Mourinho may have won his last 5 derbies against Atletico Madrid, but all that will count for nothing if his team does not win this one today. After Barcelona cut the gap to 1 point yesterday, the pressure is all on Real to win to keep the destiny of the title in their hands. Anything less than 3 points will swing the prospects back to Barcelona, something that was unimaginable a few weeks ago.
The good thing for the Los Blancos is that Atletico will be playing without 3 first-team regulars, including their in-form striker Salvio. Provided they are mentally ready and have not been distracted that their 10-point lead has been whittled down to 1 point, Real Madrid should be winning this game unless they get really unlucky like against their last trip to Villareal. It's a certainty for me that they will not lose, so the safe prediction is a draw-no-bet on the visitors.
Draw-no-bet: Real Madrid
Showing posts with label Villareal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Villareal. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Quest for points
Real Madrid drew at Villareal in a game that ended infamously with 2 Madrid players sent off and Mourinho and one of his assistants kicked out from the touch-line. The Real brass is still complaining about the referee-ing this morning, without doubt in an attempt to get favours from the men in black in the remaining encounters.
Let's get at the week-end's La Liga matches right away then. No doubt that the 2 points lost at Villareal (4 points dropped in a space of a few days) by the Los Blancos has opened up the championship a little more. But they still have a 6-point cushion which is by no means a small margin. In other words, Real Madrid is still firmly in the driving seat. The visit of lowly Real Sociedad this week-end gives them a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways and squash any talk of lack of form or confidence. They should win this game and I have little doubt they will. They are an easy recommendation for a win.
The recent stuttering of Mourinho's team can be a blessing for punters since it has brought Barcelona back in the frame to challenge. There was the danger, a few weeks back, that Guardiola would only be fielding his best team for the Champions League given that the La Liga title looked to be a lost cause. Their interest will have been rekindled that the hope that Real might falter in the title run-in. That means that if Barcelona can keep on their current irresistible form, they will be tough to beat on their travel to Mallorca on Saturday. Their defence is cause for concern as they got knocked for three against Granada in mid-week. But they have a player in Messi that is just un-stoppable nowadays. Barcelona should draw or win this game. It is for sure safer to have them as draw-no-bet but I think they will want to win this and I recommend them as an outright win.
In the EPL, Man City face another big hurdle in their quest for the title as they visit Stoke. Tony Pulis' men are always a threat at home to any team. This game can go either way, so I won't venture. Rivals Man Utd host Fulham and the return of Valencia and Young in the last few weeks have made a huge difference to the attacking potential of the team. Man Utd are experienced enough to tackle those games in the title run-in and should overcome Martin Jol's men. They are a Win selection as well.
I see Liverpool, Swansea and Norwich as draw-no-bets. Blackburn looks good value with an Asian Handicap of +1 goal against Bolton.
In Serie A, AC Milan make appeal as it hosts Roma and are recommended as a draw-no-bet.
In Germany, Bayern Munich should beat Hannover in order to cling on to their slim title hopes. They are a straight Win selection.
Win: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, Bayern Munich
Let's get at the week-end's La Liga matches right away then. No doubt that the 2 points lost at Villareal (4 points dropped in a space of a few days) by the Los Blancos has opened up the championship a little more. But they still have a 6-point cushion which is by no means a small margin. In other words, Real Madrid is still firmly in the driving seat. The visit of lowly Real Sociedad this week-end gives them a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways and squash any talk of lack of form or confidence. They should win this game and I have little doubt they will. They are an easy recommendation for a win.
The recent stuttering of Mourinho's team can be a blessing for punters since it has brought Barcelona back in the frame to challenge. There was the danger, a few weeks back, that Guardiola would only be fielding his best team for the Champions League given that the La Liga title looked to be a lost cause. Their interest will have been rekindled that the hope that Real might falter in the title run-in. That means that if Barcelona can keep on their current irresistible form, they will be tough to beat on their travel to Mallorca on Saturday. Their defence is cause for concern as they got knocked for three against Granada in mid-week. But they have a player in Messi that is just un-stoppable nowadays. Barcelona should draw or win this game. It is for sure safer to have them as draw-no-bet but I think they will want to win this and I recommend them as an outright win.
