Showing posts with label Schalke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schalke. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2011

Crystal clear at the top

6 wins out of 6 recommendations over the week-end. Seem to be riding a great form at the moment. Man City, Man Utd, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Stuttgart and Schalke all won.

In the EPL, it's NO longer premature to say that the title will go between the 2 Manchester sides. I honestly cannot see any other team disputing it. And if I have to make a bold prediction, Man City are in a position to win the Premiership very handily this year. Just my opinion. At the moment, the Red Devils are huffing and puffing, missing the influence of Rooney up-front as they try to cover for the lack of a real play-maker with the absence of Cleverley due to injury. They must ensure that they do not lose points during their relatively modest form of late, or else City could open an insurmountable gap by Christmas time. Obviously, things will change and even the Citizens' form will suffer the normal season's ebbs and flows, but one cannot help feel that they have a deep-enough squad to withstand the challenges ahead. If Mancini can steer the ship alright, they are in a royal position to win it. Never discount Alex Ferguson's men though, they will never give up the fight, certain not to their neighbours!

I have the same feeling regarding Real Madrid in La Liga. They are getting better and better, they have Mourinho, they have Christiano Ronaldo, and they have the upper hand on Barcelona right now.  Certainly the 3 hard-earned points at the Mestella this week-end will enormously help the Los Blancos at the end of the campaign. The Blaugrana just cannot afford to lose points as Madrid look to be a very strong leader.

At the moment, for those playing the long view/big returns game, it might make sense to start taking a gradual position on both Man City and Real Madrid to win their respective titles.

On Champions League Tuesday, I like Bayern Munich to overcome Villareal at home. The hosts lost to Dortmund over the week-end, a game which turned out to be a trap as I was mentioning during my preview. However, Villareal is a club in transition and although they have kept a clean sheet in their past 3 games, their level is certainly not up to par to previous years'. The Bavarians will be keen to win this game to secure top spot and I just cannot see them failing against the struggling Spanish team. The hosts are a strong recommendation for a draw-no-bet.

Draw-no-bet: Bayern Munich

Friday, November 18, 2011

Week-end preview

Good old club football is back after the boring international friendlies. Just need to make sure that the selections are not affected by the disruption of the 2-week break and most importantly, from injuries.

In the EPL, Man City should overcome Newcastle at home. The Magpies are still unbeaten at this stage and re the surprise package of the first half of the season. However, they will be missing a few starting players like Tiote in midfield and Best in attack. Man City can play 2 teams as their depth in squad is pretty much unparalleled in the Premiership. The team is so potent that goals can come from anywhere. I recommend Man City as a strong draw-no-bet.

Man Utd visit Swansea and should be able to keep up the pressure on neighbours City. Although they will be without Cleverley, Wellbeck and Owen, the fringe players can easily add their bit to the team. I don't expect this game to be a goal fest but I see the Red Devils edging this out at the end. It won't be easy for them, but they should have too much class for the hosts. I recommend Man Utd as a draw-no-bet as well.

In Spain, Barcelona should have no problem to overcome Zaragoza at home. Already trailing Real Madrid by 3 points, it will be important for Messi and co to get maximum points at the Nou Camp. They are an easy Win recommendation. The Los Blancos face an arguably tough task visiting third-place Valencia, who happen to be unbeaten at home so far. This is the kind of game where there is value backing Mourinho's team as a draw-no-bet. I see them getting at least a point from this match, and should they get the 3 points, they would have successfully removed a giant obstacle on their path to the title.

In Germany, it's the top match between Dortmund and Munich. Bayern lost their influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger recently and it will be interesting to see how it affects their dynamic. This game is too close to call although the hosts clearly have the advantage of home soil. Rather, I will focus on the Schalke-Nurnberg and Stuttgart-Augsburg matches where the hosts look to be enjoying a massive home advantage and are thus recommended as strong draw-no-bets.

Win: Barcelona
Draw-no-bet: Man City, Man Utd, Real Madrid, Schalke, Stuttgart

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thursday Racing Preview.

