Siinä taas Tip-exän Chrisin hyvät vihjeet perusteluineen viikonlopun futikseen, tosin vain englannin kielen taitoisille
erie A
Lazio - Inter 3.30 - 2.40
Key player Cesar is back in training again, and could be included in the Lazio side on Saturday, at least in their big squad. Lequi is also fit, and Bazzani returns from his suspension. Almost problems of abundance for the Lazio coach Papadopoulos. The Inter defender Favalli has been troubled by some injury this week, and he is doubtful for this game. Offensively Inter have bigger problems, with only Adriano ansd Cruz available. Vieri, Martins and Recoba are all out injured. OK; Cruz and Adriano are not exactly a poor duo, but still! Lazio have advanced in the table by defeating bottom sides, or close to the bottom, and although Lazio have a good record against Inter these last years, they should not be able to defeat Inter this time. . Let us face it - Lazio are limited! . OK, if they find the same knock out form as against Roma, anything may happen, but it is not very likely, is it? I am not keen on jumping on the Inter win either, with these offensive shortcomings. It has to be the draw! (3.10)
Lecce - Fiorentina 2.10 - 4.10
Nothing wrong with the Lecce effort against Inter last week, and only a very late Inter penalty prevented Lecce from getting a draw. Zeman's team defends much better these days. They have Ledesma back from his suspension, and their striker Vucinic should be fit to play again, probably replacing Bjelanovic up front. Fiorentina had their necessary win against Reggina, and are now 2 points above the drop zone. They have to pick up some away points sooner or later, but this far they have achieved depressing away results. (1-5-7) For this match la Viola have lost two defenders Donadel and Delli Carri, and they should be replaced by Ariatti and Ujfalusi. I lack the real conviction, but I guess that the price on the home win is pretty OK. (2.10)
Palermo - Udinese 2.30 - 3.75
They looked in control, Palermo, last week vs Livorno, but the dismissal of Zaccardo changed the look of the game, and Palermo can have no complaints about the 2-2 draw. Zaccardo is suspended for this match, and even worse, their goal machine, Toni, as well. Could be that Zauli becomes the lone striker, with the support from the Argentinian Gonzales (or Santana) and Brienza. Fortunately for Palermo, another key player Corini is back for this match, and the same goes for Barone. Udinese had a terrible week end, losing at home to Bologna, 0-1. Then you should know that Bologna had more or less one shot on target - their goal. The Bologna keeper, Pagliuca, was man of the match. Sensini remains on the sidelines, and Jankulovski is suspended for this match. My feeling is that Palermo, without Toni, will only manage a draw in this match. The price is 3.00!
Brescia - Livorno 2.15 - 4.25
Massive win for Brescia last week, winning the six pointer game away to Siena. If they manage to defeat Livorno on Sunday, they will probably be able to leave the relegation zone. I cannot say that their line up looks very impressive, with for example Mannini playing with Carracciolo up front. Much travelled Wome on the midfield with Zambrella (unknown to me), and the key man of key men, Di Biagio, both defending and scoring. The latest I heard was that both Mannini and Berretta are struggling, and Mannini could be replaced by the young Dutchman Vonlanthen. Livorno will be without Vargas and Vidigal, but should have Colombo back. Livorno played a 0-0 draw away to Bologna two weeks ago, and I am sure that they will try to achieve something similar this time. Do not expect many scoring chances in this fixture! I settle for another draw. (3.00)
Bologna - Siena 1.85 - 5.30
One scoring opportunity - one goal - 3 points, yes, Bologna defended like mad men last week, and their keeper was outstanding. Their Greek international, Zagorakis, is suspended for this match, but players like Giunti, Amoroso and Cipriani are all back in training, but not yet ready this week end. Capuano probably in for Sussi. Siena miss the two defenders Tudor and Colonnese, with Argilli and Portanova from the start instead, and strangely enough Taddei has been omitted from the squad.. Siena have let in 6 goals in their last two matches, and I very much doubt that their defence will get better with these enforced changes. No value on the Bologna win, although it looks feasible. The draw for me! (3.25)
Reggina - Messina 2.00 - 5.00
The home side has lost 3 of their last 4 matches, but they still maintain a strong level in their home fixtures. They are not troubled by injuries at all, and only missing on Sunday is the suspended Mozart. Colucci and Nakamura from the start this time. What can Messina hope for? They constantly fail on their travels (1-4-9 this far), but in their last away match they were the dominant part, but still lost of course. (0-1 vs Lecce) Missing this time are Giampa and Zanchi, but Zoro and Donato should be back. The idea is to play Di Napoli from the start, alongside Zampagna up front, or Zampagna as the lone striker. Logically this will be a hard fought home win. (2.00)
