Category Archives: news-t

Spurs to fail Chelsea test

Posted on by
Reply

The festive football action is in full swing and Thursday sees one of the biggest matches of the next few weeks, when Tottenham’s title credentials (16/1 Premier League Outright) will be tested with the visit of Chelsea for a London derby to relish at White Hart Lane.

Spurs are being talked about as genuine Premier League contenders this season after making impressive strides in recent weeks. They sit in third ahead of the Blues’ visit, seven points off leaders Manchester City but with a game in hand, and responded to a 2-1 defeat at Stoke with a narrow 1-0 win over Sunderland last time out.

Harry Redknapp has assembled a squad that, at the very least, seems capable of challenging the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal for a top-four finish while, on their day, they look every inch title contenders alongside City and United.

If they can pick up another three points on Thursday over Andre Villas-Boas’ men, then more people will take notice of what Redknapp is doing at the Lane. Players of the calibre of Luka Modric, Emmanuel Adebayor, Scott Parker and Gareth Bale – although he could miss Thursday’s game due to injury – are top-notch Premier League performers, who would walk into most other side’s starting line-ups. Add to that the impressive way youngster Kyle Walker has cemented his place at right-back, and you begin to see why they are enjoying a superb season.

However, they will not find it easy on Thursday. Chelsea threw away three points at Wigan last week when conceding a late equaliser after Darren Sturridge had put them in front, but the Blues are in much better shape than a few weeks ago with big wins over Valencia and City stopping the critics in their tracks after a recent difficult period.

In Sturridge they have one of the best young strikers out there at the moment, and such is his form and confidence that he is well worth backing in the anytime scorer market at 13/8. Didier Drogba has also rediscovered his best form in recent games and is the first scorer favourite for the visitors at 5/1.

Villas-Boas has split opinion at times this season with some saying his inexperience at this level has shown him up to be a coach whose man-management skills leave a lot to be desired, while he struggles with big egos. Frank Lampard has certainly questioned why he has often been overlooked this season, while £50million signing Fernando Torres rarely gets a look-in these days either.

But others say he is a canny, tactically-astute boss who proved he is one of the best young managers around in those recent impressive wins.

It’s set up for a mouthwatering London derby then. Both of these two like to dictate games and Spurs, at home, will look for an early goal to get them on their way but expect Chelsea to have a big say, too.

The away win, on offer at 7/4, looks a big price in this one and we envisage a narrow win for the Blues (1-2 at 11/1 in Correct Score market) to dent Spurs’ title hopes while, at the same time, doing their own a world of good (Chelsea 14/1 PL Outright).

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

Baggies to extend Toon slump

Posted on by
Reply

There are seven Premier League matches taking place on Wednesday, with five of the top seven teams in action. While the two Manchester clubs attempt to open up a gap at the top, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle will all be looking to keep pace in the chase for Europe.

Newcastle v West Brom (19:45)

After an outstanding start to the season, Newcastle have hit a wall in recent weeks and have gone five games without a win. Demba Ba is still posing a threat up front, but injuries at the back have had a big impact.

West Brom, meanwhile, looked a much-improved team in victory at Blackburn on Saturday and their away form, with three wins and two draws in eight games on the road, suggests they can make it a miserable Christmas on Tyneside.

Suggested Bet: West Brom to win @ 10/3

Man City v Stoke (19:45)

Played eight, won eight is the record at Eastlands for City so far and Stoke appear unlikely to stop Robert Mancini’s men. A crucial win over Arsenal, to bounce back from defeat at Chelsea, will have eased the pressure and the leaders should have too much for the Potters.

Stoke will be buoyed by their win at Wolves on Saturday, and it was their third away win of the season. But the Potters have not won at City since 1997 when the pair were in the second tier.

Suggested Bet: City to win 3-0 @ 13/2

Fulham v Manchester United (20:00)

United have not enjoyed their trips to Craven Cottage in recent years, losing twice and drawing once in their last three visits. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men seem determined to right the wrongs of their Champions League exit with Wayne Rooney ending his recent goal drought with three goals in the last two games.

The Cottagers should be good enough to avoid a relegation tussle, but the continuing speculation over Bobby Zamora’s future could be an unwelcome distraction. Martin Jol’s men may struggle to break down the United backline, which has re-grouped under the leadership on Rio Ferdinand.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Man Utd FT – 10/3

Aston Villa v Arsenal (19:45)

Villa have major issues at the moment and their Christmas schedule doesn’t do them any favours, with fixtures away to Stoke and Chelsea to come this month. Alex McLeish’s men have scored just two goals in their last five games.

