Tag Archives: threat

Graham Hunter exclusive: How PSG’s aerial threat can exploit Barca’s weaknesses

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Graham Hunter

European football expert Graham Hunter previews tonight’s Champions League quarter final between moneybags PSG and runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Champions League | PSG v Barcelona

It should be simple enough to predict Paris St Germain’s most likely avenues to score at home to FC Barcelona tonight.

In Thiago Silva (who scored a headed equaliser for Milan at the Camp Nou last season), Alex and Zlatan, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have three players perfectly able to take advantage of the fact that Barça have perpetually lost goals or goal assists to headers inside the box this season.

More specifically, the Spanish champions-elect consistently allow crosses too easily from their left back position and Dani Alves, who is having an absolutely exceptional season in an attacking sense, continually fails to order his centre halves to take a couple of steps towards the back post.

The Brazilian, instead, will dive into the penalty spot melee (usually to little effect given that he’s … little) and the crossed ball will drop to an opponent hovering or arriving at the back post to create or score a goal.

There has been a lot of delightful, Machiavellian ‘did he, didn’t he’ in the Spanish media this week about whether Jose Mourinho volunteered to supply Ancelotti with Real Madrid’s ‘golden’ scouting manual which over the last few weeks was sufficient to inspire Los Blancos to a 3-1 Camp Nou win and a 2-1 home victory in La Liga.

How to score against Barcelona

Lesson No 1: Punt the ball long from the edge of your own penalty box to a runner in the wide positions (Di Maria or Ronaldo for Madrid) Lavezzi or Lucas for PSG) and then support him more quickly than Barça get back for the perfect breakaway goal.

Lesson No 2:  exploit Barcelona’s aerial vulnerability.

Did the Special One send the document? ‘Oh yes he did … OH NO HE DIDN’T…’ that’s been the enjoyable tone over the last few days.

However even for a project in construction PSG must have scouts capable of doing their own homework and these conclusions won’t have been hard to draw.

Champions League

In reality, the counter attack goal is just a version of what PSG inflicted on Valencia at the Mestalla in the last round. They could have won by five or six (had Lavezzi who is their top scorer in the Champions League not missed a hat-trick of chances) and they looked viciously dangerous. However, at home, PSG flirted with going out and Valencia ruled the night.

As for Barça if you favour them to win away then take into account that their record since 2006 reads –winners-last 16, semi final-winners-semi final-winners-semi final ….

The Hurt Locker

Losing 2-0 at Milan in the opening-leg of the last round hurt them terribly badly and I’d expect a higher tempo, physically more robust display tonight.

Good though PSG are on their day, and while they own players who threaten Barça’s specific weaknesses they don’t often encounter players of the calibre of Iniesta, Xavi, Villa, Messi and Alba. Messi has 50 goals and 15 assists in his last 50 Champions League appearances. I take him to add another of one or other (goal or assist) and Barça to get a 2-2 draw.

Those who follow such things might note that referee Wolfgang Stark has sent off a couple of Barça players (Saviola and Motta back in 2004 against Celtic) but he’s also red-carded three opponents Rab Douglas, Pepe and Alberto Aquilani and awarded Barça a penalty last time out in Milan.

Four of the seven times he’s reffed a Barça game have yielded a total of only 13 bookings total but Stark’s only time out with PSG the game held eight yellow cards. Make of that what you will. There’s a Parisian threat for Barça here, no doubt, but perhaps they know how to take the right result home this time?

  • Betting: PSG v Barcelona 
  • Graham Hunter: Bayern are chokers and here’s why Juventus will get a draw


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Perfect Prem starts under threat

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We are already into the third week of the Premier League season and, following the closure of the transfer window, there’s six games to preview on Saturday with the focus on if both Swansea and Everton can continue their impressive early form.

