Tag Archives: boost

Dutch eye Slovakia sign-off boost

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Following defeats in their previous two Euro 2012 warm-up matches, the Netherlands will be looking for a positive performance and result when they host Slovakia on Wednesday evening.

The Dutch were defeated 3-2 by Champions League finalists Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on May 22 and were beaten 2-1 by Bulgaria four days later on home turf.

Coach Bert van Marwijk and team captain Mark van Bommel insist that preparations ahead of next month’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine remain on track, but the Oranje will be eager to silence their doubters when they take on Slovakia.

The Eastern European side failed to qualify for Euro 2012, and were defeated 1-0 by tournament co-hosts Poland on Friday, but their squad boasts some considerable talent and experience of competing at a high level.

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik captains the side and he is ably supported in the middle of the park by Manchester City fringe man Vladimir Weiss and Fenerbache’s talented former Chelsea prospect Miroslav Stoch.

The Slovaks will look towards Bursaspor hitman Stanislav Sestak for goals, but it is difficult to see the number 34 ranked side in the world upsetting the 2010 World Cup finalists.

The Dutch head into the game as 1/4 favourites to win the match, the draw is available at 21/5, while Slovakia are out at 9/1 to cause an upset and boost team morale ahead of their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

But despite losing their last two internationals, the Netherlands have found the net in both matches and should rack up the goals in Rotterdam tomorrow night.

A 4-0 win for van Marwijk’s men is not beyond the realms of possibility and, at 12/1, that particular selection represents excellent value for money. 3-0 is available at 11/2, while the Dutch are at 16/1 to hit five past their visitors and keep a clean sheet.

Those who fancy the favourites to stutter ahead of their European Championship test might fancy the 2-2 draw selection, which can be bought at 16/1, although given that there have been 16 goals scored in the Netherlands’ last four out outings, the 0-0 or 1-1 selections, though available at tempting prices respectively, should be avoided for this one.

A Dutch half-time/full-time win is available at 8/13, but there is better value to be found elsewhere. A tie at the interval followed by a home victory after 90 minutes can be bought at 3/1, while a Slovakia half-time lead followed by a come-from-behind win for their opponents is available at 22/1.

And, given the Netherlands’ obvious issues at the back in recent matches, that last selection looks a very attractive prospect indeed.

“You should never give away a goal like that,” said a rueful van Marwijk, reflecting on Bulgaria’s winner against his side earlier this week.

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Hammers to boost title hopes

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The Championship has been possibly the most exciting league in Britain this year and despite West Ham (10/11 Championship outright) currently holding a four point lead, they know that any slip-ups are sure to be punished by the chasing pack.

That slip-up could come this weekend as Sam Allardyce and his men travel to London Road to take on Peterborough, who have their own agenda as they look to avoid relegation following their promotion in the summer (Peterborough 13/5, draw 5/2, West Ham evens).

Darren Ferguson’s side have been solid rather than spectacular this season but are currently in a bit of a slump having not won since beating Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. However, they always seem to raise their game against the top teams and will be looking to break their streak against the Hammers.

Key to their chances will be playmaker George Boyd, who has long been hailed as one of the best players outside the Premier League. The Scot has the ability to unlock any defence and West Ham will have to be wary of his threat whenever the Posh have got the ball.

The Hammers themselves have disappointed recently but have somehow maintained their position atop the table and now look almost certain to earn promotion back to the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce’s side once again proved their credentials by beating local rivals Millwall last Saturday, despite going down to ten men early on after captain Kevin Nolan’s sending off.

Nolan’s absence will pile more pressure on stand-in captain Mark Noble, who was the architect of last Saturday’s victory. He’ll once gain look to control the game and is sure to be at everything positive for his side.

Noble’s quality could prove the difference at London Road and the Hammers will be confident of success but its sure to be a close game (West Ham 7/1 to win 2-1).

Another game that jumps out from the Championship on Saturday is the clash at the Walkers Stadium which sees Leicester take on Cardiff (Leicester 5/4, draw 9/4, Cardiff 7/4).

