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Potters to put Wolves down

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Wolves travel to Stoke on Tuesday night knowing they missed a golden opportunity to ease their relegation fears against Fulham on Saturday. They must now win at a ground which has been described as a ‘bear pit’ if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

While most Stoke fans will be concentrating on May 15 and the FA Cup final, manager Tony Pulis will be more concerned with picking up the handful of points they need to make sure of Premier League football for another season.

How pivotal the draw against Fulham was for Wolves won’t be discovered until the dust has settled on this season. 1-0 up and with ten minutes left Mick McCarthy’s side were looking good to scramble out of the relegation zone. That was until Andrew Johnson popped up with a late equaliser and let all the air out of Molineux.

After such a disappointing result Wolves haven’t got long to pick themselves back up and put a winning formula together ahead of the derby with Stoke.

Tuesday’s trip to the Britannia Stadium is their game in hand over the majority of the relegation strugglers around them. But the Britannia isn’t exactly the place you want to go when you are looking for nice, easy away day.

Stoke have lost just four times at home all season, picking up maximum points in half of their games on their own turf. Contrast that with Wolves’ shocking away form and you can see why Stoke are 20/23 for the win and Wolves are 10/3, with the draw at 12/5. Wolves have won just twice away from home all season, losing 12 of their 16 matches on the road.

With those stats in mind you might think Wolves were in line for a hammering but that shouldn’t be the case. McCarthy’s men looked pretty solid on Saturday and while Stoke racked up five against Bolton a couple of weeks ago that was seemingly a one-off.

Traditionally these two sides don’t share too many goals between them, with two goalless draws in the last six meetings. For that reason you might look at one or less in the total goals market at 11/5, or under 2.5 goals at 8/11.

With just five games left for Wolves they will look at the trip to Stoke as their toughest game left, with trips to Birmingham and Sunderland to come, along with home games against West Brom and Blackburn. Somewhere in those remaining games they are going to have to find an away win, but it looks very unlikely to come against Stoke.

The Potters look to have been galvanised by their Wembley success and Pulis might argue they deserved to win at Aston Villa on Saturday, rather than share the spoils.

With Stoke on 38 points and still not mathematically safe from relegation Pulis will be eager to make sure they secure their league status quickly so they can turn their attentions to the FA Cup.

With Arsenal and Manchester City still to come they might look at Wolves as their golden ticket to safety. Expect Wolves to put up their usual spirited fight but, in the end, be no match for Stoke.

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Raul the key for Schalke

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The first of the Champions League semi-final first-legs takes place on Tuesday and something has got to give when Schalke 04 host Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen.

Schalke have surprised many en route to the last four, particularly given their domestic form this season, but have reached the semi-finals for the first time on the back of a 100 percent record at the Veltins-Arena, scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.

United on the other hand are no strangers to the latter stages of Europe’s elite competition and this year have made it this far without conceding a single goal on their travels – winning four and drawing one, while they have won 10 of the last 12.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have been installed as the 13/10 favourites in the match betting, while both Schalke and the draw can be backed at 11/5, and there has got to be a case for the German side upsetting the odds.

Schalke made short work of Benfica, Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Lyon in the group stages to progress as group winners, while the 2010 Bundesliga runners-up dispatched Valencia in their last-16 clash.

Many will talk about the amazing 5-2 success in the San Siro against reigning champions Inter Milan but it is worth remembering that they also won the return leg 2-1 despite holding the massive advantage in a game that the Italians were desperate to win.

Although Schalke have precious little experience of the latter stages, a three-time winner and record goalscorer in the competition leads their attack – and Raul (6/1 First/Last, 7/4 Anytime) has got to be considered in the goalscoring betting after notching five to get this far, as well as four goals in three previous appearances against United.

Ferguson’s men do not have history on their side either as they have failed to beat German opposition in any two-legged tie since the tournament was revamped to the Champions League in 1992, despite losing just one of 10 group-stage meetings.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have triumphed at the semi-final stage in 1997 and 2002 respectively – albeit the latter on away goals – while Bayern Munich have twice dumped out the Red Devils in the quarters – in 2001 and last year.

United have struggled on the road in the Premier League and their success in Europe has been built on solid foundations, rather than firepower, so there are unlikely to be many goals – Under 2.5 goals priced at 8/13 – particularly as there is still a game to come at Old Trafford.

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QPR close in on PL return

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Bet on the ChampionshipEaster Monday could be one of the biggest days in the history of Queens Park Rangers as they are just one game away from making a return to the Premier League.

