Tag Archives: targets

Jelavic targets golden boot

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The new Premier League season is fast approaching, with less than a month to go before the battles at the top and bottom of the table are renewed.

While most people’s focus will be on the success of their team, there are those who might have one eye on individual glory as well. We examine who could pick up the biggest prize on offer to just one player – the Premier League golden boot.

As any football manager will tell you, a natural finisher can be worth his weight in gold when it comes to achieving a club’s long-term ambitions. Last season was a prime example as Robin van Persie carried Arsenal to third almost single handily. Without the Dutchman’s goals, the Gunners would have struggled to finish in the top half, let alone in a Champions League position.

Van Persie finished atop the scoring charts with 30 goals last season and is 10/1 to retain his gong this year, despite his future being up in the air as he looks to leave Arsenal. Given all the injury problems the 28-year-old has had in his career, it seems unlikely he will enjoy as prolific a season again, especially if he goes to either Manchester City or Manchester United where he will face plenty of competition.

The two Manchester clubs already have two of the best strikers in the Premier League and the co-favourites for the golden boot in Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney. Both players are priced at 8/1 to win the individual award after excellent campaigns last term. Rooney managed 27 goals for United last season, while Aguero netted 20 times in his first campaign in the Premier League. With City and United expected to be the main contenders for the Premier League title again, both players will need to have good seasons in front of goal if their respective teams are to be successful.

United and City also have some handy deputies for Aguero and Rooney, with United’s strike force featuring Javier Hernandez (20/1), Danny Welbeck (25/1) and Ashley Young (66/1). City can call upon Mario Balotelli (16/1), Carlos Tevez (14/1) and David Silva (66/1), but neither they, nor the United trio, are likely to win the golden boot.

To take that honour you need a player who the manager has either built the team around, ie Van Persie, or caters towards their style of play. While Liverpool as a team are something of an unknown quantity at this time under new boss Brendan Rodgers, you can bet Luis Suarez will figure heavily in his plans.

The Uruguay striker didn’t score as many as he should have last season due to a combination of his unsavoury antics resulting in a lengthy ban and some bad luck in front of goal. Suarez is 14/1 to win the golden boot this season and if he finds his shooting boots, might be worth an each way bet.

However, across Stanley Park, Liverpool’s rivals, Everton, surely have the best dark horse for the golden boot in Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian hitman joined from Rangers during the January transfer window and hit the ground running, ending the season with nine goals in 13 appearances.

The 26-year-old is 25/1 to finish top of the goal scoring charts this season and is surely worth a few quid given his uncanny ability to find the back of the net. With Steven Pienaar and Steven Naismith likely to be providing the ammunition, Everton and Jelavic could enjoy a good season.

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Jewell targets crucial win

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Ipswich v Coventry is the Championship game on Monday evening, when both teams will go in search of much need victory. Both Town and City are loitering above the relegation zone and either manager will be feeling the heat should there team end up on losing this fixture (Ipswich Evs, draw 23/10, Coventry 11/4 – Match Betting).

Paul Jewell’s side have endured a poor start to the new campaign, and have been on the receiving end of a couple of thrashings from Southampton and Peterborough. They do have wins to their name against Leeds and Bristol City, and are certainly capable of getting the better of an average-looking Coventry side at Portman Road.

Goals should not be a problem to come by for Jewell’s side, with Michael Chopra and Daryl Murphy both capable of scoring plenty at this level. Chopra is 9/2 to score the first goal and despite drawing a blank since a brace on the opening day, there looks to be good value in backing the former Cardiff striker – there is certainly more to come from the 27-year old once he fully settles in.

Ipswich made 12 additions to their squad over the summer and have not quite gelled as a unit yet, but it is only a matter of time before they start firing and can easily move up the table quickly. If they do settle as a side, they have the players on paper to challenge for a play-off spot.

Coventry, on the other hand, look set to be in a battle to remain in the Championship this season. They have won just one game so this season, which was their previous game at home to Derby. Goals have been hard to come by for the Sky Blues, just five goals in seven games so far, and without a regular goalscorer, it would come as no surprise if Coventry are not in or around the danger zone come the end of the season.

The one bit of solace for the Sky Blues comes at the back, as defensively they have been pretty solid, with no-one yet turning them over.

Both Paul Jewell and Andy Thorn have come under a little bit of pressure and even at this early stage in the season, this could prove to be a crucial match. With a lot riding on this match, don’t be surprised if both teams try to keep it tight. Ipswich (2-1 Correct Score – 7/1) will be particularly anxious in front of their home fans, but should have enough to prevail.