The big-spending Foxes have disappointed this season after bringing in a number of high-profile players, while Cardiff have once again confounded the critics and are challenging for promotion to the top flight.

The East Midlands club have often struggled at the back but seem to have settled down in recent times with Sean St Ledger stepping into partner Matt Mills. The duo will be vital on Saturday and will be looking to establish themselves as the first choice defensive pair ahead of Sol Bamba’s return from the African Cup of Nations.

Cardiff’s game is based on moving the ball quickly on the ground and central to this is midfielder Peter Whittingham, who has once again proved himself to be his side’s key player. The former Aston Villa man will be looking forward to testing himself against some of the best players in Championship.

However, home advantage should prove enough and a win could help Nigel Pearson’s side make a late run for the promotion places (Leicester 8/1 to win 2-1).

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Londoners looking for Euro boost

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There are two Champions League matches involving English teams on Wednesday with Arsenal hosting Olympiakos and Chelsea travelling to Spain to take on Valencia. Both sides won in the Premier League at the weekend so can they repeat the dose in Europe?

Arsenal v  Olympiakos

The Gunners were desperately in need of a win at the weekend and it duly came against Bolton, with the 3-0 success lifting spirits around the Emirates and moving the club further away from the bottom of the table.

But now attentions turn back to Europe, with Arsene Wenger’s men looking to build on their encouraging 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund in the opening round of matches.

And the fixture schedule has been kind to the Frenchman as the side that look like being the weakest in Group F are the visitors in mid-week.

The Greeks lost 1-0 to Marseille in their opener and, despite being unbeaten in their domestic league after just two games, should not prove too much of an obstacle for the north Londoners.

Robin van Persie remains key to Arsenal’s chances and, as the news that Jack Wilshere has been ruled out for the majority of the season left a cloud over the Emirates, Wenger will look to his Dutch striker to lead by example and lift the gloom.

He may be stalling on new contract talks to see where the club is in 12 months’ time, but the former Feyenoord star gives nothing less than 100 per cent for his side and, with a superb goalscoring record, is a good bet to add to the 100 goals he has scored for the club to date.

Defensive problems have haunted the Gunners in recent times but Per Mertesacker has hinted that Wenger’s rearguard have been working overtime to sort things out and he feels that their performance against Bolton proved that they are on the right track.

Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun have made solid, if unspectacular, starts to their Arsenal careers and it is time one or both stepped up to provide something extra in the goal column.

Arsenal still have plenty of work to do both domestically and in Europe but the signs are there that things might be starting to click into place and a resounding Champions League victory could be just the tonic they need.

Odds: Arsenal 4/11, Olympiakos 8/1, draw 4/1

Valencia v Chelsea

Valencia were unbeaten and second in the La Liga standings until Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Sevilla and they have now dropped to seventh in a very tight table.

They will be looking to get back on track and record their first Champions League win of the season on Wednesday but will face a Chelsea side who are full of confidence following their 4-1 victory over Swansea.

Fernando Torres seems to have found his touch in front of goal at long last for the Blues and, while he will be out of action in the Premier League due to Saturday’s red card, the Spaniard is eligible to play in Europe and will surely want to pay back his team-mates for Saturday’s indiscretion with a goal or two.

The west Londoners opened their European campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and it remains to be seen whether boss Andre Villas-Boas goes to Spain with three points in mind or sets his side up to be hard to beat.

The man they will have to stop is Roberto Soldado, who has already bagged five goals in just three La Liga appearances and he will be Los Che’s biggest goal threat at the Mestalla.

But they have quality throughout the side and are tipped as one of the sides that could break the duopoly at the top of Spanish football this season.

Chelsea are good enough to win the match but, with Valencia enjoying home advantage and desperate to get back on track, it would be no surprise to see this one end in a draw.

Odds: Valencia 2/1, Chelsea 6/4, draw 9/4

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Villa can boost survival fight

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There is the rarity of all Saturday’s Premier League games kicking off at 3pm, with important fixtures at both ends of the table. Two sides looking over their shoulders meet at Villa Park, with Gerard Houllier’s men looking set for a crucial three points.