A Man Utd "B" team crushed Schalke yesterday for a winning recommendation. What a mouth-watering Wembley final that looks like it will be. A few months ago, I was saying that there wouldn't be any English team in the Champions League final as the leading teams seemed to be on a re-building process. How wrong was I! I still think they are a notch down from their dominating selves a few years back, but Man Utd has proved good enough to reach the final. They have over-achieved, they have displayed impressive cohesion as a unit, and by no means do they go beaten in advance against Barcelona. I will get to the final when the time comes, but it promises to be a genuine attacking display, contrary to the Clasico encounters.

On Thursday, I see a few value bets in racing. At Ascot, I like Elnawin in the last race. He will relish the distance and fast conditions, and the opposition seems average. So he's a Place recommendation.

At Hamilton, I like two of Michael Bell's horses running. In the 19:05 Handicap, Fine Style who won 11 days ago, seems ahead of the handicapper. He's got a great chance for a repeat win among this exposed lot, and should be in the first 3. I recommend him as a Win. In the 20:15 Maiden Stakes, Royal Liaison takes a lot of appeal among an average bunch. She would prefer some rain, so she's recommended as a Place. Go Mick Fenton and Michael Bell!


Win: Fine Style.
Place: Elnawin, Royal Liaison.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Frankel is the real deal

10 good recommendations out of 13 was the result that came out of this week-end. Frankel, Lille, PSG, Borussia, Milan, Napoli, Bayern, Man City, Twente, PSV all won while all 3 that bombed were teams that are still active in the Champions League (Real Madrid, Barcelona and Man Utd). Coincidence or not, it looks as if Champions League involvement does have an impact on the next league match.

Case in point: Man Utd were absolutely dominating against Schalke in mid-week, yet against the Gunners, the Red Devils were uninspiring and devoid of the creativity and flair that made football fans in awe just a few days ago. Hard to think that it was nearly the same starting eleven. As for the Spanish giants, it always looked as if their minds were on the return leg on Tuesday than anything else. A Madrid win earlier during the day would, in my opinion, forced Barcelona to play for the win, but the Madrid loss clearly allowed the Catalans to go easy on the gas pedal and this played in favor of Real Sociedad. So clearly disappointing cases of Champions League impacts but lessons learned.

As for the EPL itself, which seems to be blown wide open, I think Man Utd are still in command. In fact, with their odds creeping higher because of the week-end's turn of events, I think it value to still lump on them. The fact is Chelsea will have to keep having good fortune on their side to go beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford. I'll get to that when I preview next week-end's matches.

The story of the week-end for me was Frankel's stunning display in the 2000 Guineas. Not that he was not expected to win (recommended to win here), but the manner of his win was impressive, at least visually. Not many champions of the past would have been able to display that kind of 'catch me if you can' attitude. Frankel has proven he's versatile enough to either follow the pace, or set it himself, which is a very rare trait even for a champion. I think, horse racing folks, that the Flat season this year could be very special. Imagining a clash among Frankel, Ballydoyle's So You Think (who won today), and last year's champion Workforce, is just mouth-watering at this point.

Finally, as mentioned above, tomorrow is the last of the El Clasico's between Barcelona and Madrid. Hard to think that I'm saying this, but I've gotten enough of these, and I can't wait for the match to be over regardless of who goes through. After the first one that led to a Barcelona 5-0 rout, the promise was there for the remaining 3 to be matches of a lifetime. It turns out that Mourihno's negative tactics, and both team's theatrics and  lack of sportsmanship have made these Clasico matches a bore, a shame. I've seen enough of Marcelo, Alves, Pedro and Sergio's play-acting (yes the same Sergio that got Motta wrongfully dismissed against Inter last year). It's more than annoying to see that every time the referee makes a call, he's senselessly being mobbed. Mourinho plays not to lose and is scared to play Barcelona even with the world-class players in his possession. Barcelona will qualify because they've already struck the decisive blow at the Bernabeu. No need for a recommendation, and no need to watch (at least for me) either.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

One-sided!

