Monthly Archives: May 2012

Party time for City and Arsenal?

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The final day of the Premier League season is upon us and there are still plenty of issues to be sorted out with both Manchester clubs duking it out for the title, while three sides are still in with a shout of the other Champions League places.

The two Manchester giants go into Sunday’s finale level on points with City on top courtesy of a much better goal difference.

In theory, there is still hope for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men but the match betting and common sense suggests that it will be the blue half of Manchester celebrating come Sunday night (City 1/10, United 11/2 Premier League Outright).

City have only failed to pick up maximum points on one occasion at the Etihad Stadium this season and, having been given a second chance, they are not going to let the title slip away.

QPR are the visitors on Sunday and although they have been picking up wins to keep them out of the relegation zone, all those recent successes have come at Loftus Road.

Mark Hughes may like to make a point to his previous employers but his team have been awful on the road, with a paltry eleven points easily the Premier League’s worst record, while they suffered a 6-1 drubbing on their last outing at Chelsea.

United could still win on goal difference but City have smashed in 52 goals in 18 matches at home and are likely to score  more against the Hoops – making United’s trip to Sunderland irrelevant.

Three teams are still chasing two places for next season’s Champions League, meanwhile, which could be reduced to one depending on Chelsea’s result in this year’s final.

Arsenal (1/33 Top 4 Finish) are still in control of third place despite last week’s hiccup against Norwich following a 3-3 draw at the Emirates, while Spurs (1/10) were held 1-1 at Aston Villa and Newcastle (9/2) were beaten 2-0 by City.

The Gunners are one point better off than arch rivals Tottenham and two clear of Newcastle with a game to go, and know that a win will guarantee Champions League football next term.

Arsene Wenger’s men are on the road as they travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom and have failed to win any of their last four matches, but the French tactician will not let his charges slip up at the last hurdle.

Arsenal are 4/6 to register the win and it is hard to argue as West Brom (4/1 to win, Draw 3/1) have struggled in front of their own fans with just six wins at the Hawthorns this season.

Robin van Persie is, of course, the man to watch out for as he looks to cement his position at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts, having notched 30 in 36 games so far, and he is the 3/1 favourite to score the first or last on Sunday.

Earlier in the season, Tottenham were making it look as though it was a three-horse race for the title but they then endured a torrid run to hand the initiative back to the Gunners.

Harry Redknapp’s men, though, are at least expected to seal a place in the top four (Spurs 4/11, Draw 4/1, Fulham 8/1 Match Betting) as they have home advantage against poor travellers Fulham, who will be without their top scorer Clint Dempsey through injury.

The Lilywhites will then have to put on their Bayern Munich scarves for the Champions League final as a Chelsea win in the showpiece will condemn them to Europa League football next term.

Newcastle have been one, if not THE, surprise package of the season, having made a fist of the Champions League race for so long – and they still are in with a chance going into the last game.

However, the season may well just have caught up with them now and they face a tough trip to Goodison Park to take on an in-form Everton side -who have the carrot of finishing above arch rivals Liverpool with a win themselves.

The Toffees have not been conceding many at home as they have rallied from another slow start to finish with a flourish.

David Moyes’ men have only conceded two goals in their last nine home games, losing just one, while they have banged in 10 in their last three – and also scored four at Old Trafford – with Nikica Jelavic (5/1 First/Last Gaolscorer, 11/8 Anytime) continuing his rich vein of form.

Newcastle have certainly set the Premier League alight this season with their brand of football and although they are set to fail at the final hurdle, a fifth-placed finish above Chelsea and Liverpool is still a remarkable achievement.

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Terriers to get their teeth into Dons

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The Football League play-offs continue on Saturday with two huge matches as in League One Huddersfield Town look to secure a positive result at MK Dons, while in League Two Southend United aim to do the same at Crewe Alexandra.

Simon Grayson takes his Terriers to Stadium MK in a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday for a game which will bring together two sides who were separated by just one place and one point in the final league table.

The fact Huddersfield took forth spot means they will have home advantage in the second leg, so the emphasis is on picking up a result to take back to West Yorkshire on Tuesday.

Huddersfield are no strangers to the end-of-season lottery, having won promotion via this route in 1995 and 2004 respectively, while this is their third successive attempt to reach the Championship.

They travel south in good form against MK Dons having not lost to them in seven matches stretching back to August 2008, with six wins and two draws from their 12 League One encounters.

