphere might bring the best out of Crewe’s Nick Powell.

The 18-year-old has been in fine form for the Railwaymen this term with 14 goals, and his displays have got the Premier League big guns circling for his services with Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton all linked with a move.

Providing he can handle the occasion, Powell looks a good shout at 11/2 First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime, in what has been an effective partnership with AJ Leitch-Smith (6/1 and 13/8).

Cheltenham have not lost a play-off game in their history with five wins and three draws previously, but Powell can provide the key to unlock the Robins’ defence and seal promotion for the Alex.

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First look at Hodgson’s squad

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Now that the hullabaloo of the club season is finally over, England can begin their preparations for Euro 2012 in earnest, starting with Saturday’s trip to Oslo to take on Norway in their first of two warm-up games for the showpiece tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

It seems crazy that England are going into a major championships with a new manager who has had little time to prepare, given the fact that he only finished with his responsibilities at West Brom on May 13 – and the Three Lions are still fourth favourites at 10/1 to lift a trophy they have never won.

There have been a few talking points raised by the squad he named last Wednesday but the proof is in the pudding, and Hodgson – like the rest of us – will have a better idea of his starting XI following the warm-up games.

The first of two fixtures has been one that has caused England problems in the past with the team, which has had the better of the head-to-head record, not having beaten Norway since 1980 – albeit just five games ago.

Although there are one or two names recognisable to Premier League watchers, this Norway side does not look the strongest on paper – made evident by a 4-1 drubbing against Wales just last November.

England have been installed as the 11/10 favourites in the match betting, despite playing away, which is perhaps not surprising given Norway’s current resources with Fulham’s Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise as well as Blackburn’s Morten Gamst Pedersen the better known faces in the squad.

It will be interesting to see the make-up of Hodgson’s first team selection for his country, particularly with just one other friendly (against Belgium at Wembley on June 2) to come before the tournament gets underway, but there are sure to be a host of substitutions as the former Switzerland and Finland boss tests his charges on the international stage.

That could give ammunition for those looking to oppose Hodgson’s men at the prices and Norway should not be under-estimated at 5/2 with the draw 23/10, given the fact that they only missed out on the play-offs for Euro 2012 due to a worse goal difference behind Portugal.

In fact, Egil Olsen’s men beat the Portuguese 1-0 on home territory in qualification, while they also held Group H winners Denmark 1-1 in an unbeaten campaign on home soil, suffering two defeats on their travels.

However, that recent defeat to Wales still leaves doubt in the mind with their goal coming from a horrendous gaffe from goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy.

The Norwegians did bounce back with a 3-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in a friendly but England are a much tougher proposition and should have the tools to pick up a morale-boosting win – even with Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing in the squad.

It would be prudent to wait for team news, given the nature of the clash – a friendly ahead of a major tournament with a new manager’s first squad – before jumping in to the goal scorer markets, although Hodgson’s options up front are somewhat limited.

Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck have been struggling with niggling injuries so could miss out, particularly with the former suspended for the first two games of Euro 2012.

That could see Carroll indeed start up front with Jermain Defoe, seemingly a substitute at Spurs, and both are available at 11/2 First/Last and 3/2 Anytime Goalscorer, with Welbeck also priced up at those odds.

Whatever side England put out on Saturday night should be good enough to come away with the win but of course whether it is good enough to go all the way in Poland and Ukraine remains to be seen.

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Celts in for tough tests

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Both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland return to international action on Saturday with a couple of tough friendly matches.

For the Irish they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their last home game before they turn their attention to the serious business of Euro 2012. Elsewhere, the Scots have no major tournament to prepare for but they will be keen to get a result across the Atlantic against the United States.

Republic of Ireland v Bosnia-Herzegovina – 3pm

There is bound to be a jovial atmosphere inside the Aviva Stadium on Saturday as Irish supporters look for their team to continue their Euro 2012 preparations with a win.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has done a fantastic job with what is predominantly an ageing Irish team to get them to Euro 2012. However, if Ireland are to make it out of Group C, with Italy, Spain and Croatia all in their way, they will have to up their game.

The clash with  Bosnia-Herzegovina is a good test of what this Ireland squad is capable of, with the Balkan nation narrowly missing out on a place in Poland and Ukraine this summer after a play-off defeat to Portugal.