Cagliari - Roma 2.80 - 2.80
Should be plenty of goals in this fixture, at least 5 in my opinion. Cagliari are leaking, but
always dangerous with their 3 strikers. The Roma trio Totti, Cassano and Montella will relish this encounter, with plenty of space for strikers. Suazo was excellent for Cagliari last week, when he came on as a substitute, and he will be preferred to Langella this time. Brambilla returns, and both Conti and Agostino are back from their suspensions, and only missing is Abeijon. No Mancini for Roma, and both Dacourt and Pelizzoli are injury doubts. Cagliari have lost only 1 home game this season, against Milan, and surely the value price in this fixture must be on the home win. Personally I still avoid this bet, as I have my doubts about the present Cagliari form. I will only back the over alternative.
Atalanta - Parma 2.60 - 3.15
Losing to Milan in injury time was a cruel blow for Atalanta last week end. Milan have scored very late winners more than once this season - has almost become a habit. Anyway Atalanta never deserved to lose, and their new striker Makinwa had an outstanding game once again. Their defender Sala is back for this game, as well as Mingazzini and Migliaccio. Parma miss their suspended keeper Frey, but welcome back the many key players that were rested in the mid week UEFA - cup game vs Sevilla. (0-0) (Gilardino, Morfeo, Bettarini and Simplicio among others) Despite their hopeless situation, Atalanta seem to preserve the right attitude, and I find no major reason to believe that the lousy away side, Parma, should win this fixture. I am not throwing myself over the home win either. OK, the draw then. (3.00)
Chievo - Juventus 6.70 - 1.64
Missing a penalty, and dominating the game did not help poor Chievo away to Sampdoria last week. They suffered a very unlucky 0-1 loss, and are now positioned in the relegation zone. Cossato is back in training, but it looks like Chievo will use only one striker, Pelissier, in a 4-5-1 formation. Their defender Mensah is suspended, and Moro will come in. Blasi is back for Juventus, and it is very likely that Trezeguet will be used up front instead of Zalayeta. I cannot stomach this ridiculous price on the away win. (1.64) Something for Chievo!
Milan - Sampdoria 1.55 - 7.50
Same here! I cannot accept this price on the home win. My God, Sampdoria are third in Serie A, and always extremely strong in their away games. Kutozov could be preferred to Rossini alongside Flachi, and this will, in that case, be the only change in their line up. Milan high after their advancement to the Ch. League quarter finals, are likely to make a few changes, but their starting line up will be as strong as ever. Pippo Inzaghi should feature, from the start or as a sub. Something for Sampdoria!
FA - Cup, Quarter Finals
Blackburn - Leicester 1.67 - 6.50
Surely the improved Blackburn side should advance to the semi finals. They thoroughly deserved their win away to Everton last week, giving the Evertonians practically no scoring chances. Coach Hughes has created a strong collective. Paul Dickov, their hot tempered striker had to leave the Everton match with a bad looking injury, but according to the latest reports it was not as bad as it looked. He should recover in time for this match. Savage played no part vs Everton, and he is touch and go for this match. Matteo definitely back however. By the way, Dickov's replacement, Jon Stead, scored the winner against Everton. Leicester are without a win in their last 6 league games, but they had this expected? win away to Charlton in the previous round of this FA - cup. In mid week they drew with Burnley, and coach Levein had made 5 changes in their line up. Leicester have scoring problems, and this got worse when Scowcroft left for Ipswich. Home win for Blackburn! (1.67)
Southampton - Manchester United 6.50 - 1.62
Only chance for M United to win something this season is winning the FA - cup, and consequently Southampton will face a very motivated United side on Saturday. Dejected and a bit tired, after their loss vs Milan, but absolutely motivated. Ryan Giggs is out of this fixture, and Q Fortune will probably start instead, or will it be Alan Smith? Southampton have Lundekvam, Delap and Le Saux, even their keeper Niemi fit and available, but missing is the ineligible Quashie. I have stood up for Southampton in their recent home matches, with success I must add, and I see no reason of leaving them out of my suggestions this week either. This time the price is the big decider (6.50), and I am prepared to take a chance against the mighty United. Home win!
