Tag Archives: revenge

Barca can gain La Liga revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Spain may still be basking in the glory of their stunning Euro 2012 success earlier this summer, but the new La Liga season is just around the corner. Here we look ahead to the new domestic campaign and, in particular, the title battle.

The Spanish top flight kicks off over the weekend of August 18-19 and, predictably, Real Madrid are favourites to retain their crown with totesport making them odds-on at 4/5 to be celebrating again come May.

In fact, a quick check of the outright odds reveals that it is expected to be a repeat of last term and a straight fight between Real and their great ‘El Clasico’ rivals, Barcelona (11/10 – Outright), for the top prize in 2012-13.

Jose Mourinho’s men ended up winning the league last term by nine points and got the better of Barca in the crucial April clash to make amends for their early home defeat against the Catalans. Those three points helped seal the title after a season that had ebbed and flowed but with the capital-based club usually just about holding the upper hand.

It could, of course, be very different in the coming season with Barca sure to want to reclaim their crown and prove there is life after Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp.

New coach Tito Vilanova has inherited the star-studded squad and also has another one of Spain’s summer heroes to utilise this season after the capture of Jordi Alba from Valencia was confirmed during the European Championships. Alba has emerged as a world-class performer and will slot into left-back as first choice to plug what had become somewhat of a problem position for the Blaugrana last term.

His addition to a squad already containing Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano (to name just five) is a frightening prospect for the rest of La Liga.

But that’s not all. On top of his arrival, Barca are also set to welcome back star striker David Villa, who is expected to be fully fit for the start of the season after recovering from the broken leg he suffered in December. If he stays fit, Villa could be the difference in 2012-13 and his goals could help wrestle the title back from Real’s grasp.

Mourinho and co will, obviously, have other ideas. Some fine-tuning might be undertaken by the Portuguese coach at the Bernabeu and he is looking to add Luka Modric to his midfield from Spurs. If that move comes off – and it is by no means a certainty with Manchester United also very keen – then Real will be an improved outfit for next term because the Croatia star appears born to play in Spain.

Away from the big two, and next on totesport’s outright market, come Malaga and Atletico Madrid – both priced at 50/1. But, sadly for both clubs, the best they can hope for is third and they are expected to trail the big two by a significant margin come the business end of the season. Valencia are on offer at 66/1, meanwhile, but it would surely be a wasted bet to look anywhere else other than in Barca or Real’s direction when considering who will lift the title.

The La Liga race between the two great rivals is set to be as intense as ever, then, and expect it to be closer in the final weeks than last season.

Real will not give up their crown easily but Barca, with Villa back and Alba in, should just have the edge.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Liverpool look for revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool will look for revenge their FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday when the two sides meet again in the Premier League at Anfield on Tuesday night (Liverpool 11/8, draw 12/5, Chelsea 15/8 – 90 minutes).

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish and his side will still be hurting after they failed to show up for the first hour of the showpiece of the famous old cup competition in the capital.

The impact of striker Andy Carroll (13/2 first goalscorer) was a big boost to his side when he came on against the Blues and he may well have earned himself a place in the starting line-up for Tuesdays rematch.

With his ability to unsettle defenders and at last, signs of quality in front of goal after a barren spell for the Merseyside outfit, Carroll looked more like the player Liverpool invested so much money in over a year ago.

The former Newcastle frontman was unlucky not to score the equaliser at Wembley, with his header in the dying stages of the game cleared off the line by Petr Cech, who has been superb between the sticks in recent months.

With the likes of David Luiz and Gary Cahill still out of action through injury, Carroll should be able to produce another dominant performance if he can recreate that same energy as he did for the cameras at Wembley.

Luis Suarez (11/2 first goalscorer) failed to make a real impact in the cup final but he has looked in good form of late and the makeshift Chelsea backline will be fully aware what the Uruguayan international is capable of.

As for Chelsea they go into this game on a high after their first trophy of the season and they will be looking to make it a historic double if they can overcome Bayern Munich in their own back yard in the Champions League final on May 19.

