Tag Archives: home

Graham Hunter: Home wins for Sevilla, Real and Barca in my new vlog

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Sevilla take on Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad welcome their Basque neighbours Athletic Club to the Anoeta Stadium, Carlos Vela gets called out for packing on the pounds and @veryangrystatto has his question answered. 

It’s all here in my brand new vlog for Paddy Power.

 

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Home nations make nervy qualification start

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Following the World Cup qualifiers over the past week, the European groups are beginning to take shape with a feel for who is now likely to make it to Brazil in 2014 emerging. Here, we assess how the home nations’ chances look after the early games.

England

Wednesday’s delayed draw with Poland exposed England’s frailties and dampened the optimism generated by big wins over Moldova and San Marino earlier in the group.

Roy Hodgson’s side remain well placed to qualify for Brazil and their favourites tag in Group H proves they will have no problem getting positive results against the aforementioned two minnows.

However, it is against the better sides that they struggle – as the draws against Ukraine and the Poles have proved – and the Three Lions certainly need to improve overall if they are to seal a spot in the top two.

Montenegro’s unexpected rise to the top of Group H early on has moved them into contention in the betting market and shaken things up somewhat and Hodgson and his players know how important a run of victories now is for his side to ensure their place in Brazil.

Scotland

The pressure has intensified on Scotland boss Craig Levein following their meek surrender in Belgium that leaves the Tartan Army on just two points from four games and now long odds to qualify with totesport.

Draws against Serbia and Macedonia, whose odds have now shortened to qualify, followed up by that dramatic defeat in Wales, means their chances of making a major tournament for the first time since 1998 are hanging by a thread.

Only a remarkable comeback from this position in the group and a series of unlikely wins over seemingly better-equipped opposition will save Scotland now – and that, sadly, looks about as likely as Levein still being in the job come the start of November.

Wales

Wales are only marginally better off than their Celtic cousins after the 2-0 defeat in Croatia on Tuesday left Chris Coleman’s side on three points in Group A. They, too, simply do not look good enough to find big wins over Serbia, Macedonia and Croatia in the return game and the feeling is the wait for an appearance at a World Cup Finals will go well beyond 2014, as their qualifying odds now reflect.

Limited resources and only a handful of top drawer players, like Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, suggest the best they might be able to hope for come next autumn will be the satisfaction of finishing above local rivals Scotland in the final standings.

Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill’s side produced the result of the past week as far as the home nations are concerned when they came away from Portugal with a point after a 1-1 draw in Porto.

Niall McGinn’s goal was giving the international minnows, who have not made it to the World Cup since 1986, a superb 1-0 away win until Portugal eventually equalised in the second half but the result gives Northern Ireland hope of better to come after years in the doldrums.

True, tough tests lie ahead in upcoming clashes against Russia and Israel, and they have only two points from three games but if they can build on the Porto point with fellow minnows Luxembourg and Azerbaijan also in the group, the qualification dream, despite their generous odds, could well be alive.

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Home nations hit road to Brazil

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The upcoming international action gives us the chance to assess who out of the home nations can qualify for the World Cup in 2014 as countries prepare for their first group games with the planned final destination being Brazil in two years’ time.

England

Having made it to the last four World Cups, it would be a major surprise if the Three Lions failed to negotiate the group stage for Brazil 2014 over the next 18 months or so (2/5f to win Group H). England’s recent pre-tournament qualifying record is actually very, very good – it’s just when the real action itself gets underway that they let everyone down. Expectations were rightly lowered for Euro 2012 and Roy Hodgson’s side eventually went out on penalties – again – to Italy in the summer as they found their usual level and exited at the quarter-final stage.  A group containing Moldova, Ukraine (9/2 to win Group H), Montenegro, Poland and San Marino looks tricky at worst but fairly straightforward at best and expect Hodgson to guide his side through to Brazil without too many problems. It’s just following that the hard work will start.

Verdict - Qualify as Group H winners.