In the EPL, Man City face another big hurdle in their quest for the title as they visit Stoke. Tony Pulis' men are always a threat at home to any team. This game can go either way, so I won't venture. Rivals Man Utd host Fulham and the return of Valencia and Young in the last few weeks have made a huge difference to the attacking potential of the team. Man Utd are experienced enough to tackle those games in the title run-in and should overcome Martin Jol's men. They are a Win selection as well.
I see Liverpool, Swansea and Norwich as draw-no-bets. Blackburn looks good value with an Asian Handicap of +1 goal against Bolton.
In Serie A, AC Milan make appeal as it hosts Roma and are recommended as a draw-no-bet.
In Germany, Bayern Munich should beat Hannover in order to cling on to their slim title hopes. They are a straight Win selection.
Win: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, Bayern Munich
Draw-no-bet: Liverpool, Swansea, Norwich, AC Milan
Asian Handicap: Bolton +1.0
Friday, February 3, 2012
Week-end preview
Gamilati justified the confidence in her in spectacular fashion by trouncing the Guineas field. To be fair, Pimpernel, who came out second, was boxed in the straight and could have been closer than the 5.5 separating the 2, but she was never going to beat Gamilati. It will be interesting to see what route the connections take with the daughter of Bernardini but she looks poised to compete in the top 3-year old filly races this year. She's to be followed, that's for sure. So is Pimpernel who gave a good impression on her return.
Staying in racing on Saturday, the same Blue team send out Alpha in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on the Kentucky Derby trail. I cannot see him out of the first 2, so I recommend him as an each-way.
In football, Man Utd face a tough trip to rivals Chelsea in what could be 3 crucial points for the taking for both teams. Although the Red Devils have a poor recent record at Stamford Bridge, I have a feeling they will not come empty-handed this time. They were very good on the road against Arsenal and arguably against Liverpool as well. If they can show the same amount of grit and determination, they are well capable of beating a Chelsea side that will be missing Terry and Drogba amongst others. It's not certain, but Man Utd as a draw-no-bet looks great value to me and is my recommendation.
I see leaders Man City either winning or drawing against Fulham at the Etihaad, so I have them as a draw-no-bet as well. Same for Arsenal, who should be taking 3 points against Blackburn but a doubt persists with the absence of some of their players and the uneasy form they are in at the moment. So, it's safer to have the Gunners as draw-no-bet too.
In Serie A, Juventus should win against Siena, so a win on Buffon and co looks safe.
In La Liga, Barcelona should win at home against Real Sociedad. It will be a matter of how many goals they are able to score in this one. Real Madrid should be safe draw-no-bets as they travel to Getafe. They are well on their way to the title. I like Sevilla's chances at home to sorry Villareal and have them as a draw-no-bet.
Staying in racing on Saturday, the same Blue team send out Alpha in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on the Kentucky Derby trail. I cannot see him out of the first 2, so I recommend him as an each-way.
In football, Man Utd face a tough trip to rivals Chelsea in what could be 3 crucial points for the taking for both teams. Although the Red Devils have a poor recent record at Stamford Bridge, I have a feeling they will not come empty-handed this time. They were very good on the road against Arsenal and arguably against Liverpool as well. If they can show the same amount of grit and determination, they are well capable of beating a Chelsea side that will be missing Terry and Drogba amongst others. It's not certain, but Man Utd as a draw-no-bet looks great value to me and is my recommendation.
I see leaders Man City either winning or drawing against Fulham at the Etihaad, so I have them as a draw-no-bet as well. Same for Arsenal, who should be taking 3 points against Blackburn but a doubt persists with the absence of some of their players and the uneasy form they are in at the moment. So, it's safer to have the Gunners as draw-no-bet too.