Following their defeat to Newcastle last week, Chelseas chances of finishing in the top four took a serious blow and now their best chance of playing Champions League football next season, is by winning the prestigious tournament this term.

For this reason we may well see a much-changed Chelsea outfit fielded by interim manager Roberto di Matteo, who will certainly have one eye on their showdown in Munich less than two weeks away.

Fernando Torres, who started the FA Cup final on the bench, could be given a starting role against the club he left for a British transfer record of £50m.

The former Reds striker has started to show glimpses of the form that made him an exciting prospect on Merseyside and having scored the goal that seal Chelsea’s place in the Champions League final after a torrid season, it would be no surprise to see Torres (13/2 first goalscorer) pop up with a goal against his former employers.

Recent games between these two teams would suggest this match is bound to be another exciting encounter but with Chelsea distracted by European matters, Liverpool might just get the revenge they want after a disappointing weekend.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Rovers can reap revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Blackburn Rovers (7/5 in Match Betting) can exact revenge on Sunderland (2/1, Draw 12/5) for their last-gasp defeat at the Stadium of Light earlier this season when the two clubs meet again at Ewood Park on Tuesday.

Rovers looked poised to take at least a point when they led going into the last 10 minutes in what promised to be frustrating first day at the office for recently-appointed manager Martin O’Neill back in December.

But David Vaughan’s late equaliser was followed by a stoppage-time winner from Sebastian Larsson, which left Rovers boss Steve Kean to rue his luck as his side missed out on the chance of moving above the Black Cats in the Premier League table.

How much did that goal change the fortunes of both clubs – Sunderland subsequently won six of their next nine matches to move far enough away from the relegation zone to begin thinking about challenging for a European slot next season. Blackburn lost their next two – also by a 2-1 scoreline – before briefly picking up between Christmas and New Year, but they will go into Easter still haunted by the spectre of Championship football next season (10/1 Sunderland win 2-1 in Correct Score).

Blackburn boss Kean does, however, have a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from for the return fixture.

Vince Grella is the only absentee as he continues to struggle with a calf problem, but Bradley Orr returns to the squad.

Sunderland will assess the fitness of full-back Phil Bardsley, who completed the 90 minutes against Everton in the FA Cup despite pain from a dig in the ribs he appeared to receive from Tim Cahill.

Stephane Sessegnon and Lee Cattermole remain suspended, while Kieran Richardson is out with a calf injury.

Blackburn played some of their most fluent football of the season in last week’s 2-0 away win at troubled Wolverhampton Wanderers and, with two goal hero Junior Hoilett playing well (2/1 Anytime Goalscorer), will be confident of causing Sunderland’s patched up back four problems.

O’Neill is still without Wes Brown and Titus Bramble, as well as Richardson, while Bardsley’s fitness could mean a reshuffle across the backline with Matthew Kilgallon in and John O’Shea moved to full-back.

For this reason, it may be prudent to look among the Blackburn squad for value in the First Goalscorer market and there appears to be some with Rovers centre-backs Scott Dann (33/1) and Grant Hanley (33/1).

Sunderland have conceded a league-high proportion of headed goals (32%) in the top flight and may be vulnerable from set-pieces at Ewood Park, which brings the big defenders up from the back.

The Black Cats have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine Premier League away games and could struggle to keep Rovers out, but expect O’Neill to put out an attacking line-up (10/11 Over 2.5 Goals).

Sunderland have scored more goals from direct free kick shots at goal than any other team and will be a threat at dead ball situations from Larsson and McClean.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

London duo gunning for revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Four of the Premier League’s top five clash on Sunday in what could be one of the most significant weekends of the season so far, not least because of the extraordinary results we witnessed in the reverse fixtures last August.

Back last summer, with the league only three games old, City crushed Spurs 5-1 at White Hart Lane while Manchester ran riot at Old Trafford, destroying an inexperienced Gunners line-up 8-2.