Arsenal were a bit unlucky to end their unbeaten run at Man City last weekend, but will have taken heart from the display. Robin van Persie is likely to cause the Villa defence problems, while a lack of pace in the Villa back four could be exploited by the likes of Walcott, Gervinho and co.

Suggested Bet: Arsenal to win @ 8/11

Wigan v Liverpool (8pm)

Latics have proved the critics wrong again in recent weeks and will go into this game full of confidence, especially if they look at their recent record against the Reds. Liverpool have failed to win in their last three visits to the DW Stadium – with last season’s clash finishing in a 1-1 draw.

Kenny Dalglish’s men have responded to defeat at Fulham with back-to-back wins and not conceding a goal against Aston Villa and QPR. The Reds’ away form has been excellent this season and that is likely to tip the balance in their favour.

Suggested Bet: Liverpool to win @ 8/15

Everton v Swansea (8pm)

These are both struggling for goals, but the pressure will be on Everton to come up with a win after salvaging a draw against Norwich on Saturday. Both need strikers in the transfer window and January can’t come soon enough for Moyes and Rodgers.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Draw FT @ 9/2

QPR v Sunderland (8pm)

It’s nervy times at both clubs at present and both managers are counting down the days until the January transfer window opens. The two teams would probably be happy with a share of the spoils, especially after weekend defeats, and that looks the most likely outcome.

Suggested Bet: Draw @ 23/10

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

Old Lady to march on

Posted on by
Reply

After a thrilling opening few months to the Scudetto, leaders Juventus travel to third-placed Udinese on Wednesday night for a top-of-the-table clash that could have long-term consequences on the destination of this season’s Serie A title heading into the Christmas break (Udinese 9/4, draw 21/10, Juventus 6/4).

The match was originally due to be played in August but was postponed due to the collective player’s strike and with both sides being arguably the surprise packages of the season so far, victory could give them a massive psychological edge going into the new year.

Udinese have had a superb start to the season after being tipped by many to struggle following the  departure of Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona. However, they have confounded the critics and currently sit third in the table and are also looking strong in the Europa League.

Like most of their recent seasons, much of their fine form has been down to the playmaking abilities of captaincy and talisman Antonio Di Natale (6/5 to score at anytime).

The Italian international has been his team’s shining light since arriving in 2004 and, despite repeated rumours that he could leave, has always remained loyal to his side. Look out for him to have a major impact as he always has a say in his side’s big matches.

The 2011-12 season was viewed by many as a rebuilding year for Juve as they look to re-establish themselves in both Italy and Europe following a disappointing few years. After finishing seventh last season, the Bianconeri brought in former midfielder Antonio Conte to take control of a long-term project, but he has worked his magic almost immediately, and they now sit at the top of the table.

Juve have a number of talented players at their disposal, but their key man is undoubtedly young midfielder Claudio Marchisio (11/4 to score at anytime) who is very much in the Conte mould.

The 25-year-old has shown himself to be one of Europe’s top players so far this campaign and is now firmly at the centre of his team’s plans. His ability normally provides ammunition for the likes of Simone Pepe and Alessandro Matri in the Juve frontline and Conte will be hoping his prodigy produces yet another spectacular performance to help his side to the points.

Marchisio’s partnership with Andrea Pirlo in the heart of the Juve midfield could make the difference as the duo have been exemplary together. Their combination aligned with the form of the Turin side’s front men means it’s hard to not to see them continuing their form and taking the win, but it’ll undoubtedly be a tight (Juventus 11/2 to win 1-0).

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

Rover and out for Coyle

Posted on by
Reply

Tuesday night marks the start of the cliché-ridden ‘busy festive period’ as four sets of Premier League players put aside wrapping presents to concentrate on more important matters. The big game takes place at Ewood Park as Blackburn entertain Bolton, while Wolves host Norwich in the night’s other fixture.

Blackburn v Bolton 8pm

We start with the football equivalent of The Apprentice as either Steve Kean or Owen Coyle prepare to hear the words ‘you’re fired’ depending on how the game goes. Reports on Monday indicate that if there is a losing team on Tuesday then that club’s respective manager will get the boot.

Bolton start the game at the bottom of the league, with Blackburn one point and one place better off, and both managers are under increasing pressure to start turning their team’s season around soon. With just five wins between the two clubs, three points for either side could be the catalyst they need to start to clamber out of the drop zone. For the loser, the dreaded mantle of being bottom on Christmas Day and all the history that goes with it.