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Villa knocked Rovers out of the FA Cup last month and the home side look likely to repeat the dose when Steve Kean’s men return to the Midlands. The home side are just three points outside the bottom three but it’s their away form that has led to their slump.

Villa have lost just three times at home in 13 league games and have lost just one of their last eight games. Meanwhile, despite sitting in 11th, Rovers are just five points from the drop zone and their recent form will be a concern. One win in six indicates Blackburn are a team on the slide, and a lack of goals will also worry the Rovers faithful.

Match Bet: Darren Bent to score 2 or more @ 5/1

Wigan v Man Utd

A new surface at the DW Stadium looks set to play into United’s hands and Fergie’s men look set to extend their lead at the top. Wigan have relayed their patchy pitch in the last fortnight which means a better pitch for the leaders to perform on.

Latics will also be without key on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is in illegible, and although Rio Ferdinand is still sidelined, the visitors should prove too strong for an inconsistent Wigan who remain in the bottom three.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Wolves v Blackpool

A huge game for both sides in their battle for survival, but the pressure will firmly be on the shoulders of the home team. Wolves are currently bottom and have struggled against fellow relegation candidates this season – losing at home to the likes of Wigan and Aston Villa and being held by West Ham.

Blackpool will have received a massive boost from their midweek win over Spurs and will go in search of a sixth away win of the season. The absence of the suspended Charlie Adam will be a blow though, and that may swing things in favour of Mick McCarthy’s men.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 8/13

Everton v Sunderland

Forget the Cup win over Chelsea, this is the big test for Everton in front of their restless home fans….and it’s a game they can’t afford to lose. David Moyes’ men are just three points from the bottom three and have, amazingly, won just four of their 12 league games at Goodison. A lack of firepower is a continued problem and the Blues need Tim Cahill to deliver following his recent spell with Australia.

Sunderland are looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, although the Black Cats are not playing as badly as the form guide suggests. Steve Bruce’s men have won two of their last three away games and could welcome back Fraizer Campbell.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Newcastle v Bolton

Alan Pardew has quietly gone about his business since his controversial appointment and knows two more wins should see the Magpies safe. Their home form has been impressive of late, with the Toon taking seven points from their last three fixtures and a win will see them move above their opponents in the table.

Newcastle’s hopes of another win will probably be helped by Bolton’s continuing FA Cup run. Wanderers are into the quarter-finals and that, combined with several injury problems, may see them slip out of the battle for a place in Europe.

Match Bet: Kevin Nolan to score @ 2/1

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Nani reveals Ronaldo boost

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Nani of Manchester UnitedManchester United (9/2 to win 2010-11 Premier League) winger Nani has hailed former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as a key factor behind the player’s good run of form this season.

Nani has been in the headlines after scoring a dubious goal in the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Portuguese international touched the ball with his hand before tapping the ball past Heurelho Gomes who believed a free-kick had been given.

Nani has been a key player for United this season already scoring four goals in 10 appearances for the Red Devils.

The 23-year-old has revealed that his good form has been down in part to the encouragement he has received from Ronaldo.

United (9/1 to win the Champions League) sold Ronaldo for £80m last summer as he desired to leave the club for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Nani has praised his former team-mate for his advice since his departure for the Santiago Bernabeu.

He said: “Cristiano is always there for me. We are big friends and he helps me with my game – even though he is in Madrid we speak all the time. It is great to have a friend like that, someone who can hear me out and give me encouragement.”

“Things are going well this season and now people are seeing the real Nani. My performance in the team has been very good, but I want to do more and I have to keep learning and improving,” he explained.

Nani has been tasked with filling the void left by Ronaldo and the talented winger has been putting in some good performances so far this season.

United have struggled for goals in the forward positions this season with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen sidelined through injury, while Dimitar Berbatov failing to find the back of the net in his last six outings.

Nani has contributed to the goals this season and has praised Sir Alex Ferguson for his support this season.