In Serie A, Juventus should win against Siena, so a win on Buffon and co looks safe.
In La Liga, Barcelona should win at home against Real Sociedad. It will be a matter of how many goals they are able to score in this one. Real Madrid should be safe draw-no-bets as they travel to Getafe. They are well on their way to the title. I like Sevilla's chances at home to sorry Villareal and have them as a draw-no-bet.
Win: Juventus, Barcelona
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Man City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Sevilla
Each-way: Alpha
Friday, January 27, 2012
Busy week-end
Terrific last couple of days with African Story and Musir winning the plaudits in Meydan and Djokovic reaching the Australian Open Final as recommended.
The EPL leaves the stage to the FA Cup this week-end, with a Liverpool v/s Man Utd as the highlight match. Cup matches rarely have anything to do with EPL form so it is pointless for me to try to find teams that will go through. I will rather focus on La Liga where Real and Barcelona go back to battle for the title after their epic Cup showdown. With eyes closed, the recommendation is on Real to overcome last-place Zaragoza. It will be a matter of how many goals the Los Blancos will score against a club that looks destined for relegation.
Barcelona have an arguably more difficult match against Villareal, who are the disappointing team of the league. This is a team that was contending in the Champions League not long ago and who now find themselves fighting for survival in the top flight. The Catalans cannot afford to lose any points in this match and provided they do not suffer from the absences of Iniesta and Sanchez, they should get the Win in the end. They are recommended as a Win as well.
In Serie A, I like draw-no-bets for AC Milan, Inter and Palermo as they are playing inferior opposition.
In La Ligue 1, Lyon looks a safe draw-no-bet against Dijon.
South African racing has a big Saturday with no less than 3 Group 1's and 1 Group 2 up for grabs. The main race is the J&B Met in which superstar filly Igugu is the big favourite. The main question is whether she has fully recovered from the throat infection that had affected her, and the subsequent tough quarantine to which she had been subjected. If she's back to her best, she'll win. Throat infections can destroy a career; the one that comes to mind is Discreet Cat's in the DWC. The horse never came back to his best again. Although Igugu's problem does not look as serious as that of the former Godolphin star, it will still be interesting if that could have had any effect on her. I think as odds-against, she's worth the punt as a Win as she is better than anything in the field by far. With those risks in mind, the recommendation is for her to Win.
The EPL leaves the stage to the FA Cup this week-end, with a Liverpool v/s Man Utd as the highlight match. Cup matches rarely have anything to do with EPL form so it is pointless for me to try to find teams that will go through. I will rather focus on La Liga where Real and Barcelona go back to battle for the title after their epic Cup showdown. With eyes closed, the recommendation is on Real to overcome last-place Zaragoza. It will be a matter of how many goals the Los Blancos will score against a club that looks destined for relegation.
Barcelona have an arguably more difficult match against Villareal, who are the disappointing team of the league. This is a team that was contending in the Champions League not long ago and who now find themselves fighting for survival in the top flight. The Catalans cannot afford to lose any points in this match and provided they do not suffer from the absences of Iniesta and Sanchez, they should get the Win in the end. They are recommended as a Win as well.
In Serie A, I like draw-no-bets for AC Milan, Inter and Palermo as they are playing inferior opposition.
In La Ligue 1, Lyon looks a safe draw-no-bet against Dijon.
South African racing has a big Saturday with no less than 3 Group 1's and 1 Group 2 up for grabs. The main race is the J&B Met in which superstar filly Igugu is the big favourite. The main question is whether she has fully recovered from the throat infection that had affected her, and the subsequent tough quarantine to which she had been subjected. If she's back to her best, she'll win. Throat infections can destroy a career; the one that comes to mind is Discreet Cat's in the DWC. The horse never came back to his best again. Although Igugu's problem does not look as serious as that of the former Godolphin star, it will still be interesting if that could have had any effect on her. I think as odds-against, she's worth the punt as a Win as she is better than anything in the field by far. With those risks in mind, the recommendation is for her to Win.