Blackburn boss Kean would argue his side haven’t been playing that badly and have been unlucky with injuries and results going against them. However, that excuse has become tiresome and Rovers fans are right to expect results. In the middle of the park Blackburn have badly struggled this season, but going forward they have been pretty free scoring. They have managed to score at least once in the last five matches, all of which have seen over 2.5 goals. That would seem to be the safest bet of the night, despite the tight nature of the game.

While Blackburn are showing signs of life Bolton have been in free fall for some time now and, if anything, are only getting worse. They were easily outplayed by Fulham on Saturday and no club in Premier League history has survived having lost as many games as the Whites have at this stage of the season.

With that in mind, it might be worth backing Kean to enjoy at least one more drink at the last chance saloon, with Blackburn to win at evens, while Coyle could well be told to sling his hook. Bolton are 11/4 to beat Rovers and the draw is 5/2.

Wolves v Norwich 7:45pm

These two clubs have proven to be two of the more entertaining teams in the Premier League this season, with Norwich’s gung-ho approach and Wolves’s never-say-die attitude defining their campaigns thus far. The Canaries have been the success story of the season so far given the amount of money they spent after being promoted and the fact they are currently ninth.

Paul Lambert’s men have taken seven points from the last four matches and Grant Holt’s strike in the 1-1 draw with Everton took the team’s goal tally to 25 in 16 matches. Norwich’s free-scoring nature could save them from the drop this season, although their ability to throw away leads could certainly hamper them if they aren’t careful. The Canaries have already thrown away 10 points from winning positions this season.

In contrast, Wolves have shown an ability to come from behind to snatch a result already this season, turning their recent clash with Sunderland on its head with two late goals. With that in mind it might be worth looking at Norwich HT/ Draw FT at odds of 12/1. A run of two wins in 14 matches has seen Wolves tumble down the table, leaving Mick McCarthy in yet another relegation scrap.

McCarthy will see this game as a must-win fixture, given that Wolves have picked up 70% of their points at Molineux. However, his team have underperformed recently and could find Norwich more than a handful. Wolves are 6/5, Norwich 9/4 and the draw, seemingly the most likely outcome, is 12/5 in the match betting.

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

Blues aim to bounce back

Posted on by
Reply

Birmingham City narrowly crashed out of the Europa League in midweek and without the distraction of Europe they now look ahead to their Championship clash with Crystal Palace on Monday (Palace 17/10, draw 11/5, Birmingham 13/8).

Blues currently find themselves in 14th place in the table but a push for promotion this season is still a realistic target for the club, who have three games in hand over some teams in the league.

Without the Europa League to draw attention from their bread and butter games in the Championship, Blues must now make the most of those matches in hand if they want to make a swift return to the Premier League.

However, they face a tricky trip to the capital on Monday with Palace being tough to beat at Selhurst Park this season.

The Blues welcome back skipper Stephan Carr after he was rested for the 1-0 victory over NK Maribor, which was not enough to put the Championship side through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton was impressed with the performance of youngster Nathan Redmond (16/1 first goalscorer) in the win over the Slovenian outfit and the teenage winger is pushing for a place in the starting XI on Monday.

As for Palace they will have to do without their talented teenager Wilfried Zaha, who is suspended following his fifth yellow card in the 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The Eagles don’t have a bad replacement in Darren Ambrose (5/2 to score anytime) who was an unused replacement in the victory at the City Ground and is one of the best players for Palace on his day.

Both Dekel Keinan and Dean Moxey are a doubt for the clash with the Blues as both defenders are struggling with injuries and manager Dougie Freedman will have some decisions to make as to who will fill in at the back.

After a strong start to the season, which saw Palace in the playoff places, the London outfit had started to slip down the table and it looked like the bubble had burst at Selhurst Park.

However, the win over Forest proved the Eagles are still capable of battling out a victory and they will be a tough proposition for Birmingham, who will be feeling the pressure to make the most of those crucial games in hand.

The Blues have plenty of quality in attacking positions with the likes of Chris Burke and Nikola Zigic (7/1 first goalscorer) set to cause a weakened Palace defence problems.

Considering their decent away results in all competitions, the Blues might just have enough in their squad to get all three points at Selhurst Park but expect a closely-fought contest in the capital.

