|
Weekend Soccer By Chris.
The Premiership
Aston Villa - Middlesbrough 1.83 - 5.25Not a great price but Aston Villa have to be the selection. Without both their key midfielders, S Petrov and G McCann, Villa managed to draw their away game with Wigan. Sörensen in goal was outstanding. Both McCann and Petrov will be back on Saturday, G Barry was already back in the Wigan match and Villa will have their strongest line up this time.
Middlesbrough are 0-2-4 away from home. Their last 3 away games, all losses, were against S United, M City and Watford. Hopefully their England international, S Downing, will return for this match. Home win. (1.83)
Bolton - Arsenal 4.00 - 2.10The Reebok Stadium has been Arsenals favourite place to go. Come to think of it, I guess that no Premiership sides look forward to visit Bolton. They never deserved to lose their away game with Everton,but they were so lucky at the start of the season and they were bound to have some bad luck sooner or later. Not only bad luck, Bolton are playing rather poorly at the moment, with 0-1-3 in their last 4 games. Kevin Nolan will make his return tomorrow.
Arsenal will be without 2 regulars this weekend, Rosicky and W Gallas. Senderos, F Ljungberg, Gilberto, Baptista and Walcott are all vying for starting roles.
I have seen Arsenal struggle on more than once occasion at the Reebok Stadium, and I suggest that they will manage a draw this time. The price is 3.30.
Charlton - Everton 2.75 - 2.75
New Charlton coach L Reed had to witness a very poor display from his team last week at Reading. The players were quite simply lazy and lethargic on the day. Usually a new coach triggers some improved performances, but not this time. I liked their starting line up, including the two Bents, Rommedahl and J Thomas. Tomorrow it looks like their defender D Traore will be back in contention, but no room for Hasselbaink.
Everton will most likely field their 4-4-2 formation again, with J Beattie and A Johnson as front runners. Key player, Cahill, still sidelined in other words.
Tricky game. I cannot imagine that Charlton will be as poor as last week. I look upon this game as the first with Reed in charge, and consequently I back the home win. (2.75)
Fulham - Reading 2.25 - 3.40It could be that the Fulham boss, Coleman, will field two strikers in this game. They have been a bit toothless with only B McBride up front. Helguson and Collins John will probably play from the start vs. Reading. M Brown may be ready for some action.
Reading continue to be a formidable home team, but nothing much wrong with their away efforts so far, with 2 wins against S United and W Ham. They should be unchanged for this fixture. In my opinion, time for a Fulham home win. (2.25)
Liverpool - Manchester City 1.45 - 9.50
What a difference two tall strikers made for City last week. With Corradi and Samaras up front instead of Dickov and Vassell, City became a strong offensive outfit for the first time this season. I was impressed by the overall City display, and maybe they are in with a chance at Anfield tomorrow. They usually lose this fixture with the odd goal, but Liverpool have seen better times than the present reality.
OK, so far Liverpool have maintained their usual strong standard at Anfield, but can the players avoid being affected negatively by the lousy away performances? My mistake, Liverpool were not lousy away to Middlesbrough last week, but fact is, they have only scored one away goal so far. Back at Anfield and Liverpool are mega favourites again. The midweek Liverpool win vs PSV cost them, with M Gonzales, X Alonso and Pennant all suffering injuries. They all risk missing tomorrow's fixture. No 1.45 for this writer, and it will be a no bet, or a pro City bet on the Asian market.
West Ham - Sheffield Utd 1.80 - 5.00
West Ham had plenty of the ball last week, away to Chelsea, but they failed to create the big scoring chances. W Ham were certainly much stronger this time than the week before, away to Middlesbrough. I predict that their Icelandic owner will have his first win on Saturday. (1.80)
A Ferdinand was back for W Ham last week and they will come more or less full strength to this game.