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McCoist targets Old Firm revenge

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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.

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O’Neill targets swift return

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Bet on the SPLFormer Celtic (4/5 to win the SPL outright) boss Martin O’Neill has insisted that he wants to return to management as quickly as possible after he walked out of the Aston Villa job.

The Northern Irish manager left the club just five days before the start of the Premier League season after what was believed to be a disagreement between himself and Villa owner Randy Lerner over the sale of star midfielder James Milner.

O’Neill is now looking to get back into a managerial hot seat and has been linked with a number of clubs including the vacant position at Championship side Middlesbrough as well as the Liverpool job as Roy Hodgson has had a poor start to his reign at Anfield.

Speaking about the future, the former Leicester City manager said: “I’ve been enjoying myself and getting rather lazy these last two months.

“But I obviously miss the game and I’m sure I’ll get back into it at some stage if I can.

“I’d rather that happened sooner rather than later.”

O’Neill could take the job at the Riverside as Middlesbrough look to turn their season around after a poor start to the campaign.

Boro were tipped to win the Championship this term but under the leadership of Gordon Strachan the side failed to live up to expectations and currently sit in 21st place in the league.

O’Neill would be an ideal replacement for Strachan as the club looks to climb up the Championship table.

The 53-year-old has also revealed that he had been interviewed for the England job before Steve McClaren was given the role after Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He said: “Obviously Steve had been there as assistant to Sven at the time, but I’m not sure of the way the voting system went.

“A number of candidates were interviewed – Big Sam Allardyce brought every piece of machinery and all the stats with him, unfortunately I didn’t.

“I just brought myself, and we all know what happened.”

O’Neill could be a candidate for the England (8/1 to win Euro 2012 outright) job in 2012 after the current boss Fabio Capello stated that he would retire from management after the tournament.

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Rooney targets scoring spree

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has managed to score just once in the current campaign but the England international is confident his form will improve soon (United 16/5 – Premier League outright).

Rooney’s off-field problems have been well documented of late, while his form and fitness have also been questioned but the striker is keen to get back amongst the goals and is certain his luck will change soon.

“You just have to keep working hard. I know I’ve been through this before and once one goal goes in, I am sure I will get more,” said Rooney. “If you don’t score, and you have chances, you are disappointed. I want to score but I have got a lot of games left in the season. I am sure this run without scoring will end soon.

“I don’t do anything different. I train as hard as I can every time I train and I do extra training every day and I’ve done that since I was a young boy.

“I’ll keep doing my training and I’m sure the goals will come.”

The 24-year-old has also struggled in front of goal on the international stage and has not scored for England since before the World Cup in South Africa.

The United star could not make an impact in the goalless draw with Montenegro on Tuesday but club and country team-mate Rio Ferdinand feels Rooney will rediscover his form soon and is confident he will be back to his best for both United and England before too long (England 8/1 – Euro 2012 outright).

“I think Wayne put in a good shift (against Montenegro). Sometimes with strikers you just need that little bit of luck in front of goal,” said Ferdinand.

“The ball didn’t really fall for any of our strikers to get a clean chance so to pick out ‘Wazza’ would not be fair.

“The ball just didn’t drop for us in their box. ‘Wazza’ is a great player but we can’t be too reliant on him.”

United face West Brom on Saturday as they look to continue their battle for the Premier League title, with Ferdinand and Rooney both expected to feature against the Baggies (Match Betting – United 2/9, draw 9/2, WBA 11/1).

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Hughes targets massive result

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Aaron Hughes is eyeing a big upset when he leads Northern Ireland (9/2 totesport.com Match Betting) out on Friday night and feels that if the team can repeat its performance from the opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia, then they can upset Italy (7/10 to win, 12/5 the draw) at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland (8/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) have enjoyed a good recent run in qualifying matches, losing just one of their last eight games with debutant Corry Evans scoring the the only goal against Slovenia in Maribor to get the Euro 2012 Group C qualifying campaign off to a perfect start.

However, Italy have won both their opening games to currently top the group, having beaten Estonia 2-1 away before a comfortable 5-0 rout of Faroe Islands in Florence.

Following a dismal World Cup campaign, the Azzurri are going through a transitional phase but Hughes still believes it would be a ‘massive’ achievement if Northern Ireland avoided defeat in their first home match in qualifying.

However, the Fulham defender also insists that a result is not beyond them if they can show the form that earned them the first win of the campaign.