Manager Neil Warnock and his men were held to a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City on Saturday which meant the celebrations had to be put on hold.

However, a win over Hull City at Loftus Road on Monday would secure the Hoops the Championship title and a return to the big time (QPR 3/4, draw 13/5, Hull 10/3).

The Tigers were largely disappointing over the weekend as they went down 4-2 against a Middlesbrough side who will want to put this season behind them as quickly as possible.

Hull are by no means out of the race for the play-offs though, as only three points separates them from the top six.

Rangers will be looking to Adel Taarabt for more inspiration on a big day, and the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is in fine form after bagging a brace against the Bluebirds on Saturday.

Both Hull and Rangers will be desperate for the points but with home advantage and the talented Taarabt in their ranks, the Hoops should get themselves over the finishing line.

Cardiff City are currently a point off the automatic places, with Norwich City holding that vital second spot in the Championship.

The Bluebirds are hitting form at just the right time and they will be full of confidence as they head to Deepdale to take on Preston North End (Preston 21/10, draw 5/2, Cardiff 11/10).

Strikers Jay Bothroyd and Craig Bellamy are back in the goals and the pair will be a threat to any side for the rest of the campaign.

Preston took a major blow to their hopes of avoiding the drop as they went down 4-0 to Millwall at the Den on Saturday.

Manager Phil Brown has a decent record of getting teams out of trouble, however this task seems to be a bridge too far and Cardiff are likely to condemn North End to League One next season.

The race for the fourth play-off place is really heating up with five teams battling for the one spot.

Nottingham Forest currently hold the crucial last play-off place and they make the journey south to face Bristol City (Bristol City 17/10, draw 12/5, Forest 7/5).

The Reds were handed a big slice of lucky pie on Saturday as they recorded a 3-2 victory over a determined Leicester City side.

Captain Paul McKenna struck a late volley at goal which squeezed through the hands of Chris Weale to fall into the net and secure the three points for Forest.

Bristol City will be disappointed with their 3-2 defeat at the hands of struggling Sheffield United at the weekend and will now be without Nicky Maynard for the game on Monday.

The striker was given a red card at Bramall Lane and will have to watch from the sidelines for this game.

City are no pushovers at Ashton Gate and they could hold Forest to a draw on Monday.

Leeds United are out of the play-off places for the first time since November after they were held to a goalless draw against Reading on Saturday.

The Whites dominated much of the second half but could not break the deadlock at Elland Road and now face a tricky away trip to Crystal Palace, who are fighting for survival (Palace 13/8, draw 5/2, Leeds 7/5).

Palace played out a 0-0 draw of their own against Doncaster in their last outing which leaves them just three points clear of the drop.

The London club will be desperate to get something out of this game but with the attacking threats that Leeds possess, it should be a crucial away win for the West Yorkshire side.

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City must avoid cup hangover

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If you are a Manchester City fan you have probably only just come down from the ceiling after your dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United. Could this mean the blue moon is finally about to rise?

If City don’t secure Champions League football it could be a false dawn and this puts a lot of importance on Monday’s match at Blackburn.

However, if you are Rovers boss Steve Kean, Easter Monday might be your last chance to save your job. Blackburn are two points outside the relegation zone and have been in freefall since Kean took over. The fans are calling for his head, but will they be singing a different tune if they cause an unlikely upset?

Life for a Blackburn fan couldn’t get much worse at the moment. They have won just three times since Sam Allardyce was given his marching orders under bizarre circumstances last December.

Alarm bells were probably tinkling in the distance when Big Sam went, given that Rovers were comfortably in mid-table and looking set for another solid season. Those bells can probably now be heard loud and clear after recent struggles. Kean has vowed not to quit but will surely have to produce a miracle if he is to hold on to his job.

His cause won’t be made any easier by losing his main goal threat, Roque Santa Cruz, who is ineligible to face City.

A potentially bigger miss for Rovers is Junior Hoilett, who has been the only bright spark in a very benign midfield in recent weeks. However, Blackburn are confident the young forward will be fit after missing the 2-0 defeat to Everton and he can be backed at 3/1 to score anytime.

Looking elsewhere for a potential Rovers goalscorer doesn’t bring much joy for punters, with the goal shy Jason Roberts, Nikola Kalinic and Benjani the other targetmen. If Hoilett doesn’t play then City to win to nil at 11/5 might be worth a look.