Grayson, who has pedigree in the play-offs having been a winner as a player with Leicester in 1994 and 1996, and then took Blackpool up to the Championship in 2007, will have the League One’s prolific top scorer Jordan Rhodes (15/2 – 2 Or More Match Goalscorer) back in the side after he was rested for the final two matches.

Lee Novak or Kallum Higginbotham will miss out, while fellow striker Alan Lee is back in contention after shaking off a knee injury.

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson is looking to lead the club to the Championship for the first time since the change from Wimbledon back in 2004.

His side were looking set to go into the play-offs on a real high, but a final-day defeat against Walsall scuppered their hopes of making it five successive wins.

The Dons are also in their second successive play-off bid and have lost all three they have been involved in so far at the semi-final stage, so the omens are not good.

Defender Gary MacKenzie could be back following an illness, while Alan Smith (10/1 – First Goalscorer), who is on loan from Newcastle, is set to retain his place behind a front two of Dean Bowditch and Charlie MacDonald.

Nothing could divide the sides in the two regular season fixtures as they both ended 1-1, but Huddersfield may have the slight edge and take a slender lead back home for the second leg.

Prediction: Huddersfield Away 90 Minutes @ 23/10.

Value Bet: Huddersfield To Win 2-1 Correct Score @ 11/1.

League Two

Southend United must pick themselves up at Gresty Road in the 5.30pm kick-off after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion last Saturday when Crawley Town snatched third place by just a point.

The Shrimpers finished three places and 11 points better off than rivals Crewe, while their final day 2-0 win against Macclesfield at Roots Hall meant they ended the campaign on a great run of four wins, a draw and five successive clean sheets.

They also have history on their side with 13 promotions via the play-offs which makes them the most successful side to be promoted via this route.

Boss Paul Sturrock has a near fully-fit squad to choose from, so will head north optimistic that his players can take their good run of form into the match.

Crewe will be no pushovers, though, as they ended the regular season on the back of a 16-match unbeaten run – seven wins and nine draws – which was enough to snatch the seventh and final play-off spot.

Ironically Alex’s last defeat was against Saturday’s opponent’s Southend as the versatile Bilel Mohsni (10/1 – 2 or More Match Goalscorer) scored the only goal at Roots Hall on February 18 to add to the brace he scored in the Shrimpers’ 3-1 win at Gresty Road in October.

Boss Steve Davis‘ hopes of gaining revenge for being doubled in the season will not be helped if skipper Dave Artell does not shake off a foot injury suffered in training.

But Ashley Westwood has not suffered any setbacks to his foot injury and is in line to feature as Crewe aim to improve on just one successful promotion in five previous attempts in the play-offs.

However, looking at the statistics, Southend were unfortunate to go up automatically and coupled with their excellent run of form, they should have too much for Crewe and come out on top in this one.

Prediction: Southend Away 90 Minutes @ 7/4.

Value Bet: Southend To Win 2-0 Correct Score @ 12/1.

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Three big issues for Prem finale

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The Premier League reaches its conclusion on Sunday and, with plenty still at stake, here we pick out three big issues still to be resolved this weekend.

1 – The destination of the title

Manchester City (1/10 to win Premier League) are very much in the driving seat to win their first top-flight title since 1968 and know a win over QPR at home will finally see them over the line ahead of local rivals Manchester United (11/2).

In what has been one of the most unpredictable races of the last few years, Roberto Mancini’s side appeared to have thrown away their chance when losing at Arsenal in April, but United’s slip-ups at Wigan, at home to Everton and then in the derby has given the Blues the edge again.

Relegation-threatened QPR have plenty to play for themselves but City should keep up their proud unbeaten home record and get the win required to render United’s result at Sunderland meaningless.

The smart money is on both United and City to win to hand the latter the trophy on goal difference but, after one of the most unpredictable seasons in years, it would be safe to say neither of the top two will be taking anything for granted this weekend.

2 – One more side to be relegated

Wolves and Blackburn are already down and either QPR or Bolton will be joining them in the Championship next season.

Mathematically, Aston Villa can also still be demoted, but that would take a 17-goal swing so it’s a straight fight between the R’s and the Trotters to see who finishes 18th.

Bolton (1/3 to be relegated) currently sit in the final relegation place, two points behind Rangers (9/4), and face a tough trip to Stoke City on Sunday, knowing they need a win to move above Mark Hughes’ side.

Hughes goes to the Etihad to face his former club and will do well to get anything out of that but Bolton winning at the Britannia also looks a long shot so it could be curtains for Owen Coyle’s side.