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

Festive Prem treat on cards

Posted on by
Reply

Three of the top four in the Premier League are in action on Sunday on what is a pre-festive treat for armchair fans and punters alike. Here we preview the games.

QPR v Manchester United (12noon)

The champions bounced back from their disappointing early exit in the Champions League with a comprehensive 4-1 home victory over Wolves last weekend but they are unlikely to find it as easy against Neil Warnock’s side in this high-noon meeting at Loftus Road.

Rangers have been tough to beat on their own patch and have already claimed the scalp of Chelsea earlier in the season. They went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last week but will take heart from a good defensive display at Anfield as they prepare to host United.

Wayne Rooney was back among the goals last week, scoring twice, and looks in good form so should be backed to score anytime in the capital (4/5) while Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be keen to keep the pressure on Man City at the top with another win.

Rangers will try to keep it tight and patience could be key for the visitors in this one. Don’t expect a goal feast but a narrow United win at 1-0 is appealing at 6/1 while draw/United in the HT/FT market could also be rewarded at 10/3.

Prediction – Away win.

Aston Villa v Liverpool (2.05pm)

Villa boss Alex McLeish has been under pressure from the club’s fans since day one following his surprise appointment in the summer as he came straight in from arch-rivals Birmingham City.

Critics say McLeish’s style of play is too defensive and not in the mould of a side who were tipped to challenge for a top-eight finish this season. Aside from Darren Bent, they lack firepower up front and Gabby Agbonlahor has gone off the boil after a promising start to the campaign.

However, they got a good away win at Bolton last week – their first of the season on the road – and host a Liverpool side who have been inconstent this term.

Kenny Dalglish’s men are hoping to break back into the top four this season but the Reds’ problems have been in front of goal with an over-reliance on top-scorer Luis Suarez.

He may have his problems off the pitch but the Uruguayan has excelled in the Premier League and looks tasty at 9/2 to open the scoring at Villa Park.

This is a game Liverpool usually do well in – last season’s dead rubber on the final day was their first defeat at Villa Park since 1998 – but this has the makings of a tight game and the draw at 12/5 is very tempting.

Prediction – draw.

Spurs v Sunderland (3pm)

Before last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Stoke, Spurs had won their last six Premier League games to move into title contention in many fans and pundits’ minds.

However, they failed the Britannia Stadium test – a good barometer of any side’s title credentials – so they will be desperate to bounce back against struggling Sunderland.

Harry Redknapp’s side also slipped out of the Europa League on Thursday – something, though, that may end up aiding their title bid – but have been very strong at home this season as they prepare to host the Black Cats, losing just once early on against Man City.

Martin O’Neill got his tenure in charge of Sunderland off to a good start with a win against Blackburn last weekend – albeit with a last-gasp goal from Seb Larsson – and he will be determined to build on that at White Hart Lane.

But he couldn’t have asked for a more difficult first away test and will struggle to come away from London with anything (Spurs 2/5, draw 7/2, Sunderland 8/1 in the match betting).

Emmanuel Adebayor has been in good form since he signed on loan from Man City and scored last week at Stoke so looks a good shout at 7/2 to score first or last in this one.

Prediction – home win.

Manchester City v Arsenal (4.05pm)

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend rounds off Sunday’s top-flight action when leaders City host in-form Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Roberto Mancini’s side have just had their worst week of what’s been a tremendous season so far, losing their unbeaten record at Chelsea on Monday after making an early exit from the Champions League and they face another test when the Gunners visit.

If City are to maintain their lead at the top over United, they are likely to have to win on Sunday but it is no foregone conclusion they will bounce back.

Arsenal have won seven of their last eight Premier League matches to move back into top four contention and make a mockery of early-season fears that they were a club in decline under Arsene Wenger.

Unlike City, they are through to the knockout stage of the Champions League and, in Robin van Persie, have the stand-out performer of the season so far (11/2 first goalscorer).

City did triumph 1-0 when these two last met last month in the Carling Cup and will be desperate to prove the Chelsea defeat was just a blip but Arsenal can expose their frailties again on Sunday and come away with at least a point. Go for 1-1 in the correct score market at 6/1.

Prediction – draw.

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

Festive European Football

Posted on by
Reply

The Spainsh La Liga and Italian Serie A are getting close to their winter breaks now.  In Spain the top flight will resume on January 8 after this weekend’s round of fixtures, while Italy takes a break after a full programme on December 21.