Just finished watching the Schalke-Man Utd game... I don't think there's ever been a gulf of class between 2 semi-finalists! Could Schalke be that bad or did they choke? Or was Man Utd too good? Amazing really, but to say that Man Utd was dominating would be an understatement! Without the excellent keeper Neuer, Schalke could have been hit by 6 or 7! Maybe the Schalke coach got tactics wrong, or maybe the Red Devils were too much to handle, as Valencia had the leisure to pick on his poor left-back opponent all night long. Whatever the reason, Man Utd is going to Wembley. I was wrong mentioning it was going to be tight. I was right saying Man Utd is in good form. In fact, I think they are in devastating form right now.

So, good winning recommendation on the Red Devils, which atones for the 2 bad racing calls on Asraab and Wolfgang which both finished 4th, and therefore out of placings.

Tomorrow is the first leg of the Real Madrid v/s Barcelona clash. The farce of the Copa del Rey game from both sides still leaves me with a sour taste of disappointment. The theatrics of both teams made a mockery of what should have been a football celebration. I don't know what they have in store tomorrow, maybe more player acting, referee bashing and defensive tactics. I believe Real Madrid have come out with the momentum from the Cup final. As visitors, Barcelona and Messi in particular, seem to have trouble solving Mourinho's tactics, so I believe Real Madrid will either win or draw this game. A draw-no-bet on Madrid is recommended if you really fancy a bet. Going against Barcelona is however never a sure thing.

Draw-no-bet: Real Madrid

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Man Utd laughing at Chelsea again!

Man Utd just finished beating Chelsea to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League for a winning recommendation. The two Utd goals were again assists from the ever-green Giggs. The guy is just amazing; at 36, he's as, or even more decisive now than he was a few years ago! Stuff of legends, really. As for Chelsea, the season is over, and the critics already have their knives out; Torres, 50-million dollar man, no goal. The rebuilding process should be starting soon, I reckon. At least, Terry will stop his non-sense talk that Chelsea still have a successful season ahead of them, something he's been repeating after they've been out of contention from every competition!

Tomorrow, Real Madrid and Schalke should book the remaining spots of the semi-finals. More non-sense talk as some voices from Tottenham talk of possibility of advancing... I suppose, to be fair, they have to believe in something, or else what's the point of playing? But the chances of them advancing are really nil (unless Real get disqualified for some reason). They might win the match, they might beat some other team by 4 goals (e.g., Inter), but they won't beat a team coached by Mourinho by 4 goals. There is no manager better at managing a  result and parking the bus than the Portuguese. Even Barcelona with one extra man could only put 1 against Inter last year at the Nou Camp. So how can Spurs, whose coach has never beaten Mourinho in 6 tries, do it? No, Real will qualify and any odds on offer for this is really free money. As for the final result of the match, any of the 2 teams can win this game, so no recommendation on the outcome.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Thursday Ripon racing

Barcelona just finished obliterating Shakhtar and Man Utd won the battle of England by winning at Stamford Bridge. Good winning recommendation on Barcelona and good feeling about the Red Devils winning. Man Utd might have a less-talented team (on paper) than Chelsea, but they have a younger team and the better manager, who instills that winning drive in them. It looks like we are going towards Barcelona-Madrid and Schalke-Man Utd semi-finals. Absolutely juicy, particularly the Spanish Clasico. There is still the return leg to go at Old Trafford though before I rush to premature conclusions about semi-final match-ups.

On Thursday, I like Monitor Closely in the 15:20 Ripon race-card. According to his trainer Michael Bell, he seems to be in great form, and in my opinion, should be amongst the finishers in this 5-horse field. I recommend him to Place in the first 2, his most serious opponent probably being King's Gambit who has a similar official rating. On their best form, these 2 horses should be a cut above the rest of the field. Too bad Hayley Turner is suspended, but George Baker can deliver the goods on Monitor Closely.

Place: Monitor Closely.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Man Utd to pile more misery on Chelsea?

Real Madrid just thrashed Tottenham 4-0 and there shouldn't be any doubt that they've already qualified for the next round. The recommendation on them was a winning one as soon as Crouch was ejected from the game. Schalke have stunned holders Inter in the other quarter-final game and the Germans continue to be a surprising force to reckon with in the competition.

