Tag Archives: ready

Barca ready for title party

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There are still one or two domestic issues to sort out across Europe and with a full midweek programme in Spain’s La Liga culminating on Wednesday, a clearer picture will emerge of the success stories this season (Primera Liga – totesport).

Barcelona can wrap up the title on Wednesday, regardless of what Real Madrid do on Tuesday night, when they travel to Levante and it is difficult to see them not justifying 3/10 favouritism in the match betting.

Levante are priced at 10/1 to cause a shock, with the draw on offer at 4/10, but the season has started to fall away for the Granotes and they are currently on a three-game winless streak with nothing left to play for.

Barca have an impressive way record, easily the best in La Liga, and although they suffered their only defeat on their travels the last time they played away – a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad – there were mitigating circumstances for that defeat.

The Catalans fielded an understrength line-up for the clash yet still dominated, only to be undone late on, having substituted both centre-halves, while the game came the weekend before a crunch Champions League semi-final against arch rivals Real.

With a place secured at Wembley, Barca can now concentrate on the league and needing just a point from their remaining three games to guarantee the title, they can do it at the earliest opportunity and in the best possible style.

Lionel Messi has underlined why he is considered the best player in the world time and time again this season and is an obvious candidate in the goalscoring markets (9/4 to score two or more) but it may pay to side with Pedro to open the scoring at 7/2 as he is the one who generally makes the runs behind the defenders.

The Blaugrana have scored 45 times away from home in La Liga and with the pressure off against a side looking forward to their holidays, goals look a very real possibility at the Ciutat de Valencia.

Barcelona to score in both halves is available at 21/20 and Pep Guardiola’s men are also worthy of support on the handicap (-1) at 20/23.

Valencia bounced back to form with a 3-0 over Real Sociedad on Saturday and can confirm their third place with victory as 13/10 favourites at Espanyol at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

Los Che have easily been the third best team in the division – they have a five-point cushion over Villarreal – and boast an impressive away record with 10 victories on the road this year – bettered only by Barca and Real.

Espanyol (17/10 to win, 9/4 the draw) have been difficult to beat at home, losing just five times, but their season is stalling at just the wrong time with just one win in their last six games.

A massive game in the relegation battle takes place at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta with Real Sociedad (Evens in the match betting) taking on Real Zaragoza (23/10 to win, 9/4 the draw).

It has been a case of all or nothing for these two sides of late and with only one draw at the ground all season it is difficult to envisage another on Wednesday night.

It would be risky taking the 23/10 on the away win unless Zaragoza can reproduce the performance at the Bernabeu 11 days ago when they beat Real 3-2 – on the same evening Sociedad came from behind to beat Barcelona at home.

However, that was only a second road win this term for Zaragoza but with 10 home wins behind them, Sociedad look to have a great chance to pull further clear from the drop zone.

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Real ready to draw first blood

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Arguably the two best sides in world football go head-to-head on Wednesday night in the first leg of a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final clash and Barcelona are strong 4/9 favourites to qualify for the Wembley final on May 28.

The Catalan giants have been the outright favourites throughout the competition and are currently Evens to lift the trophy, with Real Madrid available at 10/3 after being handed the toughest of draws.

Despite suffering a 5-0 hammering at the Nou Camp earlier in the season, which meant a run of five straight defeats against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, Real have turned the corner and will go into the first-leg clash at the Bernabeu in an ideal position – perhaps reflected in the betting as they are slight favourites at 8/5 to Barca’s 13/8, with the draw on offer at 12/5.

Los Merengues managed to salvage a point in La Liga 10 days ago at the Bernabeu, despite being reduced to 10 men, but then won their first trophy under Jose Mourinho and first since 2008 when they beat their arch rivals in the Copa del Rey last Wednesday, winning 1-0 after extra-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo had struggled to find the net against the Blaugrana but appears to have turned the tide after scoring in both those encounters and should be looked at in the goalscoring markets (4/1 First/Last Goalscorer, Evens Anytime) – particularly as he takes free-kicks and penalties.