Fortunately there are plenty of games this weekend and here are a couple of matches for your consideration, before the two top European leagues take their annual winter breaks.

Spanish league leaders Barcelona don’t have a fixture this weekend due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan so third-placed Valencia have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table.

Los Che host Malaga on Sunday evening in what could well be an entertaining affair. Only Real Madrid have come away from the Mestalla this season with all three points and the hosts should be too strong for Malaga, with a Valencia victory priced at 4/5.  Malaga are 10/3 to take all three points, while the draw can be backed at 13/5.

Villarreal are struggling at the wrong end of the La Liga table after a nightmare start to the campaign and the Champions League regulars are still seeking their first victory on the road.

The Yellow Submarine travel to the Reyno de Navarra on Sunday where they will face an Osasuna side who are yet to be beaten on home soil this season.  Villarreal’s away-day blues look set to continue against an in-form Osasuna outfit, the hosts are priced at 11/10 to secure the win, the draw is available at 9/4 and a Villarreal victory is 12/5.

In Italy Juventus have a fantastic opportunity to head into the winter break as the league leaders – and expect the Old Lady to grab the chance with both hands.

The Turin club are yet to taste defeat at home this season and it is highly unlikely that minnows Novara will inflict a first home Serie A loss on Juve.  A Juventus victory is priced at 2/9, while Novara are a massive 14/1 to take all three points and secure their first win on the road of the season. The draw is 9/2.

Parma host bottom-of-the-league Lecce in what should be another fairly straightforward home win.  A Parma win is priced at 4/6, or if paired with a Juve victory the double is priced at evens – which seems like a bet worth placing in this weekend’s Serie A.

Napoli’s Serie A form has been hit by their involvement in the Champions League but they can get another win under their belts when they host an out-of-sorts Roma on Sunday.

Roma are only three points behind fifth-placed Napoli but they have struggled on the road this season with four losses from their seven games to date, while Napoli are a formidable outfit at home and should seal the win on Sunday night, with a Napoli victory priced at 10/11.

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

Barca set to start with a bang

Posted on by
Reply

After their superb El Clasico victory over Real Madrid on Saturday, Barcelona has flown to Japan to take part in the Club World Cup and face an opening semi-final against a talented Al-Sadd side (Barcelona 1/33 in the match betting).

Pep Guardiola’s side were truly impressive at the Bernabeu and bounced back from an early setback to beat their great rivals 3-1 and, after a string of good performances in Europe, look like they could once again claim the league and Champions League double (Barcelona 13/8 Champions League outright).

However, their attention now turns to the Club World Cup which they qualified courtesy of winning last season’s Champions League and will understandably be doing all they can to win their second world title in three seasons.

Following Saturday’s triumph, Guardiola is likely to rest a number of his key players for the semi-final but this hardly means he is weakening his team and will still be able to call upon the likes of Thiago, David Villa and Javier Mascherano.

However, the one to watch could be winger Pedro Rodriguez who has lost his place this season and will be desperate to recapture his position in the starting line-up. The talented winger was the star of the 2009 edition of the tournament, netting twice which helped him to become the first player to score in six different competitions in a season.

His form continued onto the international stage as he was one of the stars for Spain when they won the World Cup in South Africa. However, first-team opportunities have been limited this campaign so, with him likely to start, he’ll be desperate to put in a good performance to remind Guardiola of his capabilities and maybe earn a place in the team for the final and beyond.

Al-Sadd (25/1 to win in 90 mins) qualified for the tournament by virtue of wining the Asian Champions League and will be looking to cause an upset after an impressive victory against Tunisian side Esperance. The Qatari side have a number of players who may be familiar to football fans as they boast the likes of Mamadou Niang and Ivory Coast International Abdul Kader Keïta.

However, their big name is arguably former Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj, who has a superb left foot. During his time at Pompey he was courted by a number of the top sides in Europe but chose to move to Qatar where he has flourished and is truly one of the stars of their league.

Despite the Qatari side’s talented players though, the Catalan giants should run out comfortable winners regardless of a likely weakened line-up as they boast plenty of strength in depth – and they should go on to beat Santos in the final (Barca 11/2 to win 4-0).

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

Spurs set to rock Rovers

Posted on by
Reply

Tottenham Hotspur could have a thankless night ahead of them when travel across the Irish Sea to take on Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League on Thursday (Shamrock 6/1, draw 7/2, Spurs 4/9 in the match betting).

Spurs could pick up all three points at the Tallaght Stadium and still find themselves out of the second tier competition as they currently sit in third place in Group A.