Win: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Igugu
Draw-no-bet: Milan, Inter, Palermo, Lyon
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Qualification at stake
Chelsea saved their scalp in the Champions League by beating Valencia. Drogba looks on fire lately; coincidentally the goals are flowing for him just after he announced that he will not be renewing his current contract! The saying that players look to be at their utmost best during negotiation time is really not far from the truth, really!
On Wednesday, it will be Man Utd's turn to try to save themselves from embarrassment by winning their qualification in Switzerland. Despite their current injury problems, I see them either winning or drawing their match. The fringe players can still make a big impact and they certainly have got the European experience to overcome Basle. Since they need a draw to qualify, I recommend them as a draw-no-bet and/or to qualify, whichever odds are better.
Man City host Bayern Munich and I see value in the Citizens here. They have to win to have any chance of qualifying to the next round, although a win will be futile if Napoli goes to win at Villareal. Bayern Munich have already qualified and look set not to play their first team. Also, as they are finding out in the Bundesliga, they are not as formidable without their midfield dynamo Bastian Schweinsteiger. Man City look set to capitalize on any such weaknesses in the visitors' team and are recommended as a draw-no-bet.
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Man City
On Wednesday, it will be Man Utd's turn to try to save themselves from embarrassment by winning their qualification in Switzerland. Despite their current injury problems, I see them either winning or drawing their match. The fringe players can still make a big impact and they certainly have got the European experience to overcome Basle. Since they need a draw to qualify, I recommend them as a draw-no-bet and/or to qualify, whichever odds are better.
Man City host Bayern Munich and I see value in the Citizens here. They have to win to have any chance of qualifying to the next round, although a win will be futile if Napoli goes to win at Villareal. Bayern Munich have already qualified and look set not to play their first team. Also, as they are finding out in the Bundesliga, they are not as formidable without their midfield dynamo Bastian Schweinsteiger. Man City look set to capitalize on any such weaknesses in the visitors' team and are recommended as a draw-no-bet.
Draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Man City
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday football
Bayern Munich easily beat Villareal for a winning selection.
Staying in the Champions League on Wednesday, Valencia look to be atoning on their week-end loss to Real Madrid when they host Belgian outfit Racing Genk. Their first match ended into a goal-less draw although the Spaniards overwhelmed their opponents in shots and possession. The 3 points are ripe for the taking for the hosts as they try to secure second place from Bayern Leverkusen. They cannot afford to lose points in this match and I recommend them as an outright win.
Win: Valencia
Staying in the Champions League on Wednesday, Valencia look to be atoning on their week-end loss to Real Madrid when they host Belgian outfit Racing Genk. Their first match ended into a goal-less draw although the Spaniards overwhelmed their opponents in shots and possession. The 3 points are ripe for the taking for the hosts as they try to secure second place from Bayern Leverkusen. They cannot afford to lose points in this match and I recommend them as an outright win.
Win: Valencia
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
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Real is on a tear
It's hard to overlook Real Madrid as they host Villareal on La Liga's Wednesday match.
Mourinho's men are in great form having won all their games since their shocking loss to Levante in the early weeks of the season. Ronaldo has started scoring again, the team and coach are virtually un-beatable at home, and the Yellow Submarine are currently struggling immensely and are a shadow of their former selves. I can't see any reason how Madrid can lose this game. They should be winning and go atop the table again. A draw-no-bet is a certainty but the rewards for taking some minimal calculated risk for the Win might be worth it.
Win: Real Madrid
Mourinho's men are in great form having won all their games since their shocking loss to Levante in the early weeks of the season. Ronaldo has started scoring again, the team and coach are virtually un-beatable at home, and the Yellow Submarine are currently struggling immensely and are a shadow of their former selves. I can't see any reason how Madrid can lose this game. They should be winning and go atop the table again. A draw-no-bet is a certainty but the rewards for taking some minimal calculated risk for the Win might be worth it.