The Portugal international said: “The manager has already played a big part in my form. He has a meeting with all the young players because now we are getting more opportunity.

“He is always impressing on the young players how it is important to get better. United is a big club and we need to win, so every player on the pitch needs to think he can be the best in the world.

“The manager tells us we are here because we are the best.”

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Hodgson handed Kuyt boost

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Liverpool (7/1 Top 4 Finish) boss Roy Hodgson watched his side secure only their second Premier League win of the season against Blackburn and then was told striker Dirk Kuyt should return within four weeks, as he does not require surgery on his injured ankle.

The Reds have endured a difficult campaign and the pressure has mounted on Hodgson after they recently dropped into the Premier League’s relegation zone.

However, second half goals from Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Fernando Torres (14/1 Premiership Top Scorer) – his first since August – ensured Jamie Carragher’s unfortunate own goal sandwiched in between did not prevent them from dropping more points.

Liverpool remain in the Premier League’s drop zone on goal difference, but they will have been boosted to finally get a much-needed win under their belts.

A relieved Hodgson felt his players deserved the win on the balance of play in which they dominated the opening 70 minutes.

He said: “I thought the passing and movement was as good, if not better than it’s been but we were more incisive. We got in more crosses, got more bodies into the box for crosses, we had an enormous number of corner kicks and looked dangerous from those corner kicks, which is nice to see.”

The former Blackburn boss will also have been heartened by the news Dutch hitman Kuyt could be back in action for the Reds within a month.

It was feared that the 30-year-old would be missing for up to five months with an ankle injury he picked up on international duty in the Netherlands’ Euro 2012 qualifier against Sweden a fortnight ago. However, he is hoping to be back in time for the busy schedule of games in December.

Kuyt said: “I had a second scan and the doctor has now told me that they do not need to operate on my ankle. That is such a relief.

“The doctor says I could be back in the Liverpool team within one month.”

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Hodgson handed Kuyt boost

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Liverpool (7/1 Top 4 Finish) boss Roy Hodgson watched his side secure only their second Premier League win of the season against Blackburn and then was told striker Dirk Kuyt should return within four weeks, as he does not require surgery on his injured ankle.

The Reds have endured a difficult campaign and the pressure has mounted on Hodgson after they recently dropped into the Premier League’s relegation zone.

However, second half goals from Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Fernando Torres (14/1 Premiership Top Scorer) – his first since August – ensured Jamie Carragher’s unfortunate own goal sandwiched in between did not prevent them from dropping more points.

Liverpool remain in the Premier League’s drop zone on goal difference, but they will have been boosted to finally get a much-needed win under their belts.

A relieved Hodgson felt his players deserved the win on the balance of play in which they dominated the opening 70 minutes.

He said: “I thought the passing and movement was as good, if not better than it’s been but we were more incisive. We got in more crosses, got more bodies into the box for crosses, we had an enormous number of corner kicks and looked dangerous from those corner kicks, which is nice to see.”

The former Blackburn boss will also have been heartened by the news Dutch hitman Kuyt could be back in action for the Reds within a month.

It was feared that the 30-year-old would be missing for up to five months with an ankle injury he picked up on international duty in the Netherlands’ Euro 2012 qualifier against Sweden a fortnight ago. However, he is hoping to be back in time for the busy schedule of games in December.

Kuyt said: “I had a second scan and the doctor has now told me that they do not need to operate on my ankle. That is such a relief.

“The doctor says I could be back in the Liverpool team within one month.”

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Fab boost for Gunners

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Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas believes he will have recovered from his hamstring injury in time to play against Premier League title rivals Chelsea on October 3 (Arsenal 11/2, Chelsea 3/4 – Premier League outright).

The midfielder suffered the injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland and the initial diagnosis was that it would keep him out for at least three weeks.

However, the Spain star is confident he will be back in contention to take on leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a week on Sunday – in what will be a major boost to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

He told reporters back in Spain: “The injury is not as bad as we first thought. There is no muscle rupture and I will be back perfect in about 10 to 11 days.

“I am working with an osteopath in Paris and just working day to day.

