Author Archives: SoccerCapper

Atletico to push aside Sociedad

Posted on by
Reply

Spanish football continues this Sunday with five games taking place in La Liga, in the pick of those second place Atletico Madrid (25/1 La Liga outright) travel to Real Sociedad.

The early kick off on Sunday sees Getafe take on Levante (Getafe 5/6, draw 12/5, Levante 16/5), two sides who currently sit in mid table and will be looking to take three points away from the fixture. The home team come into the game off back to back wins and will be looking to continue in that rich vein of form, although they are still missing top scorer Abdelaziz Barrada, who serves the final game in his suspension. They will have a tough test against Levante, who secured European football last season and took three points off Valencia before the international break.

Bottom of the table Espanyol will welcome Rayo Vallecano (Espanyol 10/11, Draw 5/2, Rayo 11/4) in a fixture that they need to take three points from. The team from Barcelona have started the season poorly and are yet to taste victory so far, so need a bit of luck to turn their fortunes around at this early stage.  They will feel they have a real opportunity to take something away from Rayo, who started this season with two wins but have since failed to pick up a win.

Real Zaragoza will travel to Granada (Granada 10/11, draw 12/5, Zaragoza 3/1), with both managers having to chose from depleted squads. Granada boss Juan Antonio Anquela will be without new signing Antonio Floro Flores, Fran Rico and Hassan Yebda, who are all missing through injury, as well as Yacine Brahimi and Dani Benitez who are both suspended. Likewise, Manolo Jiménez will have to adjust his starting 11 with Aranda, Adam Pinter and Ivan Obradovic all injured alongside Alvaro Gonzalez and Christian Romaric who both miss out through suspension. With both managers having to make a number of changes the quality of football may be affected (Correct score 0-0 15/2).

Struggling Osasuna will take on high flying Real Betis (Osasuna 21/20, Draw 12/5, Real Betis 5/2) at the Estadio El Sadar as they look to get their campaign going. Osasuna have only picked up one win and one draw so far and lie in a woeful 19th place, they will have to be on top of their game if they are to come away from this meeting with anything. Betis sit 4th in the table but after a good start they have tasted defeat twice recently and could be a target for an Osasuna side who will be looking to get among the goals.

The late kick off on Sunday sees Real Sociedad welcome Atletico Madrid (Sociedad 13/5, Draw 5/2, Atletico evens). Diego Simeone’s side are firm favourites for this one and no surprise as they are yet to be beaten this season, after drawing on the opening day they have gone from strength to strength winning every game with the aid of Radamel Falcao, who is the league’s joint top scorer on eight goals. Sociedad are unbeaten at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta so far with three wins from three and this great home form has helped them to 13th in the table.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Ставки на матч «Анжи» – «Спартак»!

Posted on by
Reply

Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер-лига

Анжи –Спартак. Все очень хорошо помнят, как буквально совсем недавно московский «Спартак» 3.25 весело и бодроGB Anzhi Zhirkov 1 300x188 Ставки на матч Анжи Спартак! стартовал в чемпионате России и все негромко, но уже начали восхищаться тренерским гением Унаи Эмери, но прошло какое-то время и два подряд поражения от «Селтика» и ЦСКА уже ставят под сомнение квалификацию испанского специалиста.

Да, я понимаю, что ситуация в группе Лиги Чемпионов, после поражения от шотландцев на своем поле, стала выглядеть как-то совсем удручающе, но постановка вопроса о том, что поражение в матче с «Анжи» станет «приговором» для тренера «красно-белых» – это уже перебор.  Но вот, например тренер молодежной сборной России Николай Писарев уже высказался, на тот счет, если ему последует предложение от Леонида Федуна, то он без раздумий примет его. Уж не знаю чего больше в этих словах самопиара или действительно такие переговоры идут. Одно можно утверждать точно, уверенности в завтрашнем дне для Унаи Эмери – это не добавляет!

В любом случае третье поражение подряд в чемпионате от прямых соперников станет серьезной проблемой для Эмери, хотя спартаковское руководство на словах и поддерживает наставника, но если и не после матчей с махачкалинцами, то вот после сдвоенных игр с «Бенфикой» может и принять резкое решение.