It is perhaps no surprise then that the two Manchester clubs have led the way for much of the season. But their north London rivals have recovered from those early setbacks to rise back into contention too. Revenge, as well as Premier League points, will be in the minds of Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp.

Manchester City’s clash with Spurs was already a significant encounter, but the game at the Etihad has been made even bigger after the two managers traded pre-match barbs (Man City 10/11 draw 11/4 Spurs 3/1).

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp claims City’s rapid rise up the Premier League table in recent seasons in purely down to the generous backing of owner Sheikh Mansour, rather than any managerial skill by Roberto Mancini.

When told of Redknapp’s comments Mancini didn’t mince his words either, responding: “Harry can borrow money from us if he does not have it. If you have a chance to buy good players – you do.

“We have spent in two years to catch up, were we meant to take 10? For Spurs or Manchester United it’s different. When you’re always at the top you only change two or three players every year.”

The war of words between the two respective managers merely adds extra spice to what should be already feisty encounter, with Spurs just five points behind table-topping City in third (A repeat of City’s 5-1 win is priced at 66/1).

City have a formidable league record at the Etihad Stadium, having not lost there in the Premier League for 13 months, winning their last 15 in a row and conceding just six in their last 17 league games in east Manchester.

However, they have lost their last two cup encounters, against Liverpool in the Carling Cup and Manchester United in the FA Cup. Throw in their last gasp defeat to Sunderland on New Years Day, and City have lost three out of their last five in all competitions.

Injuries, suspensions and the upcoming African Nations have stretched even City’s expensively assembled squad, who are showing the first signs of vulnerability after a previously perfect start to the season.

Tottenham meanwhile have lost just once in the league since that their hammering by City and know a win at the Etihad would lift them – for a few hours at least – above Manchester United into second and just two points off the top (Tottenham to win 1-0 17/2).

It appears to be as good a time as any to take on Mancini’s men, though Spurs will be without Emmanuel Adebayor under the terms of his loan deal from City, giving Jermain Defoe a rare chance to start (Defoe 15/2 to score first).

Tottenham have hit 18 goals away from home so far this season – the fourth highest in the division – while City have scored 31 on their home soil, meaning the +2.5 goals is a value bet at 8/11.

Both sides know they cannot afford to lose this one which is why the tip is to go for a score draw, with 2-2 priced at 14/1.

Arsenal meanwhile go into their game with United on the back of two straight defeats, further denting their hopes of a late title surge (Arsenal 7/4, United 8/5, draw 23/10).

The Gunners have been ravaged by injuries, most notably in the full back positions, with Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Francis Coquelin and Andre Santos all unavailable.

Thomas Vermaelen is also out; Jack Wilshere remains a few weeks away from a possible return while there are  doubts over Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry.

The memories of that 8-2 mauling will no doubt still be fresh in the mind, though boss Wenger will be perhaps keen to remind them of  the fixture at the Emirates last season, when Aaron Ramsey’s goal gave the Gunners a 1-0 win (a 1-0 Arsenal win is priced at 13/2).

Manchester United meanwhile have the best away record in the division, though they did crash 3-0 at Newcastle in their previous league game away from Old Trafford.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones look set to return to boost a defence that has been uncharacteristically leaky so far this campaign, but with the likes Young, Fletcher, Anderson and Cleverly all out, their midfield remains a concern.

With the sheer amount of injuries between both sides expect a far from vintage display, but the value bet perhaps being +2.5 goals priced at 4/5 and a 2-1 United win priced at 17/2.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Gunners to exact Baggies revenge

Posted on by
Reply

For those of us who prefer a Saturday morning lie-in the early Premier League kick-off between Newcastle and Everton might be too early, but there are still five traditional 3pm games which promise fireworks.

Arsenal v West Brom

The Baggies pulled off one of the shocks of the season last year to inflict a 3-2 defeat on the Gunners at the Emirates and a repeat 2-3 scoreline can be backed at 50/1.

But before punters get too carried away it must be pointed out that win was West Brom’s first at Arsenal since 1983 when Billy Joel was topping the UK charts with ‘Uptown Girl’.