Wales

Wales (28/1 to win Group A) have only ever made it to one World Cup – in 1958 – and are outsiders once again to make it through another tough qualifying group. Chris Coleman’s side face Belgium (who appear to have a ‘golden generation’ of top stars coming through), a talented Croatia, while they also must take on traditionally-tough opponents Macedonia and Serbia home and away and UK rivals Scotland in two games. Under former boss Gary Speed, Wales were on the up but, after his tragic passing earlier this year, the country’s football team have suffered, perhaps predictably so, as a whole new coaching team and methods have had to be implemented. There is talent available to Coleman but Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and an ageing Craig Bellamy will, sadly, probably not be able to carry them through to Brazil on their own.

Verdict - Fourth in Group A.

Scotland

Scotland’s latest bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 begins with a winnable home match against Serbia on Saturday and they will hope to get off to a good start to give them a chance of making Brazil 2014 (18/1 to win Group A). The Scots have made good starts before, however, and then have faded badly when the crucial games came around but they will look at Group A and believe qualification can be theirs. Belgium (7/4f to win Group A) will more than likely top the standings but Craig Levein’s side can push Croatia hard for second spot and may just even sneak in as runners-up if they maintain their good home form and mix it up by being difficult to beat away from Hampden. It won’t be easy, of course, and Wales and Macedonia will be difficult opponents too but there is a feeling Scotland can finally progress, especially if Jordan Rhodes can transfer his prolific club form onto the international stage.

Verdict - Qualify as runners-up in Group B.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland have not made the World Cup finals since their famous 1986 showing in Mexico and they do not appear to have enough strength in depth to make it out of Group F (40/1 to win Group). Michael O’Neill’s side will have been delighted with the draw as, aside from traditional heavyweights Russia and Portugal, Azerbaijan, Israel and Luxembourg could all be viewed as beatable opponents, especially in front of a packed, passionate Windsor Park crowd. They have probably the toughest of starts in Russia on Friday, though, and, while Northern Ireland might just pick up a win or two along the way, qualification again looks a bridge too far for the European minnows.

Verdict - Fourth in Group F.

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Home favourites to struggle

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Spanish football is well and truly back and Monday sees what promises to be superb doubleheader, as recently promoted Deportivo La Coruna take on Osasuna, while Rayo Vallecano face Granada.

With all four sides being known for their inconsistency, it’s sure to be an exciting evening and there’s sure to be plenty of goals.

Perhaps the pick of the two fixtures will be the early game between last year’s Segunda Division champions Deportivo and possible La Liga surprise package, Osasuna, at the Riazor (Deportivo evens, draw 12/5, Osasuna 13/5).

After winning the title in 2000, Depor have slowly declined and following years of difficulty, were finally relegated at the end of the 2011 season.

However, after clearing out a number of their squad, they dominated in the second tier, eventually finishing six points ahead of their nearest rivals.

They will be looking to carry their form into the new season but much will depend on the quality of veteran Juan Carlos Valeron.

The former Spanish international is the only remaining veteran of the championship winning side and will be looking to inspire his team to victory on Monday.

On the other hand, Osasuna are one of the success stories of the last few years, defying the odds to consistently challenge for European football, despite their lack of resources.

This summer they have once again invested wisely, with their best signing looking to be the loan acquisition of Joseba Llorente, who could finally provide Los Rojillos with a the consistent goal threat they’ve missed over recent years, so look out for him to be on target on Monday.

This one looks almost too close to call and in what is certain to be an end-to-end game, Osasuna’s extra class may just see them through (Osasuna 17/2 to win 1-0).

The later game sees Granada travel to the capital to take on cash-strapped Rayo Vallecano (Rayo 6/5, draw 9/4, Granada 11/5).

Once again, Rayo have been blighted by financial problems and their squad has been seriously depleted, most notably with the exit of last term’s top scorer Michu to Swansea.

However, they may have just found the perfect replacement in Argentine Alejandro Dominguez who joined from Valencia.

Things didn’t really work out for the 31-year-old at the Mestalla but there is no doubting his quality and he’ll be looking to dictate the pace of the game on Monday.

After upsetting the odds by staying up last season, Granada could well struggle this season but their unique partnership with Udinese has helped them recruit well this summer.

Of the five players they’ve gained in the off-season from the Serie A side, former Italy under-21 striker Antonio Floro Flores could be the key man and he’s certainly still good enough at the top level, scoring 10 times in 18 appearances last year.

Finding the net has been a major issue for the Filipinos but the 29-year-old could make the difference for them this term and look out for him to regularly challenge the Rayo defence on Monday.

