Although he clearly hated the heavy ground, Camelot was too classy for his over-matched rivals and won the Irish Derby by a rather cozy 2 lengths. Next stop for the son of Montjeu hopefully will be the St Leger where he should take all the beating again. The English Triple Crown looks to be a real possibility this year. Hats of to Ballydoyle and Coolmore if Camelot attempts it because achieving it is not the best path to commercial success in the bloodstock world.
Spain thrashed Italy in the Euros to enhance their legacy among the world's greatest ever sides. Are they the best of all time? They certainly have the results to prove it as World Cup champions and double European Cup winners. I cannot recall in my time any other side that has achieved such kind of feat. What amazes me with the Spain squad is their midfield. I mean, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Mata, Silva are some of the best midfielders in the world and yet will never all fit in the starting eleven. My only regret during those Euros is that they did not get to meet Germany in the final. That would have been something as disregarding the blip against Italy, the ever-improving Germans look the stronger of the rest in Europe. I hope this Spanish squad meets Brazil, Argentina or Germany at some point in the next World Cup because a win against those will really cement their greatness.
The battle to get in the final at Wimbledon pits Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer in one semi-final. At current odds, the Serb looks great value to reach the final here. I've said it many times before, Nole has gotten the number of the aging Swiss. Federer might have looked impressive in the quarter-finals against Youzhny but he will not have it as easy against the Serb, who's been having the mental edge in their recent encounters. With Nadal out, this year's Wimbledon looks destined to go to Djokovic and he will certainly find the will and means to overcome Federer and retain his title.
Win: Djokovic
Showing posts with label Fabregas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fabregas. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Season on the line
Man Utd gave a perfect rendition of How to Throw away the Title after getting caught into a 4-4 tie with Everton. A cross-bar and 2 minutes of madness meant that an assured 3 points transformed into a measly 1 point that could cost the Red Devils dear in the end. It's game on for the Manchester Derby next week and City will no doubt on such defensive lapses if they were to repeat at the Etihad.
Barcelona's season is on the line on Tuesday in the return UCL semi-final leg against Chelsea. 2 costly defeats in the space of 3 days have rocked the Catalan club big time; they lost the Liga to Real this week-end and they are in danger of going out of the UCL if they can't beat Chelsea by more than 2 goals.
Against Real, clearly Guardiola was distracted by the UCL match. His team selection meant that he wanted to freshen things up against Chelsea; after all, even a win over Real would have meant his team still trailing the Los Blancos in the standings and hence the destiny of the title still out of their hands. The problem for Barcelona in these 2 matches has been their profligacy in front of goal. With a lack of a pure striker in the form of David Villa, they rely on Messi (excessively) and midfielders Fabregas and Sanchez to score. As we've seen lately, if Messi fails to score, the reliance on the other 2 can be somewhat misplaced. They have scored, but never in the range of the Argentinian genius.
Much of the game will depend on Petr Cech, the Chelsea keeper. He will need to have a near-perfect night and rely on the aid of his best friends, his posts and cross-bar! There's no doubt that Chelsea's defensive pair of Terry and Cahill will be breached, but it remains to be seen whether Cech can be beaten. Yet again, he was saved by his posts against Arsenal over the week-end.
Barcelona will get plenty of possession, and opportunities to score. In fact, they will score, I have no doubt. But will they concede? Chelsea's best way to score will be on set-pieces, particularly with the lack of height in the Catalan team. Arsenal went to the Nou Camp and scored. So did Milan. Chelsea are always a threat to score with Drobga; particularly if he's keen on his unfair-play antics with his usual dead-man drops, sometimes in the penalty area. The Ivory Coast striker is still dangerous despite his age, but the theatrics he's added to his repertoire leave a lot to be desired.
This could be a high-scoring game. Barcelona could blow this Chelsea team apart if they take full opportunity of their scoring chances. If their defence stays perfect on the night and they do not concede, they will qualify. I cannot see them lose. It looks like Chelsea is in for a hell of a trip. Draw-no-bet on Barcelona is safe; for them to qualify is still on (from previous post selection). Messi to finally score against the Blues doesn't look like a far-fetched selection as well.