West Brom have problems up front for this one and will come up against an Arsenal side still buzzing from last weekend’s demolition job at Chelsea.

Last season: Arsenal 2-3 West Brom

Prediction: In-form Robin van Persie to score two or more @ 10/3

Aston Villa v Norwich

A couple of seasons ago these two sides were separated by a couple of divisions but now they are just a point apart in the Premier League – with the Canaries a place better off in eighth spot.

It’s debatable whether or not the men from East Anglia will be in the top half when the season ends but they have already enjoyed wins over Sunderland and Bolton and held Liverpool at Anfield.

Factor in creditable performances in losing causes against Chelsea and Manchester United and it is easy to make a case for Paul Lambert’s men.

However, Villa have been hard to beat this season and the most the Canaries can surely hope for is to plunder a point.

Last season: N/A

Prediction: A 2-2 draw pays out at a tasty 14/1

Blackburn v Chelsea

Poor old Steve Kean can’t seem to shake off the boo boys this season thanks to a record of played 10, won one, drawn three and lost 6.

Amazingly that one victory came against Arsenal – albeit a shambolic one – and the pressure will not be easing this weekend when Chelsea come to town.

Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League for the Blues is simply unheard of since the Roman Abramovich takeover of 2003 but that is the record they take to Ewood Park courtesy of London derby defeats at the hands of QPR and Arsenal.

But they are too good a side to not bounce back against a Rovers outfit who are currently even money to be playing in the Championship in 2012/13 – although a clean sheet might be hard to come by in Lancashire.

Last season: Blackburn 1-2 Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea to take it 3-1 @ 10/1

Liverpool v Swansea

The Reds may be sitting in sixth spot in the table after 10 games but it has been a slow-burning start to the season for Kenny Dalglish’s men whose unbeaten home record masks three draws from their five games in front of the Kop.

Norwich and Sunderland are two of the clubs to have taken a point home with them which underlines how hard Liverpool sometimes find it to meet expectation levels.

In contrast, away wins at Arsenal, Everton and West Brom have kept them in with a shout of the top four.

This weekend represents a great chance to take three more points against the worst travellers in the Premier League so far this season, with promoted Swansea shipping 14 goals in five games on the road to date.

Last season: N/A

Prediction: Liverpool to win 3-0 @ 7/1

Man Utd v Sunderland

History tells us Steve Bruce has never beaten his old boss in 17 attempts since becoming a manager and that statistic is underlined by the fact the former Red Devils star has used more clubs than Tiger Woods in attempting to pull the feat off.

It would be easy to simply put this one down as a banker home win – for good reason as Sunderland have not won at Old Trafford since 1968 – hence odds of 1/4 about a United victory.

United also know any slip-up will play into current league leaders Manchester City’s hands so there are enough factors at play to back up the form book as Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years at the helm.

Last season: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

Prediction: United to win 4-1 @ 12/1

Suggested treble: Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Whites target Bluebirds revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Sunday’s only clash in the npower Championship throws up what will undoubtedly be a fiery encounter between Leeds United and Cardiff City at Elland Road (Leeds 11/10, draw 9/4, Cardiff 2/1).

There is certainly no love lost between these two rivals and Leeds will be looking for payback after they suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Bluebirds on home soil last season.

The Whites have come on a long way since that sorry night at Elland Road and now look to have established themselves as one of the tougher sides to beat in the Championship.

Leeds failed to spend big money in the summer transfer window unlike other teams, with the likes of West Ham United and Leicester City splashing the cash.

However players have come to the fore and one man in particular will be looking to prove a point on Sunday.

Scotland international Ross McCormack (5/1 first goalscorer) was seen as surplus to requirements by Cardiff before he was snapped up by Leeds, and since making a slow start to life in West Yorkshire, has become the club’s top goalscorer this season.

The former Motherwell striker has been a threat throughout the Championship campaign so far and will be desperate to add to his tally against the Bluebirds.

Other players who have pushed on for the Whites have come from the club’s academy as Tom Lees and Aidy White have become mainstays in the side under manager Simon Grayson this season.