Mourinho of course managed to steer Inter Milan past Barcelona at this stage last season and has adopted what appears to be similar tactics aimed at stifling the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield.

Nobody out-Barcelona’s Barcelona but by employing Pepe in midfield alongside Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira, Real playing an aggressive, counter-attacking style certainly made life difficult for Barca – and expect more of the same on Wednesday.

Despite the wealth of attacking talent on both sides, those last two games have been very tight, cagey affairs and with a second-leg to come, the same is expected as Under 2.5 goals is priced at 4/5, with Over at 10/11.

As well as the tonic of Copa del Rey success, Real will certainly be buoyed by the performance of their ’second-string’ who routed third-placed Valencia at the Mestalla 6-3 on Saturday with Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain scoring five goals between them.

Ricardo Carvalho’s absence through suspension from Wednesday’s clash could be a problem as he has been a rock at the back and potential replacement Raul Albiol, who was sent off in the La Liga clash after hauling down David Villa, looks a weak link.

Sami Khedira’s absence through injury looks less of a blow with Lassana Diarra expected to fill in but it is Barcelona who are struggling more on the injury front.

The left-back position looks problematic with Eric Abidal, Maxwell and Adriano all ruled out and that is certainly an area Real can exploit – be it through Ronaldo, Higuain, Mesut Ozil or Angel Di Maria.

Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito have both been included in the travelling squad but are on the way back from injury and Guardiola may have to employ a midfielder out of position defensively to cover.

Of course, there is no getting away from the fact that Barcelona have the world player of the year, Lionel Messi, in their ranks and have the potential to beat anybody – with Xavi and Iniesta also pulling the strings.

However, with a second-leg at the Nou Camp to come, Guardiola is sure to play it more cautiously given recent results and would be happy to take them back home still in contention.

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United ready to edge through

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Manchester United will have to overcome some poor home form in Europe this season to defeat Marseille, while defending champions Inter Milan face the prospect of a last-16 exit on Tuesday.

Manchester United v Marseille (7:45pm)

The Premier League leaders look too good to slip up against Marseille, but recent results would suggest that it will be a tight affair.

Although they have been dominant at Old Trafford in the league, with 13 wins and no defeats in their 14 home fixtures, performances in Europe have been far less impressive.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men scored just two home goals in the group stages and picked up just one win in their three home matches – a 1-0 success over Bursaspor.

Having failed to score a valuable away goal in France in a goalless first leg, Fergie will be wary of conceding which could entirely change the complexion of the tie.

Marseille, in contrast, impressed on their travels during the group stage. The French champions won two of their three matches on their travels, scoring ten goals in the process, with their only defeat coming at Chelsea. Marseille are also unbeaten in their last five domestic away games.

United should be too strong for their opponents but it will be a nervy night for the home fans and they may not be able to relax until late on.

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

Bayern Munich v Inter Milan (7:45pm)

Bayern will start this game as favourites having already won 1-0 in the first leg in Milan and will be seeking revenge for last year’s defeat in the final to Inter.

A struggle in the league this season has led to Bayern deciding to part company with Louis van Gaal at the end of the campaign, but the Dutchman will be out to enhance his reputation with a good run in Europe.

A 6-0 home win over Hamburg at the weekend will have bolstered confidence and they should have enough to hold off an inconsistent Inter.

The Milan giants have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, winning two and drawing one of their three Serie A games since the home defeat to Bayern.

Similar to their city rivals, Inter are likely to put in a better second-leg display but are likely to be rueing that home loss by the end of the night.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

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Gunners ready to run gauntlet

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Those who have ever visited Camp Nou will know it is an awe-inspiring venue, fit for the best football on offer. Over the years Barcelona have delighted the 90,000-plus supports inside their coliseum and Tuesday night is shaping up to be another classic (Barcelona v Arsenal).

Last year Arsenal were taught a lesson by Lionel Messi as he scored all four of Barca’s goals in a 4-1 win for the home side. The Catalan giants will be looking towards the Argentinean magician to help overturn the 2-1 advantage Arsenal take to Spain as the Gunners prepare to batten down the hatches for the inevitable storm. We take a look at whether Arsenal can survive to keep their Champions League dream alive and which team might be going through from Shakhtar Donestk and Roma in Tuesday’s other last-16 clash.