Если бы Лассана Диарра был полностью здоров, то я бы с большой долей вероятности поставил на победу «Анжи», но травма спины не позволит французу быть готовым на 100% к этому матчу. По причине этой травмы Ласс, даже отказался от вызова в национальную сборную. Как не удивительно, но за столь короткий срок Диарра стал ключевым игроком команды Гуса Хиддинка, и его потеря может серьезно ослабить клуб из Махачкалы.

Артем Дзюба заявил, что играть против «Анжи» его команда будет только на победу, но что-то мне кажется, что это просто бравада. Тем более, что без Макеева и Макгиди, которые остались в Москве – это будет сделать весьма сложно.

Если «Спартак» сможет увезти из Махачкалы хотя бы ничью – это будет очень неплохо, но что-то мне кажется, чуда не произойдет и «Анжи» 2.00 одержит победу.

Related posts:

  1. Ставки на матч «Анжи» – «Краснодар»! Футбол. Чемпионат России. Премьер-Лига Анжи – Краснодар. Этот матч для…
  2. Ставки на матч «Спартак» – «Рубин»! Футбол. Россия. Премьер-лига Спартак – Рубин. Вот уж поистине фраза…
  3. Ставки на матч «Крылья Советов» – «Анжи»! Онлайн трансляция матча «Реал» Мадрид – «Гранада»! Футбол. Россия. Премьер-лига Крылья Советов – Анжи. Хочу поздравить всех…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Promotion hopefuls set to shine

Posted on by
Reply

The Championship action continues on Saturday with a number of intriguing clashes including the derbies between Midlands pair Birmingham and Leicester (4/1 joint favourite – Championship outright) and Lancashire duo Burnley and Blackpool.

The game at St Andrew’s could be season-defining for both sides and defeat may even see either Lee Clark or Nigel Pearson lose their jobs (Match Betting – Birmingham 21/10, draw 12/5, Leicester 5/4).

After missing out in the play-offs last season, the Blues were widely expected to once again be challenging for promotion, but they have struggled so far this term, winning just three of their 10 matches.

This run has seen them drop to 21st in the table and despite only arriving in the summer there is already huge pressure on Clark to start delivering some results.

In contrast, the Foxes are flying, sitting second in the league, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation surrounding Nigel Pearson’s position, with Harry Redknapp being linked with the job as the club’s ambitious board look to bring a big name in to boost their profile.

Despite the internal struggles at the King Power Stadium, 49-year-old Pearson has done a stunning job at Leicester and has managed to get rid of the disruptive elements that harmed their form last season.

This has led to them playing some of the most exciting football in the Championship and although the game will be tight, they should extend their run on Saturday (Leicester 8/1 to win 2-1).

The other game that stands out is the clash between Lancashire rivals Burnley and Blackpool in the late game (Match Betting – Burnley 15/8, draw 12/5, Blackpool 11/8).

The Clarets are currently a side in crisis following boss Eddie Howe’s recent return to Bournemouth and haven’t won in their last four matches.

Whoever comes in at Turf Moor will certainly have their work cut out, as Howe appeared to be only half way through transforming them back into the promotion contenders after selling a lot of the club’s leftover stars from their time in the Premier League.

However, they still have plenty of talent within their side and with Charlie Austin (5/4 to score at anytime) in fine form, they’re always dangerous.

After a superb start to the season the Seasiders have also struggled in recent weeks, losing three out of their last four games, but are still well in the promotion hunt.

With a number of his players back after the international break, Ian Holloway will be looking for a response and his young side will be desperate to prove their worth after a difficult few weeks.

With so much talent on display, this game could produce fireworks but with all the confusion surrounding Burnley, Blackpool will expect to get back to winning ways (Blackpool 12/1 to win 2-0).

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

AVB ready to get his own back

Posted on by
Reply

The focus of attention now returns to Premier League duty following the international break with a hectic Saturday schedule to get stuck into, kicking off with a mouth-watering London derby.