Draw-no-bet: Barcelona
Barcelona's season is on the line on Tuesday in the return UCL semi-final leg against Chelsea. 2 costly defeats in the space of 3 days have rocked the Catalan club big time; they lost the Liga to Real this week-end and they are in danger of going out of the UCL if they can't beat Chelsea by more than 2 goals.
Against Real, clearly Guardiola was distracted by the UCL match. His team selection meant that he wanted to freshen things up against Chelsea; after all, even a win over Real would have meant his team still trailing the Los Blancos in the standings and hence the destiny of the title still out of their hands. The problem for Barcelona in these 2 matches has been their profligacy in front of goal. With a lack of a pure striker in the form of David Villa, they rely on Messi (excessively) and midfielders Fabregas and Sanchez to score. As we've seen lately, if Messi fails to score, the reliance on the other 2 can be somewhat misplaced. They have scored, but never in the range of the Argentinian genius.
Much of the game will depend on Petr Cech, the Chelsea keeper. He will need to have a near-perfect night and rely on the aid of his best friends, his posts and cross-bar! There's no doubt that Chelsea's defensive pair of Terry and Cahill will be breached, but it remains to be seen whether Cech can be beaten. Yet again, he was saved by his posts against Arsenal over the week-end.
Barcelona will get plenty of possession, and opportunities to score. In fact, they will score, I have no doubt. But will they concede? Chelsea's best way to score will be on set-pieces, particularly with the lack of height in the Catalan team. Arsenal went to the Nou Camp and scored. So did Milan. Chelsea are always a threat to score with Drobga; particularly if he's keen on his unfair-play antics with his usual dead-man drops, sometimes in the penalty area. The Ivory Coast striker is still dangerous despite his age, but the theatrics he's added to his repertoire leave a lot to be desired.
This could be a high-scoring game. Barcelona could blow this Chelsea team apart if they take full opportunity of their scoring chances. If their defence stays perfect on the night and they do not concede, they will qualify. I cannot see them lose. It looks like Chelsea is in for a hell of a trip. Draw-no-bet on Barcelona is safe; for them to qualify is still on (from previous post selection). Messi to finally score against the Blues doesn't look like a far-fetched selection as well.
Draw-no-bet: Barcelona
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wolves did it
It was a huge hooray at the end of Wolves game at Blackburn evidently. That McCarthy's men are more comfortable on the road is no secret anymore. It was a fantastic winner and great recommendation to give. The Leicester lost at home which put a little bit of damper on the previous win. Fortunately, Man City put things back on track with their expected comprehensive win against newcomers Swansea. A great week-end of football and already the Manchester teams are out of the blocks fast while the others are stumbling. The prediction that it will go down to the two seems correct, but it is way way too early to put a judgment on that. All of the teams will have their blips and the table standings will change for sure.
Today is the Champions League qualifiers where Arsenal host Udinese. Both teams lost their key men in Fabregas and Sanchez respectively. Arsenal looked good against Newcastle considering their off-field problems. Udinese have yet to start in their Italian league. The Gunners look a solid draw-no-bet in this contest and that's my recommendation.
Draw-no-bet: Arsenal
Today is the Champions League qualifiers where Arsenal host Udinese. Both teams lost their key men in Fabregas and Sanchez respectively. Arsenal looked good against Newcastle considering their off-field problems. Udinese have yet to start in their Italian league. The Gunners look a solid draw-no-bet in this contest and that's my recommendation.
Draw-no-bet: Arsenal
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Chances gone at the gates
Ghalaa was un-placed, finding a clear dislike for the soft conditions. Very disappointing, but still one to watch on good to firm ground.
The latest football news look like Fabregas is on his way to Barcelona. At least that would shut up some of the class-less Barcelona players and staff who've been endlessly muttering the "Cesc wants home" song for the past 2 years. This is bad news for Arsenal. Well, it's good news for the club's coffers and possibly for the executives' bonuses, just like it's been for selling Henry, Vieira, Adebayor, Anelka, Petit, Overmars in the past, but it's really bad news for their Cup or title aspirations. All of the above-cited, besides Anelka, were past their prime when Wenger dumped them. The difference is that Fabregas has been the Gunners' heart-beat for the past years and is getting better and better. His exit sends the wrong signal to the team about the priorities of the club; money or cups?