Obviously, on Wednesday, Barcelona are huge favourites to overcome Shakhtar Donesk at home. The  Ukrainians actually stunned the Spaniards a few years back by winning at the Nou Camp, but it's tough to see a repeat of that given the current stakes and the form of the Blaugrana. Shakhtar have a good mix of Brazilian players, particularly a jewel of a midfielder in Douglas Costa, but I can't see them beating Barcelona. I recommend the Spaniards as a draw-no-bet.

The other quarter-final sees Man Utd travelling to Chelsea for an all-English battle. Peter Cech stoked the flames  of the rivalry yesterday by declaring that Man Utd did not "really win it" when they beat Chelsea on penalties in the Moscow final a few years back. Sour grapes from a sore loser. Whichever team you support or hate, the result has to be respected and the winners acclaimed at the end of a match, particularly that the outcome was not decided by a referee or dubious error. Absolutely class-less Cech. Getting back to the game, it can go either way really. Even though Man Utd lost at Chelsea a few weeks ago, they left everyone with the impression that the result could easily have gone their way. I don't think Chelsea will be more motivated than the Red Devils because they lost that final. At this stage of the competition, motivation and hunger should not be lacking in any of the 2 teams. I have a feeling Man Utd will be happier team once the game is over; whether they win it, or whether they get a draw with a crucial goal, I don't know. No recommendation on this one, I just hope the referee does not mess up this clash by unnecessarily sanctioning tackles that would otherwise be "fine" in the Premier League.

Draw-no-bet: Barcelona.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Meydan super Thursday

Arsenal and Barcelona won, but Bayern Munich surprisingly lost at home to Schalke. I can't recall in recent years Bayern losing 2 games in a row at home, but under Van Gaal, they are doing things that have not traditionally happened to them. Barcelona won an important 3 points at Valencia. Real Madrid plays on Thursday and should take the 3 points at home against Malaga. A Win on the Lost Blancos is recommended.

The Super Thursday card at Meydan has some really juicy match-ups. I like Musir in the Maktoum Round 3 Challenge.  Obviously Twice Over will be making his seasonal debut and is the one to watch, but I suspect the Henry Cecil colt will need the run and will only be made to peak come the Dubai World Cup. I fancy Musir as a Place for this race. He might also be WIN good-value at 4/1 for the more adventurous. I also like Simon de Montfort as Place in the Dubai City of Gold Stakes. If he runs to his true potential, there is no-one in this race to match him. The dark horse is Interaction, the Argentinian star, who was only 3 lengths in 3rd from Bold Silvano on his seasonal debut.

Win: Real Madrid
Place: Musir, Simon de Montfort

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Wednesday football

The week-end predictions went all very well with the exception of Arsenal losing the Carling Cup final. Aston Villa, Man Utd and Barcelona won, while Madrid drew for a voided bet. But Arsenal choked again on the big day and can't seem to buy a trophy. This loss was extremely devastating in many ways; they needed to win a trophy to appease fans and themselves after six barren years. The fact that they played most of their first-team and couldn't win against a team like Birmingham have put into serious doubt any pretense they had of being ripe for glory. I personally think they will win nothing again this year.But the Gunners will win tomorrow against Leyton Orient in their FA Cup re-match. That's a recommended Win.

In La Liga, Madrid lost pace again over the week-end by drawing at Deportivo. Tomorrow sees Barcelona travelling to Valencia where a win will see them open a 10-point gap against their eternal rivals. Valencia is a tough place for any team to go win and I don't think Guardiola has ever won over there in his two years coaching Barcelona. Still, I don't see Barcelona losing this one, and a draw-no-bet on them is recommended.

In the German Cup, Bayern Munich host Schalke and I like the hosts' chances in this one. Bayern lost at home over the week-end Borussia Dortmund who are simply the best team in Germany. Schalke is just not of the same caliber as Dortmund and the Cup will be a major chance for Bayern to win some silverware this season as they have practically no hope of winning the League. A draw-no-bet on Bayern is recommended.

Win: Arsenal
Draw-no-bet: Barcelona, Bayern Munich