3 – Third place up for grabs

Arsenal, Spurs (1/10 – top four finish) and Newcastle can all still secure third and, with it, definitely a place in the Champions League next season.

Chelsea’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich a week on Saturday means that only third is guaranteed a place in next season’s competition because if Roberto Di Matteo’s men win in Munich they will take the fourth place available to Premier League sides.

Alan Pardew’s Magpies (9/2 – top four finish) have had a season beyond their wildest dreams and have stayed in contention for the top four right up to the end when many thought their season would tail off.

They visit Everton, themselves wanting a win to ensure they finish above Liverpool, knowing this is a tough last-day assignment. A win and poor results for the north London duo could hand them third but it looks very unlikely.

Spurs, meanwhile, have picked up again since Harry Redknapp was overlooked for the England job and host London rivals Fulham. They should come out on top in this one and hope arch-rivals Arsenal slip up at West Brom.

The Gunners are favourites to claim third, though, and go to the Black Country on Sunday hoping to spoil Roy Hodgson’s farewell at the Hawthorns.

It will not be easy for Arsene Wenger’s side as the Baggies are sure to do all they can to finish on a high in front of the departing England boss but, with Robin van Persie aiming to equal the league top-scorer record with 31 goals, expect Arsenal to do it.

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Stevenage can draw first blood

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Friday night’s football action focuses around the first leg of the League One semi-final play-off as Stevenage host Sheffield United. United are fancied by most to follow their city rivals Wednesday into the Championship but can they justify favouritism?

This is the post-season that the Blades probably did not want, having spent so much time in the top two in League One only to falter late in the game and surrender the initiative to Sheffield Wednesday – who took great delight in obliging.

Danny Wilson’s men only lost one of their last 12 matches in the regular season but the last three games proved their undoing – starting with losing at MK Dons on April 21.

United still had the chance of automatic promotion but could only draw their last two games to finish three points behind Wednesday and in the dreaded play-offs.

In theory, Wilson’s charges have been handed the easier last-four clash as they take on the side that finished sixth in the table, courtesy of a better goal difference.

However, one of those late draws was suffered at the hands of the Boro, who had actually gone 2-0 up in the Bramall Lane fixture, only to be denied the three points by an 85th-minute equaliser.

Gary Smith’s men may well be the outsiders to triumph at Wembley, but they can take plenty of confidence into the play-offs against United, not least because of that recent draw.

Stevenage also won the fixture at Broadhall Way earlier in the season so should be relishing the play-off match-up as they go into Friday’s fixture having lost just one of their last 16 games.

The hosts have also made Broadhall Way something of a fortress, having lost just three times at home, and they have been installed as the favourites at 11/8 to win the first leg, with United priced at 2/1 and the draw is on offer at 9/4.

In fact, the Boro have only been beaten nine times this season in the league, but the big problem for Smith and his men is finding ways to win – the club has been held to 19 draws this season, 10 of which came in the last 16 games of the season and seven of those were in March.

However, a 3-0 win over Bury to ensure a play-off place as well as their season record against the Blades, who will be the side suffering the weight of expectation, should set them up well for the first leg – especially with the home crowd behind them.

The goals have been spread around among the Stevenage players with Chris Beardsley, Luke Freeman and Michael Bostwick scoring seven, while captain Mark Roberts has chipped in with six and may well tempt some at 20/1 to score first, while Scott Laird needs to be considered at 12/1 as he has notched eight times this season.

United have scored plenty of goals this season, but they of course are shorn of top-scorer Ched Evans, although Richard Cresswell (6/1) and Lee Williamson (10/1) have both regularly found the net this term.

The Blades carry an obvious threat having been there or thereabouts for automatic promotion for most of the season, but Stevenage have nothing to lose and will be going all out to secure an advantage to take to Bramall Lane next week.

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Россия сыграет с Данией, на очереди «Тре Крунур»! «Бостон Селтикс» завершит серию с «Атлантой Хоукс»?

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Хоккей. Чемпионат Мира.

Дания – Россия. Поставить на победу России 1.08 в этом матче – тоже самое, что положить деньги в банк, хотя не спорюRussia goal Finland 1 300x191 Россия сыграет с Данией, на очереди Тре Крунур! Бостон Селтикс завершит серию с Атлантой Хоукс? даже там их можно иногда потерять. Но, как мне кажется, при Зинэтуле Билялетдинове сборная не позволит себе слабину и уверенно победит датчан.