Swansea v Sunderland (3pm)

While judging a side with a new manager after just two games is often a fruitless exercise, as so many make a good start before falling away badly, it is fair to say Swansea (11/10 – match odds) and Michael Laudrup could not have envisaged kicking off the new campaign in a more positive manner.

Two wins and eight goals without conceding anything at the other end is a dream start in anyone’s books and the stylish way they have begun bodes well for the Welsh side and the Danish manager’s Premier League prospects.

Beating QPR and West Ham in such a convincing fashion means Sunderland (5/2) will enter the Liberty Stadium wary of defeat but Martin O’Neill’s men can, as the match odds of 12/5 suggest, get a point out of this.

New signings Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson have added quality to the Black Cats’ squad and they should be able to build on the midweek Capital One Cup victory over Morecambe by at least coming back across the border with a draw to halt the Swans’ early-season charge.

West Brom v Everton (3pm)

Everton were mightily impressive despatching Aston Villa last weekend and will hope for a similar outcome back in the West Midlands this weekend (11/8 to win).

Boss David Moyes has sculpted a hard-working, but quietly very talented, side with key men Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman pulling the strings in midfield.

The Baggies (21/10) have also made a good start under new boss Steve Clarke, however, and expect them to make this a much tighter game for the Toffees than they had a week ago. Despite that, another away win, this time by the odd goal, looks on the cards to ensure the Blues’ fine start continues with 2-1 to Moyes’ side appealing at 17/2.

Spurs v Norwich (3pm)

Another home game for Andre Villas-Boas against supposed inferior opposition means it’s another game the new boss should win (4/11) but all is not well at the Lane early on and there are already fans scratching their heads over tactics and subsequent poor results.

Jermain Defoe has signed a new contract and is a good bet to score anytime at 11/10 but anyone expecting a convincing home win here is mistaken. Norwich will look to be defensive and compact under Chris Hughton (8/1 to win, draw 4/1) and can dig in and frustrate Tottenham, much like the way West Brom did last weekend.

Another tight game is predicted then with Spurs tipped to edge it. Go for 1-0 at 6/1 in the correct score market.

Man City v QPR (5.30)

City have hardly looked like champions so far but should finally click into gear in a repeat of the game that sealed their unforgettable title triumph in May.

They made that clash hard work, winning 3-2, and were scared similarly by Southampton on the opening weekend before grabbing a  lucky point at Liverpool last Sunday.

QPR, who have former City chief Mark Hughes in charge – a man always keen to make a statement at the Etihad – will be bolstered by some eye-catching recent signings but they look like still coming up short with a comfortable home win set to be the outcome.

West Ham v Fulham (12.45)

Andy Carroll is set for his Hammers debut in this one and will be keen to prove a point after being pushed out by Liverpool, apparently against his will. The England striker adds a new dimension to what has been a misfiring side so far and expect goals at Upton Park with Carroll well worth backing in the goalscorer markets.

Fulham (15/8), aside from their midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, have been good so far and nearly followed up their opening-day 5-0 win over Norwich with a point at Old Trafford. So they will be difficult opponents for ‘Big Sam’s’ side (6/4) and a draw (23/10) is likely. Take 1-1 at 11/2.

Wigan v Stoke (3pm)

Probably the least attractive game of Saturday sees the Potters go to Wigan with Tony Pulis’ side still looking for their first win following two draws so far.

Wigan, who overcame Southampton last weekend, are on offer at 6/5 to win and will find it tougher on Saturday. A difficult one to predict, with the draw tempting at 9/4, but a narrow away win for Stoke looks a good bet at 5/2.

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Celtic wary of Caley threat

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Bet on the SPLSaturday’s SPL match predictions…..
All the news building up to this weekend’s Scottish Premier League games has covered who would officiate the matches given the referees’ strike, but it seems like the Scottish Football Association has managed to save the full card of top-flights games.

If everything does go ahead, there are five matches in the SPL on Saturday and Celtic can go top of the league if they beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park. Terry Butcher’s side are the surprise package of the SPL so far this season and go into this daunting trip having won their last three games.