City’s defence stood firm against a Wayne Rooney-less United last week and in theory should have no problem against Blackburn. However, this is City and they don’t always like their trips to the less desirable parts of England.

Surely the win at Wembley will have galvanised Roberto Mancini’s squad into making that final push for a top four finish though. Tottenham are hot on City’s heels, although Saturday’s draw with West Brom has somewhat dented their European dreams. Whether City will choke like they did last season remains to be seen but for the time being they hold their destiny in their own hands.

Much like Blackburn, goals could prove to be a problem for City, with Carlos Tevez facing another three weeks on the sidelines. A lot of the responsibility will now fall on David Silva and Adam Johnson to create the opportunities – and to take them based on how poor Edin Dzeko has been since his big money move.

Whether Mario Balotelli finds the back of the net is a lottery – he showed his good and bad sides against United so you take your life in your hands by backing the fiery Italian.

City are 21/20 to win on Monday night and that seems like the bet to go for if recent form is anything to go by.

Rovers have only won one of their last seven meetings against City and are priced at 13/5 to end that long wait.

It is a must win game for both teams but on the day you’d expect the extra quality of City to shine through.

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Sunday SPL Preview

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There are two SPL fixtures on Sunday with one of them the most important match of the season to date with Rangers and Celtic squaring off at Ibrox. Hibs also entertain St Mirren but all eyes will be on events in Glasgow.

Rangers v Celtic

The Old Firm clash never needs any hyping up and is always a feisty affair but events off the field over the past few days have propelled this fixture on to the front pages of the national newspapers.

The parcel bombs that were intercepted en route to Bhoys boss Neil Lennon plus other high-profile Celtic fans have caused outrage north of the border and highlight the difficulties when these two sides face each other.

But it is matters on the pitch that we are interested in and this match-up between the two Glasgow clubs will go a long way in determining who lifts the SPL trophy at the end of the season.

Walter Smith’s men top the table by just one point but second-placed Celtic have a game in hand and victory for Lennon’s men would see them in pole position to claim the title.

The three league meetings between the two giants this term have all gone to the away side, with Rangers winning two to Celtic’s one and so Lennon’s men will hope to continue that trend.

Both clubs are in decent form with the Gers and Celts having won their last five SPL matches and so something has to give this weekend, although the visitors would settle for a draw with the extra game they have up their sleeve.

Smith is likely to be without Lee McCulloch and Jamie Ness, while Vladimir Weiss and Kirk Broadfoot are definitely out.

Lennon will be without Joe Ledley, Glenn Loovens and Cha Du-Ri while Shaun Maloney is rated as doubtful.

The off-field incidents will rumble on and on and it is open to question whether this fixture will ever be just about football but the players involved will be fully focused on their jobs this weekend as it could be billed as a ‘winner-takes-all’ encounter.

But given the stakes and the relative points totals there is always the possibility that this could be a tight affair and a score draw is tipped.

Odds: Draw 23/20
Value bet 1-1 11/2

Hibs v St Mirren

If ever there was a match billed as ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ it is this one, which is scheduled to start at the conclusion of the Old Firm clash.

With Hamilton looking likely to make the drop this term, both sides have little to play for although the Buddies will not want to fall too close to the relegation zone.

Hibs go into the match with patchy form behind them and a return of five points from a possible 15 is hardly anything to write home about.

Last Sunday’s shock defeat to basement boys Hamilton will have given the Hibs players a wake-up call and their fans will demand more this weekend despite the season being over in terms of meaningful matches.

Hibs striker Danny Galbraith is still missing through injury while Danny Lennon will have to do without the suspended duo Michael Higdon and defender John Potter, although midfielder Hugh Murray returns from a ban.

Saints have fallen to the Old Firm in their last two games but did pull off back-to-back victories prior to those reverses and are not without hope in this fixture.

Although these contests are difficult to predict with little at stake, class should tell and Hibs are tipped to take it comfortably on Sunday.

Odds: Hibs 5/6 to win
Value bet: Hibs to win 2-0 11/2

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Bolton set for more misery

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Arsenal’s title charge has hit the buffers of late but they take on Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok on Sunday and are 8/11 favourites to get back on the winning trail as the Trotters (18/5 to win, 11/4 the draw) are probably still reeling from their FA Cup semi-final Wembley nightmare last weekend.

The Gunners are ‘enjoying’ a 16-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and the only side yet to be beaten this calendar year but have failed to capitalise on recent slip from leaders Manchester United, winning just three of their last nine games.