Last year’s last-16 tie with Barcelona was a reality check for Arsenal fans who might have considered their team to have been on a par with the Spaniards. As it was the Gunners looked a long way off being anywhere near good enough to get the better of Barcelona and some feared it would be a case of déjà vu when the two went head-to-head this year.

However, Arsenal were magnificent at Emirates Stadium three weeks ago and while they rode their luck at times the Gunners deserved their 2-1 win. The victory broke the record of having never beaten Barcelona in European competition and went someway to ease the pain of last year’s defeat. They must now finish the job at Camp Nou. The Gunners are 7/1 to beat Barcelona in 90 minutes, while the home side are 2/7 and the draw is available at 9/2.

Even the most optimistic Arsenal fans will think that a win is probably beyond them given their current injury problems. In the three weeks since the two teams last played Arsenal have lost Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Alex Song to injury. Cesc Fabregas’ participation is touch and go, although manager Arsene Wenger is confident the Spaniard will play against the club who are desperate to sign him. Wenger has also hinted he will make changes to the team in order to have some fresh legs involved so expect a few surprise selections.

Barcelona have a few concerns of their own with first choice central defenders Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique absent, although with Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, David Villa, Messi and Pedro all fit that might be little consolation. Those who have watched Barcelona recently will know they aren’t at their flowing best but it just takes one or two great performances from those names previously mentioned and Arsenal could be out of Europe again.

The safest bet of the night looks to be for both teams to score at 8/11 given their respective attacking talents and lack of defensive skills. Arsenal will concede at some point and as such will have to score themselves to avoid going out on the away goals rule. With that in mind over 2.5 goals at 2/5 is probably going to be another safe bet based on the last three meetings.

Given Arsenal’s injury problems and their defensive naivety you fear another thrashing could be on the cards. However, a bit of luck and another performance like the one they produced in the first leg could give Wenger one of his greatest nights in charge of the Gunners.

Elsewhere in the Champions League, Roma head to Ukraine looking to become the first team in years to beat Shakhtar Donestk at home.  Having lost the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico 3-2 caretaker manager Vincenzo Mentella looks to have a huge job on his hands to keep the Italians European dream alive. For those who aren’t interested in matters at the Nou Camp or fancy a double Shakhtar are 10/11 to win at home, which doesn’t seem a bad price when you consider they are unbeaten in 11 matches at the Donbass Arena.

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Reds ready for Sparta test

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Liverpool can put their thoughts of climbing the Premier League behind them as they focus on back-to-back Europa League clashes with Sparta Prague, starting with a tough away leg on Thursday (Sparta 16/5, draw 23/10, Liverpool 10/11).

The Reds have made great strides under Kenny Dalglish since the departure of his predecessor Roy Hodgson. Apart from a blip last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic, results have started to go in favour of the Merseyside club.

Liverpool have already had some tough away days in the Europa League this season, with difficult trips to Holland, Italy and Romania. They have only managed to score one goal away from home in the competition, which came in a 1-1 draw with Steaua Bucharest.

Liverpool managed to battle out goalless away draws against Napoli and FC Utrecht whilst blooding youngsters in Europe. Like Manchester City against Aris Salonika, Liverpool may now look to strengthen their team for the knockout stages.

The Reds are without their skipper Steven Gerrard and experienced defender Daniel Agger, as they have been sidelined with injury. New signing Andy Carroll has travelled with the squad to the Czech Republic but he is still not fit enough to make his Liverpool debut.

One talented youngster who could make his first appearance for the Anfield club at the tender age of just 16 years and 71 days is Raheem Sterling.

The Jamaica-born striker would become the youngest player ever to play for the Liverpool first team if he manages to get on to the pitch on Thursday night.

Sparta will be another difficult nut to crack – especially on their home turf. It looks like it’s going to be close contest in the Czech capital and a low goal-scoring draw looks to be on the cards.

