Strangely enough, this was a pivotal week-end in the 3 major European leagues namely EPL, La Liga and Serie A. The leaders ran away while most, including myself, were expecting some sort narrowing the gap at the top. The recommendations on Man City and Bayern were good, Arsenal and Wolfsburg were drawn and voided, and the Real Madrid one was a losing shocker to say the least.
In the EPL, Man Utd played comeback kings yet again and are forging their way towards the title. If I thought they looked good to win it in last Friday's blog, today I feel only a meltdown of catastrophic proportions can stop them this year. In Ferguson's rule at Old Trafford, no such catastrophe has ever happened and I don't think it will happen, even for a team that is still considered not-vintage material. There might be some blips on some of their away games, but things seem to indicate they will prevail at the end, considering the miserable opposition from the Gunners.
La Liga is over, in my opinion. Barcelona have won it this week-end, and consider any remaining short odds on offer for them as interest returns come the official season end. Deserving champions they are too. Going to beat Villareal with key men missing and not conceding any goal shows the deep talent of this squad. Madrid have the Copa del Rey and possibly 2 semi-final matches against the mighty Blaugrana to prevent a complete stream-rolling from their arch-rivals.
This week will be dominated by the Champions League match-ups. Tomorrow, Inter welcome Shalke, and Real Madrid welcome Tottenham. Missing Ronaldo and Benzema was clearly the reason Madrid could not score against a resolutely defensive Gijon team. Even if these 2 are still missing for tomorrow's game, they will have chances to score against a depleted Spurs defence. Plus, let's face it, even though they did it over the week-end against Wigan, Spurs are not famed for clean sheets. Their main weapon is their multi-faceted offense with the likes of Bale, Van der Vaart, Lennon etc. For statisticians, Redknapp is 0-5 against Mourinho during the latter's Chelsea days. Advantage to the Spaniards on this one, they will take advantage of Spurs' inexperience and injury problems; I recommend Real Madrid as a draw-no-bet.
Draw-no-bet: Real Madrid
Showing posts with label Wolfsburg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wolfsburg. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Weekend football preview
A huge week-end of football coming up in the major European leagues after the international break.
I like Arsenal's chances against Blackburn. The Gunners do not have any margin for error and they won't come any easier than Blackburn. I can't see them failing to get the 3 points here, although you never know with them. A draw-no-bet on Arsenal is recommended. Man Utd face a very tough road at West Ham. They might escape with the 3 points at the end, but West Ham will give them all they can handle. This match can go either way, and is impossible to predict. On Sunday, Man City should dispatch Sunderland even without defenders Micah Richards and Boateng. A draw-no-bet is recommended on the Citizens.
In the Serie A, it's the Milan Derby which is going to play a massive role in the outcome of the title race. I believe Inter is the strongest team in the league and should not fear Milan at the San Siro. I still have reservations about Leonardo as a coach. I give Inter a slight advantage even though they are the "away" team, but this game can go either way. This is a clearly 6-point game for both teams.
This week-end could also see some defining developments in La Liga. Barcelona at Villareal; this is as tough as it gets for the Blaugrana, particularly without Xavi and most probably Messi. This game represents the second most difficult remaining league game for them after the Real Madrid game in some week's time. If they get the 3 points, it would be just massive. Real Madrid welcome Sporting Gijon. This is a straight 3 points for Mourinho's men even with the absence of Ronaldo and Benzema. A win is recommended on the Los Blancos.
In Germany, although they are a team in turmoil, Bayern Munich should beat Monchengladbach at home. A win is recommended on the hosts. I like Wolfsburg chances at home to Frankfurt. With the return of Magath as coach, the hosts should be looking forward to a better remainder of the season and most importantly get out of the relegation zone. A draw-no-bet on Wolfsburg is recommended.
Win: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
Draw-no-bet: Arsenal, Man City, Wolfsburg.
I like Arsenal's chances against Blackburn. The Gunners do not have any margin for error and they won't come any easier than Blackburn. I can't see them failing to get the 3 points here, although you never know with them. A draw-no-bet on Arsenal is recommended. Man Utd face a very tough road at West Ham. They might escape with the 3 points at the end, but West Ham will give them all they can handle. This match can go either way, and is impossible to predict. On Sunday, Man City should dispatch Sunderland even without defenders Micah Richards and Boateng. A draw-no-bet is recommended on the Citizens.
In the Serie A, it's the Milan Derby which is going to play a massive role in the outcome of the title race. I believe Inter is the strongest team in the league and should not fear Milan at the San Siro. I still have reservations about Leonardo as a coach. I give Inter a slight advantage even though they are the "away" team, but this game can go either way. This is a clearly 6-point game for both teams.
This week-end could also see some defining developments in La Liga. Barcelona at Villareal; this is as tough as it gets for the Blaugrana, particularly without Xavi and most probably Messi. This game represents the second most difficult remaining league game for them after the Real Madrid game in some week's time. If they get the 3 points, it would be just massive. Real Madrid welcome Sporting Gijon. This is a straight 3 points for Mourinho's men even with the absence of Ronaldo and Benzema. A win is recommended on the Los Blancos.
In Germany, although they are a team in turmoil, Bayern Munich should beat Monchengladbach at home. A win is recommended on the hosts. I like Wolfsburg chances at home to Frankfurt. With the return of Magath as coach, the hosts should be looking forward to a better remainder of the season and most importantly get out of the relegation zone. A draw-no-bet on Wolfsburg is recommended.
Win: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
Draw-no-bet: Arsenal, Man City, Wolfsburg.
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