Win: Real Madrid
Monday, August 29, 2011
Big guns firing
The sole prediction of Real Madrid was an easy one and the Los Blancos have signaled their intentions with the demolishing of Zaragoza. I think it will pay to follow Madrid a lot this year even at prohibitively low odds because they look certain to win a very high percentage of their matches. So long as the tricky games are avoided.
I am truly amazed by the achievements of Christiano Ronaldo. I mentioned it before; Messi is very possibly the better and more explosive player, but Ronaldo is the Most Valuable Player (MVP) to his team. Messi can count on a cast of superstars to score the wonderful goals he's getting us used to every week, but Ronaldo does not enjoy such formidable teammates. So bagging so many hat-tricks for fun is really quite an achievement.
I expect Barcelona to match up to Real Madrid's winning start by beating Villareal in a few hours. They are recommended as an outright win. It will be a case of one of the teams setting up the tempo and the other team following. As I was mentioning, it will be rewarding to back both teams many times as long as they can be avoided on their occasional off-nights.
In the Premier League, the Manchester teams are leading the pack, so far validating my previews that they will be the main protagonists for the title this year. What else can I say that has not been written about the demolishing of Arsenal by the Red Devils? Man Utd are in truly great form and are to be followed closely on what seems to be a good winning run for them. Arsenal aren't "that bad" but the future does not look good for either management or the team's prospects for trophies. In my opinion, losing Fabregas and Nasri has broken the backbone of this team. They need Wilshere and their defensive corps back.
What about Man City? They have a resurgent Dzeko on fire and even better things seem to be coming from them. It will be folly to punt against them in any way. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man Utd, Man City; to me, these are the best teams in Europe for now. By far, and for much of the unfolding season.
Win: Barcelona
I am truly amazed by the achievements of Christiano Ronaldo. I mentioned it before; Messi is very possibly the better and more explosive player, but Ronaldo is the Most Valuable Player (MVP) to his team. Messi can count on a cast of superstars to score the wonderful goals he's getting us used to every week, but Ronaldo does not enjoy such formidable teammates. So bagging so many hat-tricks for fun is really quite an achievement.
I expect Barcelona to match up to Real Madrid's winning start by beating Villareal in a few hours. They are recommended as an outright win. It will be a case of one of the teams setting up the tempo and the other team following. As I was mentioning, it will be rewarding to back both teams many times as long as they can be avoided on their occasional off-nights.
In the Premier League, the Manchester teams are leading the pack, so far validating my previews that they will be the main protagonists for the title this year. What else can I say that has not been written about the demolishing of Arsenal by the Red Devils? Man Utd are in truly great form and are to be followed closely on what seems to be a good winning run for them. Arsenal aren't "that bad" but the future does not look good for either management or the team's prospects for trophies. In my opinion, losing Fabregas and Nasri has broken the backbone of this team. They need Wilshere and their defensive corps back.
What about Man City? They have a resurgent Dzeko on fire and even better things seem to be coming from them. It will be folly to punt against them in any way. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man Utd, Man City; to me, these are the best teams in Europe for now. By far, and for much of the unfolding season.
Win: Barcelona
Friday, February 18, 2011
Week-end Football Preview
River Jetez won and Here To Win came out placed for 3rd. So all 3 recommendations for the Friday card at Meydan, won. For those who are not aware, the Dubai Carnival races are shown live free on the Daily Racing Form website (the U.S equivalent of the Racing Post), at www.drf.com.
The FA Cup takes centre-stage this week-end in England. There are bound to be surprises as usual, but I don't think non-leaguers Crawley can spring one at Old Trafford. It just won't happen. I think I mentioned earlier that I don't like analyzing FA Cup matches because league form does not play a substantial role in there, and it's hard to formulate an informed analysis. Good thing that the other leagues have something on offer.
