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City eye derby glory on title D-Day

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Monday night will see the most highly-anticipated Manchester derby in decades, as City and United go head-to-head in a match that is likely to decide the destination of the Premier League title this season (City 6/5, draw 12/5, United 12/5).

For some time now it has been a two-horse race for the crown and as the battle between these two giants has ebbed and flowed, we have now arrived at the biggest game of the campaign and, possibly, of the past few seasons.

City (7/4 Premier League outright) were clearly not comfortable holding the frontrunners tag and, having enjoyed a healthy lead over United, the Blues started to slip up as the pressure of closing in on their first Premier League title clearly started to get to them.

However, the Red Devils, who have been in this position so many times before as they go in search of their 20th league title, have also found life difficult at the top in recent weeks.

United at one stage held an eight-point lead at the top of the table but a defeat to Wigan Athletic and a thrilling 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford in their last outing, has left them with just a three-point advantage ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes City would go on to win the Premier League title if they were to collect all three points on home soil and has insisted his players will be going all out for a win.

This is really a match City must win and you can expect their boss Roberto Mancini to go with an attacking line-up for the derby.

Argentine duo Sergio Aguero (11/2 first goalscorer) and the prodigal son Carlos Tevez have looked extremely dangerous in attack in recent weeks and the question has been asked whether this game would have as much riding on it if Tevez had not done his disappearing act to South America?

Another controversial figure Mario Balotelli, who scored in City’s astonishing 6-1 victory over United at Old Trafford earlier this season, could feature in this high pressure encounter.

Mancini has insisted he trusts his fellow Italian to keep his cool, although questions must still be raised over the former Inter Milan star’s temperament.

It would be hard to break up the Aguero-Tevez partnership but Mancini may well bring in Balotelli and use Tevez (6/1 first goalscorer) as an impact player in the second-half, with the striker looking to get one over his former club.

As for United (4/7 Premier League outright), they will be concerned with the ease in which Everton scored four at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ and Ferguson will be determined to tighten up that defence.

England striker Wayne Rooney (11/2 first goalscorer) has looked dangerous up front recently and City will, of course, be more than aware of what the 26-year-old is capable of.

Nani, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young, meanwhile, have been causing teams problems all season, so there will be plenty to think about for the Blues defence.

However, on home soil and with the momentum behind the chasers, City might just edge this all-important derby to set up a very exciting end to the 2011/2012 Premier League season.

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Is La Liga the best?

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It has been a bruising week for Spain’s big two, with Real Madrid and Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League semi-finals to Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively. But with Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid setting up an all-Spanish Europa League final this week, taking some notable scalps on the way, is Spain’s top flight the strongest league in Europe?

Chelsea (7/4 to win the Champions League) turned in a heroic performance at the Nou Camp on Tuesday to secure a 3-2 aggregate win and depose the reigning European champions Barca.

Pep Guardiola’s side has been labelled one of the greatest ever sides in the modern game and were highly fancied to retain the title. But the defeat on Tuesday appeared to be a seminal moment, with Guardiola quitting his post on Friday after four years in charge. Rebuilding may now be needed in Cataluna.

The prospect of playing his old side Chelsea in the final was an enticing one for Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, and all seemed to be going to plan when Cristiano Ronaldo’s double put them 3-2 ahead on aggregate in the early stages of the second leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

However, Arjen Robben – another Chelsea old-boy – scored from the penalty spot to level a game that went all the way to penalties, with the German side progressing 3-1 on spot kicks.

The double defeat of Spain’s top two gave further ammunition to those who claim the Spanish league should not be considered the best on the continent, with the all-action Premier League often touted as the best.

The critics, while acknowledging the immense talent in both the Real and Barca squads, accuse La Liga of being too top heavy in favour of the duo. With 26 points separating them from the rest, that argument carries some weight.

However, Chelsea aside, it needs to be pointed out that both Manchester City and Manchester United failed to get out the Champions League group stages, while Arsenal lost in the first knock-out round to AC Milan, who promptly lost to Barcelona.

Then if you look at the Europa League final, where Bilbao take on Atletico Madrid, rumours of La Liga’s demise may be greatly exaggerated. Marcelo Bielsa’s Bilbao (10/11 to lift the Europa League) are a whopping 43 points behind Real Madrid in the table in sixth place.