S United are doing better than could be expected, at least from my standpoint. If they continue like this they will be relegated, but not without making a certain impression. Apart from one or two players, they have a Championship squad, much like Watford, but the other 18 Premiership sides are precisely that, Premiership sides. Home win for W Ham. (1.80)
Manchester Utd - Chelsea 2.60 - 3.00Can Ferguson and United just dismiss their three 0-1 losses against Copenhagen, Southend and Celtic? I do not think so. Seems like their dominance in those games has been more like a spectacle than efficient football. Coincidence or not, we will see. Personally I think that Ronaldo, Giggs and Rooney are all great, but fact is, someone (Saha) has to put the ball into the net. Rio Ferdinand is a major injury doubt, and one of Silvestre, W Brown or O'Shea could step in. Evra will probably play from the start instead of Heinze.
Lampard will be back for Chelsea and what I heard, both Ballack and Drogba will be fit to play. Fair circumstances, fair game, in other words. Remember when United welcomed Arsenal to Old Trafford earlier this season? Arsenal were the stronger side, winning most deservedly, 1-0. Maybe I prefer the away win. (3.00)
Newcastle - Portsmouth 2.30 - 3.50
Big mid week game for Newcastle, at home to the strong La Liga side, Celta Vigo.(2-1) Is it not amazing? Newcastle have beaten Fenerbahce, Palermo and now C Vigo in the UEFA - cup. The question is obvious - will they have enough energy left for this must win game? You never know from time to time really. Star players K Dyer, S Parker and O Martins were not included in the starting line up against Celta. Anyway, Newcastle played a strong match with Arsenal last week. K Dyer made all the difference together with keeper Givens of course. Missing for this match will be their winger D Duff, C Moore and Babayaro. S Carr should be back.
Portsmouth have lost their best form. I say this despite their win vs Watford last week. Maybe I should say that we are seeing the true Portsmouth now. They were playing like a team possessed for several weeks, and this was bound to change. Stefanovic will play through the pain barrier, and both Benjani and G O'Neill should be available again. Andy Cole is out injured.
I will back Newcastle to won this encounter. (2.30)
Tottenham - Wigan 1.80 - 5.00
When Tottenham defeated B Leverkusen in midweek, A Lennon was back, as well as Tainio. Malbranque also from the start, and now we only wait on J Jenas. On Sunday Tottenham miss, apart from Jenas, the suspended Ghaly.
Wigan wait on E Heskey and L Baines. According to the latest bulletins Heskey could be back, F Hall as well, but not yet L Baines. Wigan are on a great run, with 4-1-0 in their last league games, but in all fairness their fixture with A Villa last week was quite mediocre.
Tottenham have a big squad and they had made 6 changes ahead of their UEFA - cup match. I should think that Tottenham will win this game, and then you do what you like with this limited price. (1.80)
Serie A
Milan - Messina 1.29 - 15.00
No more nasty things about Milan, but maybe some of their players should watch the movie, Cocoon. Nesta, Kaladze and Ambrosini are expected back this week end, but Gattuso remains sidelined. One new injury set back. Their keeper Dida is out injured and Kalac will get his chance to play.
Messina will probably pack their midfield for this match, using Rigano up front in a 4-5-1 formation. Alvarez should be back.
Milan probably did not deserve to lose against AEK, and they definitely should have won their away fixture with Empoli last week. Oliveira hit the posts a couple of times, but that is the way things are going for Milan right now. Who wants 1.29 on the Milan win at this moment?
Chievo - Udinese 3.00 - 2.60I backed Chievo last week, at home to Atalanta. They were cruising, leading 2-0, but the moment that Atalanta scored their first goal, I immediately understood that Atalanta would at least score one more goal. Such is the lack of confidence in the Chievo side, that their players cannot handle any kind of set backs. No wonder they are winless after 12 league games. Semioli and Luciano are out once again and Chievo will probably be unchanged.
Udinese welcome back important players like Di Natale, Felipe and Zapata, but will be without Pinzi and Barreto. They were under pressure last week, but Udinese delivered when it mattered the most. Udinese will play 4-4-2 again, with Di Natale and Iaquinta up front, and D'Agostino will probably be preferred to Asamoah on the midfield. Tempting odds on the home win (3.00), but at this moment I refrain from backing this nervous side.