Like the first game, this looks almost too close to call but Granada appear to have just that extra bit of quality and should just sneak it by a single goal (Granada 15/2 to win 1-0).

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Tough tests for home nations

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Much of tomorrow’s focus will be on England’s clash with Italy, but there is an entire programme of international fixtures to look forward to, including an intriguing test for Northern Ireland, who are 13/8 to beat Finland.

Michael O’Neill’s men head into the home clash at Windsor Park in torrid form, having lost their last five international matches.

Finland, meanwhile, have lost just twice on their last five outings and were surprise winners against Turkey less than three months ago.

It is surprising, then, that the Scandinavian outfit are also locked on odds of 13/8 to win the game, as they appear have the edge in form.

Northern Ireland are placed 101 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, with Finland, who will look towards Rubin Kazan hitman Alexei Eremenko for goals, sitting at a more respectable 72.

The draw is available at 9/4, but a price of 13/8 on a Finland win is too good to ignore.

Elsewhere, Scotland welcome Australia to Easter Road on Wedneday evening for an encounter that has the potential to go either way.

The Scots’ recent form has been inconsistent, although there was nothing uncertain about the manner in which the USA went about dismantling Craig Levein’s men in their last match three months ago.

Australia are without a win since February, with their last two matches against Oman and Japan finishing all square.

It’s unsurprising, then, that so little separates the two teams in the match betting, though Scotland are the slight favourites at 6/4, ahead of Australia at 7/4.

But given the Socceroos’ knack for stalemates in recent months, the draw market at 23/10 is probably the real value option here.

With both teams likely to feature players who will have their own upcoming domestic commitments weighing on their shoulders, it’s unlikely that either set of players will have the drive to take this contest by the scruff of the neck.

Wales are another of our home nations who will play on home soil on Wednesday evening as they welcome the often unpredictable Bosnia-Herzegovina outfit to Parc y Scarlets.

The Welsh are without a win in two following disappointing home defeats to Costa Rica and Mexico, where they failed to score on either occasion, while their Eastern European opponents have also found it tough in recent months, crashing to defeat in each of their last five matches, albeit against strong opposition.

The trip to Wales for Bosnia-Herzegovina is followed by European Qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Latvia, and Safet Susic’s men will undoubtedly be eyeing a hat-trick of wins.

Chris Coleman’s Welsh Dragons will be aiming to extinguish that dream at the first hurdle, but with both teams priced at 13/8, the former Fulham boss, preparing for his first qualification campaign as national coach, will be anticipating a close contest.

The price of 9/4 on a draw again offers good value for money, but both teams have incentives to win this one, and home advantage under a coach who is keen to impress may just be enough to see Wales home.

The last of our home nations, Republic of Ireland, will be aiming to dispel memories of an arduous Euro 2012 campaign when they head east to face Serbia, who themselves will be keen to prove a point after failing to qualify for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Serbia are the strong 5/6 favourites for this game, with a confidence-low Ireland priced at 10/3 to salvage some pride at the end of a tough summer campaign.

The draw at 5/2 offers would be a reasonable pick depending on conditions, but it’s tough to see past a comfortable victory for Serbia in this one, with a 2-0 scorecast at 13/2 offering particularly good value.

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Home advantage to see Poles through

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Group A has possibly been the most exciting pool at Euro 2012 and Saturday is likely to see yet more twists and turns as the Czech Republic take on the inspired co-hosts Poland (Czech Republic 12/5, draw 12/5, Poland 6/5).

With Russia facing Greece in the other game, both teams go into the match in Wroclaw knowing a victory will see them through to the quarter-finals and keep alive their dreams of European Championship glory.

After a disappointing start to the tournament, the Czechs (4/5 to qualify) now appear to have found their form and produced a superb first half of free-flowing football as they defeated Greece in their second game of the tournament.

However, there were certainly times when they looked shaky, most notably at the back where Michal Bilek has been forced to rearrange his rearguard due to both injuries and poor form.

The unfamiliarity will surely mean that Chelsea shot-stopper Petr Cech will be regularly called upon on Saturday and he’ll be desperate to make amends, after his mix-up with Tomas Sivok allowed the Greeks back into the game on Tuesday.