In Spain, Barcelona cannot afford any more missteps for fear of shifting any momentum back to Real Madrid. They host Athletic Bilbao and should be winning this game. I expect Real Madrd to do the same against Levante, so I recommend both leaders as Wins. I also like Valencia and Villareal to do well at home, and are fancied as draw-no-bets against average Sporting Gijon and Malaga.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund is another good draw-no-bet against St Pauli, who won in midweek against Hamburg. Mainz host Bayern Munich, and the hosts are really laboring currently. This might be a good opportunity for Bayern to climb the table, and I fancy a draw-no-bet for the visitors.
In Italy, Inter should have too much firepower at home to Cagliari. Leonardo's men went to win in Fiorentina and because of their midweek exertions, a draw-no-bet on them is a safer bet. I like Lazio's chances as it hosts Bari as well as Napoli's chances against Catania. I like both of the hosts as draw-no-bet punts.
Win: Barcelona, Madrid
Draw-no-bet: Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter, Napoli, Lazio
The FA Cup takes centre-stage this week-end in England. There are bound to be surprises as usual, but I don't think non-leaguers Crawley can spring one at Old Trafford. It just won't happen. I think I mentioned earlier that I don't like analyzing FA Cup matches because league form does not play a substantial role in there, and it's hard to formulate an informed analysis. Good thing that the other leagues have something on offer.
In Spain, Barcelona cannot afford any more missteps for fear of shifting any momentum back to Real Madrid. They host Athletic Bilbao and should be winning this game. I expect Real Madrd to do the same against Levante, so I recommend both leaders as Wins. I also like Valencia and Villareal to do well at home, and are fancied as draw-no-bets against average Sporting Gijon and Malaga.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund is another good draw-no-bet against St Pauli, who won in midweek against Hamburg. Mainz host Bayern Munich, and the hosts are really laboring currently. This might be a good opportunity for Bayern to climb the table, and I fancy a draw-no-bet for the visitors.
In Italy, Inter should have too much firepower at home to Cagliari. Leonardo's men went to win in Fiorentina and because of their midweek exertions, a draw-no-bet on them is a safer bet. I like Lazio's chances as it hosts Bari as well as Napoli's chances against Catania. I like both of the hosts as draw-no-bet punts.
Win: Barcelona, Madrid
Draw-no-bet: Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter, Napoli, Lazio
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Crowning moment for Xavi?
Chelsea thrashed Ipswich and Real Madrid found a way to beat Villareal; so both recommendations for the week-end were spot on. Chelsea's win doesn't mean anything regarding its form because this Ipswich team is really in shambles. Frank Lampard needs to be at his best if Chelsea have any intention of making a charge in the Premier League, and the fact that he found the net will give him the confidence he has been lacking since his return from injury.
In La Liga, Real Madrid won thanks to Ronaldo again. Ronaldo is what North Americans would call the MVP (Most Valuable Player) to his team. While there is no argument that Messi is the best player in the world, Barcelona can still win without him because they are that good. Without Ronaldo, Madrid would certainly be nowhere as close to Barcelona in the title race. He's clearly more important to his team than Messi is, at this moment.
Talking of great players, on Monday, the FIFA World Player of the Year 2010 will be crowned. I already mentioned in my previous post that I believe Sneijder should have been shortlisted among the Top 3. In fact, he would have been my pick to win the award. I think it will be a battle of votes between Xavi and Iniesta. Messi was the best player in the world in 2010 but the Spaniards won the World Cup, so they will have the edge. There isn't much to separate the 2 Spaniards since they were both instrumental in the success of Barcelona and Spain. You could argue that Iniesta missed some part of the season for Barcelona because of injury. However, he did score the goal that won the World Cup. At the end, I have a hunch that Xavi will win this. He's considered the principal maestro for club and country; more so than Iniesta. No recommendations there (in fact, as I was mentioning before, I can't find bookies or exchanges offering any bets on this at this point), but just my opinion on how the result will go.