“I think I will make the Chelsea game.”

Fabregas, who has hit three goals so far this season following a summer in which he was constantly linked with a move to Barcelona, will definitely sit out this weekend’s home game with West Brom (Arsenal 1/6, West Brom 16/1, draw 5/1 – 90 minutes) and the Champions League tie in Belgrade against Partizan.

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Kuyt boost as Masch goes

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Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt insists he is fully focused on his Kop future and has no intention of following Javier Mascherano out of the Anfield exit door (Reds 15/8 – Top Four Finish).

The Reds have given the Argentina captain permission to speak to the La Liga champions Barcelona after agreeing a fee for the 26-year-old combative midfielder with the Catalans.

Mascherano was also wanted by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez – who is now at Inter Milan – but Pep Guardiola appears to have won the battle for the former West Ham man (Barca 4/5f – La Liga Outright).

Kuyt was also believed to be in Benitez’s transfer plans for the summer window and although the hard-working Holland international was interested in who was in for him, he has been assured he has a big future on Merseyside.

Kuyt said: “My future is at Liverpool. I have had four great years at the club.

“Unfortunately we have not won any trophies but hopefully I will in future.

“The point for me was that I am 30 years old and I wanted to know if there was any interest from any other club in the world.

“Liverpool spoke to me and explained everything. They said I was really important.

“That made me very proud and at that point I focused my thoughts on Liverpool.”

But Mascherano’s days as a Liverpool player are coming to an end as he gets his wish of a move away, with his family failing to settle in the north west.

A Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool Football Club have agreed terms for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to FC Barcelona.

“The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder.”

Barcelona claim Mascherano will sign a four-year deal subject to a medical although he will not be on board for Sunday’s trip to Racing Santander.

A Barca statement confirmed: “FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to the club for the next four seasons.

“The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.

“Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded.

“It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend.”

Barcelona turned to Mascherano after being frustrated in their efforts to repatriate Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (Barca 13/5f – Champions League Outright).

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Hodgson set for transfer boost

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Kenny HuangThe possible sale of Liverpool FC has returned to dominate the back pages in the last few days amid reports that Chinese tycoon Kenny Huang is now in talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland over taking control of the Anfield side (Liverpool 7/4 to secure a top four finish).

The Times claims Huang is eager to secure a deal for the club before the transfer window closes, at 1700 BST on September 1.

American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett are the current owners of Liverpool but the pair are desperate to sell. They put the club up for sale in April, after three years in charge at Anfield.

Reports claim that sources close to Huang have said he is eager to seal a deal as quickly as possible so boss Roy Hodgson can be given additional funds to bring in new players.

“He wants to get it done quickly so investment can come this summer,” a source close to his proposed bid is quoted as saying. “Liverpool need investment in the playing squad and infrastructure, and Huang wants to build the (new) stadium. The club has an outstanding reputation but does not have the infrastructure to keep with it and make it grow.”

Hodgson has already signed free-agent Joe Cole after the England international’s contract at Chelsea came to an end, defender Danny Wilson from Rangers, Milan Jovanovic from Standard Liege and promising youngster Jonjo Shelvey from Charlton Athletic, as well as re-signing left-back Fabio Aurelio. However, the former Fulham boss is still on the lookout for new faces.

Liverpool are also desperately trying to convince Fernando Torres to remain at Anfield, with Chelsea and Manchester City both interested in the Spanish star, and if Huang manages to strike a deal for the club, he will do everything he can to ensure the star striker sticks with Hodgson’s side.

However, Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton has revealed that several bids have been made for the club, although Huang is thought to be the front-runner in the race to sign the Premier League outfit.

“Any bids that go straight to RBS – and there have been several – come to me and are directed to Barcap,” Broughton said. “RBS are not involved. The control remains with the board.”

Liverpool face Arsenal in their opening Premier League fixture on August 15, and although Hicks and Gillett may still be the owners when the season starts, it seems certain that their tenure will not last much longer (Liverpool 5/4, draw 23/10, Arsenal 7/4).

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