Coach Safet Susic has a few talented players at his disposal, with Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, Senad Lulic and Zvjezdan Misimovic all expected to start on Saturday.

Having just failed to reach the European Championships you’d expect Bosnia-Herzegovina to give a good account of themselves, even after a long, hard season. With Trapattoni naturally cautious the game is unlikely to be an open one, especially given all of Ireland’s injury concerns in defence.

Kieren Westwood will start in goal ahead of Shay Given as he recovers from a knee injury. Paul McShane has been called up to the squad because the central defensive trio of John O’Shea, Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger are all unavailable.

In attack, Trapattoni has a big decision to make when it comes to who should partner Robbie Keane (11/10 to score anytime), with Shane Long (3/2), Jon Walters (7/4), Kevin Doyle (13/8) and Simon Cox (15/8) all in the reckoning.

Despite having something to play for and home advantage Saturday’s game could be something of an anti-climax, with a draw the most likely outcome.

The draw is 9/4, with Ireland evens and Bosnia-Herzegovina 3/1.

USA v Scotland – 1am

Even the most hardy of Scotland fans might give this game a miss given the kick-off time here as Craig Levein takes his team to Florida for this ’soccer’ match. You might be forgiven for thinking this is just a jolly for the Scottish players and if they treat it like that then they’ll be turned over by a strong USA team.

Levein has taken a weakened squad to Jacksonville for the clash, with Jamie Mackie, Kris Commons, Darren Fletcher, Steven Naisimth, James Morrison, Graham Dorrans and Charlie Adam all left at home. The uncapped duo of Blackpool winger Matt Phillips and Dundee United striker Johnny Russell have been called up to fill the void but are unlikely to feature against the States.

Despite failing to reach Euro 2012 Levein can be happy with the progress he has made in the national set-up, losing just one of his seven games in charge and that was against Spain. However, the USA have a strong squad and under current coach Jurgen Klinsmann recorded their most famous result to date when they beat Italy 1-0 in Genoa in February.

The States team boasts a number of familiar names, with Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu and Tim Howard all expected to feature against the Scots. Given the season Dempsey has had at Fulham he could be a good bet to score anytime at 11/8, or you could place him a scorecast with Dempsey first goalscorer and the USA to win 1-0 priced at 20/1.

The States have won the last four, three of which finished 1-0, and will be expected to roll over the Scots. A USA win is 8/13, with Scotland 9/2 and the draw 11/4.

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Последний матч Гвардиолы с «Барселоной»! Ставки на Гран-При Монако!

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Футбол. Кубок Короля. Финал

Атлетик – Барселона. Когда гранатово-синие вышли в Финал Кубка Короля – это был второстепенный турнир дляMessi scored 1 300x222 Последний матч Гвардиолы с Барселоной! Ставки на Гран При Монако! европейского гранда, но вот прошло всего пару месяцев, а в «Барсе» такие перемены, что даже приходится ущипнуть себя, чтобы проверить правда это или нет.

То что «сине-гранатовые» могут не выиграть чемпионат Испании можно было предугадать, но то, что они не смогут пройти «Челси» в полуфинале Лиги Чемпионов – это было уже из разряда сенсаций, но как выяснилось и это не предел.

После этого последовал не то, что удар колокола, а просто натуральный разряд молнии. Хосеп Гвардиола заявил о своем уходе из команды. Этот матч станет последним, в котором Хосеп выведет своих подопечных на матч. Я разговаривал со всеми своими друзьями, но никто из них даже представить себе не может, как это уйти с поста тренера «Барселоны», да еще и самостоятельно…

Вот такие серьезнейшие перемены подстерегли «Барсу» 1.25 на этапе между финалом и полуфиналом Кубка Короля. Последней новостью из стана «Барселоны» стало известие, что Давид Вилья все же не сможет принять участие в Чемпионате Европы по футболу.

Я сознательно обхожу стороной команду из Бильбао, так как на самом деле от нее в этой игре мало что зависит. Для «Барсы» – это последняя возможность скрасить неудачный сезон, и я думаю каталонцы воспользуются ею на 100%!

Формула-1. Гран-При Монако

Если в Испании есть Эль Классико, то в Ф-1 есть Гран-При Монте-Карло. Эти понятия сопоставимы тем, что победы в них сравнимы с чемпионством. Правда, победить на узких улочках Монако крайне сложно. Обгоны фактически невозможно, а от этого возрастает важность квалификации.