Both Chelsea and United have secured more points in 2011 and games are running out for Arsene Wenger’s men to try and claw back a six-point deficit.

It has been a disappointing week for the Gunners to be forced to settle for two points from winning positions – firstly with Dirk Kuyt’s penalty deep into injury time on Sunday before Spurs rallied from 3-1 down on Wednesday to snatch a share of the spoils.

However, those lapses will surely focus the minds of the Arsenal players and they have certainly found Bolton an easier victim of late.

There was a time not so long ago when the Trotters were a bogey side for the north London giants but the Gunners have put that to bed with eight successive Premier League wins, and nine in total since a 3-1 defeat at the Reebok in 2006.

Earlier this season, Arsenal ran out comfortable 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates while they won this game last term 2-0.

Goals have been common in this match and, of late in Arsenal’s favour, so if the 8/11 on the away win is not the sort of price you are looking for, the 15/8 on the Gunners to win in the handicap market (-1) is certainly worth looking at.

Bolton will somehow have to put that 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Stoke to the back of their minds but that will be easier said than done with precious little else (other than pride) to play for.

Owen Coyle has made the Reebok something of a fortress with just two defeats suffered at home all season, while they have also won the last four, three coming with clean sheets.

Daniel Sturridge is able to return to the side as he was ineligible for the FA Cup semi-final and should be considered in the goalscoring markets (15/8 Anytime), having scored six goals in eight Premier League games since arriving at Bolton.

However, Robin van Persie (4/1 First/Last Goalscorer) has been in sensational form on his travels and could set a new Premier League record by scoring in a seventh successive away match – he currently shares the record with Didier Drogba.

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Saturday Premier League preview

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Bet on the Premier LeagueEaster is upon us again and as we now have become accustom to the break not only brings us chocolate and a few lie-ins but also plenty of football action. No less than eight Premier League matches will take place on Saturday, all of which have some kind of importance.

This weekend could go a long way to sorting out matters at the top and bottom of the table. So we take a look at who will be allowed to enjoy their Easter eggs on Sunday and who might be spending a little bit longer in church to pray for divine intervention.

Manchester United v Everton (12:45pm)

No better place to start Saturday’s bumper offering than at Old Trafford and the home of the champions elect. United are laughing at the moment, every time they slip up their fellow title contenders fail to take advantage. They have now been gifted the chance to open up a nine point gap on Arsenal and Chelsea against the Toffees. Everton don’t like Old Trafford traditionally, failing to pick up three points at the Theatre of Dreams for nearly 19 years. David Moyes team have been in a good run of form but United are virtually unplayable at home this season and should pick up maximum points from the Merseysiders visit.

Match Bet – Man Utd to win with a -1 handicap @ 21/20

Aston Villa v Stoke City (3pm)

There has been very little talk about the itself game after Gerard Houllier was rushed to hospital during the week. Most of Friday’s press conference was concentrated on the well-being of the Frenchman but come 3pm all eyes will be on the Villa Park pitch. Villa are pretty much safe after their victory over West Ham last week took them past the 40-point mark. Stoke could join them in being safe with a win, but have a terrible record at Villa Park, failing to win a top flight game there since 1965. Having reached the FA Cup final last week and with Villa currently on the up it could be at least another year before Stoke taste victory at Villa.

Match Bet – Villa to win @ 4/5

Blackpool v Newcastle (3pm)
Life for Blackpool couldn’t get much tougher at the minute, they are seemingly in freefall and without a safety net to catch them they look Championship-bound. Last week represented a great chance for the Seasiders to move away from the drop zone but they blew it against Wigan. They now face a Newcastle side who passed the 40-point mark in midweek and looked good doing it. Whether they’ll take their eye off the ball now is debatable, but even if they do you have to question whether Blackpool are good enough to take advantage.

Match Bet - Draw @ 12/5

Liverpool v Birmingham (3pm)
Birmingham’s recent revival was stopped in its tracks at Chelsea on Wednesday, and they go from one tough away game to another with a trip to Anfield. The Reds have plenty of injuries to contend with at the moment but still looked very solid against Arsenal last Sunday. Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez are getting better with every game and for Blues the outlook is bleak. While the last seven games between these two clubs have been draws Birmingham will count themselves lucky to get anything out of this.