“We said at the start that you try to pick up what you can on your travels. This is our first home match in the campaign and to get something from it would be massive,” Hughes said.

“It’s not a must-win where we need all three points. Even if we come away with a point, we’ve got to remember who we’re playing, one of the top sides in the world.

“So to come out of the game with something would be a fantastic result for us. It would add to what we’ve already got.

“Italy have talented, exceptional players that can cause you all sorts of problems if you’re not on your game.

“But if we approach the game like we did in Slovenia and do the same things we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Craig Cathcart, who made his debut in that opening victory against Slovenia, is currently suffering with a back spasm, which may see Manchester United defender Jonny Evans return to the starting line-up.

That is expected to be the only change with Slovenia match-winner Corry Evans again starting from the bench.

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has also stated that Roma striker Marco Borriello (5/1 to be first or last goalscorer) has been preferred to Sampdoria’s Giampaolo Pazzini and Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and will lead the line for the visitors.

The 28-year-old starts alongside Antonio Cassano and Simone Pepe in a 4-3-3 formation, while Lazio’s Stefano Mauri has been recalled to the side for the first time in three years, and will play alongside Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi in midfield.

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Wenger targets ‘big’ victories

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Arsenal manager Arsene WengerArsene Wenger believes it is paramount for Arsenal to beat the teams challenging for the title as he prepares his side to face Chelsea on Sunday (Arsenal 19/5 to beat Chelsea).

The Gunners are desperate for some sort of silverware this term, having not picked up a trophy since doing the double in the 2004-05 season, and they face their toughest test of the campaign to date with a trip to Stamford Bridge (Arsenal 7/1 to win FA Cup).

The north Londoners have enjoyed a good start to the season but are already four points behind league-leading Chelsea after a shock 3-2 defeat to West Brom last weekend.

The Blues are tipped to win the Premier League this season, with Manchester United as their nearest challengers, but Wenger maintains that his young side can have a say in proceedings.

Arsenal failed to take a point off both Chelsea and United last season and the French tactician believes that the only way to win the Premier League is by beating the biggest teams around.

“The only team I have seen win the Premier League without winning the big games is Manchester United,” he said. “It is vitally important to win the big games.”

And Wenger is glad that he will take his side to Stamford Bridge with Carlo Ancelotti’s men having been brought down to earth with defeat to Manchester City last weekend.

“It is easier to play Chelsea on Sunday when they have lost two games than two weeks ago, that is for sure,” he added. “Every defeat makes you just a fraction smaller.”

The Emirates club began the season with a creditable draw against Liverpool before three straight victories against Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton.

Sunderland managed to hold Wenger’s men to a draw at the Stadium of Light but it was the defeat to the Baggies last time out that sent shockwaves through the Premier League as the west Midlanders were 3-0 up at one stage.

The Gunners will have to do without captain Cesc Fabregas, centre-half Thomas Vermaelen, keeper Manuel Almunia and forwards Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie for the daunting clash in west London.

Didier Drogba is enjoying another superb season for Chelsea (Drogba 7/2 to be first goalscorer) and he will be hoping to keep up his good form on Sunday but Wenger does not believes that his men should concentrate all their efforts on stopping the African star, as Chelsea have so many options going forward.

“I feel we should not make an obsession of one player of Chelsea because they have a few players who can score goals against us,” he added. “What is important is that we have the ball, that we dominate the game and that we are efficient defensively.”

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Becks targets international return

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David Beckham has not given up hope of a return to the England set-up despite boss Fabio Capello suggesting the midfielder has played his last competitive game for the Three Lions (England 9/1 to win the European Championships 2012).

Beckham, who is England’s most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, has now recovered from the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup and has returned to action with club side LA Galaxy.

The 35-year-old has spent two separate loan spells with Italian giants AC Milan in the last two seasons but Beckham has distanced himself from a return to European football this season (AC Milan 15/8 to win the Serie A title).

“I don’t think so,” said the former England captain when asked if he had any plans to return to Europe on loan this season.

“I’ll never say never, but after my injury I need to really focus on getting my full fitness back.

“Physically I need to get myself back in order after a very long time out of the game. I can’t say for sure, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Capello suggested Beckham’s England career was over earlier this year as the Italian boss intends to bring through a new generation ahead of the 2012 European Championships (England 1/7 to win qualifying Group G).

However, Beckham has not given up hope of pulling on an England shirt again, although he feels the manager is right to offer the younger players the chance to impress on the international stage.