Ситуация в чемпионате напоминает «слоеный пирог», в котором каждая неудача может откинуть вас назад. Вот и Себастьян Феттель хоть и возглавляет чемпионат, но не может чувствовать себя спокойным. Фернандо Алонсо делит с ним первую строчку, а конкуренты во главе с Льюисом Хэмилтоном всегда готовы занять место лидеров.

В Монако на выходных ожидается дождь, так что гонка, как и квалификация может стать совершенно непредсказуемой…

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  2. «Реал» и «Барселона» в бесконечной гонке. Себастьян Феттель чемпион, но сезон еще продолжается. Футбол. Испания. Примера Реал Мадрид  – Бетис. Как не удивительно,…
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Reds narrow manager search

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Liverpool’s search for a new manager is continuing but the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, appear closer than ever to an appointment with Louis van Gaal (6/1 – Next Permanent Liverpool manager) and Roberto Martinez (6/5f) the two main men in the frame.

The Reds sacked club legend Kenny Dalglish last week following a disappointing Premier League campaign and immediately begun an exhaustive search for a new man.

Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp, Frank De Boer and, in the past 24 hours, Andre Villas-Boas (4/1) have all apparently been ruled out of the equation for a job that might look attractive but has so far failed to generate too much concrete interest.

Liverpool have been given permission to speak to Wigan boss Martinez but his current holiday has so far prevented the Spaniard from having an official interview, although that is likely to be forthcoming next week upon his return.

Latics owner Dave Whelan has said he wants a resolution to the situation within a week of his manager’s return on Tuesday and insists it is not a foregone conclusion Martinez will depart, amid ongoing interest from Aston Villa as well.

However, the former Swansea boss seems a good fit for Anfield, despite lukewarm appreciation of his talents from the Liverpool fans so far. He satisfies FSG’s edict of a young, hungry coach capable of building a lasting legacy and his attacking, attractive footballing philosophy is apparently exactly what John W Henry and co are after.

He has yet to be tested at a big club, though, and that remains the big risk in appointing the still relatively inexperienced 38-year-old. There is also a nagging fear that his impressive reputation may have been cultivated by a talkative Whelan, keen to ensure he secures a decent compensation figure when he does depart the DW when, in reality, he has struggled with relegation in consecutive seasons at Wigan.

So, while Martinez remains the clear favourite, perhaps the smart money should be on former Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Holland boss van Gaal getting the job.

If you believe the reports, Liverpool want him on board in a new Director of Football role but the 60-year-old is thought to be keen to take the manager’s job himself.

His CV is certainly impressive; winning the Dutch league three times with Ajax and once with AZ, the Spanish title twice while at Barca and the German Bundesliga once at Bayern. He also won the Champions League when in his native Holland in 1995 and has several domestic cups to his extensive honours list.

He is clearly a winner and has the credentials and also favours an attacking style of football, but his age may go against him in the final reckoning and the Director of Football position might not appeal if he wants the top job.

Outsiders at this stage include Rodgers (7/1), former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard (12/1) and ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez (16/1), who, despite holding plenty of fans’ support, is nowhere near even being considered it seems.

FSG are edging closer to an appointment, then, but it could still take a couple of weeks before the new man, charged with no less than getting the Reds back into top four next term, is known.

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Илья Ковальчук ведет «Дъяволов» в финал! Ставки на матчи НБА!

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Хоккей. НХЛ. Плей-офф

Нью-Джерси Девилс – Нью-Йорк Рейнджерс (счет в серии 3:2). Последние 10 лет Илья Ковальчук был вернымCanucks v Rangers 1 269x300 Илья Ковальчук ведет Дъяволов в финал! Ставки на матчи НБА! «рекрутом» сборной России. Причина была не в том, что он плохой хоккеист, а крылась в исключительной слабости «Атланты Трэшерс», за которую он выступал. Но и после перехода к «Дьяволам» далеко пройти в плей-офф не удавалась.

Но вот впервые с сезона 2002-2003 «Девилс» добрались до финала конференции, для болельщиков путь в 10 лет конечно долог, но лучше поздно, чем никогда. Сейчас команда Ковальчука находится в одной победе от выхода в Финал, плюс 6-я игра пройдет на ее поле.

