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Modric motivated by Euro vision

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Luka Modric has described Wednesday’s Premier League showdown against top-four rivals Manchester City (evens City, 5/2 draw 13/5 Tottenham – 90 minutes market) as “probably the biggest club game” of his professional career.

The north Londoners lead Roberto Mancini’s men by one point going into the Eastlands clash and can move to within two points of Arsenal in third place if they collect maximum points.

Harry Redknapp’s side wrap up their campaign away to relegated Burnley on Sunday and City travel to take on West Ham.

Modric won three consecutive titles with his former club Dinamo Zagreb but rates Tottenham’s mission to reach Europe’s elite club competition as the biggest challenge of his club career.

“It’s a big game, probably the biggest club game I’ve played because the Champions League is at stake,” said the Croatia playmaker.

“We managed an important win against Bolton, City had a great win against Villa and this is probably the game of the season.

“In fact not probably, it’s definitely the game of the season for both us and them.”

Modric was an unused substitute when Tottenham (4/5 top four finish) beat City 3-0 at White Hart Lane in December last year in the Premier League.

A Niko Kranjcar brace either side of a Jermain Defoe goal secured a comfortable win and Modric is convinced Tottenham can get the result they need.

However, City (10/11 top four finish) warmed up for Wednesday’s visit of fellow Champions League-chasers Tottenham by damaging Aston Villa’s European aspirations in a 3-1 win at Eastlands on Saturday.

Modric added on the official club website: “It is such a big game and I’m sure it will be a joy to play in it. We have a great team with so many quality players and I’m sure we can go there and do well again.”

Redknapp has said a decision on whether Ledley King will play at Eastlands will be left to the star central defender.

King is carrying a long-standing and well-documented knee injury and cannot play two games in quick succession.

Number one goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is also rated doubtful because of a groin injury which he suffered late on in the 1-0 win over Bolton on Saturday.

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Ribery – France capable of World Cup win

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France (16/1 – World Cup 2010 Outright) midfielder Franck Ribery thinks his side can make it a long way in this summer’s World Cup despite their faltering qualification campaign.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is one of France’s prize assets and is a certainty to be included in coach Raymond Domenech’s 23-man squad for South Africa.

France (11/2 to be eliminated in the semi-finals) struggled to qualify for the World Cup and only made it through due to a controversial win over Ireland in the play-offs – a game memorable for Thierry Henry’s handball in the build-up to William Gallas’s winning goal.

Les Bleus have been drawn in Group A for the competition, with hosts South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay (4/1 to win Group A), and will kick-off their World Cup campaign against the South Americans on June 11th.

Ribery, answering questions put to him from football fans, told Fifa.com that he has high hopes that France can win the World Cup this summer.

“We have a very good team who are more than capable,” said the 27-year-old.

Speaking about France’s main rivals to lift the trophy, he added: “There are several other teams who are just as good, though, and at the moment I think England and Spain are both very strong.”

France coach Domenech recently came under fire from UEFA president and footballing legend Michel Platini.

He has previously supported the much-maligned manager, including during a poor showing in the 2008 European Championships, but now appears to have lost patience with Domenech.

He told Groupe Hersant Media there is a “Raymond problem” and Domenech has proved himself “hopeless” in many ways over the years.

When discussing France’s chances of success for the tournament he admitted he does not have high hopes for Les Bleus.

“I don’t see them winning, I see them passing the first round. After they will play either Argentina or Nigeria,” said Platini.

It remains to be seen whether Thierry Henry (33/1 to be top World Cup goalscorer), who played an infamous role in helping France qualify for South Africa, will actually be on the plane to the World Cup as Domenech recently said that he could not assure the 32-year-old a place in his squad.

The gaffer is set to name his preliminary squad on May 11th and Henry’s lack of playing time for Barcelona could play against him.

It remains to be seen if the former Arsenal legend will be among the party preparing for their opening game in Green Point on June 11th.