Количество голов будет зависеть исключительно от желания нашей команды. На примере немцев мы с вами могли увидеть, что основным козырем команд, которые уступают в классе россиянам, становится силовая борьба и прессинг по всей площадке.

На взгляд нашего заслуженного хоккейного ветерана Евгения Зимина, при таких условиях россияне начинают сбиваться на индивидуальную игру и совершенно перестают играть комбинационно.

Матч со сборной Дании будет наверняка происходить с оглядкой на завтрашнюю встречу со сборной «Тре Крунур». По всей видимости, именно в завтрашней игре и определится победить группы Б.

По словам Хенрика Зеттерберга между ним и Павлом Дацюком существует некое пари, по поводу результатов завтрашней встречи. Заключено оно было еще на «Джо Луис Арене» в Детройте, а разрешится в Стокгольме уже завтра.

Это будет один самых интересных и непредсказуемых матчей на предварительном этапе Чемпионата Мира по хоккею.

Баскетбол. НБА. Плей-офф 1/8

Бостон Селтикс – Атланта Хоукс (счет в серии 3:2). Если на Чемпионате Мира до плей-офф еще далеко, то в НБА эти игры в самом разгаре. «Кельты» проиграли на старте серии и множество экспертов быстро списали их со счетов. Но после этого Пирс, Гарнетт и Рондо переломили ситуацию и это даже не смотря на то, что во втором матче серии Рэджон Рондо участия не принимал.

В последнем матче «Атланта» 3.38 при помощи Эла Хорфорда смогла вырвать победу с разницей всего в одно очко. В последнем владении «Бостона» грубую ошибку допустил Рэджон Рондо, который за 10 секунд до конца завладел мячом, но ни сам не бросил и не отдал передачу. Для человека, который стабильно совершает более 10 результативных передач – это крайне несвойственно.

Подозреваю, что сегодня победит «Бостон» 1.33 и завершит серию у себя дома.

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Hughton eyes Blues chance

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Birmingham City and Blackpool meet in the second-leg of their Championship play-offs semi-final at St Andrews on Wednesday, where a clash with West Ham United for a spot in next season’s Premier League will be at stake.

The Tangerines head into the decider with a 1-0 advantage after a Curtis Davies own-goal handed them the slenderest of victories when the two sides met at Bloomfield Road on Friday.

But Blues boss Chris Hughton is not ready to wave the white flag just yet, and is backing his men to overturn the deficit and book their place at Wembley.

“They are probably slight favourites because they have that one-goal lead, but the semi-final is not over yet at all,” said the former Newcastle United manager.

“My thoughts are very much on how we play and if we’re able to impose ourselves on them more than perhaps we did then we’ve got a chance.”

Birmingham are 10/11 favourites to win the second leg after 90 minutes, while Blackpool are available at the relatively generous price of 3/1.

There is no away goals rule in the Football League play-offs, which means that any Birmingham victory by a one-goal margin would be enough to take the tie into extra time.

City are priced at 6/1 to win the game 1-0, while 2-1 is available at 7/1 and 3-2 is on offer at 25/1.

Hughton’s men took the spoils during the regular Championship season, securing a last-gasp 2-2 draw at Bloomfield Road before recording a comfortable 3-0 victory on home turf.

Birmingham would undoubtedly be delighted to repeat the feat when they welcome the Seasiders to St Andrews for a second time this season, and a repeat scoreline of 3-0 is available at 14/1.

Both teams have shown prolific form in front of goal this season, with only Southampton and West Ham finding the net more often during the regular campaign.

Leading the way for Birmingham is experienced former Premier League star Marlon King, although he has been ably supported in the ‘goals for’ column by team-mates Chris Burke and Nikola Zigic.

Zigic found the net the last time these two sides met at St Andrews and is worth considering at 6/1 to score the first goal or the same price to get the last, having been left on the bench in the first leg.

But while King has led the way for Birmingham, Blackpool have depended on another former Premier League star for goals.

Sunderland legend and former Blues marksman Kevin Phillips has netted 16 times this season and is priced rather generously at 15/2 to score the first goal and 15/2 to score the last.

The experienced star is certainly worth considering, and would surely love nothing more than to fire his side into the final at the expense of his old club.

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Ставки на матч «Ливерпуль» – «Челси»! Россия – Германия – 100% победа?