Вот только думаю, что «Рейнджеры» приложат максимум усилий, чтобы вернуться на «Мэдисон Сквер Гарден», чтобы сыграть 7-й матч этой серии. Джон Торторелла перед 5-й игрой в шутку сказал, что ради улучшения результативности ему надо молиться об этом.

Сейчас «Рейнджерс» оказались у «последней черты», и думаю, они вернут серию на свой лед.

Баскетбол. НБА. Плей-офф

Индиана Пэйсерс – Майами Хит (счет в серии 2:3). Если сказать по-честному, то даже выигрыш двух матчей для «Иноходцев» выглядит маленьким спортивным подвигом. Вот только в последней встрече «Хит» 1.62 устроили форменное издевательство над молодым соперником.

Началось все с травмы Дэнни Грэйнджера, который в конце первой половины матча получил травму. Произошло это за минуту до конца 2-й четверти при минимальной разнице в счете. Потеря лидера команды настолько удручающе сказалась на команде, что сирена на перерыв засвидетельствовала почти 10-ти очковый отрыв команды Леброна и Уэйда.

Президент «Индианы» 2.36 Лэрри Берд после этого матча обвинил игроков в бесхарактерности, правда не расшифровал, что именно он имеет в виду. Со слов ветерана «Пэйсерс» Дэвида Уэста, он слышит такое о себе вперые, но при этом замечает, что возможно Лэрри просто хочет лучше мотивировать команду перед ответной встречей.

Судьба этого матча, а возможно и всей серии, сейчас находится в руках врачей «Индианы», так как именно от их действий завит появление или не появление на поле Дэнни Грэйнджера, а как мы видели, с Дэнни и без него – это две разные команды.

Если будет играть Грэйнджер, то серия затянется.

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Reds’ search for new man narrows

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Liverpool’s search for a new manager is continuing but the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, appear closer than ever to an appointment with Louis van Gaal (6/1 – Next Permanent Liverpool manager) and Roberto Martinez (6/5f) the two main men in the frame.

The Reds sacked club legend Kenny Dalglish last week following a disappointing Premier League campaign and immediately begun an exhaustive search for a new man.

Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp, Frank De Boer and, in the past 24 hours, Andre Villas-Boas (4/1) have all apparently been ruled out of the equation for a job that might look attractive but has so far failed to generate too much concrete interest.

Liverpool have been given permission to speak to Wigan boss Martinez but his current holiday has so far prevented the Spaniard from having an official interview, although that is likely to be forthcoming next week upon his return.

Latics owner Dave Whelan has said he wants a resolution to the situation within a week of his manager’s return on Tuesday and insists it is not a foregone conclusion Martinez will depart, amid ongoing interest from Aston Villa as well.

However, the former Swansea boss seems a good fit for Anfield, despite lukewarm appreciation of his talents from the Liverpool fans so far. He satisfies FSG’s edict of a young, hungry coach capable of building a lasting legacy and his attacking, attractive footballing philosophy is apparently exactly what John W Henry and co are after.

He has yet to be tested at a big club, though, and that remains the big risk in appointing the still relatively inexperienced 38-year-old. There is also a nagging fear that his impressive reputation may have been cultivated by a talkative Whelan, keen to ensure he secures a decent compensation figure when he does depart the DW when, in reality, he has struggled with relegation in consecutive seasons at Wigan.

So, while Martinez remains the clear favourite, perhaps the smart money should be on former Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Holland boss van Gaal getting the job.

If you believe the reports, Liverpool want him on board in a new Director of Football role but the 60-year-old is thought to be keen to take the manager’s job himself.

His CV is certainly impressive; winning the Dutch league three times with Ajax and once with AZ, the Spanish title twice while at Barca and the German Bundesliga once at Bayern. He also won the Champions League when in his native Holland in 1995 and has several domestic cups to his extensive honours list.

He is clearly a winner and has the credentials and also favours an attacking style of football, but his age may go against him in the final reckoning and the Director of Football position might not appeal if he wants the top job.

Outsiders at this stage include Rodgers (7/1), former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard (12/1) and ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez (16/1), who, despite holding plenty of fans’ support, is nowhere near even being considered it seems.

FSG are edging closer to an appointment, then, but it could still take a couple of weeks before the new man, charged with no less than getting the Reds back into top four next term, is known.

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Can Spain reign without Villa?

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Reigning champions and 5/2 favourites Spain have been dealt a huge blow with the news star striker David Villa will miss this summer’s European Championship.