Tottenham v Chelsea (12:45)
Two form sides go head-to-head at White Hart Lane with Spurs recovering from their opening-day setback to forge a nine-match unbeaten streak, winning their last four in the league, while Chelsea have started the season in fine fettle, winning their last five in all competitions to hold a four-point lead at the top of the table.

There is added spice to this fixture with Andre Villas-Boas taking on his former club and he is fancied to exact some ‘revenge’ with Spurs installed as the 8/5 favourites, with the Blues on offer at 9/5 and the draw at 12/5 in the match betting.

The Lilywhites have established White Hart Lane as something of a fortress of late, losing just two of their last 22 at home, and they also have a decent record against fierce rivals Chelsea there as well – unbeaten in their last six.

Gareth Bale (7/1 First/Last Goalscorer) and Jermain Defoe (5/1) have been in good form this season and Spurs can make home advantage count against a John Terry-less Chelsea, although it will not be one-sided.

Fernando Torres (11/8 Anytime Scorer) has hit the back of the net six times this season and is perhaps starting to show the form that persuaded Chelsea to fork out £50m for his services, while the additions of Eden Hazard (9/4) and Oscar (5/2)have provided new and exciting options.

However, in the middle of a derby, there remain questions whether they are up for a fight and Spurs at 8/5 at home look a good shout to continue their winning streak.

West Brom v Man City (3pm)
Champions City have not started this season as they did the last but they do still remain unbeaten in the league, lying in third place, four points behind the leaders.

Roberto Mancini’s men have seemingly struggled on the road, winning just once so far – at Fulham – while they have been held at Stoke and Liverpool, and they have managed just one clean sheet this term – at home against Sunderland.

The Italian tactician also has selection headaches with most of his squad spread across all parts of the globe over the international break, while there is a crucial Champions League next Wednesday at Ajax to worry about.

That certainly offers hope for the Baggies, who have begun the season impressively at the Hawthorns, winning four out of four to see them surprisingly placed in six in the table, just a point behind Saturday’s opponents.

Whether they have the tools to grab a coupon-busting win is open to question – they have not scored in their last four matches against City – but they look capable of holding the champions (WBA 4/1, Draw 11/4, City 8/11 Match Betting), having lost just one of their last six games against the Citizens at the Hawthorns.

Man United v Stoke City (3pm)
Manchester United are strong favourites at 2/7 to continue a good recent record of five wins from six games, with Stoke priced at 11/1 to record their first win against the Red Devils since 1993, and first at Old Trafford since 1976.

United lead the Premier League in terms of goals with 17 so far, while the Potters continue to struggle to find the back of the net with just six successes in the opening seven games.

However, Tony Pulis’s men are always hard to beat, having held Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool this season while they were only beaten by a late goal against Chelsea.

Forget the records, Everton and Spurs have already ended their hoodoo against United this season, and although they may not win, Stoke could land a price with a draw on Saturday at 9/2.

Elsewhere, it is difficult to see anything other than wins for Fulham, Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham, while Swansea against Wigan looking a real puzzler, given the inconsistencies and recent problems for both teams.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Yorkshire stalemate on the cards

Posted on by
Reply

Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock is sure to receive a hot reception on Friday evening when he takes his Leeds United team back to the city to play Sheffield Wednesday (Sheff Wed 5/4, draw 12/5, Leeds 21/10) but will he have the last laugh and come away from Hillsborough with the points?

Warnock enjoyed an eight year spell with Sheffield United, his boyhood club, between 1999 and 2007, guiding them to the League and FA Cup semi finals in 2003 and a lone season in the Premier League during the 2006/07 campaign. His appearance in the away dugout on Friday night therefore will add even more spice to what is already set to be a feisty Yorkshire encounter.

The Owls secured promotion back to the Championship in dramatic fashion last May, nudging ahead of their near neighbours United on the final day of the season. But their return to England’s second tier has been a chastening one of late. The Yorkshire club have won just twice in the league all season and are without a victory in eight games across all competitions.

Their lowly position of 22nd suggests this season is set to be a long and arduous one unless boss Dave Jones can turn things around quickly. The former Southampton and Wolves manager was only appointed as Gary Megson’s successor in March, but knows a defeat on Friday could put his future at risk.