Flying the flag for Scotland in Europe are Glasgow Rangers who face Sporting Lisbon at Ibrox on Thursday (Rangers 6/4, draw 23/10, Sporting Lisbon 9/5).

As they did when they reached the final of the Europa League in 2008, Gers will be looking to make themselves difficult to beat.

Rangers will head into their first game in Europe without their season’s top goalscorer Kenny Miller who moved to Bursaspor in the January transfer window.

Rangers have to get something out of this home leg if they want any chance of going through to the latter stages of this tournament.

In front of a packed house at Ibrox, Gers could just grab a goal to have a slender lead going into the tough second leg back in Portugal.

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Barca ready to thwart Gunners

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Wednesday’s Champions League action sees the tie of the round as Arsenal take on 19/10 outright favourites Barcelona at the Emirates in the first leg of their last-16 clash with the Gunners on a revenge mission following their quarter-final exit last year. Perhaps not necessarily the choice of the neutral but there is also Roma’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Italian capital and here is a look at the betting for both games.

Arsenal v Barcelona

The Gunners are considered by many to be the best footballing side in England but unfortunately for them, they face the best footballing side in the world on Wednesday and it is not hard to see why the Catalan giants are the 5/6 favourites in the match betting.

Anyone who has seen Barca play over the course of the season is sure to have been impressed and they have forged a five-point lead at the top of La Liga, despite the vast amounts of money spent at arch-rivals Real Madrid and the summer signing of Jose Mourinho as manager.

At times, Barca have not quite lived up to their billing but are more than capable of playing when the pressure is one, demonstrated by the 5-0 hammering of Real in El Clasico.

The 2009 champions come into this match on the back of a surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday, which ended a 16-match winning streak in Spain.

However, excuses can be made for the result ahead of a big Champions League match and with Lionel Messi (7/2 to score the first goal) in red-hot form for the Blaugrana – has scored 24 goals in 23 league games and another six in the Champions League – it looks a case of whether Arsenal can keep pace.

Arsenal, who have top scorer Samir Nasri available after a hamstring injury, are certainly capable of scoring against anyone so goals look a certainty with Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals priced at 4/7.

The Gunners defence though is not the strongest – recently surrendering a 4-0 lead against Newcastle – particularly with Thomas Vermaelen out, and it may be a case that they need to outscore a side that not includes the World Player of the Year, but David Villa, Andres Iniesta and rising star Pedro.

The Catalans have never lost to Arsenal as well drawing 2-2 at the Emirates last season before destroying Arsene Wenger’s men 4-1 at the Nou Camp, while they also came from behind to win 2-1 in the 2006 Champions League final.

The clubs also met in the group stages in 1999/2000 which saw a 1-1 draw played out in Spain before Barcelona won 4-2 in the reverse fixture – at Wembley.

Arsenal also contrived to finish second in their group, despite winning their first three games with an aggregate 14-2 – and, despite winning four of the last five domestically, they haven’t played any side of the quality of Barcelona.

Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

Roma’s campaign started slowly as they suffered defeats to Bayern and Basle (at home) but won two and drew one of their last three games to make it through to the last-16, despite finishing with a negative goal difference.

They are 20/21 favourites to make home advantage count on Wednesday and although they won 4-0 the last time they played the Ukrainians at home in 2006/07, recent domestic form does not make pretty reading and a Shakhtar surprise looks good value at 3/1.

Much may depend on their sharpness having not played since December 28 because of the winter break in Ukraine but they have won 25 of 28 matches played this season, and won two out of their three away games in the group stages.

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Tigers ready to tame R’s

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QPR are the team of the moment in the Championship but their unbeaten run can come to an end this weekend when they face a Hull City side (21/10 – match betting) making big strides.

Neil Warnock’s men have gone 19 league games without defeat, including a 2-1 win over closest rivals Cardiff last Saturday.

But the R’s home form is more impressive than their away run and Hull pose another big test of their promotion credentials.

The Tigers are unbeaten in five games and showing signs of waking from their early season slumber, while history is also on their side – QPR have not won at Hull in the league since 1970 (six matches).