Atalanta - Torino 2.15 - 4.50The home side will be without 4 suspended regulars on Sunday. Doni, Donati, Zampagna and Adriano are all out, with Bellini, F Pinto, Soncin and Carozzieri probably earning starting roles.
Torino have to do without their only really decent forward, Stellone, who sits out a suspension this week end. Abbruscato his likely replacement.
Normally I would throw myself over this 2.15 on the home win, but all those missing Atalanta players make me hesitate. Torino will probably hope for a 0-0 result, and such a score line is not out of the question. Small stakes on the home win, (2.15) coupled with the 0-0 alternative.
Catania - Parma 2.10 - 4.35I have no intention of abandoning Catania, despite their debacle last week. Mascara just returned from a suspension period, played 12 minutes, and then he was shown the red card. Same offence as the last time - elbowing his opponent. Intelligent fellow! He is suspended again together with Baiocco, and Biso is out injured. Catania will continue with their 4-3-3 system, with Colucci instead of Mascara. It worked just perfect without Mascara during his first suspension period, and I am not that worried. Silvestri back for this match.
Parma will be without their striker Budan and their play maker Morfeo. Two important Parma footballers. Muslimovic instead of Budan and Contini back from suspension.. Home win. (2.10)
Empoli - Cagliari 2.40 - 3.60
Defensive worries for Empoli with Marzoratti and Vanigli out injured and still no Pratali. Adani will most certainly play from the start in defence, Lucchini, Raggi and Ascoli (Tosto) as well. Cagliari miss the suspended Conti.
Empoli have drawn 7 of their 12 matches and Cagliari can better this, with 8 draws in 12 games. I have no convincing argument for either of these sides, only that the best player on the pitch comes from Cagliari. (Suazo) OK, the draw. (2.90)
Lazio - Ascoli 1.40 - 10.50
A new regime and an excellent point for Ascoli last week, at home to Fiorentina. But Ascoli remain without a win in Serie A this season, together with Chievo. We will most likely see an unchanged Ascoli side on Sunday.
Lazio are goal crazy at the moment, with 9 goals scored in their last 2 matches. Important Oddo and Ledesma are suspended this week end. Usually Lazio have no success, when they are without Oddo. Rocchi will return, Siviglia hopefully fit again, and then there was talk about Behrami playing again. Change of plans, no Behrami. Likely home win, but an impossible price. (1.40)
Palermo - Inter 3.15 - 2.50
What a game! Advantage Palermo, if you consider the Inter mid week participation in the Champions League. Comfortable week for Palermo with mostly reserves playing their UEFA Cup game, while Inter were involved in the most important game of the season so far, vs. Sporting Lisbon. (1-0 win) Unfortunately for Palermo they will be without two of their best players on Sunday, Simplicio and Di Michele.
Inter miss J Cruz and O Dacourt, but have both Cambiasso and Adriano available again. Inter won against Reggina and Sporting, 1-0 in both matches, but their football was rather mediocre, and if Palermo were at full strength, I would certainly use this massive price on the home win. (3.15) For now, no bet for this writer.
Reggina - Livorno 2.30 - 3.60
Much credit has to go to Reggina despite their 0-1 loss against Inter. They missed several key players, but still managed to give Inter a real fight. A Lucarelli, Tedesco and Amoruso will all be back for this task.
Livorno have no injury worries to mention, and will give their Croatian defender Knezevic his first start this week end. C Lucarelli fully fit again. I will back the home win. (2.30)
Sampdoria - Roma 3.65 - 2.25
At last Flachi is ready to play for his Sampdoria again. He has been suspended for most of the autumn. Too fond of betting, or something like that. Yes, I know these people.
Roma travelled to Ukraine in midweek, fielding their absolutely strongest side, (They were lucky, only losing 0-1) and I wonder if we will see a top performance from Roma this Sunday? Maybe good enough to get something from this match, but personally I am tempted to back the home win. (3.65) Roma miss the injured duo, Ferrari and Tonetto.