Should Wednesday lose and other results go against them, they could easily find themselves bottom of the table come Monday morning.

Leeds United meanwhile are gathering a head of steam ahead of what could be a sustained challenge for the play-off positions. They have risen up to seventh place following a four-game unbeaten run, while they also overcame Premier League side Everton in the Capital One Cup in September.

However, Wednesday fans will be hoping the form book goes out of the window when the two teams take to the field. The influence of 30,000 home supporters in a sell-out crowd could prove pivotal.

The last time these two sides met at Hillsborough was way back in 2006, when Leeds came away with a 1-0 victory. The Owls had their revenge in the return meeting at Elland Road however, winning 3-2 in March 2007.

Of the 42 games played in South Yorkshire, The Owls have recorded 20 wins while United have come away with 13 victories. Local derbies are always difficult to predict and despite the two teams’ contrasting form, the support of the home crowd should act as a great leveller.

Warnock thrives under such adversity though and he will expect some big game performances from some of his star players. This looks a game where the fear of losing overrides everything else, meaning the draw looks a decent bet. The 0-0 draw is priced at a tempting 15/2, with even more value found in the half-time/full time market.

Wednesday will no doubt come flying out of the blocks, but questions remain over their ability to sustain a level of performance over 90 minutes, meaning Leeds should be allowed back into the game. The Sheff Wed/draw HT/FT bet is tantalisingly placed at 12/1 and is worth considering.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Home nations make nervy qualification start

Posted on by
Reply

Following the World Cup qualifiers over the past week, the European groups are beginning to take shape with a feel for who is now likely to make it to Brazil in 2014 emerging. Here, we assess how the home nations’ chances look after the early games.

England

Wednesday’s delayed draw with Poland exposed England’s frailties and dampened the optimism generated by big wins over Moldova and San Marino earlier in the group.

Roy Hodgson’s side remain well placed to qualify for Brazil and their favourites tag in Group H proves they will have no problem getting positive results against the aforementioned two minnows.

However, it is against the better sides that they struggle – as the draws against Ukraine and the Poles have proved – and the Three Lions certainly need to improve overall if they are to seal a spot in the top two.

Montenegro’s unexpected rise to the top of Group H early on has moved them into contention in the betting market and shaken things up somewhat and Hodgson and his players know how important a run of victories now is for his side to ensure their place in Brazil.

Scotland

The pressure has intensified on Scotland boss Craig Levein following their meek surrender in Belgium that leaves the Tartan Army on just two points from four games and now long odds to qualify with totesport.

Draws against Serbia and Macedonia, whose odds have now shortened to qualify, followed up by that dramatic defeat in Wales, means their chances of making a major tournament for the first time since 1998 are hanging by a thread.

Only a remarkable comeback from this position in the group and a series of unlikely wins over seemingly better-equipped opposition will save Scotland now – and that, sadly, looks about as likely as Levein still being in the job come the start of November.

Wales

Wales are only marginally better off than their Celtic cousins after the 2-0 defeat in Croatia on Tuesday left Chris Coleman’s side on three points in Group A. They, too, simply do not look good enough to find big wins over Serbia, Macedonia and Croatia in the return game and the feeling is the wait for an appearance at a World Cup Finals will go well beyond 2014, as their qualifying odds now reflect.

Limited resources and only a handful of top drawer players, like Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, suggest the best they might be able to hope for come next autumn will be the satisfaction of finishing above local rivals Scotland in the final standings.

Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill’s side produced the result of the past week as far as the home nations are concerned when they came away from Portugal with a point after a 1-1 draw in Porto.

Niall McGinn’s goal was giving the international minnows, who have not made it to the World Cup since 1986, a superb 1-0 away win until Portugal eventually equalised in the second half but the result gives Northern Ireland hope of better to come after years in the doldrums.