It used to be confined to the likes of Ajax and Porto, which are great hotbeds for nurturing young stars, who are then sold to bigger clubs (like Arsenal) once they've shown their superiority in the lesser Dutch and Portuguese leagues. Arsenal seem to be heading in their direction.
With Nasri also rumoured to wanting out, this is not looking good for the Londoners. Arsenal seem to have lost any chance before the season has started. The odds are good that the drought is about to continue.
The latest football news look like Fabregas is on his way to Barcelona. At least that would shut up some of the class-less Barcelona players and staff who've been endlessly muttering the "Cesc wants home" song for the past 2 years. This is bad news for Arsenal. Well, it's good news for the club's coffers and possibly for the executives' bonuses, just like it's been for selling Henry, Vieira, Adebayor, Anelka, Petit, Overmars in the past, but it's really bad news for their Cup or title aspirations. All of the above-cited, besides Anelka, were past their prime when Wenger dumped them. The difference is that Fabregas has been the Gunners' heart-beat for the past years and is getting better and better. His exit sends the wrong signal to the team about the priorities of the club; money or cups?
It used to be confined to the likes of Ajax and Porto, which are great hotbeds for nurturing young stars, who are then sold to bigger clubs (like Arsenal) once they've shown their superiority in the lesser Dutch and Portuguese leagues. Arsenal seem to be heading in their direction.
With Nasri also rumoured to wanting out, this is not looking good for the Londoners. Arsenal seem to have lost any chance before the season has started. The odds are good that the drought is about to continue.
Monday, April 18, 2011
This title race is almost over
2 wins, 2 losses and 2 voids, not really great week-end as far as my recommendations went. Man Utd lost and Strong Suit was unplaced. Dortmund and Milan won, and Wolfsburg and Madrid drew late in the game for voided punts.
There were not many things of worthy mention that captivated my mind over the week-end. Until the famous 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool, that is. I am running out of adjectives describing this Arsenal team. Really, their title challenge is bordering on the farcical. The penalty on Fabregas was right, the penalty on Lucas was not. That, I agree with Wenger. But the actions that led to the Liverpool penalty in the dying seconds of the game, are just beyond belief. Instead of parking the bus, the Gunners allow Liverpool space and bam! Liverpool earn a free-kick at the edge of the box, and the Arsenal are feeling "lucky" that the referee did not give a penalty. But they don't learn. Suarez's free-kick is deflected, and Eboue gets tricked like a novice with Lucas' dummy play and there goes Arsenal hopes. This team has too many things lacking from top to bottom before it can be called championship caliber, in my opinion. A very talented team, but one needing better management and a real Roy Keane-type to keep players on their toes and keep focus.
In La Liga, the Clasico ended in a draw as many pundits thought it would. I don't see why Mourinho is complaining here, Real are very lucky to get a draw out of that game. Barcelona are being as ever impressive, and it still remains to be seen what type of tactics the Portuguese maestro will employ in the upcoming Clasicos.
The more refreshing news came out of racing really. Frankel was dominant again and seems to have lost none of his ability or reputation. From a racing, as well as punting, point of view, I really hope he's THAT good. Also, great news on Sunday when Overdose, the Budapest Bullet, easily won on his return from injury. He seems to have none of his ability either, and broke the track record. Again here, if he could finally bring his best to Royal Ascot and take on the Black Caviar, Rocket Man etc, what a spectacle to behold ahead!
Back to football where Man Utd take on Newcastle on Tuesday. The Red Devils have a pretty awesome history at St James Park in recent years, and they are clear favourites to take the 3 points again. Provided they are unperturbed by the loss to Man City, they should have too much fire-power against the hosts. Rooney is back, Valencia and Nani are firing from the flanks, Ferdinand and Vidic are holding things tight at the back. A draw-no-bet on the Red Devils is recommended as they march towards the title.
