Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

People have been looking forward to this clash for weeks, simply because we’ll know on Sunday whether Atleti will have the quality to keep pace at the top as they try to wrestle back the La Liga title off of Barcelona. Their record against the Catalonians is not good however, just one win in 14 attempts and no goal for Antoine Griezmann in five appearances against Barca. They’ve only conceded three goals away from home all year however. But I don’t think they’ll have enough. Back Suarez to score at and a home win at

Valencia vs Sporting Gijon

I know I’ve tipped Gary Neville to get his first La Liga win the last couple of times, but I’m certain that this week it’s happening. Sporting are second to last, they’ve lost eight of their eleven away games. But after losing 5-1 to Real two weeks ago, they came out and destroyed Sociedad by the same scoreline. My tip is to back the in play. If Valencia score first, they’ll win at. If they don’t back the score draw. Gijon’s best hope for a goal is Sanabria at to open the scoring

Real Madrid vs Espanyol

Espanyol actually have a decent record in the Bernebau. Despite losing heavily on many an occasion, they’ve been able to grab a draw against the Galacticos twice over the last four seasons. But they haven’t won in almost a decade, and were beaten 6-0 at home by Real earlier in the season. Zidane’s Madrid have been scoring for fun, and the handicap of Real -3 is too good not to take on this occasion, especially when you take into account the extent of Espanyol’s injuries. They’re missing six first team players.

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The Europa League holders have played 12 games [1080 minutes] more than Elche this season, 42:30, the latest of which was the remarkable 3-1 win at Villarreal on Thursday night. That means that in their last seven matches they’ve won five, drawn won and scored three+ goals on five occasions.

Five star stuff.

Add in the fact that it was a year yesterday that Sevilla last lost at home in any competition and the size of Elche’s task is clearer. As a handy guide – of the 16 goals Sevilla have scored in those last seven games Vitolo has 5, Gameiro 3, Bacca 2 and there have been a smattering of own goals and penalties for both sides. Bacca was rested on Thursday and thus should start, Iborra who also got two in the last seven and two against Elche the last time this fixture was played, is suspended. Vitolo took a knock on his knee at Villarreal, couldn’t train Friday and is a doubt. Elche, for their part, are rather more troubled.

The league is investigating €2.5m missing from the club coffers around about the time that they needed a result against Málaga in order to avoid relegation. Two of their ‘ultra’ supporters were jailed for violent behaviour this week. Aarón Ñíguez is carrying a knock, centre half Sergio Pelegrín is definitely out and Adrián González is suspended.

Back Bacca, back Mbia, watch out for a post-Europe slump, and if you fancy Elche to shock back Jonathas because he’s their motor for goals and assist. But even if Sevilla need to come from behind, they should have sufficient to take three points here. 2-1

• Hunter’s Choice: Sevilla to win 2-1 at 7/1

Real Madrid v Levante Sunday 8pm

Carlo Ancelotti is one laid-back dude. So laid-back that he’s had to defend himself recently: “I won three Champions League’s with this ‘easy-going’ coaching style” he drawled the other day.

And with that nature, one of his sayings is: “Even after the worst defeat, the sun will still rise the next morning”

So, given the appalling week Madrid have had, this needs to be Dawn and the darkest hour needs to have been the 4-3 home defeat to Schalke. Either that or President Florentino trying to put out the fire with gasoline by not only giving the dreaded vote of confidence but then refusing to guarantee that it applied beyond May.

Take the injuries into account, take loss of form into account, take accumulated mental and physical tiredness into account – fine. But, right now, Madrid’s major problem is that their collective confidence is fractured. The strikers don’t believe the defence, particularly Iker, will keep the ball out and the defence don’t believe the strikers are working hard enough. There’s more finger-pointing than at a proctologists’ training course.

The midfield? They are like Scotty in the original Starship Enterprise – beetling about looking busy and shouting ‘We cannae take any more Cap’n’ A statistical representation of that fact is that Madrid ran TEN kilometres less than Schalke in that defeat. Horrifying. So – how to call this one? First off it’s likely that Luka Modric will start. Vital to have him back, but impossible for him to hit maximum performance, or max-stamina, immediately after four months out. Not only is Kroos knackered, he and Isco are each one booking away from missing the match at the Camp Nou next Sunday. Hard to see them both starting.

After 144 days, Luka Modric has officially returned. pic.twitter.com/LpIlRBuQWa — SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) March 10, 2015

Casillas had an absolute stinker against Schalke and Keylor playing against his old club can’t be ruled out. But the emphasis lies on whether Ronaldo’s form is returning, two goals in midweek, or it’s time to drop either Benzema or Bale so that Jesé [worth an anytime bet] can start. Ronaldo’s the good bet [NINE in his last six against Levante] but Ramos [anytime] should also return and, boy, he loves a goal to save the team when they are in shtuck.

Levante, it has to be noted, have only ever won once at the Bernabéu, tend to concede barrow-loads and have the worst goals-against record in the division.