But their run to the Europa League final in Bucharest took in a last-16 clash with Premier League Champions Manchester United.

England’s supposed best side (4/9 Premier League Outright) were completely dismantled by their Basque opponents, Fernando Llorente particularly impressive in a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Madrid, level on points with Bilbao, have reached their second Europa League final in three years, beating high-flying Valencia and Italian side Lazio – fourth in Serie A – along the way.

With England’s other Europa League representatives – Tottenham, Stoke, Fulham and Birmingham – all falling short, three at the initial group stages, La Liga can justifiably argue it has the strength in depth to compete in both domestic in European competition.

To further bang La Liga’s drum, why not look at the international odds? With reigning world and European Champions Spain 3/1 favourites to win Euro 2012, with manager-less and seemingly rudderless England priced at 9/1.

The reign of Spain may be continuing for some time yet.

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Another huge Prem Sunday

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There are two Premier League games to get stuck into on Sunday and there will be no thoughts of holidays in either contest as there are points to play for at both ends of the table.

Chelsea v QPR

It has been a fantastic week for Chelsea, upsetting the odds to book their place in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich – despite going 2-0 and a man down against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

No doubt they will get the reception they deserve when they return to Stamford Bridge but that thrilling victory came at a cost with Gary Cahill joining David Luiz on the sidelines and, coupled with Branislav Ivanovic serving the final game of his ban, the Blues will host QPR with just one fit centre-half.

John Terry will be the focus of attention, not least for his sending off in midweek, but he also lines up against Anton Ferdinand – a man he allegedly racially abused in the 1-0 reverse at Loftus Road last October.

Chelsea are still chasing points to finish in the top four and guarantee a Champions League place next season and on top of all that, the Hoops are desperate for the win which will give their survival hopes a massive boost.

The match betting suggests that punters should look no further than a home win with the Blues priced at 2/5, while the draw is on offer at 7/2 and a rare QPR win is priced at 15/2.

It is the away form of Mark Hughes’ men that would worry those looking for a price as they have mustered just three victories on the road this season, with only Blackburn and Wolves winning fewer.

The Rs have picked up some surprise results this season and recent wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Swanea and Spurs have all come at home – compare that to defeats at West Brom, Sunderland and Bolton as well as a division low of 11 points away and it does not look good.

Chelsea have been a different proposition since Roberto di Matteo took the helm at Stamford Bridge with just one defeat – 2-1 away at Man City – in 15 matches since he took charge.

However, the old adage is that form goes out of the window in derby matches and that has certainly been the case as far as the Champions League finalists are concerned.

Chelsea have not won any of the previous seven London derbies this season, while in contrast QPR have won three of the seven they have played – albeit all at home.

With injury problems at the back for the hosts though, QPR can make a game of it and pick up their first point on the road since the beginning of February.

Tottenham v Blackburn

Spurs were apparently title challengers a couple of months ago – or at least guaranteed a return to the Champions League – when they were seven points clear of arch rivals Arsenal but have hit the skids big style and are now facing the stark reality that they could miss out on the top four altogether.

It would be a huge disappointment for the fans, and neutrals alike, given the way they have performed at times this season but the Premier League season is ‘a marathon not a sprint’ – and Spurs look as though they will come up short.

Harry Redknapp’s team could well be nine points behind the Gunners going into the match after picking up just six points from the last nine games, and scoring just eight goals in the current run, but the league table does not lie.

The ongoing situation regarding the England position may not have helped the side but the spring in the step has gone from the players and they need to find a way to grind out a win to keep the top-four challenge going.

The match betting suggests it will come this weekend as they are 2/5 to get back on the winning trail and it is difficult to argue, given their opponents.

Blackburn Rovers have been a funny side this season with some fantastic results, notably a 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thrown in amongst a host of abject performances.

No club in the bottom half has scored more goals away than Steve Kean’s men – and in Yakubu and Junior Hoilett they will pose a threat at White Hart Lane – who are 15/2 to win with the draw priced at 7/2.

However, a whopping 41 goals conceded away from Ewood Park will make happy reading for goal-shy Spurs while they have been awful of late on the road, going down 2-0 at West Brom and Swansea, as well as losing the six-pointer at Bolton.