Leeds go into this on the back of a defeat to Birmingham in midweek but there will still be plenty of confidence in the ranks.

However in Cardiff they come up against a side who have been a bogie team for the Whites over the years.

Leeds have not beaten the Welsh outfit since the 1984/1985 season and the Bluebirds go into this game in a tidy bit of form.

A City win on Sunday would give them three victories in just over week, after they picked up three points against Barnsley last weekend and beat Burnley in midweek to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Cardiff may be without their own Scottish striker Kenny Miller, who required 20 stitches after his collision with his own team-mate Ben Turner.

However manager Malky Mackay still has the services of Welsh striker Rob Earnshaw (6/1 first goalscorer), who will be a player that Leeds need to be wary of on Sunday.

This is a close game to call considering the form of both teams and the high quality of personnel on both sides.

However Leeds have only lost one game at home in the Championship so far and will be fired up for this one with that 4-0 defeat in the back of their minds.

The Whites should scrape this one but expect plenty of goals between these two attacking sides, as Leeds hope to end their long wait for a win over the battling Bluebirds.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

United out for revenge

Posted on by
Reply

There are some tasty looking fixtures on Tuesday night as the Carling Cup becomes the focus once more, with two all Premier League clashes as well as an old rivalry renewed.

Leeds host Manchester United at Elland Road in a fierce rivalry clash with the Red Devils, unsurprisingly, strong favourites at 8/15 with the hosts available at 5/1 to spring a surprise and the draw at 3/1.

Sir Alex Ferguson has a tendency to field his fringe players in what is perceived by many as the weakest competition but he does have previous, having won the trophy three times in the last six years (United 6/1 to go all the way again).

A weakened team came unstuck against West Ham last season so there is always the potential for an upset, and Leeds did exactly that when landing a huge price to knock United out of the FA Cup in 2010 with a 1-0 at Old Trafford, when a League One side.

With the riches on offer by earning promotion to the Premier League, there is no guarantee that Simon Grayson will pick his strongest side, despite leading Leeds past Bradford and Doncaster to make it this far.

Ferguson might still be smarting from the FA Cup shock and with his side having made an impressive start to the season, it would be difficult to see his charges doing anything other than progressing.

United have won on their last two visits to Elland Road and have never lost to Leeds in the Carling Cup but it could be worth waiting for the teams news to see if that offers hope to the underdog.

Stoke and Tottenham go head-to-head at the Britannia Stadium after contrasting fortunes at the weekend, with the Potters getting trounced 4-0 at Sunderland, while Spurs enjoyed a 4-0 demolition of Liverpool.

Team selection is going to be key in this game with both managers also having to contend with the demands of the Europa League.

Tony Pulis’ men do have home advantage and have made the Britannia a difficult place to go – just ask Liverpool and Chelsea – and have been installed as marginal favourites at 8/5 in the match betting, with Spurs on offer at 13/8 and the draw at 12/5.

It may pay to side with the north Londoners on this occasion as they are coming into form having registered back-to-back wins in the top-flight and won home and away against Stoke last term.

They also have the less arduous task on Saturday when they travel to Wigan, with the Potters hosting the league-leading defending champions.

Aston Villa entertain Bolton in the other all Premier League fixture and this looks like a home banker, with Alex McLeish’s men priced at 5/6, the draw at 12/5 and Owen Coyle’s side available at 7/2.

Villa are unbeaten in their last eight home matches in all competitions and have a fantastic record in the competition, lifting the trophy five times and reaching the final eight times.

Things have gone spectacularly wrong for the Trotters following a 4-0 opening weekend win over QPR, having lost four successive league games, conceding 13 goals in the process, while the only win in the last five was a 2-1 home success over League Two Macclesfield in the second round.

It is difficult to see Arsenal (1/5), Wolves (4/5) and Blackburn (4/11) coming unstuck at home, while Newcastle (5/4) should have enough to see off Nottingham Forest (21/10), given the Championship side’s early struggles this season.