Celtic fell three points behind Rangers after they conceded an injury-time equaliser last weekend against Dundee United, and Neil Lennon cannot underestimate the challenge posed by an Inverness side, who have somehow not lost on their travels in almost a year.

With the knowledge they can put the pressure on their rivals and bounce back from last weekend’s disappointment, Celtic are priced at 2/9 to win and look likely to end Caley’s impressive away record.

It is a case of two teams looking to kick-start their season as rock-bottom Hamilton welcome another struggling side in St Mirren to New Douglas Park.

Their home ground has not been a happy place for Hamilton this season, they have not won in six in front of their home fans, but will be buoyed by the fact St Mirren have only tasted success once on the road and have conceded 15 goals in six games.

The distinct lack of form shown by both teams going into this game suggests it is likely to be a cagey affair, but St Mirren just have the edge and have improved enough in recent weeks to get the win – which is priced at 23/10.

Hibs and St Johnstone are only separated by goal difference in the SPL table and a win for either side could create some valuable breathing space between them and the wrong end of the league. Colin Calderwood has recovered from a poor start to guide Hibs to some impressive wins, but that came to an end when they were beaten 4-2 by Inverness last weekend.

St Johnstone’s win over beleaguered Aberdeen ended a run of four losses in a row, but they are struggling for away form and Hibs (20/21 to win the game) will be too strong for them, even without the suspended duo of Derek Riordan and Paul Hanlon.

Kilmarnock were only narrowly defeated by Rangers last weekend and put on an impressive showing, and they welcome an Aberdeen side that have lost their last five matches. Killie’s loss to the leaders was their first defeat in five games and the form gives the advantage squarely to the home side, so Kilmarnock – 3/4 to win the Rugby Park clash – look like piling more misery of Mark McGhee.

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Kalou unimpressed by City threat

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Salomon Kalou has slammed Manchester City’s title challenge, claiming Chelsea (13/8 to retain their championship) aren’t worried about the amount of players the mega-rich club are bringing in.

So far this summer Roberto Mancini has spent over £70million on improving his squad, bringing in Yaya Toure, David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov.

City’s spending is only likely to increase in the weeks before the transfer window shuts with Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli expected to complete his move to Eastlands before the summer is out.

Fernando Torres has also been linked with City as they look to capture their first Premier League title.

Since the Abu Dhabi United Group brought City in 2008 the club have spent hundreds of millions on new players without any success to show for their heavy investment.

Last season the club missed out on their overall goal of reaching the Champions League, instead being pipped at the last fence by Tottenham (3/1 to finish in the top four again).

This season Mancini has tipped his side to challenge for the top honour in the Premier League, indicating that this could be City’s breakthrough season.

However, several of City’s rivals have already dismissed their title challenge, claiming that you can’t buy the title.

The latest player to come out and do so is Kalou, who believes that money doesn’t always equal success.

He said: “Just because you bring in 10 new players every year doesn’t mean you are going to finish top of the table.

“City did the same thing last season and finished fifth and I am not sure if they’ll be any stronger this time.

“Spending a lot of money on new signings doesn’t guarantee anything. City have to remember there are still teams like Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Liverpool and Arsenal who will always be at the top.

“And this year we will all be up there fighting for the title again.”

While Kalou is adamant City (9/2 Premier League winners) won’t be able to buy the title it wasn’t so long ago that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ploughed large sums of cash into the Blues to help them win their first Premier League crown.

However, this year the Blues have cut back on their spending, so far only bringing in Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool to strengthen their first team.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed his current squad to do the business again next season having seen them do the domestic double in the last campaign.

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Scholes fearful of Chelsea threat

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Paul Scholes believes Chelsea (13/10 Community Shield winners) will pose the biggest threat to Manchester United’s hopes of winning the Premier League title this season.