The Poles (6/4 to qualify) came into the competition as the lowest-ranked side but have punched above their weight and now stand on the brink of qualifying for their first ever European Championship quarter-final.

Franciszek Smuda’s men disappointingly drew their opening game against Greece, despite getting off to the perfect start by taking the lead early on, but they showed their resilience on Tuesday, coming back from a goal behind to seal a famous draw against Russia to set up the showdown with the Czechs.

The hero that night was undoubtedly captain Jakub Blaszczykowski (9/2 to score at anytime) whose wonderful equaliser in Warsaw gave his side renewed hope after all looked lost.

The captain is one third of a trio of Borussia Dortmund players, alongside Robert Lewandowski and Lukas Piszczek, who have continued their Bundesliga form into the tournament and carried their country towards the knockout stages.

Their performances will be vital to any chance the Poles have of succeeding and look for Blaszczykowski to try and drag his side over the line.

This looks almost too tight to call and will certainly be a cagey affair. With the game being played less than an hour from the Czech border, it’s also going to be a vibrant atmosphere and both teams will certainly not be able to complain about a lack of support from their fans.

However, home advantage often counts for so much at these tournaments and the inspired Poles may just sneak through to the quarter-finals, but only by a single goal (Poland 13/2 to win 1-0).

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Yarmolenko key to home hopes

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Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine – priced 40/1 with totesport in the outright betting – can make it seven games unbeaten when they take on Austria at Tivoli Stadion Tirol in Innsbruck on Friday.

In a week when Germany and the Netherlands both crashed in friendly fixtures it is always wise to err on the side of caution when treading the path of non-competitive matches, but it is safe to suggest this outing means more to Ukraine than Austria.

The Austrians will not feature in this summer’s showpiece tournament having failed to qualify off the back of a wretched qualifying campaign which yielded just three wins, although they were thrown in at the deep end in a group with Germany, Turkey and Belgium.

Ukraine have enjoyed the benefit of not having to qualify but a kind pre-tournament itinerary, which has included friendly wins so far against the likes of Estonia, twice, and Israel is questionable when put under scrutiny.

The two sides met last November and Marko Devic earned 10-man Ukraine a stoppage-time 2-1 win. Since then the Ukrainians have scored seven goals in two further friendlies, including a 4-0 romp against Estonia on Monday. Andriy Yarmolenko ended an impressive season for Dynamo Kiev with 12 goals in the Ukraine top-flight and can be backed at 5/1 to end the tournament Top Ukraine Goalscorer.

Veteran striker Andriy Shevchenko (10/1 – Top Ukraine Goalscorer) made a cameo appearance in the second half and captain Anatoliy Tymoshchuk played just nine days after suffering Champions League final heartache with Bayern Munich.

The influential pair will be key to Oleg Blokhin’s hopes of leading Ukraine out of a Group D including France, England and Sweden (Ukraine 5/4 to qualify).

Ukraine can be backed at 11/8 to collect maximum points in a crucial opening game against Sweden (15/8 to win, draw 11/5 – 90 minutes), but, priced up at 4/7 stage of elimination – Group, are not expected to reach the knockout stages.

Ukraine squad:

Goalkeepers: Oleksandr Goryainov (FC Metalist Kharkiv), Maxym Koval (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Andriy Pyatov (FC Shakhtar Donetsk).

Defenders: Bohdan Butko (FC Illychivets Mariupil), Olexandr Kucher (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Taras Mikhalik (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Yaroslav Rakitskiy (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Yevhen Selin (FC Vorskla Poltava), Yevhen Khacheridi (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Vyacheslav Shevchuk (FC Shakhtar Donetsk).

Midfielders: Olexandr Aliyev (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Denys Garmash (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Oleh Gusev (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Yevhen Konoplyanka (FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Serhiy Nazarenko (SC Tavriya Simferopol), Ruslan Rotan (FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (FC Bayern München), Andriy Yarmolenko (FC Dynamo Kyiv).

Forwards: Andriy Voronin (FC Dinamo Moskva), Marko Devic (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Artem Milevskiy (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Yevhen Seleznyov (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Andriy Shevchenko (FC Dynamo Kyiv).