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd
There were not many things of worthy mention that captivated my mind over the week-end. Until the famous 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool, that is. I am running out of adjectives describing this Arsenal team. Really, their title challenge is bordering on the farcical. The penalty on Fabregas was right, the penalty on Lucas was not. That, I agree with Wenger. But the actions that led to the Liverpool penalty in the dying seconds of the game, are just beyond belief. Instead of parking the bus, the Gunners allow Liverpool space and bam! Liverpool earn a free-kick at the edge of the box, and the Arsenal are feeling "lucky" that the referee did not give a penalty. But they don't learn. Suarez's free-kick is deflected, and Eboue gets tricked like a novice with Lucas' dummy play and there goes Arsenal hopes. This team has too many things lacking from top to bottom before it can be called championship caliber, in my opinion. A very talented team, but one needing better management and a real Roy Keane-type to keep players on their toes and keep focus.
In La Liga, the Clasico ended in a draw as many pundits thought it would. I don't see why Mourinho is complaining here, Real are very lucky to get a draw out of that game. Barcelona are being as ever impressive, and it still remains to be seen what type of tactics the Portuguese maestro will employ in the upcoming Clasicos.
The more refreshing news came out of racing really. Frankel was dominant again and seems to have lost none of his ability or reputation. From a racing, as well as punting, point of view, I really hope he's THAT good. Also, great news on Sunday when Overdose, the Budapest Bullet, easily won on his return from injury. He seems to have none of his ability either, and broke the track record. Again here, if he could finally bring his best to Royal Ascot and take on the Black Caviar, Rocket Man etc, what a spectacle to behold ahead!
Back to football where Man Utd take on Newcastle on Tuesday. The Red Devils have a pretty awesome history at St James Park in recent years, and they are clear favourites to take the 3 points again. Provided they are unperturbed by the loss to Man City, they should have too much fire-power against the hosts. Rooney is back, Valencia and Nani are firing from the flanks, Ferdinand and Vidic are holding things tight at the back. A draw-no-bet on the Red Devils is recommended as they march towards the title.
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd
Monday, March 7, 2011
Arsenal in the Nou Camp cauldron
Chelsea expectedly won without much sweat against Blackpool for an easy winning recommendation.
Tomorrow Tuesday, the focus is on the return match between Barcelona and Arsenal. Were it not for 5 minutes of madness in the first leg, the Catalans should already have sealed their qualification for the next stage. They actually overwhelmingly deserved to win that match and were on course to do so until Arsenal capitalized on 2 rare counter-attacks. The reality though is that Barcelona now need to put a dominating display to overcome the first-leg deficit. Rewind last year, and Barcelona were in an almost similar situation against Inter and came up short. This time, they only have 1 goal to overcome, and most importantly, they play an Arsenal team that has a lot of breaches in its defence. The negatives for Barcelona are as follows: absence of their coach Guardiola for the past week, and absence of their first-choice centre-backs in Pique and most certainly Puyol. On the other hand, Arsenal will miss one of their best offensive weapons in Walcott, and Fabregas and Van Persie are not sure to be at 100% if they succeed in making it to the game.
If Arsenal score first, it will put an unprecedented pressure on the hosts, and radically change the context of the game. The expectation will be for Barcelona to open the scoring and thus the game completely. I just cannot see Arsenal winning over there if Van Persie and Fabregas fail to play. Even if they do, the Barcelona forwards will find ways to open up the Gunners defence. Arsenal could score over there, but in the end they will be outscored. I recommend Barcelona as a draw-no-bet.
Draw-no-bet: Barcelona
Tomorrow Tuesday, the focus is on the return match between Barcelona and Arsenal. Were it not for 5 minutes of madness in the first leg, the Catalans should already have sealed their qualification for the next stage. They actually overwhelmingly deserved to win that match and were on course to do so until Arsenal capitalized on 2 rare counter-attacks. The reality though is that Barcelona now need to put a dominating display to overcome the first-leg deficit. Rewind last year, and Barcelona were in an almost similar situation against Inter and came up short. This time, they only have 1 goal to overcome, and most importantly, they play an Arsenal team that has a lot of breaches in its defence. The negatives for Barcelona are as follows: absence of their coach Guardiola for the past week, and absence of their first-choice centre-backs in Pique and most certainly Puyol. On the other hand, Arsenal will miss one of their best offensive weapons in Walcott, and Fabregas and Van Persie are not sure to be at 100% if they succeed in making it to the game.