Siena - Fiorentina 3.40 - 2.38
Big Tuscany derby again. Siena seem to be dropping in form, and I will support the away win. (2.38) Strange Siena line up last week, with all their regular strikers, Chiesa, Frick and Bogdani on the bench. The come backing Locatelli played as the lone striker. And it backfired, with Siena losing big against Udinese. Back to normal procedure again on Sunday, with at least 2 strikers from the start. Defender Rinaudo is out suspended.
M Jörgensen will return for Fiorentina. He will wear some kind of mask, but he will be ready to play. Toni, Mutu and Montolivo from the start in a 4-3-3 formation. Derby win for Fiorentina. (2.38)
French League
Valenciennes - Nancy 2.60 - 3.10
Great odds on the home win.(2.60) Terrific home side, Valenciennes, and in Savidan they have one of the best strikers in the league. Last week they lost their away fixture with Marseille, but the result was a joke, with Valenciennes missing some gilt edged scoring chances. The week before that, they lost away to Lyon, 1-2. Savidan gave his side the lead in the 77th minute, but Lyon replied with two fluke goals, scored by two of their defenders. Two very unlucky away losses. Flachez, Silvestri, Dossevi and Bratu are all back in training, but it will be too early for them to feature this weekend.
Nancy are well placed in the league, now on 4th place, thanks to their outstanding home results. Away from home they are 0-3-3. Nancy played their UEFA - cup fixture with Basle in mid week, (2-2) while Valenciennes have only done their preparation bit. Home win! (2.60)
Le Mans - Lens 2.60 - 3.00
Another home win. (2.60) Once again I oppose a side (Lens) taking part in the UEFA Cup. French teams often have problems dealing with two games per week. Lens visited Odense in Denmark. (1-1) Dindane remain sidelined this weekend, and there are major doubts concerning Carriere and Gillet.
Le Mans are unbeaten in their home games this season, but they have drawn most of them. They have the leading striker in the French league, Ib Bangoura. His striking partner is Grafite. Romaric is suspended by the club and De Melo, Bonnart and Pele are on the injury list. Advantage Le Mans on Sunday. (2.60)
La Liga
Celta Vigo - Real Zaragoza 2.45 - 3.00
Zaragoza have fulfilled all expectations this far. They have a great squad, but that does not automatically imply strong results. They need not fear any La Liga side, and only the incredible Ronaldinho free kicks prevented Zaragoza from getting point(s) at Nou Camp. This weekend Zaragoza welcome back a trio of players from suspensions, D'Alessandro, Diogo and G Milito. Their striker Ewerthon is out injured, and I guess that D Milito and S Garcia will play in the front line.
Celta play their best football away from home this season, with 4-1-1 after 6 away games. At home they are 1-0-4, and a couple of those losses have been against some of the weaker La Liga sides. Tough mid week encounter for the club, away to Newcastle, featuring their best side, (1-2 loss) and this also speaks for a Zaragoza win on Sunday. G Lopez is playing again for Celta. Away win. (3.00)
Barcelona - Villarreal 1.45 - 9.00
I back the mega favourite. (1.45) The Barca defender Belletti has missed 3 matches, but he will be ready for this fixture. Healthy squad, with only Eto'o, Messi and Saviola on the sidelines. Marquez and Motta are left out of the Barca squad this time.
Villarreal miss their Argentinian playmaker Riquelme as well as their Turkish bomber Nihat. Forlan and Franco up front, I guess. I cannot imagine that Villarreal without Riquelme will be able to disturb Barcelona at the Nou Camp stadium. Home win. (1.45)
Valencia - Real Madrid 2.80 - 2.75
There seems to be no ending to the Valencia injury night mare. In midweek at home to Olympiakos, I thought that the Valencia starting line up was decent, well, better than decent, with Villa, Silva and Angulo in the front line, and strong players like Vicente and Morientes on the bench. Angulo scored two outstanding goals. Unfortunately Villa is down with an injury, and he is out of this fixture. Worse to come, as Morientes today, Friday, broke down in training and it looks like he will also miss the match. So Valencia will face R Madrid with Silva and Angulo up front.