Middlesbrough (13/10) are fancied to continue their good form at Crystal Palace (19/10), with Rochdale (7/4) and Milton Keynes Dons (13/5) capable of winnign at Aldershot (6/4) and Burnley (Evens) respectively.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Revenge on Group C cards

Posted on by
Reply

The focus remains on the international scene on Tuesday with more Euro 2012 qualification matches taking place and there is certainly money to be made for those who think there may be shock or two with only game not having an odds-on favourite.

Alternatively it could be seen as a day for home comforts with only two away sides favourites to pick up the three points, Serbia and Spain, although the selection is for Slovenia to enjoy their trip to to Windsor Park to take on Northern Ireland.

The two teams cannot be split in the match betting with both available at 8/5 and the draw on offer at 11/5, but Slovenia have enjoyed their travels in Group C so far and can come away with the three points.

Nigel Worthington’s men had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the campaign, winning in Slovenia before holding Italy at Windsor Park, but a draw in Faroe Islands was followed by a defeat to Serbia and the Irish have now slumped to fifth in the table.

Injuries and suspensions have now become a factor though with Kyle Lafferty, David Healy and Aaron Hughes joining Steve Davis on the sidelines, while Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is a doubt with a groin problem.

The disappointing 3-0 defeat to Scotland in the Nations Cup has also affected the coach’s thinking with Worthington opting to now give youth its head.

After a gutsy first-half in Serbia, which saw Northern Ireland lead 1-0 at the break thanks to Gareth McAuley’s header from a free-kick, the second period was one-way traffic and the defence failed to hold out.

Very little was created from open play and with more onus on attacking in front of their own fans but with limited options, the Irish may struggle to open up Slovenia and leave themselves exposed at the back.

Slovenia have come away from Belgrade with a draw, which was not behind closed doors, while they won in Estonia, and following a tight affair with runaway Group C leaders Italy on Friday, Matjaz Kez’s men can bounce back with a win.

Serbia will of course have taken heart from the second-half performance against the Irish and are expected to justify 7/10 favouritism when they travel to Estonia.

The Baltic State have already lost twice away, while they only beat Faroe Islands 2-1 at home, and Vladimir Petrovic’s men will be looking to avenge a home defeat in the reverse fixture and should have enough ammunition to get the three points.

Turkey will be relieved to get back on home soil following a double defeat in October, losing 3-0 in Germany before a succumbing to a shock 1-0 defeat in Azerbaijan.

Guus Hiddink’s men will be determined to get their campaign back on track and can even climb into second place in Group A with a win – which they are expected to do at 8/15 – with Austria missing the key trio of Franz Schiemer, Mark Janko and Zlatko Junuzovic

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Chelsea eye United revenge

Posted on by
Reply

The draw has now been made for the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an all-Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United the highlight. Spurs face Real Madrid so who might make it to the semi-finals and beyond? (Barcelona 21/20 fav to win Champions League).

United will have fond memories of the last time they faced the Blues in Europe’s elite club competition as they beat Chelsea in the final to win the title back in 2008.

Avram Grant was in charge of Chelsea on that occasion but it will be Carlo Ancelotti in the dug-out opposite Sir Alex Ferguson for the two-legged encounter with the Red Devils.

Chelsea have certainly improved in recent times this term after a disastrous period around the New Year that saw them all but drop out of the Premier League title race, but the big-money Fernando Torres’ transfer has yet to pay off as he has failed to find the back of the net to date.

It is unlikely that his barren spell will last too much longer, however, and the Spaniard could be Chelsea’s trump card as they look to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.

United sit at the top of the Premier League without having hit the heights of previous campaigns but they have been too good for most opposition this term, although recent defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea have  given Arsenal a chance of taking the title (Arsenal 17/10 to win Premier League).

But how good they actually are will become apparent in the charged atmosphere of a Champions League encounter with Chelsea and this has all the a makings of a classic (12/5 for English team to win Champs League).

Spurs have been revelation in their first foray into the Champions League but they now face the biggest test against Jose Mourinho’s side.