Meanwhile, second placed Cardiff have suffered a disappointing run in recent weeks, with just one win in their last five games, but should get back on track this Saturday.

The Bluebirds welcome bottom club Preston, who have won just four of their 19 league games to date. Darren Ferguson is under immense pressure at Deepdale and defeat could see the end of his reign.

It may be a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ at Portman Road, as Roy Keane’s Ipswich entertain high-flying Swansea (17/10 – match betting).

The Tractor Boys sealed a place in the Carling Cup semi-finals this week, but the league is proving a struggle for the East Anglians, who are currently just four points and five places outside the dropzone.

Swansea could cause more concerns for Keane on Saturday, with Brendan Rodgers’ men seeking a fifth win of the season on their travels.

Derby suffered a late defeat at Burnley last weekend, but the Rams can bounce back this week against a Norwich side on the same points as Nigel Clough’s men and just one place behind.

Leeds have gone six games without defeat and are likely to move into the play-off positions this weekend. Simon Grayson’s team will face an improving Crystal Palace (Leeds 8/11, Draw 5/2, C Palace 18/5 – Match Betting), but the Eagles face a massive test of their progress in front of an intimidating Elland Road atmosphere.

Coventry are the surprise package of the season so far and they will expect to take the points against a struggling Middlesbrough. But Boro are moving forward under Tony Mowbray and are good enough to take a point from the Ricoh Arena.

There’s a South Yorkshire derby at the Keepmoat Stadium and it would be a big surprise if the home team didn’t take maximum points. Doncaster (5/6 – match betting) have lost just once at home and welcome a Barnsley team that have taken just eight points from a possible 27 on the road.

Nottingham Forest have struggled for goals this season and after suffering defeat at Leicester, they face another potential banana skin this weekend. Bristol City have moved out of the bottom three with back-to-back wins, but it looks like Forest will end their hopes of three on the bounce.

Portsmouth’s form this season has pretty much summed up the unpredictable Championship, but they will be boosted by the visit of Burnley this Saturday (Pompey 7/5, Draw 12/5, Burnley 17/10 – Match Betting). The Clarets are the only team in the division not to have won away from home and those woes are likely to continue with a long journey to the south coast.

Sheffield United’s presence in the bottom five is a big shock to many, but they are struggling and have won just three of their nine home games to date. Reading are the visitors to Bramall Lane and the Royals are capable of causing more frustration for the Blades fans.

It was a massive surprise to look at the table and see Watford have won just twice at home and that column may look the same coming Saturday evening, as in-form Leicester visit Vicarage Road. Sven Goran Eriksson looks to have inspired the Foxes, who are now up to mid-table and expect on-loan Roman Bednar (7/4 to score anytime) to get on the scoresheet soon.

The evening match sees two teams who are likely to be scrapping to survive at the end of the season, go head-to-head. Scunthorpe’s away form has been impressive, with five wins on their travels, but they’re lack of form at Glanford Park will eventually dent confidence and Millwall are a decent bet to add to the Iron’s woes.

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Celtic ready for Old Firm clash

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Bet on the SPLCeltic (4/5 to win the SPL) boss Neil Lennon believes his team are in ‘prime condition’ to take on their city rivals Rangers on Sunday.

The Glasgow giants meet at Parkhead in the biggest game of the SPL season so far as both sides have won all of their first eight matches of the campaign.

Rangers are the current leaders in the league thanks to having a better goal difference than the Hoops as both sides have set up what looks to be another two-horse-race for the SPL title.

However, Lennon has insisted that his side has what it takes to beat Gers in the first Old Firm clash of the season.

He said: “They are playing some good stuff and they were excellent in the 2-1 win against Dundee United  last week.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from them in terms of a team performance and an attacking performance.

“So the tails are up, there is a wee bit of excitement about this game and the players are looking forward to it,” he added.

The Old Firm games always deliver exciting football but the fixtures between the two Scottish giants could take on added importance with both sides winning all their league games so far.

Rangers (10/11 to win the SPL) boss Walter Smith is taking part in his last season in management and the 62-year-old has admitted that he won’t miss the Old Firm games.

He said: “I must admit it’s a kind of nervy day.