Rovers, currently three points from safety in 19th place, have suffered the major blow that Grant Hanley will miss the rest of the season but they have got be up for a ‘cup final’ and it is never over ’till the fat lady sings.

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Rangers eye Old Firm fillip

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There are two games in the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League on Sunday and the main event is the last Old Firm game of the season – which is potentially the last for a long while. Despite all the off-the-field problems and stories, there will be the usual commitment as both teams strive for bragging rights in Glasgow.

Celtic v Rangers

There has been some talk about this Old Firm game being “meaningless” as Celtic wrapped up the SPL  title weeks ago. But try telling that to the fans, as you can expect the usual excitement and tense atmosphere in Glasgow come Sunday lunchtime that is associated with every Old Firm clash.

True, survival for the administration-stricken Rangers is more important that league points, but victory over their fiercest old rivals would be a moment of light relief for Gers fans who have suffered more than most in recent months (Celtic 4/5, draw 13/5, Rangers 10/3 Match Betting).

Neil Lennon rested several star men for their clash with Motherwell last time out but, unsurprisingly, they are all back for the Old Firm clash. Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown, Kelvin Wilson and Glenn-Loovens return to first-team plans for Parkhead, while Adam Mathews and Beram Kayal are back from illness and injury respectively and could be included.

For Rangers, Kyle Lafferty is not considered after being handed a two-week club suspension while Kirk Broadfoot and Jamie Ness are available again after struggling with injuries.

When it comes to who can get the goals, Gary Hooper  (4/1 First Goalscorer) is the main man for Celtic with 18 league strikes this term and he is the leading man to break the deadlock at Parkhead. Rangers have relied on Sone Aluko (5/2 Anytime Goalscorer) since the exit of Nikica Jelavic but, despite his pace which is capable of causing huge problems, the former Aberdeen man is not as potent as his predecessor.

In three Old Firm games so far there has been 12 goals, so expect more of the same and all the traditional fireworks associated with one of the biggest derbies in world football, despite Rangers’ recent off-field woe (21/10 – 4 or more – Total Goals).

St Mirren v Hibernian

Neither of these teams are really going into this game with any run of form behind them. It’s only one win and three draws from the last six home matches for St Mirren, while Hibs’ away form boasts three wins and three losses from the last six (St Mirren 6/5, draw 9/4, Hibs 9/4).

The home side have a full squad to choose from and boss Danny Lennon admits he is looking for a continuation in the “entertaining style and attacking football” they have shown to be higher in the table than many expected.

Hibs are battling to ensure their SPL future and have received a boost with the news Garry O’Connor’s foot injury isn’t as bad as first feared and could feature. It is touch-and-go if Pat Fenlon will risk him, and he may opt for Eoin Doyle or Roy O’Donovan (Doyle 8/1 O’Donovan 9/1 First Goalscorer) instead.

The visitors managed a narrow win in the most recent encounter at Greenhill Road, but there was a 0-0 at Hibs last month, and this game looks very close yet again (15/2 0-0 Correct Score).

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Baggies to deepen Villa troubles

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The Premier League season is at ’squeaky bum time’ and while there are a number of clubs who have nothing to play for there are still plenty who do. The relegation battle and the race for a top-four finish get tighter by the week but Saturday’s matches could go some way to deciding both situations.

Sunderland v Bolton 3pm

Bolton did their hopes of escaping the relegation zone the power of good on Tuesday night when they won one of their two games in hand at Aston Villa. Having fallen behind, Owen Coyle’s men showed great spirit to bounce back to win the game 2-1, lifting them to within a point of escaping the drop zone.

While the Trotters appear to be rallying, Sunderland are drifting towards mid-table mediocrity after a dreadful recent run of form, winning just one of the last nine in all competitions. The goals have dried up for Martin O’Neill’s men and their failure to score in the last four games will be music to the ears of Bolton’s leaky defence.

Traditionally Sunderland have got the better of Bolton, winning six of the last seven against the Trotters. However, if there was ever a time to end that run it must be Saturday for Bolton. Sunderland are 10/11 to record another win over Bolton in the match betting, with the draw 13/5 and the Trotters priced at 3/1.

West Brom v Aston Villa 3pm

If there were any doubts about Aston Villa being in a relegation battle then Tuesday’s defeat to Bolton put an end to those. Alex McLeish’s side have won one of the last 13 matches and find themselves just three points outside the relegation zone. There are calls for McLeish to go but at this stage of the season you have to ask whether there is much point.