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Home rule in Europa quarters

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Following the drama of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s the Europa League last eight ties that take centre stage on Thursday. Here we preview the four first-leg matches.
Despite no English involvement, there is still plenty for punters to consider in Europe’s second tier competition as it nears its conclusion, with veteran European campaigners Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Schalke and Sporting all still involved, while Manchester United’s conquerors Athletic Bilbao will be hoping to build on that famous triumph at Old Trafford.

AZ Alkmaar v Valencia

AZ remain, along with German underdogs Hannover, the outsiders to go on and win the Europa League (both 16/1 outright) but they will fancy their chances of at least holding Spanish giants Valencia at home in the first leg.

The in-form Dutch side are an attractive 13/8 to come out on top on Thursday, with Los Che available at 17/10 and the draw 9/4. That maybe just the astute bet here but a home win is the prediction.
AZ have had a superb season so far, and are currently top of the Eredivisie, losing just five league games all season, while they are unbeaten in six domestically. Add to that the fact they saw off a talented Udinese side in the last round and Valencia have plenty to fear ahead of this intriguing clash.

Prediction – Home win.

Atletico Madrid v Hannover

This is the home banker of the four games on Thursday and it’s hard to look past a comfortable win for the Spanish side (take 2-0 at 11/2).

The German outfit have exceeded expectations to get this far in the tournament and are a creditable eighth in the Bundesliga but will surely find it tough going in the intimidating Vicente Calderon.

Atletico are odds-on (1/2) to win the first leg while Hannover (6/1) are rightly the outsiders. However, recent form has been good with two impressive wins over Cologne and Standard Liege (4-1 and 4-0) before a narrow 2-1 defeat at in-form Bayern Munich last time out.

That will give the visitors hope of causing an upset on Thursday and it’s likely to be tight in the first half but Atletico should ultimately prevail (HT/FT – Draw/Atletico – 10/3).

Prediction – Home win.

Schalke v Athletic Bilbao

Bilbao will be bouyant following the superb deserved two-leg triumph over United and will rightly now fancy their chances of progressing even further in the competition. They can be backed at a value 10/3 to win the Europa League outright and they have the talent to go to Schalke and win this week (Bilbao 23/10, Schalke 23/20, draw 12/5).

The Gelsenkirchen-based side emphatically beat FC Twente 4-1 last time out in the competition to book their last-eight place so will again be difficult to beat in front of a passionate home support and they go into the game on the back of a three-game winning in the Bundesliga. However, we fancy an away win here to keep the Bilbao bandwagon on course.

Prediction – Away win.

Sporting Lisbon v Metalist

Another home win looks on the cards in this one as Portuguese giants Sporting host the Ukrainian underdogs (Sporting EVENS, Metalist 11/4, draw 12/5).

Sporting produced their best performances of the season to see off Manchester City in the last round and they now take on a weaker Metalist for a place in the semi-finals. They will not underestimate their opponents and a disappointing domestic campaign to date, which has left them fifth in the table, points to the fact all is not well at the club, but don’t be surprised to see a comfortable home win here.

Metalist are third in the up-and-coming Ukraine league (behind the traditional big two of Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk) and were extremely impressive when seeing off Salzburg 8-1 on aggregate in the last round but this is another test completely and first-leg disappointment looms for the visitors.

Prediction – Home win.

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Home a comfort for Baggies

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The exciting Premier League action continues on Sunday with West Brom taking on Newcastle at the Hawthorns (West Brom 5/4, draw 23/10, Newcastle 23/10 Match Betting). Both sides still have plenty to play for with the Baggies needing a few points to guarantee their Premier League survival while the Magpies are still in the hunt for a European place.

After years of yo-yoing between the Championship and the top flight, Roy Hodgson’s men now look to be an established Premier League side and after the 11th-place finish last season, once again look on course for another solid mid-table finish.

A lot of their progress has been attributed to the impact of experienced manager Hodgson, so much so that he’s now being touted as a possible candidate for the England job.

The Baggies go into the game in solid form, having lost just one of their last five games and are sure to be confident on their home turf after consecutive wins at the Hawthorns.

The player to look out for will be winger Chris Brunt (11/4 to Score Anytime) who, after missing most of the season through injury, is now back to full fitness. The Northern Irishman has the extra quality that not many other of the Black Country side’s players have and his performance will certainly have a say on the outcome of the match.