True, tough tests lie ahead in upcoming clashes against Russia and Israel, and they have only two points from three games but if they can build on the Porto point with fellow minnows Luxembourg and Azerbaijan also in the group, the qualification dream, despite their generous odds, could well be alive.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Wanted: Promotion-winning boss

Posted on by
Reply

premier league logoThere seems to be a lack of quality managers in Lancashire at the moment with vacant positions at Bolton, Blackburn and Burnley. Eddie Howe, Owen Coyle and Steve Kean have all tried and failed at their respective clubs and now the search is one for someone who can guide these teams out of the Championship.

Blackburn

Perhaps the most likely out of the three to achieve promotion this season based on their start to the campaign. Heading into the international break, Rovers were ninth in the table having dropped out of the play-off places after a run of two points from four games. The majority of the slump Blackburn experienced before the break after Kean left his post, the 45-year-old finally realising his position was untenable 12 months after the rest of the world.

The hunt is now on for someone who can not only deal with the stress of managing a football team but also coping with some questionable owners in Venky’s. The Rovers board are after Tottenham coach Tim Sherwood but negotiations have been less than smooth by all accounts. Also mentioned in connection with the post have been Ian Holloway, Roy Keane and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, although the latter has ruled himself out of the running recently.

Rovers are 7/1 to win the Championship this season and are keen to have someone on board before the weekend’s game with Derby. Despite his reluctance, Sherwood still appears to be the favourite, although as Jimmy Greaves said football is a “funny old game” so don’t rule out Blackburn hero Alan Shearer taking over yet.

Bolton

Many Bolton supporters are probably still asking where it all went wrong for fans’ favourite Coyle, after he made such a good start to life in charge at the Reebok Stadium. A combination of injuries, luck and some poor purchases conspired to bring the Scot down and now the hunt is on for someone who can guide the Trotters back up to the Premier League.

Whoever does takeover has a tough job on their hands, with Bolton languishing in 18th, 11 points off league leaders Cardiff City. Mick McCarthy and Dougie Freedman are the front-runners for the post, although Palace boss Freedman was coy on the rumours when asked if he’d take the job. McCarthy appears as though he would be an unpopular choice, so the Bolton board might be wise to look elsewhere with Paolo Di Canio, Michael Appleton and Billy Davies also mentioned in connection with the job.

Perhaps Davies would be the best option given his Championship experience and the ability to get the best out of limited resources. His style of play is unlikely to win over too many supporters but at least it isn’t Gary Megson Bolton fans.

Bolton are 4/6 to beat Bristol City this weekend with Sammy Lee in charge.

Burnley

In terms of resources, the job at Burnley is perhaps the least attractive, with Howe having been given limited resources to work with. Having gone down the route of appointing a young, upcoming manager it will be interesting to see what the Clarets board does now, especially since the club has had an overhaul in the boardroom.

Sources within the club have rubbished rumours of Coyle coming back, while talk of Phil Brown getting the job is hardly likely to go down well with the Turf Moor faithful. Perhaps someone like Keith Hill is the way to go, the Barnsley boss having done relatively well at Oakwell on a shoestring budget.

The 43-year-old also guided Rochdale to their first promotion in what felt like a millennium but was in fact 41 years. Appleton has also been mentioned in connection with the post and will probably jump at the chance to leave Portsmouth, with all their problems, for a stable club. McCarthy recently came on top of a poll of fans favourites to takeover and he looks destine to get a new job somewhere soon.

Burnley face a tough test this weekend against Blackpool and are 13/8 to win the game, with the Seasiders 5/4 and the draw 12/5.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

No time to panic for winless trio

Posted on by
Reply

Queens Park Rangers (2/1 – Premier League relegation), Norwich City and Reading are still waiting for their first wins in the Premier League this season but, with plenty of points up for grabs, there is no need to press the panic button just yet.

There is no doubting that Mark Hughes is one of the managers who is under the most pressure to keep hold of his job in the top flight, with the Hoops spending big bucks over the summer to strengthen the squad at Loftus Road.

Hughes has had the backing of the chairman recently, which is always a worrying development for a man in his position.

With three defeats on the bounce, Rangers’ clash at home to Everton on Sunday is a massive game, even though the London outfit are just two points off safety (QPR 11/5, draw 9/4, Everton 6/5 – Match Betting).

Six goals in seven matches show that finding the back of the net has been difficult for Hughes’ men.