Saturday’s derby match looks as though it could deal another blow to Villa’s survival hopes, with West Brom probably relishing the chance to deepen their neighbours gloom having made sure of another season in the top flight. West Brom have won the last two games 1-0 and a repeat of that scoreline at 6/1 might be worth an investment. Under 2.5 goals at 5/6 looks a safe bet as well given how few goals both teams score, with Villa having only scored more than one goal in a game once since February.

West Brom are 23/20 for the win – a solid price despite their home record – while Villa are 5/2 and the draw is 23/10.

Wigan v Newcastle 3pm

Two of the form sides in the Premier League clash at the DW Stadium on Saturday, with both still having plenty to play for. Wigan looked dead and buried in February but 12 points from the last 18 has catapulted them out of the relegation zone, albeit only by a point. The Latics produced a similar run at the end of last season to secure their safety but stumbled at Fulham last week.

Newcastle are likely to provide another bump in the road for Roberto Martinez’s men having won their last six on the bounce. Alan Pardew’s team is purring at the moment and with no new injury concerns it is likely to be the same starting XI that blew away Stoke last weekend.

Newcastle have the talent to get the better of Wigan and in Papiss Cisse they have a striker who is bang in form, the Senegal hitman scoring 11 times since he arrived in January. He is 4/1 to grab the first goal, with a Newcastle win on offer at a generous 6/4 in the match betting given their recent run. Wigan are 15/8, with the draw 12/5.

Elsewhere, punters might be tempted to back Stoke to beat Arsenal at 7/2, given how much the Gunners hate going to the Britannia Stadium. However, the Potters have nothing to play for and look to be planning their summer holidays, while Arsenal are desperate need of the points in the bid to secure third.

Norwich could prove decent value if you fancy them to beat Liverpool at 3/1. Neither side has much to play for in the league, with the Reds focusing on the FA Cup final. Kenny Dalglish’s men were unlucky to lose to West Brom last weekend but you wonder whether they’ll be up for the fight at Carrow Road on Saturday teatime.

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It’s Saints’ day in Premier race

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The Championship season reaches its climax on Saturday with two outstanding matters to be resolved and we look at how Southampton and Cardiff are set to be the ones smiling at full-time with regards to who claims the final automatic promotion place and the last play-off spot respectively.

Southampton v Coventry

All the action gets underway at 12.30 on Saturday lunch-time and all eyes will be on St Mary’s as Nigel Adkins‘ Saints look to finally book their place in the Premier League alongside champions Reading.

Southampton have had a couple of small screen horror shows in recent games with a televised 3-1 home defeat to Reading and a 2-1 reverse at Middlesbrough in front of the cameras last Saturday keeping their fans waiting to celebrate a second successive promotion and put an end to their seven-year top-flight exile.

However, a win against already-relegated Coventry City is required, while a draw could do unless third-placed West Ham, who are two points behind at kick-off, stick four past Hull City at Upton Park.

Only the pressure can get to the Saints’ players now because on paper this fixture is a ‘gimme’ in terms of the three points.

They currently top the ‘home’ table going into the match, are the Championship’s top scorers with 81 goals in 45 matches and have already beaten the Sky Blues twice at the Ricoh Arena in the league and FA Cup.

Adkins, who is set to replace hamstring injury victim Richard Chaplow with Guly Do Prado in his starting XI, will be confident of seeing his team record a ninth league double of the season and book a place in the Premier League.

Andy Thorn’s Coventry side are preparing for League One football next season – the first time the Sky Blues have been at the third tier of the English game since 1964.

They arrive on the south coast at the bottom of the ‘away’ table after recording just one away win all season and they are the lowest scorers in the division with 40 less than their opponents going into the encounter.

To make their mission even more difficult, defender Richard Keogh is suspended following his sending-off against Doncaster so 17-year-old Jordan Willis is poised for a first senior start.

The only statistic Coventry – and West Ham – fans can cling on to is that Southampton have not recorded a league double over the Sky Blues for 21 years.

However, regardless of Hammers’ boss Sam Allardyce’s attempt to point out the pressure is all on the Saints, we feel they should have more than enough to get past Coventry and once the first goal goes in the floodgates will open.