Newcastle have recently suffered a blip in their form but claimed a vital three points last time out against Norwich and will be looking forward to their trip to the Midlands.

Alan Pardew’s men have been the surprise package of the season and still hold out hopes of clinching a place in European place, boosted by Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Wigan at Anfield on Saturday.

Their brand of attacking and exciting football has wowed fans this campaign and with West Brom also preferring to play the ball on the ground, the game is sure to be a cracker.

One of the Magpies’ weaknesses over the last few seasons has been their inability to find the net. However, this has changed this term, mainly down to the impact of summer signing Demba Ba (3/2 to Score Anytime).

The Senegalese forward disappointed last term while at West Ham, but has shone on Tyneside, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

The 26-year-old is likely to line-up alongside compatriot Papiss Cisse on Sunday and both will be looking to make the difference in what could prove to be a vital match in the outcome of their season.

The match could turn out to be one of the games of the weekend but home advantage should see the Baggies through, although it looks certain be close (West Brom 8/1 to win 2-1).

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Home advantage key in FA Cup

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Bet on the FA CupThe two remaining FA Cup quarter-finals take place on Sunday afternoon, as Chelsea face Leicester at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool entertain Stoke at Anfield. Both ties are likely to be tight affairs but home advantage is set to prove crucial in the battle for a place in the last four.

Chelsea v Leicester (2:05)

The only Football League team left in the competition face a tall order (Match Betting – Chelsea 2/7, draw 9/2, Leicester 10/1), with Leicester looking to produce a cup shock at Chelsea – but don’t rule it out!

The Foxes have already upset the odds by beating Norwich at Carrow Road in the last round and have a squad that should be doing better than they are in the Championship. In Nigel Pearson, Leicester also have a shrewd manager who will make his team hard to break down.

Strike duo Jermaine Beckford (10/3 – Anytime Goalscorer) and David Nugent both have top-flight experience and Beckford, who is the FA Cup’s joint top scorer with five goals, has the pace to cause the Blues backline real problems.

A lot will be asked of Leicester’s defence and the likes of Wes Morgan and Sean St Ledger will have to be on top form if they are to snub out the considerable threat of Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge.

Leicester will be hoping that they encounter a tired Chelsea team, following their extra-time Champions League exploits against Napoli in midweek. The home side may also be without key defenders David Luiz and John Terry, who both picked up knocks in Europe.

On the other hand, that outstanding comeback success will further boost confidence in a squad that looks to have found a fresh impetus since the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

Chelsea (3/1 – FA Cup Outright) have won three successive games in all competitions since Roberto Di Matteo took charge and predictably will start strong favourites – especially having progressed on each of the four previous occasions they have been drawn against Leicester in the FA Cup.

All in all, Chelsea look too strong for their Championship opponents, but Leicester will make it tough for Premier League side if they are at their best.

Liverpool v Stoke (4:00)

These two teams know each other inside out, having already played three times this season. All the previous games have been tight affairs and expect more of the same this time (Match Betting – Liverpool 2/5, draw 10/3, Stoke 8/1).

Stoke defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the Premier League back in September before the Reds knocked the Potters out of the Carling Cup at the Britannia Stadium in October. The two teams then played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield in the league in January.

Stoke (5/1 to keep a clean sheet) have not won at Anfield in 53 years and will feel that run has to come to an end at some stage, but Liverpool’s cup form has been outstanding and they appeared determined to reach another Wembley final.

The Carling Cup winners will be buoyed by their Merseyside derby win in midweek and the expected return from injury of Craig Bellamy (9/2 – First Goalscorer) will give them another lift.

Kenny Dalglish, who has defended Stoke’s style of play this week, is likely to stick with much the same side that disposed of Everton on Tuesday and will hope home advantage will pay dividends.

Tony Pulis’ men tasted cup fever last season, reaching the final before losing to Manchester City, but will go into this match with no fear having now firmly established themselves as a Premier League side.

Stoke’s lack of goals is the major concern for those looking to back a cup upset, with the Potters unable to score more than one goal on their travels in the Premier League since January 2 – although they have scored seven goals in three away cup ties at Crawley, Derby and Gillingham.

With Dalglish hungry for more silverware and with an expectant home crowd, Liverpool (5/2 – FA Cup Outright) could just edge another tight tussle between these two clubs.

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