Madrid may feel they only need to stop David Barral [anytime] – since he signed for the club he’s scored twelve goals and that’s been good enough for eleven victories.

Given that you won’t win money from Paddy on whether Madrid play either convincingly or attractively this weekend, only the result, back them to produce the goals to win by a couple.

• Hunter’s Choice: Real Madrid to win by exactly two goals at 7/2

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England have a six-point advantage at the top of Group G and know a point in Podgorica (Montenegro 9/2, Draw 23/10, England 8/11 – Match Betting) will be good enough to seal top spot. Defeat and victory for Montenegro in their final group game in Switzerland will leave England facing the prospect of a two-legged play-off.

This is likely to be their toughest game of the group so far, against a side that frustrated England at Wembley and claimed a 0-0 draw. That result highlighted their ability to defend, but the jury is out on whether they have the attacking threat to cause problems at the other end of the pitch.

The home side have conceded just three goals in six qualifying games to date, but just five goals scored tells its own story. Montenegro (20/1 to win Group G) are unbeaten in their three previous home matches in this group, although they did slip up in their 1-1 draw with Bulgaria.

They have also scored just once in each of those matches and England will be the toughest backline that they will have faced in this group. Capello insists that England won’t go there looking for a draw, but the visitors do have that as a cushion if needs be. But England (9/1 Euro 2012 Outright) have the firepower to kill off any hopes Montenegro still harbour of automatic qualification.

The major plus for England is that this game is away from home, bearing in mind their performances have been better on the road. Scoring eight goals in their three away games, the Three Lions have been impressive in victory in Switzerland, Bulgaria and Wales.

The players have recently admitted that they feel extra pressure from playing at Wembley. The tension that would have come across from the home crowd will be replaced by a positive vocal support in Podgorica.

Even with a couple of injuries, England have the luxury of bringing in young players with Premier League experience. Manchester United duo Danny Welbeck (11/8 To Score At Anytime) and Phil Jones are tipped to feature, while Scott Parker is expected to start the midfield after consistently impressive displays for Tottenham.

Montenegro midfielder Marko Cetkovic has described this as the “biggest game ever” for his country, but it looks likely to be the visitors who will be celebrating come the final whistle.

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A number of groups still hang in the balance after an unpredictable weekend and with only a limited fixture list, teams will be looking to build momentum as they look to make it through the arduous qualification process.

The first game of note is Germany’s trip to Baku to face Azerbaijan in a game that could seal their qualification to next summer’s championship. Germany have been nothing short of exceptional during qualifying and are one of only six sides to boast a 100 per cent record in qualifying. Azerbaijan on the other hand have had a poor qualifying campaign and still remain without a single major championship appearance since they gained independence in 1991.

Azerbaijan are currently coached by Germany legend Berti Vogts who was part of the German side that won the World Cup in 1974 as well as coaching them to victory in Euro 1996 and he will be looking to spring a few surprises.

Vagif Javadov will be the man they will be looking for fire them to victory against what has so far been an unforgiving German defence (Germany 1/12 – match prices).

Germany will be looking to their superb front line, including the likes Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, to fire them to victory as they look to qualify for an amazing 26th consecutive major tournament (Germany 4/1 – Euro 2012 outright winner).

Germany should win the tie comfortably but you never know what could happen when a big side faces a former Soviet country as Belarus’ draw with France demonstrated on Friday. However, Germany should win by a comfortable margin.

The other qualifier that catches the eye on Tuesday sees Finland travel to neighbours Sweden in a fixture that could have major implications for qualification.

Sweden currently sit in second position in Group E and will have all but given up hope of automatic qualification with the Netherlands in their group. However, they’re currently one of the teams in second place with the highest points totals and victory could see them through to the championships as one of the best second-placed teams.

They will be looking to captain and talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has recently returned to the international fold and is by far their most talented player. He’ll be ably assisted by Bolton striker Johan Elmander and they’ll be looking to score the goals to help their side qualify after missed out qualification for last summer’s World Cup (Sweden 1/4 – match prices).

Finland on the other hand have struggled so-far in qualification and are unlikely to qualify. However, they will be determined to make an impact in this local derby and Mixu Paatelainen’s side will be looking to Mikael Forssell to help them cause an upset (Finland 8/1 draw 4/1 – match prices).

However, the Sweden’s attacking superiority should be enough to see them home and they should seal the points that could help them secure a place in next summer’s competition.

Both games have the potential to be thrillers and whatever the outcome it will have implications for the other teams in their groups.

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Barcelona

Hercules lack the strength and power of their legendary namesake and have gone five games without a victory in La Liga, including four losses.  After just one season in the Spanish top flight it is looking increasingly likely that the Alicante outfit are heading back down and coach Esteban Vigo has a real task on his hands if he is to lead his team to safety.