Incidentally we feel the Hammers (1/2 Home Win 90 Minutes) will keep their part of the bargain and defeat Nick Barmby’s Hull City but will have to go back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Prediction: Southampton Home 90 Minutes @ 3/10
Value Bet: Southampton 3-0 Correct Score @ 14/1

Crystal Palace v Cardiff

The only other outstanding issue in the Championship is the race for the sixth and final play-off place with Cardiff in the driving seat.

The Bluebirds missed the chance to seal their place last weekend after being held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds, while seventh-placed Middlesbrough valiantly fought back from a first-minute goal down to see off promotion-chasing Southampton at the Riverside.

The mission for Malky Mackay’s men is simple – a draw or win at Selhurst Park will be enough to seal a third successive play-off campaign as Tony Mowbray’s Boro are two points behind with a vastly inferior goal difference.

The current form is positive for the Bluebirds as they go to Selhurst Park unbeaten in nine matches and have only lost once against a team in the bottom nine all season.

Mackay is boosted by the news midfielder Don Cowie has recovered from a calf strain, while Rudy Gestede could also return, but winger Craig Conway is still out with ankle ligament damage.

Palace go into the game looking for a first win in nine to round off a season which will see them finish in their highest position in three seasons.

The Eagles did lose to Cardiff in the Carling Cup semi-finals earlier this year and will be looking for revenge, while boss Dougie Freedman will also remind his players that they did win the first leg 1-0 on home soil.

However, goalkeeper Julian Speroni has joined an already lengthy injury list after he dislocated a finger in the game against Reading last Saturday, while centre-back Paul McShane is absent with a hamstring injury.

Palace have not won on the final day in the past three years and have only defeated one of the top seven clubs this term.

Add to that the fact that the two sides, along with Middlesbrough, have drawn the most matches in the Championship this term and it all points to a stalemate which would be good enough to extend the Welsh outfit’s season.

Boro travel to face Watford at the same time and we feel that they should have enough to get the three points required (Boro 11/8 Away Win 90 Minutes), but will suffer the heartbreak of missing out on the play-offs courtesy of goal difference.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5
Value Bet: Cardiff/ Draw HT/FT @ 16/1

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Montpellier on course Tou-louse

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The title run-in is reaching a climax in France with Montpellier looking to consolidate their position at the top of the standings and justify 5/6 outright favouritism in what could be a pivotal weekend.

The Stade de la Mosson outfit of course were a founder member of the first division in France but have still to taste the glory of being crowned champions, and may possibly not get a better opportunity.

However, the run to the line does not appear to be the easiest for La Paillade – on paper at least, despite closing their campaign against basement dwellers Auxerre.

A trip to Stade Rennes is sandwiched by home clashes against Evian TG and Lille, while the league leaders start the charge by travelling to seventh-placed Toulouse on Friday night, kicking off at 1800.

It provides a real opportunity for Rene Girard and his men to really take control of Le Championnat as a victory would pile the pressure on their rivals with third-placed Lille hosting second-placed Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.

MHSC currently hold a two-point advantage over the capital club, with Lille a further five points back so a win on Friday could turn out to be crucial in the final outcome.

However, it will not be easy at the Stadium Municipal and that is reflected in the betting with TFC priced as marginal 13/8 favourites, wtih Montpellier at 7/2 and the draw at 2/1.

Toulouse have hit the buffers of late and have slipped to seventh in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Lyon, but will be glad to be back on home soil, given their record at the Stadium Municipal.

Alain Casanova’s men have lost three of their last four but those defeats came on the road and they thrashed Lyon 3-0 the last time they played in front of their own fans.

In fact, Les Pitchouns have been beaten just once at home since the turn of the year (1-0 Saint-Etienne in February) and only twice all season so Montpellier will have it all to do – with their patchy away record.

Goals have not been a problem on the road for the league leaders – with Olivier Giroud and Younes Belhandra the men to watch out for – but that has been the same at both ends of the pitch.

Montpellier have won six and lost and drawn five on the road but they have only taken maximum points once in their last six games, and have lost three of the last four.

With that in mind, Toulouse look a good shout to continue their excellent home form and make Montpellier sweat over other results this weekend.

Friday’s other match sees Lorient take on 2010 champions Olympique Marseille, with the home side desperate for points to pull away from the relegation zone.