“I think the way both teams have started the season, both seem to be playing confidently and will be looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“Both teams have every right to be confident. Maybe because of the fact we’ve both won eight games, this year’s four Old Firm games will take on an added importance,” he added.

Rangers will be looking to continue their battling form which has seen them come from behind in their last three SPL fixtures.

Gers also managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Valencia in midweek in the Champions League which keeps the Glasgow side in the hunt for a final 16 spot in the tournament.

Smith’s side will be looking to spoil their rivals’ winning record on Sunday as they hope to continue their good run of results domestically and in Europe.

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Totti ready to end goal drought

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Roma (8/13 – 90 minutes) coach Claudio Ranieri says Francesco Totti’s five-month goal drought is not a concern going into tonight’s Champions League Group E clash with FC Basel (9/2) at the Olympic Stadium.

Roma hailed the performance of  the Roma captain who was instrumental in the Giallorossi’s crucial 2-1 victory over Genoa at the weekend.

Totti has not scored since May, a run of 10 matches spanning the close season, and some critics had even suggested he may have been unhappy with his role in the line-up.

But, following his display against Genoa, Ranieri again refuted rumours concerning the pair’s apparently deteriorating relationship.

“He always trains to the limit. He’s missing a goal… but I’m very happy with him,” said the ex-Chelsea coach.

“I read that Totti was against me. You can’t write anything more absurd.

“I have a loyal relationship with all the players, particularly with my captain, who has spent his life here and who has suffered a thousand wrongs for his team.

“As a Roman and a Romanista (Roma fan), I don’t understand it.”

Ranieri is aware of the difficulty his side may face against Basel, who stuned the Serie A side 2-0 in last season’s Europa League clash at St Jakob Park (1/6 Roma – Group E To Qualify).

“They are a side that defend well, and are good on the counter-attack – they came close to getting a result against Bayern Munich,” he said.

“We know their strong and weak points, but I’d prefer to go into those with my players, not here.”

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Bent ready to seize chance

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Sunderland striker Darren Bent feels he deserves a starting spot in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday (England 1/25 to qualify for Euro 2012).

Bent has scored eight goals so far this season, including his first ever international goal in the 3-1 victory over Switzerland, and the 26-year-old feels he is ready to impress on the international stage.

However, Bent accepts that the decision is down to boss Fabio Capello, but if called on he is ready to fire England to victory.

“Naturally I’d love to start, but it’s not for me to guess what Mr Capello is going to do,” Bent told The Guardian.

“He has his own ideas, so who knows? He can surprise people.

“Knowing what I know already about the way the England manager works, my immediate goal is not starting the game but showing up well in training, because that is what he looks for.”

Wayne Rooney has been included in the 23-man squad to face Montenegro but there are still fears the Manchester United striker will miss out through an ankle injury – and Bent will almost certainly be handed a starting role if Rooney is not fully-fit.

Capello has selected four strikers to face Montenegro, with Spurs’ Peter Crouch and Bolton’s Kevin Davies also included in the squad, and the Italian tactician is likely to partner Bent with either Crouch or Davies if Rooney does not recover in time.

Bent missed out on the World Cup in the summer as Capello overlooked the Sunderland star, despite his impressive goal tally last season, but the striker is expected to be handed his chance to shine for England in the build up to the European Championships.

Bent has been described as “one of the important players for the future” by Capello and after scoring against the Swiss last time out hecould be handed another chance on Tuesday.

Bent admits he was frustrated to miss out on the World Cup and is delighted to have finally been given the opportunity to impress on the international stage.

However, the Sunderland striker insists he is not thinking as far ahead as the tournament proper in 2012, or the World Cup in 2014, as he is concentrating on securing regular action for the national side (England 9/1 to win Euro 2012).

He added: “The next World Cup is too far ahead to have as a target, so I’m looking to cement my place in the England set-up, maybe get a few more goals, and generally give myself the chance of reaching the Euros (in 2012).

“I’d love to go to a tournament with England, but it’s probably best not to look too far into the future. Just try to do well in the next game and take it from there.”

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