If Arsenal score first, it will put an unprecedented pressure on the hosts, and radically change the context of the game. The expectation will be for Barcelona to open the scoring and thus the game completely. I just cannot see Arsenal winning over there if Van Persie and Fabregas fail to play. Even if they do, the Barcelona forwards will find ways to open up the Gunners defence. Arsenal could score over there, but in the end they will be outscored. I recommend Barcelona as a draw-no-bet.
Draw-no-bet: Barcelona
Friday, February 25, 2011
Week-end Preview
On Thursday, Man City won its Europa league game but had a couple of disappointing results at Meydan. In the first race, Hunting Tower was most unlucky not to get the passage in the straight orelse it would have easily been in the Place money. Soumillon tried to sneak on the inside to no avail, just like his first ride on River Jetez a few weeks back. I mentioned in my preview that stablemate Wonder Lawn was a danger, and at 10/1 duly won the race. Mahbooba came out second in the UAE Oaks. The winner, Khawla, from Godolphin stable, was most impressive, as she won after months of layoff. She has caught my eye with her pedigree as her great-grandma is Urban Sea, and her sire is Cape Cross. So she is bred on extremely similar lines to Sea the Stars! So she's definitely one to follow when she tackles the big English races in a few months time.
There are some good value punts coming up this week-end. In the Premier League, I like Aston Villa's chances against Blackburn. I recommend a draw-no-bet on the Villains who will view this match as a must-win to ease their relegation fears.I also like Man Utd's chances as they visit Wigan. The Latics have never snatched a point from the Red Devils since they have entered the top flight. It will be a chance to see if the Red Devils are starting to huff and puff after below-par performances against Crawley and Marseille. I don't think they will lose this game, so recommend them as draw-no-bet as well. In the Carling Cup final, it's hard to go against Arsenal even though they look like they will be missing Walcott and Fabregas. It looks like they will have too much fire-power for Birmingham. I don't know if the Gunners will need extra-time to win the game, but I fancy their chances of lifting the trophy at the end. So a Final Win for the Gunners is recommended.
In Spain, big tests await Barcelona and Real Madrid. Everyone is talking of a Barcelona mini-slump, and winning convincingly at Mallorca will put this theory to rest. I think they will either win or draw, so a draw-no-bet on the visitors is the recommendation. Real Madrd travel to Deportivo La Coruna who are not the force they used to be in recent years. Real Madrid as draw-no-bet looks safe and is recommended.
CC Final win: Arsenal
There are some good value punts coming up this week-end. In the Premier League, I like Aston Villa's chances against Blackburn. I recommend a draw-no-bet on the Villains who will view this match as a must-win to ease their relegation fears.I also like Man Utd's chances as they visit Wigan. The Latics have never snatched a point from the Red Devils since they have entered the top flight. It will be a chance to see if the Red Devils are starting to huff and puff after below-par performances against Crawley and Marseille. I don't think they will lose this game, so recommend them as draw-no-bet as well. In the Carling Cup final, it's hard to go against Arsenal even though they look like they will be missing Walcott and Fabregas. It looks like they will have too much fire-power for Birmingham. I don't know if the Gunners will need extra-time to win the game, but I fancy their chances of lifting the trophy at the end. So a Final Win for the Gunners is recommended.
In Spain, big tests await Barcelona and Real Madrid. Everyone is talking of a Barcelona mini-slump, and winning convincingly at Mallorca will put this theory to rest. I think they will either win or draw, so a draw-no-bet on the visitors is the recommendation. Real Madrd travel to Deportivo La Coruna who are not the force they used to be in recent years. Real Madrid as draw-no-bet looks safe and is recommended.