The Barcelona forward suffered a fractured tibia in December and has been sidelined since.

Vicente del Bosque had stated he would give Villa every chance to prove his fitness but the Spain coach, who will name his 23-man squad on Sunday, has now confirmed the striker will not be heading to Poland and Ukraine.

A Spanish Football Federation statement said: “David Villa spoke with Del Bosque, who relayed that although it was Villa’s wish to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, that his physical state was ‘not as good’ as would be desirable.”

Villa’s goals were crucial for Spain in their Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 successes.  The former Valencia man was the top scorer in 2008 and joint top scorer in 2010, narrowly missing out on the golden boot to Germany’s Thomas Muller, who had more assists.

It remains to be seen if Spain can be as dominant as they have been in recent years without Villa’s goals, but they have plenty of quality in other areas and other forwards who could step up and shoulder the goal scoring responsibility.

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres had been considered a doubt for selection after a disappointing campaign at Stamford Bridge but Del Bosque could hand the former Atletico Madrid frontman a place in his 23-man squad with Villa unavailable.  Torres appeared to be recapturing his form towards the end of the season and could view an international competition as a chance to re-establish himself as one of the most feared marksmen in the world.

Torres’ lack of action at club level could be of benefit to Spain, as he will not be suffering the same kind of fatigue other players who have played regularly over the season will be feeling and the Chelsea man can be backed at 20/1 to be the top scorer at Euro 2012.

Another man who could step up and fill the void left by Villa is Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Lorente, who has seven goals in 20 caps to date and impressed for Bilbao this season as they reached the Europa League final.  Lorente, who is 16/1 to be the top scorer at Euro 2012, is a different type of forward to Villa and Spain may have to adapt their style to get the best out of the Bilbao star, but he is certainly a world class striker who is more than capable of firing Spain to glory at Euro 2012.

Other options include Barcelona’s Pedro, Atletico Madrid’s Adrian and Valencia’s Roberto Soldado, who has enjoyed a fantastic campaign at the Mestalla and has three goals in three Spanish caps to date.

Adrian is yet to receive a call up for the Spain squad, having represented them at youth level, but he has been included in the squad for their friendly fixtures against Serbia and South Korea ahead of Euro 2012, as has Soldado, Torres and Sevilla’s Álvaro Negredo, who has five goals in seven caps to date.

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Drogba exit leaves gaping hole at Chelsea

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Chelsea have confirmed their Champions League hero Didier Drogba is leaving the club which, on top of speculation regarding interim boss Roberto Di Matteo and signs of unrest from Fernando Torres, all means it promises to be a busy summer around Stamford Bridge (Chelsea 9/2 – Premier League Outright 2012/13).

It could be said simply that Chelsea would not have won the Champions League on Saturday without Drogba. Adding to the fact it was his goal that beat Barcelona in the first leg at Stamford Bridge in the semi-final before he converted to quite an impressive left-back for long periods of the second leg, it was also Drogba who scored a wonderful header to force extra-time in Munich, and who else but the Ivorian stroked in the winning penalty to send Chelsea fans into delirium and give Roman Abramovich what he has always desired.

That Champions League win, courtesy of Drogba’s right foot from 12 yards, has led every man and his dog to call for Di Matteo, who took over after Andre Villas-Boas (11/4 – Next Permanent Liverpool Manager) was shown the door, to be given the manager’s job properly at Chelsea.

It would be a bold move for the Russian chairman to look elsewhere given the calls for the Italian to get the job. A more realistic vision could be for Di Matteo to get a one-year rolling contract, which means that in 12 months’ time Chelsea could welcome former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola with open arms if he wants to make a comeback to football following his self-imposed sabbatical.

With Drogba, who himself has been linked with a possible move to Barcelona but could be more likely for a big pay day over with former Blues striking partner Nicolas Anelka in China, going then that could open the door for Torres.

There is no doubt the Spaniard has looked a shadow of his former self since a massive £50 million move but the Chelsea fans have stuck with him as he got his head down and worked hard for the team. Indeed, his form really picked up towards the back end of the season.

But it remains to be seen how faithful they will be to him now after Torres effectively soured the Champions League celebrations by speaking out to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague and criticising how he has been treated.

Torres may wish he had kept his mouth shut as there remains a big chance the team could be fitted around him in the post-Drogba era – if they persevere with him after his outburst.