Match Bet - Liverpool half-time/ Liverpool full-time @ 11/10

Sunderland v Wigan (3pm)

Wigan haven’t waited until Easter weekend to get their resurrection underway as they look to continue a fabulous run of form against Sunderland. Having spent much of the season in the drop zone the Latics are now out and looking to claw back the Black Cats. The way things have gone for Steve Bruce recently it wouldn’t surprise many if his old team beat his current one at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have injury problems galore and have beaten Wigan once in nine Premier League matches.

Match Bet - Wigan to win @ 11/4

Tottenham v West Brom (3pm)
Not many West Brom fans would have expected to come into this game with almost nothing to play for. However, last Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea aside, the Baggies have been flying of late and need just another couple of points to make sure of safety. While West Brom would take a point Tottenham will be desperate for three as they look to leapfrog Manchester City into fourth. Spurs have struggled against teams towards the wrong end of the table this season and put a lot into Wednesday’s exciting 3-3 draw with Arsenal. However, they should have enough to class to turn over West Brom.

Match Bet – Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6 and both teams to score @ 7/10

Wolves v Fulham (3pm)
Wolves’ current situation is looking bleak after tumbling to the bottom of the table last weekend. Mick McCarthy’s men looked as though they would escape the drop with a decent run of form last month but have been stopped in their tracks since Kevin Doyle picked up a season-ending injury. However, hope springs eternal and Wolves’ last six matches are against teams in the bottom half of the table. They are also facing a team in Fulham who haven’t won away this year. If Wolves are ever going to start a fightback against the drop then they need to beat the Cottagers on Saturday.

Match Bet - Wolves to win @ 11/8

Chelsea v West Ham (5:30pm)
If our predictions are correct then West Ham will kick this game off bottom of the league and seemingly without of prayer against a resurgent Chelsea. Much like Wolves the Hammers looked as though they would escape the drop at the start of the month but have crumbled recently, conceding a late winner to Villa last week in the latest in a line of setbacks. Avram Grant will have to produce a miracle if they are to get anything from Stamford Bridge. The Blues have taken 19 points from the last 21 available to them and look to be the best challengers to Manchester United’s hopes of winning the league.

Match Bet – Chelsea to win 3-0 @ 7/1

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Leeds need Good Friday

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Reading’s bid to continue their surge up the Championship table on the back of eight consecutive victories will be tested to the full at Leeds United on Good Friday as the season near its dramatic conclusion.

The Royals looked all set for a mid-table finish a couple of months ago, but since then Brian McDermott’s side have purred into top gear and won eight on the spin to not only move into the play-off places, but also into contention for automatic promotion.

Winger Jimmy Kebe has been inspirational in that superb run, with Irish strikers Shane Long and Noel Hunt eagerly waiting to put away the chances, with the latter having scored five times in his last eight games and priced 6/1 to open the scoring at Elland Road.

Leeds’ own automatic promotion hopes have all but disappeared during a nervy run of results and they now need to get back on track to ensure that they do not compound their misery by missing out on the play-offs altogether.

A loss at home to the Royals would open the door for Nottingham Forest to overtake the Whites by winning at home to East Midlands rivals Leicester City.

Earlier this season an Andy King goal settled a tense derby at the Walkers Stadium and another tight encounter is on the cards, albeit with a few more goals due to both teams’ defences having started to creak at the wrong time of the season.

The odds of both sides finding the net during the game are 4/5.

Relegation matters also feature heavily, with both Doncaster Rovers and Crystal Palace hoping that Scunthorpe United come unstuck at Coventry City.

The Iron currently occupy the final relegation spot, being three points adrift of Rovers and five behind the Eagles with just four games to play, having won 2-1 at Crystal Palace last weekend.

However, with Doncaster and Palace meeting at the Keepmoat Stadium, a Scunthorpe win at the Ricoh Arena could make things very hairy.

The arrival of new manager Alan Knill, who previously made his name with Bury, has provided a much-needed spark, even if his reign at Glanford Park started in a 6-0 thrashing at Norwich City.

Loan striker Joe Garner could have made the difference at Coventry, but his red card at Palace could prove costly, with Scunthorpe available at 8/5 to score first in the game.

No doubt phones and radios at the Keepmoat Stadium will be relaying news of events in Coventry back to the nervous fans of both teams in action, with the Rovers faithful particularly on edge after a run of eight games without a win.

Palace, like Rovers, appeared to be safe a matter of weeks ago, but a 2-1 home loss to Scunthorpe last time out plunged them right back into the mire and having won just once on their travels this term, they cannot head to South Yorkshire full of confidence.

The Eagles have shipped 44 goals away from home this term and netted a mere 15 and so can be backed at 11/4 to keep a rare clean sheet.