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Kuranyi told Germany dream is over

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Germany coach Joachim Low has made the surprise decision to announce he will not be taking Kevin Kuranyi to the World Cup this summer – over a month before the showpiece tournament starts (14/1 Germany – World Cup outright).

Low revealed he contacted the Schalke goal-getter on Monday to inform him he will not be going to South Africa.

Kuranyi has been overlooked by Low ever since stormed out of the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund before the final whistle after being omitted from the match-day squad for the qualifier against Russia in October 2008.

However, his 18 Bundesliga goals for the Royal Blues this season have led to a clamour for his recall to the national side.

Germany icon Franz Beckenbauer urged Low to make the peace with the Brazil-born forward to give ‘Die Mannschaft’ best possible chance of winning football’s biggest international prize for the fourth time.

However, Low said a clash of personalities had nothing to do with his decision to omit the free-scoring 28-year-old.

“The disciplinary incident in October 2008 was not a consideration recently,” Low said in a press release from the German Football Association (DFB).

“It would have been no problem for us to give him a new chance in the national team.

“However, after consideration among our coaching staff we came to the conclusion that we had other ideas, tactically and personnel-wise, for the composition of the World Cup squad.

“This I discussed today frankly with Kevin, who has had a strong season and whom I think is a player of sound character.”

The decision means three-time winners Germany must pin their hopes on the likes of Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich and Stefan Kiessling of Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern pair Klose and Gomez have scored 10 and three league goals respectively, while Kiessling has fared better than Kuranyi with 21.

Kuranyi said he was bitterly disappointed by Low’s decision but wished the national team every success this summer.

“Like every footballer, I dreamed from when I was a little boy of being able to play in a World Cup,” said the striker, who also missed out on a place in Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for the 2006 tournament.

“This dream has now burst for a second time.

“Therefore it is clear that this decision makes me very sad.”

Germany kick off their World Cup Group D campaign against Australia in Durban on June 13 (8/15 Germany 13/5 draw 9/2 Australia – match betting).

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Huddlestone eyes Champions League chance

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone is eager to secure the fourth spot in the Premier League to ensure Spurs get the chance to compete in next season’s Champions League (Tottenham Hotspur 4/5 to secure a Top 4 Finish).

Huddlestone was a member of the Spurs side who narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot four years ago and the midfielder admits he felt a ‘feeling of desolation’ on missing out on the chance to play in the Champions League that he is determined to put right.

Liverpool and Aston Villa both slipped to defeats at the weekend which ruled both out of the running for a top four finish, leaving just Manchester City and Spurs to contest the final spot in the Premier League’s top four.  City and Spurs face each other on Wednesday in a tie that could ultimately decide who gets the opportunity to compete with Europe’s elite next season, indeed if Spurs manage to take all three points at Eastlands they will have sealed fourth spot (Spurs 13/5 to win at Eastlands).

If Spurs fail to beat City but come away with a point they will have to equal or better City’s result on the last day of the season.  The Londoners travel to Turf Moor to face already relegated Burnley, while City travel to West Ham who have secured their Premier League status for another term.

Most punters, pundits and fans would expect Spurs and City to see off Burnley and West Ham respectively in their final games meaning the tie at Eastlands could essentially decide who finishes fourth.  City’s record at home over the course of the season has been impressive, Roberto Mancini’s side have won 12 of their home games and only lost twice, while Spurs’ form on their travels has been fairly mixed with six victories, six losses and five draws.

However, Huddlestone is eager to put the pain of missing out on the Champions League four years ago well and truly behind him by securing a top four finish this season.  The midfielder claims his team-mates are fired up for the showdown at Eastlands and are eager to fight their way into Europe’s top competition.

Huddlestone has already played a major part in Spurs’ fight for fourth, the midfielder scored a stunning goal at the weekend as the north London outfit recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolton at White Hart Lane to ensure they remained in fourth ahead of their trip to Manchester.  The former Derby midfielder will be hoping to hit the back of the net at Eastlands on Wednesday, where Spurs will attempt to become just the third side to come away from Eastlands with all three points.