Real Madrid only miss the suspended Guti. Van Nistelrooy, missing this 88th minute penalty in mid week, cost me a fortune, but on the other hand I never imagined that Lyon would be able to score 2 goals. I back Real to win this game. (2.75)
The Championship
Sheffield Wednesday - Cardiff 2.95 - 2.50
I happened to watch the Cardiff - QPR match last week, and Cardiff were quite simply awful. The team was poor and I saw no individual skill either. Their passing was way ward and everything was done in full speed. Obviously a severe slump in form. Cardiff has signed the experienced full back A Wright on loan, and he will be part of the Cardiff squad tomorrow.
Unfortunately S W will be without both their winger W Small and the midfielder C Brunt, both suspended. The club has rather quickly signed a new winger, W Andrews, and he goes straight into the S W squad. S W, down to 9 men, lost to Coventry, 1-3 last week, but their overall form is excellent, with 4-1-0 in their last 5 games before the Coventry misfortune. Home win. (2.95)
Barnsley - Ipswich 2.60 - 2.80
I also watched the East Anglia derby between Norwich and Ipswich, and I was very impressed by the Ipswich performance. B Clarke and D Haynes have great careers ahead of them, not to mention their midfielder G Roberts. Contrasting Cardiff, Ipwswich were able to use the speed to their advantage. Haynes replaced B Clarke in the second half and he was able to win the game for Ipswich, by scoring 2 goals. Clarke is injured and Haynes will play from the start tomorrow. L Price could make his comeback in goal and Gavin Williams is at last fit again.
Big surprise for me that the Barnsley coach A Richie got the sack. I thought that he had done wonders for the club. Anyway a care taker manager will be responsible for the team this week end. They have signed 4 new on loan players, R Wallwork, L Knight, Grant Mc Cann and K Reid, and offloaded M McIndoe and T Wright. Wallwork could be a catch, maybe Leon Knight as well. Barnsley have managed 1 win in 10 matches, and I will support the away win tomorrow. (2.80)
Q P R - Coventry 2.15 - 3.40
QPR and Cardiff played out a typical 0-0 game last week. That is the way it looked anyway, but QPR managed to find a late winner. QPR were the better side, without really dominating the scrappy affair. QPR are on a healthy run, with 3-2-0 in their last 5 league games. They will be without their winger G Ainsworth tomorrow, but M Rowlands will be back. D Blackstock, the striker, will be fit to play.
Coventry will field their signing from Ipswich, D Currie, and he will replace the injured D Hutchison. W Andrews have gone to S Wednesday. Stern John is ready to play up front again. I never really get a grip on this version of Coventry, but they mostly disappoint. Home win. (2.15)
Colchester - Southend 1.91 - 4.50
Last season, with these teams in the first division, Southend defeated Colchester twice, 3-0 and 3-1. Maybe they can do it again! (4.50) There are signs that Cochester have lost their best form, after conceding 6 goals in their last 2 games.
Colchester will include new striker H Ephraim in their squad tomorrow and K Watson has declared himself fit to play.
Southend will probably field the same squad that drew with Plymouth last week, plus their new signing A Riera. Just a hunch that Southend could win this Essex derby. (4.50)
Chris.
|
Prijavite se
Registruj se
FAQ
Pretraga
Nisu ni Wingsi bez problema, LW Holmstrom je povrijeđen i zasad je aut, bek Kronwall bi mogao zaigrati večeras - u trenažnom je procesu i čeka se coach decision, dok je centar Franzen za večeras izgubljen. Na gol će Hašek, a koliko su bitne ova i naredna tekma "Krilima" može se zaključiti iz najave coacha da će Hašek braniti i sutra, mada je nekakva nezvanična odluka na početku sezone bila da Hašek ne igra d2d tekme.