Having halted United’s run of consecutive league wins last term, the Blues will start next season as the outright favourites to win the title, with totesport pricing them at 13/8.

While United pushed Chelsea all the way last season, taking the race to the last day, it was the west London side who ultimately controlled the destiny of the silverware for much of the campaign.

While last year eventually developed into a two horse race once again, this season promises to be a lot closer with the likes of Arsenal (4/6 top four finish), Manchester City (1/2), Tottenham (3/1) and Liverpool (7/4) all hopeful of being involved in the title picture.

Despite City having spent nearly £80million on new players already, with more set to arrive before the transfer window shuts, Scholes still believes it will be reigning champions Chelsea who will give United the biggest test.

“Who will our biggest rivals for the title be? You have got to say Chelsea. And the rest… you just do not know,” said Scholes, as he gets ready for Thursday’s pre-season friendly against MLS All-Stars.

“City? We will have to see what happens there. They have bought so many players. Whether they can gel together remains to be seen.”

Despite having lost their crown last season, United have so far failed to spend anywhere near the amount their city rivals have in the hope of claiming their 19th league title. Forward Javier Hernandez and defender Chris Smalling have been the only new arrivals at Old Trafford thus far.

Much like United, Chelsea have also failed to break the bank in a bid to strengthen their position as kings of England, with Yossi Benayoun their only big name arrival thus far.

While there is just over a month of the transfer window left, it seems unlikely either Chelsea or United will make more than one, if any, big money signings, instead relying on the stars of last season.

Scholes is confident that the crop of players, who pushed Chelsea so close last season, will be able to go one place further and get back to the top of the table.

“We have to be confident. Last year we didn’t win what we wanted to win, but, looking back, we definitely were not that far off,” added the former England international.

“You do not want to use excuses, but the injuries we had were shocking really. Hopefully most of us can stay fit this year and hopefully we can go one step further than last season.”

Before United begin the new season against Newcastle on August 16 they will contest the annual curtain raiser, the Community Shield, against Chelsea on August 8.

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Paraguay coach unconcerned by Spanish threat

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Paraguay star Roque Santa CruzParaguay coach Gerardo Martino has insisted his team have nothing to fear from facing Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The South Americans set up a last-eight meeting with the European champions after defeating Japan on penalties on Monday but will start the game as underdogs as tournament outsiders (Paraguay 50/1 to win World Cup outright).

Whereas their opponents, led by Spanish ace David Villa, have started to play with freedom, Paraguay have struggled to create clear goal-scoring opportunities and have scored only three goals in four games in South Africa.

Spanish midfielder Xavi claimed after their 1-0 win over Portugal that his country are now starting to hit form after a slow start to the finals.

But Martino is not concerned by the statistics and believes playing Spain will give his side extra space to express themselves.

“In three of the four World Cup matches we had to take the game to our opponents and that’s difficult for a team like ours,” said Martino.

“Our future rivals will let us play. Spain will give us more space.”

In a forgettable encounter in Pretoria, Paraguay squeezed past Japan 5-3 on penalties after the game had finished goalless after normal and extra time.

It is the first time in their history that Paraguay have reached the quarter-final stage of the World Cup and Martino reckons his side deserve their place in the draw, knowing that victory against Spain will take them through to a semi-final against either Argentina or Holland.

Martino said: “It’s never nice for a match to be decided in this way but I think we sought the win a little more.

“I think we were lucky in the penalty shoot-out. That made the difference.

“Perhaps it wasn’t the match people wanted to see but I don’t think either team has anything to reproach themselves for.

“When you look at how the players played, the solidarity they showed, their enthusiasm, their will to make the history books, both teams did it the same way.

“To speak of an achievement in getting to the quarter-finals is all right but to consider this my greatest achievement is, I think, a bit premature.”

Spain and Paraguay will line-up in the fourth and final quarter-final on Saturday night (Paraguay to win 13/2, Spain 1/2, draw 13/5).

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