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Футбол. Чемпионат Англии. Премьер-Лига

Ливерпуль – Челси. Вот уж и правда усмешка судьбы, только что соперники встречались в рамках финалаGerrard behind 1 300x200 Ставки на матч «Ливерпуль» «Челси»! Россия – Германия – 100% победа? Кубка Англии, а сейчас будут вынуждены вновь сыграть друг против друга, но только уже в чемпионате.

По всей видимостью единственной целью этого матча станет «месть красных», так как с точки зрения турнирной борьбы игра не нужна ни тем, ни другим. Не исключено, что Ди Маттео решит поберечь своих основных футболистов и «Челси» 3.25 может сыграть почти вторым составом. Таким образом, шансы на домашнюю победу, крайне высоки.

Основной новостью из стана «Челси» стала информация, что по окончанию сезона, который завершится через две недели, из команды скорей всего уйдет Дидье Дрогба, Джон Терри считает, что это будет ошибкой клуба, так как ивуариец является настоящим лицом «синих».

Стивен Джерард, в свою очередь, уже практически подвел итоги сезону, в котором у «Ливерпуля» 2.10 были прекрасные кубковые матчи, но вот играть также хорошо в матчах чемпионата не получалось, по его мнению «красным» жизненно необходимо улучшать свое турнирное положение, но уже в следующем году.

Но вот уже последние 10 лет, все чем может похвастаться «Ливерпуль» – это именно кубковые победы, а в чемпионате титулы ему не доставались с далекого 1991 года.

Хоккей. Чемпионат Мира.

Россия – Германия. Который год российская сборная 1.22 играет с немцами в преддверии, а иногда и непосредственно в День Победы. Поражение в данном случае не рассматривается,  обладая таким составом, каким сейчас располагает Зинэтула Билялетдинов, мысли об этом не допускается.

С точки зрения результата исход матча заранее понятен, весь вопрос только в том, сколько забью Малкин, Дацюк и Кузнецов. Мы можем смело рассчитывать на 4-5 голов в исполнении россиян, так что даже Тотал Больше 6.5 не выглядит неприступным.

Единственное, что настораживает в игре сборной – это проблемы в обороне, а ведь именной игрой в защите всегда славились команды Билялетдинова, но хочется верить, что стартовые матчи чемпионата пока не столь показательны в этом плане, а сборной еще надо сыграться.

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Bucharest awaits La Liga rivals

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Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, two La Liga teams with near-identical coloured shirts, similar names and two of the hottest strikers in Spain, will contest what promises to be a sensational Europa League final in Bucharest on Wednesday.

A cursory look at recent meetings between these sides and barely a cigarette paper separates them, although totesport has installed Atletico as the 11/8 favourites (draw 23/10, Athletic Bilbao 2/1 – 90 Minutes) for the National Arena showpiece.

This season Athletic won the home La Liga fixture 3-0 in October but Atletico then turned the tables when consigning their rivals to a 2-1 loss at the Vicente Calderon in March.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Atheltic have accounted for the prize scalps of Manchester United, FC Schalke 04 and Sporting Lisbon to reach their first European showpiece since 1976/77 and the San Mames outfit will also contest the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on May 25.

Arguably the highlight so far in a compelling European adventure for Los Leones was embarrassing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side over two legs with a breathtaking display of attacking football, while Spain striker Fernando Llorente’s 88th-minute goal, which sealed a 4-3 aggregate win at the expense of Sporting, raised the roof in Bilbao.

Llorente has scored seven goals in 13 Europa League appearances so far and at 11/8 to score anytime rates exceptional value to continue his hot streak.

Prolific pair Adrian Lopez (13/8) and Falcao (11/10) have wreaked havoc helping Atletico record 11 successive wins in Europe and cannot be dismissed at odds-against to help repeat the club’s triumph of 2010.

The winter arrival of coach Diego ‘El Cholo’ Simeone – a member of Atletico’s 1996 La Liga and Copa del Rey-winning squad – has transformed Los Rojiblancos and they have not lost in all competitions since a 4-1 humbling by champions Real Madrid on April 11.

Juanfran said the celebrations will run for some time on the banks of the Manzanares river if Los Colchoneros can end the season on a high.

He said: “We had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get through to this deciding match, it was something we all dreamed about. History and tradition say that Atletico should be up there fighting for trophies like these.

“We want to continue reaching landmarks so we have to win this one for ourselves and for our fans.”

A notoriously difficult fixture to call between two teams of such attacking prowess, the advice here is to stick with Llorente and Falcao to deliver.