But, with the likes of Bobby Zamora, David Hoilett, Jamie Mackie and Djibril Cisse in their ranks and the ability spend money on a striker in January, it should not be long before QPR start bagging goals and climb out the relegation zone.

Having seen manager Paul Lambert make the switch to Aston Villa over the summer, Norwich (8/13 – Premier League relegation) are really struggling, with what appears to be that classic ’second season syndrome’.

The Canaries finished comfortably in mid-table last season and could have been placed higher had they not had a sloppy end to the campaign, as they knew their Premier League status was secure.

Chris Hughton has struggled to build on the work done by his predecessor and, with 17 goals conceded in their first seven games, the problems in defence have been clear at Carrow Road.

A 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in their last outing will not have done Norwich’s confidence any good and things won’t get any easier when they host Arsenal on Saturday (Norwich 11/8, draw 9/4, Arsenal 15/8 – Match Betting).

Unless Norwich can cause some major upsets in the coming weeks then it could well be a long old season for the Canaries.

Reading (8/11 – Premier League relegation) make up the last of the trio still searching for their first thee points and, like Hughes and Hughton, Brian McDermott has been somewhat unlucky not to have guided his side to a victory.

In Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, the Royals have a man who can get goals and, although he has made a relatively slow start to the season, he is likely end up as the top goalscorer at the Madejski this term.

Reading will have a job on their hands to stay up this season but if they can get their home form sorted they should have a good chance of survival, although hosting a resurgent Liverpool this weekend will be tough (Reading 8/11, draw 7/2, Liverpool 17/2 Match Betting).

With Everton, Arsenal and Liverpool the next opponents for the struggling trio at the bottom of the table, they might have to wait beyond this weekend for their first win in the Premier League but the battle to avoid the drop is really just beginning.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Ставки на матч Россия – Азербайджан!

Posted on by
Reply

Футбол. Чемпионат Мира-2014

Россия – Азербайджан. Довольно неожиданно, но сборная России одержала уверенную победу над сборнойZhirkov duel 1 300x206 Ставки на матч Россия Азербайджан! Португалии. Неожиданную, еще и по тому, что подопечным Фабио Капелло удалось практически «наглухо» закрыть Криштиану Роналду, а это надо сказать уже само по себе достижение! Другое дело, что с точки зрения турнирной борьбы – это только что называется «остаться при своих». Безусловно, многое, если не все будет решаться уже в ответной игре в Португалии, а до нее еще очень далеко…

Игра сборной показала, что при некоторых изменениях российская команда может показывать игру европейского уровня, но для этого в команде должны оказываться лучшие футболисты на данный конкретный момент времени, а не вызванные за какие-то старые заслуги. Видимо дону Фабио с самого начала удалось создать здоровую атмосферу в команде с момента ее создания.

Да, сейчас можно дискутировать на тему того, что выстроил или нет Капелло игру сборной, но то, что мы видели в прошедшую пятницу очень сильно контрастировала с тем, как сборная под руководством Дика Адвоката проводила свой последний матч с Грецией.

Вот только тяжело смотреть на людей, которые еще недавно втаптывали сборную в грязь, а сейчас уже начинают превозносить ее. Но что поделать видимо такова судьба всех сборных команд в такой стране как Россия.

Чего нам ждать от сегодняшнего матча? Это 100% будет игра, в которой одна команда будет «осаждать вражескую крепость», а другая, классически играть на контратаках, что из этого получится – увидим, но как часто бывает в такой ситуации многие ожидают разгрома более слабого противника после победы над сильным соперником. А как вы помните, то в случае со сборной России – это совершенно необязательно. Про связку матчей Англия-Израиль думаю никому напоминать не нужно.

Практически не сомневаюсь, что в этой встрече появится Алан Дзагоев, которого, по мнению определенной части футбольного сообщества, незаслуженно посадили на лавку. Но в такой игре он явно понадобится, так как позиционного нападения будет много.

Победа сборной России 1.09 выглядит фактом почти решенным, но сколько раз футбол преподносил нам сюрпризы?