Osasuna visit the Estadio Jose Rico Perez on Sunday and they look set to pile more misery on a beleaguered Hercules side.  The Pamplona outfit are still in the relegation mix themselves but have improved of late – taking seven points from their last three league fixtures and winning the last two. Osasuna are priced at 21/10 to take the points and this looks a decent bet, all things considered.

Levante have shot up the Spanish table with just one loss – at the hands of Real Madrid – in their last nine and they travel to strugglers Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.  Despite Depor’s precarious position, they should be too good to go down and their problem this season has been too many draws, especially at home.  Levante will fancy their chances but could well be left frustrated and the draw, priced at 9/4, could well be the best bet from this particular fixture.

Meanwhile in Italy, Roma’s decision to axe Claudio Ranieri appears to have been a wise choice and they’ve now gone four games unbeaten since parting company with the likeable former Chelsea boss.

They do face a stern test this weekend though, with a trip to an improving Fiorentina side that have won their last two and are unbeaten in four.  Granted, La Viola have hardly set Serie A alight this season, but they still have some talented individuals and could well cause Roma a few problems, but following a Rome derby victory they should be full of confidence.

It should be a tight game between these two Italian giants, who have both endured stuttering campaigns, but Fiorentina could just edge it and at 7/5 they are a very good price to keep their (extremely) slim European hopes alive with victory.

Udinese have been on fire of late and they’re in with a chance of bagging a spot in next season’s Champions League.  Catania arrive at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday and they will struggle to get anything out of a Udinese side who have won five of their last six.  At 2/5, Udinese are heavy favourites but this particular clash is, on paper anyway, the very definition of a ‘home banker.’

Napoli are Udinese’s main competition for a spot amongst Europe’s elite next season and they host Cagliari, who seem set for a mid-table finish.  Napoli, at 4/7, should be too strong for Cagliari and as they continue their push for a top-three finish.  If you’ve got the confidence that these two in-form sides have the ability to grab victories, a Udinese/Napoli double pays out at 2.20 (6/5).

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Manchester United

Speculation over when the United boss will retire from management has continued after his side missed out on the Premier League title to Chelsea this season.

Gill has stated that Ferguson has not made any decision on when he will retire but the Scot alongside England legend Sir Bobby Charlton and the club’s owner will choose from a “small pool” of candidates to decide the next manager.

Gill said: “I think Alex will be the key. He knows people. He will have a big role in advising and being a sounding board. I am sure we will talk with the owners and look at who is there and determine who we would like to appoint.

“It would be remiss of us not to use the expertise and knowledge that we have,” he added.
Ferguson has stated that his health would be the only factor in deciding when he would retire from football.

Speculation that the new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will be taking reins at Old Trafford after the Bernabeu has continued and the United chief executive would not state whether the two-time Champions League winner is favourite to be the next manager.

Gill said: “He has certainly got something about him. He’s a winner.”

Mourinho has revealed that he would like to work with United and England striker Wayne Rooney, but whether this is at Madrid or in Manchester is unclear.

However, Florentino Perez is supposedly talking to representatives at Old Trafford about potentially signing the player as they claim they can reach the club’s valuation for the forward.

Rooney is currently training with the England (Rooney 10/1 to be the top goalscorer at the World Cup) squad ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

England will face Japan in their final pre season match on Sunday before the 23 man squad is announced.

Avoiding injury, Rooney is guaranteed a seat on the plane to South Africa and any potential deal with Real Madrid would be likely to take place after the tournament which could increase the player’s valuation if he has a successful tournament.

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Steven Gerrard

Gerrard will form a key part of England’s attacking thrust from midfield in the tournament and the Liverpool man’s experience of big games will be vital if Fabio Capello’s men are to enjoy a run to the latter knockout stages of the competition. Gerrard is 8/1 to be England’s top goal scorer at the World Cup.

Gerrard has admitted that when the Three Lions receive the full backing of the England fans it can be a major boost to their chances but if they get on their backs then it can have the opposite effect.

He said: “The fans see that we’re working really hard to improve and we’re desperate to achieve something for them. That is what we do it for. It would be fantastic if we could send them home from South Africa really happy and really proud of the team.

“I’ve played in situations where the fans haven’t been behind the team and it’s difficult. It affects performance and individuals and it’s not helpful.

“But on the other hand, I’ve played in front of a packed Wembley when the fans are roaring us on to victory and it’s a massive help. If we can get that kind of support in the World Cup, it could be key for us in getting over this quarter-final hurdle and going further.”

Gerrard’s club form for Liverpool this season has fallen below his own high standards at times, but he remains one of England’s key players and will be relied upon to inspire Capello’s men in tight games alongside Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and co.

Meanwhile, Gerrard’s future at Anfield remains somewhat unclear following Liverpool’s failure to secure Champions League football next season.

With the ongoing uncertaintly over boss Rafa Benitez’s future as well, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea are all thought to be monitoring Gerrard’s position should he decide to leave the club he has served so well over the past 11 years.

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