Week-end football

Don't want to be blowing the trumpet too loud, but Thursday's results at Meydan gave way to massive cheers all afternoon. Musir won and easily beat Mendip in the match-bet. Master of Hounds was second at odds of 7/1 for Place at the exchanges. Fantastic to hear that several of you followed the selections; hopefully the current vein of form continues going into this week-end.

It's another round of football on the European scene; in England, Man Utd welcome Bolton and it's hard to argue the hosts at the Theatre of Dreams, even though they can throw the odd clanker like against Blackburn a few weeks back. Their injury list seems to be easing and Rooney looks to be back on form. Bolton are a disappointing bunch and manager Owen Coyle is on the hot seat at the moment. Man Utd certainly won't lose this game, and are a draw-no-bet recommendation.

There is no doubt that Man City is feeling the pressure. They have lost another home game in mid-week, in the Carling Cup to Liverpool. They have lost their captain Kompany for 4 games. They will still have too much class when they visit struggling Wigan on Monday. It is the perfect game for them to get their confidence back. Man City is recommended as a draw-no-bet as well.

In La Liga, Barcelona welcome Real Betis in what is a must-win game if they are to keep pace with a flee-ing Real Madrid. The hosts should win this game and are an easy Win selection. Real Madrid face a more difficult encounter when they visit Mallorca. I think Mourinho will have his players spot on for getting the 3 points and I expect them to win this match. They are also recommended as a straight Win.

Third-place Valencia host struggling side Real Sociedad and the hosts have to be very well-fancied here. Both teams lost in mid-week in the Copa del Rey, with Sociedad getting thrashed 6-1 at Mallorca. The visitors are in a precarious situation, being only 2 points above the relegation zone and I expect Valencia to deepen their woes further on Saturday. A draw-no-bet on Valencia looks safe.

In Italy, the competition is heating up at the top of the table with at least 5 clubs within an 8-point gap. There is no clear dominant team in the Serie A. Juventus will look for maximum points as they host Cagliari and I expect them to get at least a draw. So they are advised as a draw-no-bet. Same for Fiorentina as they host bottom-of-table Lecce. The hosts have solid form at home and should recover from their 3-0 drubbing at Roma in the Coppa Italia in mid-week.


Win: Barcelona, Real Madrid

Draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Man City, Valenci, Juventus, Fiorentina

Man City lose ground, so will Chelsea?

Barcelona, Man Utd, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid all won, and the only blot in the predictions was Blackpool losing at home to Sunderland. I have to say I messed up on that one and wrongly under-estimated Sunderland. It's true that their keeper was unbelievable into making those saves that kept Blackpool off the score sheet, but Steve Bruce's men must be given credit for scoring 2 goals without arguably their 2 best strikers.

The biggest loser this week-end was Man City which lost even more ground to its Utd neighbours. Bringing in superstars during the January window does not necessarily reap immediate dividends since there is always an adjustment to be made in the system, and it will be interesting to see whether the Dzeko-Tevez partnership will click. 

Today, Chelsea are visiting Bolton and this is going to be a real test for the Blues. Under the guidance of Owen Coyle, Bolton seem to have gained some identity and they never make it easy for anyone. It could mean more blues for Drogba and his team mates particularly that Lampard is certain to miss the game. No recommendations here as any of the 2 teams could snatch this, but in my opinion, Chelsea will need to be at is near-best or some assistance from Lady Luck for it not to lose points here.

There are a couple of matches in England in mid-week; particularly a savoury Blackpool v/s Man Utd, which could have some decisive impact on the final standings. In Spain there are the Copa del Rey matches with Real and Barcelona still involved. I'll definitely be taking a look; thanks for tuning in.