The north London outfit will require all three points, PAOK to beat Rubin Kazan and a five-goal swing, if they want to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

It looks like a tall order for Spurs, who are challenging near the top of the Premier League table and will have a return to the Champions League on their minds this season.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is likely to play a weakened side for the trip to Ireland but with the strength in depth at White Hart Lane, the likes of Jermain Defoe (4/1 first goalscorer), Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovanni Dos Santos set to feature against Rovers.

The Irish outfit almost caused an upset when these two sides last met in north London as they took a one goal lead before crashing to a 3-1 defeat.

Striker Gary Twigg was the dangerman for Rovers in the first leg and Spurs will have to keep an eye on the front-man.

It’s unlikely Tottenham will reach the knockout stages of the Europa League this time around but they should have enough strength in depth to win this one comfortably.

Birmingham’s European campaign also hangs in the balance as they prepare for their clash with NK Maribor (Birmingham 8/15, draw 3/1, NK Maribor 5/1 in the match betting).

The Blues can consider themselves unlucky not to have picked up any points from their last outing in the competition, after they were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against Braga in Portugal.

Only a deflected goal from Hugo Viana was the difference between the two sides, in a game which saw Nikola Zigic miss from the penalty spot.

Birmingham will be confident going into Thursday’s game as they have already beaten Maribor 2-1 in Slovenia earlier in the season.

Dalibor Volas got on the scoresheet in the last meeting between these two sides and is priced at 10/1 to get the first goal at St Andrews.

City need a win if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 32 and in front of their home fans, manager Chris Hughton and his side should be celebrating three points on Thursday.

The other British interest in the Europa League will see Celtic make the tough trip to Italy to take on Udinese (Udinese 8/13, draw 11/4, Celtic 9/2 in the match betting).

This Serie A outfit could have their star striker Antonio Di Natale (7/2 first goalscorer) available for selection and he can be a thorn in any teams’ side.

Udinese have enjoyed an impressive season so far as they sit in second place in the Serie A table, level on points with leaders Juventus.

Celtic will be without the likes of Joe Ledley, Glenn Loovens, Adam Matthew and Kris Commons for the trip to the continent which makes a tough test even harder.

Udinese should win this one against the Old Firm side, who might just be out of their depth in the fiery atmosphere at the Stadio Friuli.

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

Crunch time in Europa League

Posted on by
Reply

Stoke City are to be joined by Manchester City and Manchester United in the Uefa Europa League round of 32, but 19 other teams will compete for the remaining nine places on Wednesday and Thursday.

City and United are two of eight teams transferring from the Uefa Champions League – also included are FC Porto, Trabzonspor, Ajax, Valencia, Olympiacos and FC Viktoria Plzen – and join 15 teams already assured of a place in the next round.

Tottenham, Fulham and Birmingham City and Celtic await their fate in what promises to be a compelling week of European action.

The road to progress from Group A for Tottenham is not so straight-forward given the fact that PAOK are already qualified and Shamrock Rovers cannot make it through.

To qualify the north Londoners must win in Dublin, hope Rubin Kazan lose away to PAOK and make up a goal difference deficit which currently stands at five. If the two teams finish exactly level on goal difference and goals scored, Tottenham will qualify due to their higher coefficient.

Shamrock Rovers 6/1 draw 7/2 Tottenham 4/9 – match prices

In Group K, Twente have won the section and Odense are out, while Fulham are a point ahead of Wisla Krakow and have a superior head-to-head.

To finish second, Wisla must win against the Eredivisie side and hope that Martin Jol’s men lose to their Danish visitors.

Fulham 1/5 draw 5/1 Odense 14/1 – match prices

Group H is extraordinarily tight, although Braga are through as they have a superior head-to-head over Birmingham.

However, Chris Hughton’s Championship side can overtake Brugge with a victory against eliminated Maribor should the Belgian side lose because Blues have the superior head-to-head record.

Brugge won at Braga on match-day two so a draw in the return fixture would take them through as group winners.

Birmingham City 8/15 draw 3/1 Maribor 5/1 – match prices

In Group I, Atletico Madrid have qualified and a draw with already-eliminated Rennes would clinch first place.

Udinese are three points ahead of Celtic, who would go through on the head-to-head record with a victory in Italy. If the Serie A side draw they will finish second but will finish top with a win if Atletico lose.

Udinese 8/13 draw 11/4 Celtic 9/2 – match prices

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