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Lampard leaves nothing to chance

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Frank Lampard has insisted there will be no Premier League title celebrations from Chelsea until they have secured a first domestic crown since 2006 (1/12 Chelsea – Premier League outright).

A one-sided 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday has put the west Londoners within one win of seeing off the challenge of defending champions and nearest challengers Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Sunderland 1-0 later on Sunday but must now beat Stoke at Old Trafford next weekend and hope Carlo Ancelotti’s men stumble against Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard, on target against Liverpool, highlighted the fact that the lead had changed hands so many times this season when insisting the Chelsea players would take nothing for granted.

“It would be nice to do it in front of our own fans,” said the England midfielder.

He added: “Obviously Manchester United have a tough game but we’ll never go that far (thinking they have already won). We have a big game next week.”

Chelsea appeared to have lost momentum in December last year when they won just two out of six Premier League games.

However, they can end the season by winning the double if they also beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on May 15 (1/4 Chelsea 4/1 draw 8/1 Portsmouth – match betting).

Lampard said the players had drawn inspiration from their desire to overhaul United and revealed they are determined to finish the season with a flourish.

“We’ve got an FA Cup final after next week so we’re very determined,” he added.

“We were at a bit of a low point a couple of months ago so credit goes to the players, management and staff.

“We dug ourselves out of that and have pushed on to the brink of doing the double.”

Carlo Ancelotti felt Chelsea gained the upper-hand by beating Liverpool but revealed he would not alter his preparations for next Sunday’s showdown with Roberto Martinez’s men.

“It was the key game I think for the fight for the title and we played very well,” said the Italian.

The former AC Milan boss added: “The team is fit, mentally very good and we have to have confidence for the next game. We have to stay calm, train well like we did the last week and prepare well. Nothing special.”

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Mancini ready for must-win game

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes his side are ready for their must-win encounter with Tottenham (9/4 to win on the midweek coupon) on Wednesday night.

The midweek clash could decide who gets that fourth and final Champions League spot with the two sides seemingly having cut a drift LIverpool and Aston Villa.

Spurs’ win over Bolton kept them one point ahead of City while Mancini’s men ended any hopes Aston Villa had of a top finish by beating them 3-1 at Eastlands.

Liverpool’s hopes could be extinguished should they fail to beat Chelsea on Sunday with the Reds five points behind Tottenham with just two games to play.

Mancini believes no matter what else happens the winner of Wednesday’s match will be the team that makes it into the Champions League next season.

“I think we must beat Tottenham,” said Mancini. “It will be a massive game and we need all the supporters.

“It will be a fantastic game on Wednesday.”

City looked to be back to somewhere near their best on Saturday with the front three of Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez (28/1 top goalscorer) and Emmanuel Adebayor all getting on the score sheet for the home side.

However, the majority of City supporters had their eyes on debutant Marton Fulop, the Sunderland goalkeeper joining the Eastlands outfit on an emergency loan following Shay Given’s shoulder injury.

Fulop looked out of sorts at times, flapping at a number of crosses, although Mancini put it down to nerves and has backed him to come good.

While City’s goalkeeping situation shows no sign of improving Tottenham have their own concerns over their shot stopper.

Spurs (4/5 top four finish) number one Heurelho Gomes was visibly limping towards the end of their game with Bolton and manager Harry Redknapp has since revealed the Brazilian picked up a groin injury coming for a cross.

Gomes will now have a scan to determine whether he will be fit to start with Redknapp prepared to turn to England under-21 goalkeeper Ben Alnwick should his number one be ruled out of action.

Redknapp says he would be happy to turn to Alnwick, despite admitting that Wednesday’s game will be ‘massive’.

“We’re right there. We have two big games to come,” said Redknapp.

“It’s a massive game and we would have taken this at the start of the season.”

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South Africa boss has fitness concerns

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Carlos Alberto Parreira claims fitness issues could hamper South Africa’s chances of success in the summer’s World Cup (South Africa 6/1 to win Group A).