CC Final win: Arsenal
Draw-no-bet: Aston Villa, Man Utd, Barcelona, Real Madrid.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday Football and Racing
Arsenal won, but with relief against a determined Stoke side. Wenger will however be happy to have bagged 3 important points, and hope that the injuries to Fabregas and Walcott are only minor. In the Champions League, Man Utd drew at Marseille in a relatively boring match. It remains to be seen whether not getting that vital away goal will be detrimental for the return leg.
On Thursday, I can see Man City see off Aris Salonika at home in the Europa League. They played a goalless draw in Greece and City will be keen to use their home advantage to go through. A draw-no-bet on City is recommended.
Thursday is racing at Meydan. I was reading Mike de Kock's comments that much of his success this year lies into his proprietary mix feed he gives to his horses. Mix feed or not, it was obvious from the start that his string of horses this year was really the best he's brought to Dubai, and that his successes were going to continue if not improve. He'll be saddling and expecting a win of Mahbooba in the UAE Oaks. A Win on this Galileo filly is recommended. In the first race, Hunting Tower looks prime for a repeat win, and the danger could be his own stablemate Wonder Lawn. A Place on Hunting Tower is recommended.
Win: Mahbooba
Place: Hunting Tower
Draw-no-bet: Man City
On Thursday, I can see Man City see off Aris Salonika at home in the Europa League. They played a goalless draw in Greece and City will be keen to use their home advantage to go through. A draw-no-bet on City is recommended.
Thursday is racing at Meydan. I was reading Mike de Kock's comments that much of his success this year lies into his proprietary mix feed he gives to his horses. Mix feed or not, it was obvious from the start that his string of horses this year was really the best he's brought to Dubai, and that his successes were going to continue if not improve. He'll be saddling and expecting a win of Mahbooba in the UAE Oaks. A Win on this Galileo filly is recommended. In the first race, Hunting Tower looks prime for a repeat win, and the danger could be his own stablemate Wonder Lawn. A Place on Hunting Tower is recommended.
Win: Mahbooba
Place: Hunting Tower
Draw-no-bet: Man City
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Barcelona on conquest path
Both of Tuesday's recommendations were good as Man Utd won at Blackpool, and Arsenal got more corner kicks than Ipswich. These were 3 huge points for Utd yesterday. The replacement of an out-of-sorts Rooney by the speedy Chicharito turned the game on its head. Blackpool had no legs towards the end and the old fox Ferguson again played his substitutions perfectly. Rafael da Silva got concussed but this is a warrior of a player. With his comparatively small stature, he was winning headers on the defensive and offensive ends of the field! If they win the league, the comeback win at Bloomfield Road will be remembered as one of the decisive ones.
In the Carling Cup, the floodgates opened for Arsenal in the middle of the second half, after they had so many chances going begging. I don't know if there is as good a passer of the ball today as Cesc Fabregas. He can give them pinpoint on half-volley, one touch, exterior of the foot. No doubt Barcelona would like to have him back in their fold; he would fit in nicely in their football spectacle.
Talking of Barcelona, they host Almeira today in the first-leg semi-final of the Copa del Rey. Guardiola has yet to announce his team, but I can't see them losing this at home. The best Almeira can hope for is a lucky draw. In my opinion, like on Tuesday, the value will be in the Corners-match-bet. Barcelona should win the corner match-up handily. So my 100th recommendation since the start of this blog, is a Barcelona win on Corners-match-bet.
Corners-match-bet: Barcelona
In the Carling Cup, the floodgates opened for Arsenal in the middle of the second half, after they had so many chances going begging. I don't know if there is as good a passer of the ball today as Cesc Fabregas. He can give them pinpoint on half-volley, one touch, exterior of the foot. No doubt Barcelona would like to have him back in their fold; he would fit in nicely in their football spectacle.
Talking of Barcelona, they host Almeira today in the first-leg semi-final of the Copa del Rey. Guardiola has yet to announce his team, but I can't see them losing this at home. The best Almeira can hope for is a lucky draw. In my opinion, like on Tuesday, the value will be in the Corners-match-bet. Barcelona should win the corner match-up handily. So my 100th recommendation since the start of this blog, is a Barcelona win on Corners-match-bet.
Corners-match-bet: Barcelona
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