In La Liga, Real Madrid won thanks to Ronaldo again. Ronaldo is what North Americans would call the MVP (Most Valuable Player) to his team. While there is no argument that Messi is the best player in the world, Barcelona can still win without him because they are that good. Without Ronaldo, Madrid would certainly be nowhere as close to Barcelona in the title race. He's clearly more important to his team than Messi is, at this moment.
Talking of great players, on Monday, the FIFA World Player of the Year 2010 will be crowned. I already mentioned in my previous post that I believe Sneijder should have been shortlisted among the Top 3. In fact, he would have been my pick to win the award. I think it will be a battle of votes between Xavi and Iniesta. Messi was the best player in the world in 2010 but the Spaniards won the World Cup, so they will have the edge. There isn't much to separate the 2 Spaniards since they were both instrumental in the success of Barcelona and Spain. You could argue that Iniesta missed some part of the season for Barcelona because of injury. However, he did score the goal that won the World Cup. At the end, I have a hunch that Xavi will win this. He's considered the principal maestro for club and country; more so than Iniesta. No recommendations there (in fact, as I was mentioning before, I can't find bookies or exchanges offering any bets on this at this point), but just my opinion on how the result will go.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Chelsea can't lose this one & La Liga Preview
Sure, Chelsea are in a rotten form and if they don't win against Ipswich this week-end, Ancelotti is most certainly gone as manager. But getting beaten by Ipswich at home in the FA Cup? No way, I would say. Ipswich just sacked their coach Roy Keane, and players always find extra motivation when playing for new or interim management for the first time. But Ipswich will be missing first-team players and the gulf in class will be all too evident. Chelsea is a wounded animal right now, and this game against Championship opposition comes at a good time for them to prove they can start being winners again. They are no longer the dominating side they were, and certainly no longer the best side in England (as ridiculously stipulated by Terry last week), but they are still a quality side that will want to defend their FA Cup trophy. They can't lose on Sunday.
In La Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid are facing tough games. Barcelona visit Deportivo La Coruna in what I think will be a very tight encounter. I was not overly impressed with Barca in their Cup visit to Athletic Bilbao, but it was not their best team playing and it was only Messi's first game after the break. I can see Deportivo giving them all they can handle, but Barcelona will probably draw or win this. I will gather more from this game about the form of Barcelona, whatever the result; therefore, I will abstain from giving a recommendation on this one.
Real Madrid are at home to Villareal in what will be another difficult match for Ronaldo and co. The problem with Madrid is their lack of a proven striker due to the injury to Higuain. Benzema is talented and has flashes of brilliance but he's not at the stage where he can produce goals week in week out. So goals have to come from Ronaldo and their other offensive players like Ozil, Di Maria and soon Kaka. Villlareal are no slouch team and will be a threat. But it is a fact in football that Mourinho knows how not to lose at home and I can see this ending in a Madrid win or a drawn match. So Madrid as a draw-no-bet is the recommendation.
Draw-no-bet: Chelsea, Real Madrid
In La Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid are facing tough games. Barcelona visit Deportivo La Coruna in what I think will be a very tight encounter. I was not overly impressed with Barca in their Cup visit to Athletic Bilbao, but it was not their best team playing and it was only Messi's first game after the break. I can see Deportivo giving them all they can handle, but Barcelona will probably draw or win this. I will gather more from this game about the form of Barcelona, whatever the result; therefore, I will abstain from giving a recommendation on this one.
Real Madrid are at home to Villareal in what will be another difficult match for Ronaldo and co. The problem with Madrid is their lack of a proven striker due to the injury to Higuain. Benzema is talented and has flashes of brilliance but he's not at the stage where he can produce goals week in week out. So goals have to come from Ronaldo and their other offensive players like Ozil, Di Maria and soon Kaka. Villlareal are no slouch team and will be a threat. But it is a fact in football that Mourinho knows how not to lose at home and I can see this ending in a Madrid win or a drawn match. So Madrid as a draw-no-bet is the recommendation.
Draw-no-bet: Chelsea, Real Madrid
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