Victory over Inter Milan proves they fear nobody and with good reason as Harry Redknapp has assembled a talented squad at White Hart Lane who have plenty of goals in them.

Gareth Bale has already shown his class this season in Europe and will surely be a big player over the two legs with the Spanish giants, while Rafael van de Vaart returns to his former club for the first time since leaving last summer.

Mourinho knows all about English football after three years at Chelsea and he will leave nothing to chance in is preparation for the two matches with Redknapp’s men.

Elsewhere Barcelona should have little trouble in seeing off Shakhtar Donetsk, despite the Ukrainians’ 6-2 aggregate success over Roma in the round of 16, while Inter Milan’s away-goals victory over Bayern Munich has landed them a tie with Schalke.

The semi-final draw has also been made and Spurs would possibly have to get past the mighty Barca if they were too make the final, while one of Chelsea or United will play Shakhtar Donetsk or Barcelona in the last four.

There are some excellent match-ups in the quarter-finals but the two games at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge will attract the most interest as John Terry will be looking for some pay back for his penalty miss that costs the west Londoners the title three years ago.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

McCoist targets Old Firm revenge

Posted on by
Reply

Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist feels his side’s recent 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park has inspired his side ahead of Wednesday’s Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against their fierce rivals at the same venue (match betting 90 minutes – Celtic evens, draw 12/5, Rangers 11/4).

Celtic appeared to take a significant step forward in their pursuit of the SPL title with the victory over Rangers on February 20 as a brace from Gary Hooper and a strike from Kris Commons condemned the Gers to defeat.

Rangers offered very little in the encounter last month and McCoist and boss Walter Smith have both admitted the Light Blues were not at their best but McCoist feels that result has revitalised their campaign.

Since the defeat at Celtic, Rangers have impressed and booked a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-2 draw at Sporting Lisbon, with the Glasgow side progressing on the away-goal rule.

In their last SPL fixture Rangers saw off St Johnstone 4-0 at Ibrox, while Celtic lost 2-0 at Motherwell, and McCoist’s side now sit five points adrift of the Bhoys in the league table with two games in hand.

McCoist, who will take over as boss once Smith steps down at the end of the season, admits Rangers did not perform in their defeat at Celtic Park but feels the result has proved to be a catalyst for the Gers’ change in fortunes.

“If you get beat 1-0 and were unlucky, you could maybe paper over cracks and kid yourself on a bit,” said McCoist.

“After that performance, there was no kidding ourselves on.

“Hopefully it’s a lesson learned because we feel, as disappointing as we were and Celtic did play well, we can play a lot better than that, we can play miles better than that.”

Rangers will be without on-loan winger Vladimir Weiss as he suffered an ankle injury in the win over St Johnstone.  Weiss has not been completely ruled out as yet but it appears highly unlikely he will feature and Smith has conceded he stands little chance of lining up against Celtic.

The Gers will also be without key man Steven Naismith and youngster Jamie Ness, while long-term absentees Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch will also miss the Old Firm showdown (Rangers 21/10 to win the Scottish Cup).

Celtic have no major injury concerns but they will be without on-loan goalkeeper Fraser Fortser and midfield playmaker Joe Ledley through suspension, meaning Lukasz Zaluska will start in goal (Celtic 15/8 to win the Scottish Cup).

There were six booking when the two sides last met at Celtic Park and the likes of Rangers forward El-Hadji Diouf and battling Celtic midfielder Scott Brown could certainly be in danger of picking up a card in the encounter.

Both Diouf and Brown are priced at 8/1 to receive the first yellow card of the game, as is Celtic defender Madjid Bougherra, and it is certainly an interesting market considering the passion that both sets of players will surely put into the Old Firm fixture.

Some reports have suggested Smith will employ a five-man defence, as he did with reasonable success in the Champions League earlier in the season, and the game could well be a tense affair.

Both sides are priced at 9/1 to win on penalties, while Rangers are 12/1 to win in extra-time and Celtic are 9/1.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.