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Canaries primed for promotion

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The heat is on in the Championship this week, and not just because of the weather. With four games left to go for each club, there is plenty up for grabs for the majority of the teams – none more so than Norwich, who are looking to complete back-to-back promotions and face local rivals Ipswich on Thursday.

The Tractor Boys will be desperate for revenge after a 4-1 drubbing at Carrow Road earlier in the season. Paul Jewell has got Ipswich flying, could they be about to throw a giant spanner in the works for Norwich?

Not many would have picked Norwich to go up this year, given their recent financial struggles and the fact they only got out of League One last season. However, the Canaries are now evens to be promoted after a fantastic season.

Paul Lambert has worked wonders, developing Grant Holt into the goal-machine he has always threatened to be. The 30-year-old was given the recognition his season has deserved on Sunday, when he was included in the PFA Team of the Year. Ipswich know all about Holt’s power after he ripped their backline to shreds in the corresponding fixture, bagging a hat-trick on home soil.

The Canaries are not a one man team though, with Wes Hoolahan, Korey Smith and Chris Martin all catching the eye this season. Simeon Jackson has also come into his own recently after taking the place of Martin and might be worth a look to score anytime at 7/4, with Holt at 6/5.

Norwich’s fantastic season has been down in large part to their form away from home, losing just four times on their travels all season. They have also been able to dig deep when it counts, scoring 16 goals in the last ten minutes of matches.

Since Roy Keane’s disastrous reign was brought to an end, Ipswich have been on the march – winning nine of their 18 games since Jewell took over. Town are still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs, currently sitting six points outside the top six. While they would have to win all their remaining games, a victory over their local rivals could be just the tonic they need to go on a winning run.

Ipswich have won four of the last five, although it is their form away from Portman Road that has been more impressive than recent victories over perennial strugglers. The Tractor Boys revival has been spurred on by loan star Jimmy Bullard and 17-year-old Josh Carson, who has scored three goals in his last three appearances.

Thursday’s clash between two of the league’s in-form teams is probably one of the hardest to call of the Easter weekend Championship bonanza. For that reason, the safe bet seems to be the draw at 23/10.

Ipswich will be desperate to avoid being turned over again and Norwich would probably take a point, despite the tight nature of the race for the second automatic promotion spot. For those brave few who fancy one side to win outright, Norwich are 17/10 and Ipswich are 8/5.

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Copa del Rey final preview

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Barcelona and Real Madrid drew 1-1 in La Liga on Saturday night at the Bernabeu and come head-to-head again on Wednesday to contest the Copa del Rey final at the Mestalla, before the small matter of the Champions League semi-final clash between the two Spanish giants (Match Betting – Barcelona 10/11, draw 11/4, Real Madrid 11/4).

Barca’s draw at the Bernabeu last time out was enough to all but wrap up the La Liga title for the Catalan giants and Real boss Jose Mourinho will be desperate to land the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ has never failed to land a trophy in a complete season in management and will not want to start in his debut campaign with Los Blancos.

No Real boss has stayed in the job for the following season after failing to secure a piece of silverware for 28-years and there have already been rumours suggesting the Portuguese coach could be heading for pastures new in the summer, after failing to mount a serious challenge for the league crown.

However, Mourinho insists he is in a relaxed state of mind ahead of the showdown and expects a tight affair between the two powerhouses of Spanish football.

“This is my first final with Real Madrid, but I am relaxed,” explained Mourinho. “I have experienced many matches like this one, which is why I am a lot more calm than a coach who has never been here before.”

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol was stretchered off in the draw in Madrid on Saturday, but has been included in boss Pep Guardiola’s squad after coming through training on Tuesday.

There was speculation Real quartet Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo (5/1 to score first), Kaka and Mesut Ozil were all struggling and may miss the final, but all four have been included by Mourinho in his squad. However, both Fernando Gago and Lassana Diarra are missing with injury problems.

The tie should be an interesting affair, especially as the two sides meet in the Champions League on April 27 and May 3, but given Barcelona’s recent dominance over Real they will fancy their chances (Barcelona 9/1 to win in extra time, Real Madrid 14/1).

Guardiola had an unblemished record prior to Saturday’s draw and he still hasn’t lost a Clasico fixture since taking charge at Camp Nou, and with all his stars available, the Catalan giants may well prove too strong for their fierce rivals yet again (Half-Time/Full-Time – Barcelona/Barcelona 2/1).

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