He added: “Ever since I was a little kid all I ever wanted to do was to play for my country. Whether the road is over or not, I don’t really know, but I will continue to work hard to get my fitness right because that’s the important bit at the moment.

“Once I’ve done that, we’ll know more.

“I hope England continue to push on and keep bringing young players through; this is an important thing for the future of English football at international level.”

Capello faced somewhat of a backlash from the English public over the way he handled his announcement regarding Beckham’s future in the wake of the Three Lions’ dismal World Cup campaign.

The former Real Madrid boss told a press conference Beckham was no longer in his plans before he told the former Manchester United and Real midfielder his intentions.

Capello has since backtracked, to a degree, on his comments regarding Beckham and stated that the door is always open if a player impresses, regardless of age.

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Torres targets United scalp

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Liverpool star Fernando Torres has admitted he is desperate to secure a victory over Manchester United this weekend to kick start the Anfield side’s season (Match Betting – United 7/10, draw 5/2, Liverpool 19/5).

The Spanish striker has admitted he would love to come away from Old Trafford with all three points as he knows how much the fixture means to the fans (Torres 7/1 to score the first goal).

“It means everything to them [the fans],” explained Torres.

“We are the two most successful teams in England but it has not been nice  for the Liverpool fans to watch Manchester United  have so much success over the recent years.”

Liverpool have managed to pick up just five points from their opening four games but Torres is confident the Reds can win on Sunday.

The Spanish international was quick to praise new boss Roy Hodgson and the Liverpool squad, and Torres remains hopeful the club can pick up some silverware this season.

He added: “We have a great squad and a great manager, and we really hope to give the fans a trophy this season, as well as beating Manchester United for them.

“The Liverpool fans are great, when you play well they are behind you and when you are not playing the best they are still behind you.

“I walk my dogs round the city, and before matches like Manchester United the fans will tell you good luck and things like that. It’s clear how much the Manchester United games means to them.”

Torres’ new strike partner, Milan Jovanovic, is also confident his side can climb the table after a slow start.

The Serbian international, a summer signing from Standard Liege, admits he is yet to find his best form since his move to Anfield but hopes he will adapt to the Premier League soon and believes Liverpool can mount a title challenge.

“It is going to take time because there are a lot of new players,” said Jovanovic. “But if we keep getting the ball to Stevie (Gerrard), we will be much better.

“I have no doubts that we will climb the table.

“The Premier League is tough but we are Liverpool. That is what matters.”

Torres may have his sights set on United but Liverpool are in Europa League action tomorrow night as they welcome Romanian side Steaua Bucharest to Anfield, although Hodgson may chose to rest Torres or hand him a place on the bench due to Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford (Liverpool 1/4, draw 9/2, Steaua Bucuresti 11/1).

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Houllier targets top four

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Aston Villa boss Gerard HoullierNewly appointed Aston Villa (9/1 to finish in the top four) boss Gerard Houllier believes that the club is set for a new era as they target a top four finish in the Premier League this season.

Villa have been on the hunt for a new manager since Martin O’Neill walked out on the club just five days before the start of the new season.

USA boss Bob Bradley was the favourite to become the next manager at Villa Park but Houllier has been given the challenge of getting the Midlands side into the Champions League qualifying positions.

The Frenchman has been given a three-year-deal as he looks to stabilise the club after the surprise exit of O’Neill.

The club and Houllier’s representatives are still finalising terms but the 63-year-old is expected to be in the role after the match against Stoke City on Monday.

The former Liverpool (6/4 to finish in the top four) boss has stated that he is keen to get on with the job as the club looks to move forward.

He said: “I’m pleased, I’m proud, I’m hungry, I’m healthy and I can’t wait to come.

“I had several offers but it looked as if Aston Villa like to do things as a team. I like to work as a team and I can feel that we are going to be in this together.

“It’s a new era, in terms of training, in terms of habits, in terms of everything,” he added.

Houllier has not managed in the Premier League since he left Anfield back in 2004 but the former Lyon boss believes he can still make an impact in one of the toughest competitions in the world.

When asked if Villa could challenge for a top four finish Houllier stated that given time the club can achieve that target.

He said: “The team will probably improve in the long run and if we are spared by injuries and also manage to get one or two players at the right time, then why not?

“But the aim of course is Europe, places of honours and silverware.

“We know where we want to go, we know it will take time, that’s why I was passionate about getting back into management,” he added.

Houllier looks likely to take charge of the side ahead of their Premier League clash against Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park on September 18.

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