With the Ivory Coast man leaving that means Torres and Daniel Sturridge, who looked impressive in the first half of the season but then went off the boil and seemed to turn more selfish and frustrating for fans as the campaign went on, remain the leading forwards on the books at Stamford Bridge. And let’s not forget Romelu Lukaku, who made a sum total of eight appearances since signing for £13 million last summer.

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao and CSKA Moscow’s Seydou Doumbia have been linked to possibly replace Drogba but it remains to be seen how Chelsea’s transfer policy will play out until they confirm a new manager – although they do have a history of signing players without consulting the boss – Andrei Shevchenko springs to mind – and those higher up have seemed to be behind the signings of Marko Marin and Kevin De Bruyne over the last few months.

Chelsea used to be the big powerhouses when it comes to spending but Manchester City (11/8 – Premier League Outright 2012/13) have leapfrogged them over the last two years, and how the Blues would love to be able to splash out on a Sergio Aguero this summer.

They would also dream of someone of the calibre of Arsenal (10/1 – Premier League Outright) striker Robin van Persie, but the Blues will face massive competition if they wish to get a top, top striker. The fact they are Champions League holders will help them when it comes to attracting players this summer, but it would be a masterstroke to get a true replacement for Drogba.

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High hopes for Holland

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Holland will travel to Euro 2012 desperate to make amends for their extra-time World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago and there is no doubt they have enough technically gifted players to make a real impression in Poland and Ukraine.

The 1998 European champions breezed through their qualifying campaign, winning nine and drawing one of their 10 fixtures to finish three points clear of Sweden at the summit.

However, it pays to note that their group contained the likes of San Marino and Moldova, making it difficult to assess the true condition of Bert van Marwijk’s side.

Their run to the 2010 World Cup final should be considered a triumph, even if their aggressive tactics were often criticised, as prior to that they had earned a reputation for freezing in the latter stages of major tournaments – as three semi-final defeats from their last five international competitions will testify.

The squad still contains the similar names we saw reach the final in South Africa, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Nigel de Jong and veteran Mark van Bommel all poised to pull on the famous orange shirt once more.

They have a solid, experienced and talented spine, with goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg well shielded by defenders Johnny Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen.

De Jong and van Bommel then provide further protection in midfield, allowing the likes of Robben, Wesley Snejider and Rafael van der Vaart time and space to feed the strikers.

And it is up front where Holland’s hopes rest. They smashed home 37 goals in their qualifying games with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar top-scoring with 12 (Huntelaar 20/1 – Euro 2012 top scorer), while Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie scored six each.

Their key man is undoubtedly van Persie. The 28-year-old enjoyed a memorable season in the Premier League with Arsenal, scoring 37 goals in all competitions and picking up the English PFA Player of the Year Award.

Van Persie is currently priced as the 10/1 second favourite to be top scorer at the tournament, with a van Persie/Holland double priced at a generous 20/1.

If he can transfer his form from the Emirates Stadium to eastern Europe, then the Oranje will take some stopping. However, you should also remember that the draw made in December was not particularly kind to van Persie and co, with Germany, Portugal and Denmark placed alongside them in Group B.

Their opening clash with Denmark on June 9 (Holland 8/13, draw 12/5, Denmark 4/1) should give them the chance to get early points on the board, with the Danes widely tipped to take the wooden spoon.

Given Germany’s impressive record at major tournaments it isn’t surprising that they and Holland are evens to qualify together from the group, even with the presence of Portugal providing a significant stumbling block.

If they can escape their group though then the potential quarter-final draw has been kind.

Group A is generally seen as the weakest of the four and van Marwijk will not be afraid of taking on Poland, Russia, Greece or the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, which would then leave them just 90 minutes away from a second consecutive tournament final.

With pre-tournament odds of 11/4 it is clear that once again Holland go into a major tournament heavily fancied to do well. Their talent has never been in question but their temperament has, with the accusation often being that they are a team of individuals rather than a force greater than the sum of their parts.

With holders and 5/2 favourites Spain travelling without key defender Carles Puyol and possibly striker David Villa, the door is ajar for another side to play their way into contention.

If the Dutch can safely negotiate an admittedly difficult group then there is no reason why they cannot reach the latter stages (Holland 11/4 to reach the final), with van Marwijk’s greatest challenge ensuring they remain a collective unit.

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