Related posts:

  1. Ставки на матч Россия – Португалия! Футбол. Чемпионат Мира – 2014 Россия – Португалия. Если вчера…
  2. Как сборной России сдержать Криштиану Роналду? Футбол. Чемпионат Мира-2014 Россия – Португалия. Мы говорим Португалия, подразумеваем…
  3. Ставки на матч Россия – Северная Ирландия! Футбол. Чемпионат Мира-2014. Квалификация Россия – Северная Ирландия. Первый официальный…

Список похожих постов предоставлен вам плагином YARPP.


Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Dons to keep up with pacesetters

Posted on by
Reply

There are two League One fixtures on Sunday as Preston play MK Dons and Shrewsbury take on Walsall. The Dons are riding high towards the top end of the table and will want to make sure they end the weekend in the play-off zone (MK Dons 9/2 League One Outright).

Preston v MK Dons

Milton Keynes’ fans must be wondering what they have got to do to earn promotion to the Championship having lost out in the play-offs in three of the last four seasons.

The simple answer is to finish in the top two and that is the challenge for Karl Robinson and his men this term.

And they have made a decent start to proceedings with five wins and two draws from their first nine games to sit in fifth place in the table.

They are currently eight points behind table-topping Tranmere but it is open to question whether the Birkenhead club will sustain its challenge throughout the ten months of action.

Home form has been excellent for the Buckinghamshire outfit but they have struggled on their travels with just five points away from Stadium MK to date and they will want to put that right at Deepdale.

But Preston are no mugs at home with 10 points from their five home games this season and this one has the makings of a tight encounter in Lancashire, with the clubs locked together in the market.

The Dons have drawn their last two league fixtures while Preston beat Doncaster away from home before losing to Oldham on their travels and they will happy to be back on home soil on Sunday.

Shane Cansdell-Sherriff should return to the Preston defence after missing the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Morecambe through suspension, while Akpo Sodje has been tipped to return to the starting line-up after his brace in the Morecambe victory.

MK Dons will have to do without defensive duo Gary MacKenzie, who has undergone hip surgery, and Anthony Kay., who is suspended, while Mathias Doumbe could be in line to make his first start of the season in defence.

Preston are the league’s joint-top scorers at home and so it seems as though Milton Keynes may have to add to their tally of six away goals if they want to come away from the north west with anything this weekend.

Odds: Preston & MK Dons 13/8, draw 23/10

Shrewsbury v Walsall

While Walsall are comfortably tucked away in mid-table the Shrews are in dire need of points as they are hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.

It is true that there are still plenty of games to go but by now the pattern of the season is usually set and it could be a continuing struggle for Graham Turner to keep his side out of the bottom four.

Seven points from a possible 15 at home is not great but by no means a disaster, however it is the club’s form away from New Meadow that is giving cause for concern.

Turner has seen his charges pick up just three points on the road and, while they have managed to secure three draws, it is victories that will guide a team towards safety.

Therefore every home game is vital and they welcome the west Midlanders to Shropshire having not tasted victory since the 4-1 home triumph over Coventry back on September 18.

Two draws and two defeats have followed and it is inevitable that the fans will start to become worried if things do not change sooner rather than later.

And the last team they would want to visit are the away-day specialists from Walsall, who have already taken 10 points from five games on their travels this term.

Had their home form been stronger then Dean Smith’s side could easily have been in the top six by now but they are 11th – just two points short of a play-off place.

But they are not in the best of form heading into the weekend clash having suffered back-to-back home losses in their last two outings while beating Bournemouth on the south coast on September 29.

It could be argued that they will be pleased to get away from the Banks’s Stadium for this one and the Saddlers have a fully-fit squad to choose from, save for Will Grigg, who is on World Cup duty with Northern Ireland.

Shrewsbury will be without injured strikers Terry Gornell and Sam Winnall and it may be that Paul Parry continues up front alongside top scorer Marvin Morgan.

While defeat would not be a disaster for the home side, they will need to get things going quickly and will have to be on their guard against a Walsall side who have made a habit of winning close games away from home.

Odds: Shrewsbury 5/4, Walsall 11/5, draw 23/10

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.