The Brazilian manager has named a 29-man preliminary squad for the hosts, which includes 19 South African-based players and ten overseas members.

South Africa are seen as outsiders for the competition despite having the support of fanatical home support and have to face Mexico, Uruguay and France in the group stage.

Parreira is set to reduce his squad to 23 players before South Africa open the tournament with against Mexico on June 11th (South Africa 15/8 to win, Mexico 6/5. 11/5 draw on match bets)

He claims integrating local players with those who play in top leagues across Europe could be a real problem as they prepare for the World Cup as the ranging physical conditions could make things “rather difficult”.

“Some of them have played too many games – like Steven Pienaar who has played 27 games since November, some have played half of what Pienaar played while others started in one or two,” said Parreira.

“So they will come here in different fitness levels, which will give our physical trainer a lot of headaches to put them in good shape for the competition.”

The South Africans recently embarked on a training camp in Brazil and Germany, where Parreira named a predominantly home-based squad with only two overseas players.

These players managed only a 1-1 draw against world minnows Namibia and Bafana Bafana fans will be hoping for an improvement in performances when their side play World Cup warm-up games against Argentina and Denmark.

South Africa’s Group A rivals France (16/1 – World Cup Outright) were recently urged to leave their egos at home when they leave to join the World Cup squad by Raymond Domenech.

The French coach saw his side only scrape their way into the World Cup after a controversial win over Ireland in the play-offs.

He told French newspaper L’Equipe that his squad need to realise that “the only thing that matters is the team, not them” and he is expecting a struggle when he names his 23-man squad for the World Cup on May 11th.

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Utaka – Nigeria can make last 16

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Portsmouth striker John Utaka feels this summer’s World Cup could see huge success from an African teams, with his Nigeria (11/2 to be Top African Team) side leading the way.

The forward is hoping to be part of the Super Eagles squad for the tournament and will be looking to play some part in their Group B games against Argentina, South Korea and Greece.

Utaka was not involved in the African Nations Cup but is hopeful of making it into the World Cup and he thinks Nigeria (9/2 to win Group B) can take “full advantage” of the thousands of African fans who will flood to the tournament.

Even though Nigeria have to face one of the pre-tournament favourites in Argentina (8/1 – World Cup 2010 Outright) in their first game on June 12th, the forward thinks they can “do well” against their South African opponents and also prove themselves a “tough nut to crack” for any sides they come up against.

Speaking about their opening game (Argentina 4/7 to win, Nigeria 4/1, draw 13/5 at World Cup match bets), Utaka told Nigeria’s sports daily Complete Sports: “It’s a game both sides want to win. But to the surprise of many Nigerians, the Super Eagles stand a chance of winning that game in my own opinion.”

If Nigeria make it out of Group B they are could face the likes of France, Mexico or even World Cup hosts South Africa in the second round, but Utaka thinks the Super Eagles could go even further than this.

“We can go all the way to the semi-finals of South Africa 2010 World Cup no doubt. It may look daunting, but it is possible if we put in adequate preparations and then believe in ourselves,” he said.

Nigeria only recently got a new coach, with former Sweden boss Lars Lagerback replacing Shuaibu Amodu, and he got off to a winning start with a 5-2 victory over Congo DR.

Another forward hoping to impress the new manager is Everton striker Victor Anichebe, who has just returned from a serious knee injury and told EvertonTV he is still “hopeful” about his chances off making it into the Nigeria World Cup squad.

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Davies sets Forest terms

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Billy DaviesBoss Billy Davies admits he does not want a repeat of his Premier League experience with Derby if he manages to restore Nottingham Forest’s top-flight status later in the month (Forest 5/2 Promotion).

The Scot got the Rams promoted via the play-offs three years ago but arguably it was too much, too soon for the Pride Park outfit who tasted victory on just one occasion in their 38 games.

Davies will try to repeat the feat with Forest this season and says he is “desperate” to pit his wits against the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger again.