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Liverpool look for revenge

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Liverpool will look for revenge their FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday when the two sides meet again in the Premier League at Anfield on Tuesday night (Liverpool 11/8, draw 12/5, Chelsea 15/8 – 90 minutes).

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish and his side will still be hurting after they failed to show up for the first hour of the showpiece of the famous old cup competition in the capital.

The impact of striker Andy Carroll (13/2 first goalscorer) was a big boost to his side when he came on against the Blues and he may well have earned himself a place in the starting line-up for Tuesdays rematch.

With his ability to unsettle defenders and at last, signs of quality in front of goal after a barren spell for the Merseyside outfit, Carroll looked more like the player Liverpool invested so much money in over a year ago.

The former Newcastle frontman was unlucky not to score the equaliser at Wembley, with his header in the dying stages of the game cleared off the line by Petr Cech, who has been superb between the sticks in recent months.

With the likes of David Luiz and Gary Cahill still out of action through injury, Carroll should be able to produce another dominant performance if he can recreate that same energy as he did for the cameras at Wembley.

Luis Suarez (11/2 first goalscorer) failed to make a real impact in the cup final but he has looked in good form of late and the makeshift Chelsea backline will be fully aware what the Uruguayan international is capable of.

As for Chelsea they go into this game on a high after their first trophy of the season and they will be looking to make it a historic double if they can overcome Bayern Munich in their own back yard in the Champions League final on May 19.

Following their defeat to Newcastle last week, Chelseas chances of finishing in the top four took a serious blow and now their best chance of playing Champions League football next season, is by winning the prestigious tournament this term.

For this reason we may well see a much-changed Chelsea outfit fielded by interim manager Roberto di Matteo, who will certainly have one eye on their showdown in Munich less than two weeks away.

Fernando Torres, who started the FA Cup final on the bench, could be given a starting role against the club he left for a British transfer record of £50m.

The former Reds striker has started to show glimpses of the form that made him an exciting prospect on Merseyside and having scored the goal that seal Chelsea’s place in the Champions League final after a torrid season, it would be no surprise to see Torres (13/2 first goalscorer) pop up with a goal against his former employers.

Recent games between these two teams would suggest this match is bound to be another exciting encounter but with Chelsea distracted by European matters, Liverpool might just get the revenge they want after a disappointing weekend.

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Hammers to book Wembley place

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Rovers manager Sam AllardyceAfter an exciting first leg in Wales on Thursday, West Ham and  Cardiff City resume their rivalry on Monday night to see who will make it through to the play-off final at Wembley (West Ham 8/13, draw 13/5, Cardiff 7/2).

The Hammers take a 2-0 lead into the game thanks to a Jack Collison brace but know they cannot afford to take anything for granted having already lost to the Bluebirds at home this season.

After the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the campaign, Sam Allardyce’s side bounced back in style at the Cardiff City Stadium as they dominated their Welsh opponents.

However, due to their defensive tactics, they sometimes struggle at home and have dropped an incredible 28 points at Upton Park this season and this is something that will surely play on their minds going into the game.

Much of their fine play in the first leg was down to the ability of striker Carlton Cole (11/10 to score at anytime) to retain possession and allow his team-mates to find space in and around him. The former England man has come in for some serious criticism this season but enjoys the big stage and will once again be looking to play a big part on Monday.

Cardiff have admitted themselves that they were woeful in the first leg and were lucky to escape with just a two-goal deficit.

Malky Mackay’s side were tipped to cause an upset against the Hammers thanks to their recent strong form but they simply failed to produce when it mattered, something that has plagued them in recent years after a number of play-off heartbreaks.

One of the players who disappointed in the first game was playmaker Peter Whittingham (10/3 to score at anytime) whose performances appear to mirror the fortunes of his team. The 27-year-old has long been hailed as the Championship’s most skilful player and was even tipped for a move to Monday’s opponents when they were still in the Premier League.

However, nothing went right for him on Thursday and he was comfortably outplayed by his Hammers counterpart Mark Noble who had one of his best games of the season.

Whittingham will be desperate to rediscover his composure and knows he can get the better of Noble, having dominated him in the sides’ previous meeting at Upton Park on the opening weekend of the season.

As most semi-finals are, this will surely be a cagey affair with both teams desperate not to give anything away. However, West Ham will probably go through and, although they’re likely to concede, Cole’s form and their two-goal first-leg advantage should be enough for them to book their place at Wembley (West Ham 18/1 to win 2-1).

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