Christian Gourcuff’s men are only two points above Brest in 18th place and that could well the motivation they need to secure the three points.

Marseille are in the midst of a disastrous run of results – their Coupe de la Ligue success aside – and have nothing left to play for with the players seemingly having holidays on their mind.

Lorient have a decent home record, given their position in the table, with just four defeats at the Stade du Moustoir all season and can secure their eighth home on Friday.

Gourcuff’s men are favourites at 6/4 to do just that while the draw is priced at 2/1, but the more fanciful amongst us can get 19/10 on Marseille securing their first league win since the end of January.

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Bilbao have a Sporting chance

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Athletic Bilbao will be confident of overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they play host to Sporting Lisbon in their Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, while Valencia will be aiming to claw back a 4-2 away leg defeat against Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid in order to book their place in the final.

Bilbao created a stir earlier in the competition when they comfortably disposed of Manchester United with home and away victories notched up against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

However, while many fancied them to go far in the tournament, the Basque side lost out to Manchester City’s conquerors Sporting in Lisbon last week so have their work cut out to reach next month’s final in Bucharest.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao side have never won a European competition, but they will be confident of progression given that they have won every Europa League match on home soil this season, while they are the second most prolific side still in contention in the Europa League, with 25 goals to date.

They will be boosted by the news Javi Martinez is available after he missed the match at the Estadio de Alvalade through suspension, while Iker Muniain is expected to feature despite missing out against Racing Santander because of an eye inflammation.

The stats do not make good reading for Sporting as they have yet to win a European game on Spanish soil and have failed to win in any of their last 10 away matches.

But, Ricardo Sa Pinto’s men only require a draw so they could be tempted to try and frustrate Bilbao and keep the door shut at the back while seeing what they can get on the break.

Sporting, who defeated Bilbao 4-2 over two legs in their last European meeting in 1985-86, will be without the ineligible Elias, while Fito Rinaudo and Alberto Rodriguez are both injured.

But, Chilean Matias Fernandez, who has missed the club’s last two games, is ready to feature from the start.

We expect a close game, but with Athletic Bilbao only needing a 1-0 win to progress, they should have too much firepower for the Portuguese and ensure an all-Spanish final.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao Home Win 90 Minutes @ 8/15
Value Bet: 4 Goals – Goals 10-band @ 9/2

Atletico Madrid, who won the Europa League in 2010, will feel they have one foot in the final following a handsome 4-2 first-leg victory last week.

However, Valencia’s two away goals will give them hope that they can pull the tie out of the fire at Estadio de Mestalla on Thursday.

Ricardo Costa’s late away goal could be the key for Los Che and they warmed up nicely for the match with a 4-0 thumping of Real Betis at the weekend, in which Real Madrid playmaker Sergio Canales made a welcome recovery from a serious ligament injury and could start against Atletico.

Roberto Soldado is set to retain his spot in attack, with Jonas supporting him in the final third.

Valencia won the Primera Division fixture 1-0 in September on home soil so will need to add another goal if they are going to progress to the final.

Atletico Madrid arrive in a good run of form which has seen them win three successive matches with the first-leg victory sandwiched between domestic successes against Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano respectively.

The omens are mixed for coach Diego Simeone, who has selected the same squad of 18 players that successfully defeated Espanyol at the weekend, as Atletico have never won a European tie away from home in Spain.

However, a defeat on Thursday could still see them through, while they also have the psychological boost of their two-legged victory over Valencia at the quarter-final stage on their way to winning the trophy two years ago.

Valencia’s home form is good in Europe and Atletico don’t travel well so we fancy a home win, but the two-goal cushion from the first leg could be just enough to get the visitors into the final.

Prediction: Valencia Home 90 Minutes @ 5/6
Value Bet: Valencia 2-1 Correct Score @ 7/1

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Mourinho magic to inspire Madrid

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Two-time winner of the competition, Jose Mourinho, has the know-how to help nine-time European winners Real Madrid overturn a 2-1 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat by Bayern Munich in the return tie at the Santiago Bernabeu (Real 8/15, draw 10/3, Bayern 5/1 – Match Betting) on Wednesday.

There are few better at coping with this kind of pressure than the former Internazionale and Chelsea manager and games don’t come much bigger in club football than Wednesday’s encounter in the Spanish capital.