“I want to get back there with a club that will financially support its manager, a club that wants to compete at that level and doesn’t want to change owners,” Davies told the BBC.

“That’s my biggest challenge.”

Forest, who play Scunthorpe on Sunday at Glanford Park, have guaranteed themselves a home second leg in the play-off semi-finals. They realistically need just a point to secure third place although they cannot finish lower than fourth spot (Scunthorpe 9/5, draw 12/5, Forest 7/5).

Cardiff can still overhaul them but their preparations for the final game of the regular season and the play-offs have been overshadowed by developments over the future of chairman Peter Ridsdale.

The former Leeds chairman will stand down at the end of the month although he has refused to elaborate further, with a Far East consortium set to invest in the club in the summer.

A statement confirmed: “Peter leaves therefore with the best wishes and thanks of the board of directors and the shareholders of the company for his energy, commitment and success in completing the tasks that were set for him.”

Cardiff (13/5 Promotion) face a trip to Derby on Sunday (Rams 6/4, draw 23/10, Bluebirds 7/4).

The final play-off place tomorrow is Blackpool’s to lose ahead of the Tangerines’ home clash against Bristol City, with seventh-placed Swansea needing to win against Doncaster at the Liberty Stadium given their vastly inferior goal difference. The Swans then need a favour off the Robins.

There is also guaranteed drama at Hillsborough when Crystal Palace head up the M1 in search of the point that will preserve their Championship status and send Sheffield Wednesday down.

The Eagles (5/4 Relegation) lost 10 points after entering administration but will stay up if they avoid defeat against the Owls (4/7) who occupy the final relegation place with just 90 minutes of their season left to play.

Palace boss Paul Hart, who kept Portsmouth in the Premier League last season, admits he will send his side out to win the game.

“I don’t think it would be wise to pop up to Hillsborough and park outside their 18-yard box for 90 minutes,” he said.

“We have to think we can win the game and we have to go up there with that attitude.”

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No old pals’ act, insists Bruce

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Steve Bruce has moved to assure supporters his Sunderland players will not roll over when his former club Manchester United arrive on Wearside hoping to profit from any late slip-up by Chelsea (15/2 Sunderland 18/5 draw 4/11 Man United – match betting).

The west Londoners kick-start a potentially-pivotal day in the race for the Premier League title when they take on Liverpool at Anfield (1/2 Chelsea 6/4 Man United – Premier League outright).

Carlo Ancelotti’s men know nothing but victory will keep alive their hopes of a first domestic crown since 2006.

Bruce’s old employers are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title – and record 19th domestic success – but must first hope their fiercest rivals down the East Lancs Road lend a helping hand.

Bruce has never managed a side to victory against Sir Alex Ferguson’s team in 14 attempts but has dismissed any notion of his players simply rolling over to accommodate United.

Significantly, Bruce, a winner of three Premier League titles and three FA Cup, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup, during a trophy-laden stint at Old Trafford, revealed the thought of a cake walk on Wearside would not have entered his old manager’s thoughts.

“The one thing I know after working with Sir Alex is that he won’t expect any favours because he knows that isn’t in the remit,” he said.

Chelsea and Aston Villa remain the only teams to have left the Stadium of Light with maximum points this season. The Black Cats have taken the prize scalps of the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham and Bruce is adamant his players will want to end their home campaign in style.

Sunderland also came within a whisker of beating United earlier this season before a last-gasp Anton Ferdinand own goal spared United blushes.

Bruce added: “We seriously believe we can win and we really want to win, too,” Bruce said. “All this stuff about just because I played there for 10 years I want to lose… What am I going to say to the players: ‘Oh, by the way lads, just forget it today?’”

Full-back Alan Hutton is suspended for the visit of United but fellow defender Michael Turner, who was substituted at half-time against his former club Hull with an arm injury, has returned to training.

John Mensah (hamstring) and Lee Cattermole (calf) have also trained in recent days and are in contention, but Andy Reid, who had surgery on a calf problem this week, is missing with George McCartney (hamstring).

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