Real find themselves a goal down after the first leg in Munich but have what could well be the all-important away gaol already in the bag ahead of the return leg.

Mourinho’s men look like they will be crowned La Liga champions this season, after a gutsy performance against Barcelona at  Camp Nou last weekend.

That will have given the Real squad plenty of confidence going into their clash with Bayern, as their smash-and-grab, counter-attacking performance in Catalonia was perfect considering the free passing opposition.

Once again it was that man Cristiano Ronaldo (5/2 first goalscorer) who bagged the winner against Barca and he is someone Bayern will be fully aware of but the question is will they be able to stop the former Manchester United star again?

The Bundesliga outfit managed to keep the Portuguese international off the scoresheet at the Allianz Arena in the first leg and they will be desperate to do the same again but it will be difficult, considering his presence in the air and his ability to shoot off both feet.

Bayern (7/2 Champions League outright) looked like a real threat on home turf and the duo of Frank Ribery and Mario Gomez got themselves a goal each in an impressive 2-1 win in Bavaria.

The big question will be how Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes looks to approach this game considering his team’s slender lead after the first leg?

Striker Gomez (6/1 first goalscorer) has insisted Bayern will be looking to attack and if they were to get the first goal at the Bernabeu it would be a real hammers blow for the Spanish giants.

Sitting back is not really an option for Munich, as Real with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo will just pile on the pressure and over 90 minutes, you would expect a Bundesliga side to concede at least one goal, especially against a side with quality of Mourinho’s men.

Bayern have a very slim chance of claiming their domestic title this season and so all their focus will be on getting a result in Madrid and securing a place in the final of the competition at their very own ground.

However that away goal from Ozil in the first leg may come back to haunt them and it would not be surprising to see Real (5/2 Champions League outright) produce another smash and grab performance, to edge themselves through to the showpiece event of the European club season.

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Villa faithful set for rough ride

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Aston Villa fans will be starting to be get slightly hot under the collar as they see their beloved side dangerously close to the relegation zone as they get ready to host fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night (Villa Evs, draw 9/4, Bolton 9/4 Match Betting).

Villa find themselves just five points above the relegation zone with 12 points still up for grabs, as they head into the business end of the Premier League season.

With the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and their opponents on Tuesday Bolton (4/7 Premier League relegation) desperate for points, Villa could easily be dragged into a dramatic final day of the season.

Manager Alex McLeish is under heavy pressure to keep his job with the West Midlands outfit and will have to do without the services of James Collins for the clash with the Trotters.

The experienced defender is set to miss out due to a groin strain, whilst striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a doubt having picked up a shoulder injury during his side’s goalless draw with Sunderland at Villa Park last weekend.

With potentially two of Villa’s best players on the sidelines, McLeish is really down to the bare bones, with a squad that would love the season to be over this instance.

If Agbonlahor is missing it is hard to see where they goals are going to come from for the home side, who will be low on confidence having not won a game in their last six Premier League outings.

Six goals in their last 10 games and none in their last two tells its own story and McLeish will be looking to the likes of Andreas Weimann and potentially Emile Heskey for goals on Tuesday.

As for Bolton they will be buoyed by the absence of Collins in the heart of the Villa defense, with strikers Ivan Klasnic (15/2 First Goalscorer), David Ngog and Kevin Davies set to cause Shay Given problems between the sticks.

The Trotters were outplayed for much of their last outing against Swansea City but still managed to get a point out of the encounter at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

With the Lancashire club having injury problems of their own, 18-year-old midfielder Josh Vela looks set to make his Premier League debut for the club, as manager Owen Coyle has very few options left in the middle of the park.

Darren Pratley and Mark Davies are both doubts for the trip to Villa Park and they have been added to the long-term injuries to Stuart Holden, Lee Chung-Yong and of course the recovering Fabrice Muamba.

Bolton have four points between themselves and safety but do have an all-important game in hand over their relegation rivals.

This should be a very cagey and nervous affair on Tuesday night and it won’t be surprising to see just a single goal winning this relegation encounter.

Based on their inability to score and the fact Collins will miss the game, it’s difficult to see Villa (10/1 Premier League relegation) winning this one and Bolton might just edge it, as they look to give their survival hopes a real lift.

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