Bolton - Arsenal 4.33 - 1.97
Same goes for Arsenal. One chance of silver ware this season - the FA - cup. Extremely difficult task, up against the difficult Bolton team. Bolton already defeated Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium this season, and it was one of my better suggestions. Have Arsenal improved since that meeting? Absolutely not! Bolton have only suffered one defeat in 12 matches, so you cannot say that they are out of form, can you? Unfortunately Okocha is out for Bolton, but in all honesty, Okocha has not been his real self for ages. Gary Speed from the start, and Nicky Hunt in contention again. Arsenal will not come to this encounter with fresh legs or alert minds after their big game with Bayern Munich in mid week. To face the psychically strong and competitive Bolton side after that, looks like a very arduous task. The Arsenal cause has not been helped by the absence of Henry, who will be sidelined a couple of weeks from now. Accidentally he has scored the last 4 Arsenal goals. Have to back the home win! (4.33)
Newcastle - Tottenham 2.10 - 4.00
Pretty big price on the home win, considering the present Newcastle form. Surely the price has much to do with the Newcastle match this Thursday against Olympiakos in Greece. (3-1 win)Tottenham can quietly prepare for this quarter finals, and maybe this circumstance will even out the chances on Saturday. Newcastle excelled again and continued their winning run, by defeating Olympiakos, 3-1, with Robert, Shearer and Kluivert scoring the goals. For this match Boumsong should return to their defence, and coach Souness is indicating that he play with a slightly different team in this game - whatever that means! Sean Davis is fit again, but he is not likely to feature from the start for his Tottenham. No big worries for Spurs. As I stated above, I approve of the price on the home win. (2.10) Plenty of matches lately for Newcastle, but as long as they keep winning them, what can you do ? Keep on backing the Geordies! (2.10)
The Championship
Plymouth - Brighton
I like Plymouth at home to Brighton, and the price is 2.00. Their last two home fixtures have ended with 3-0 wins, against S United and Crewe, and they played a strong match away to the high flyers Derby last week, despite the 0-1 loss. New boys Blackstock and Chadwick upfront again. Lee Hodges is finally fit again, and Buzsaky will come in for the transferred S Adams. For Brighton both McCammon and A Virgo are doubtful starters My feeling is that Plymouth will win their third straight home win this Saturday. (2.00)
Coventry - Cardiff
Backing Coventry is always a special challenge. They have a habit of surprising this writer, one way or another. Time again this weekend at home to Cardiff, and the price on the home win is 2.20. Coventry had a good win away to Watford last week, and with the addition of keeper I Bennett, they will be able to draw from the same squad tomorrow. Cardiff have problems up front, with A Lee suspended, and A Campbell & P Thorne both injured. Remains their teenager Jerome and the make shift striker Bullock. Coventry then. (2.20)
French Soccer
Auxerre - Monaco
I choose Auxerre at home to Monaco, and the price on the home win is 2.50. Basically both these teams are suffering from poor domestic form, but there is no denying the terrific home statistics for Auxerre. (8-4-0) Both sides played in midweek, with Monaco disappointing immensely at home to PSV (0-2). I think that this loss was a hammer blow to the club, and that their season will disintegrate from here. Auxerre took the scalp of Lille, 1-0 away from home, (UEFA - cup) and they should be lifted immensely, as Auxerre usually struggle in away games. This match is all about a chance to play in the Ch.League next season, with only 3 points separating the two sides. At this instant, advantage Auxerre, and the price is 2.50.
Lille - Toulouse
A couple of big prices! Toulouse for instance away to Lille. (5.00) Lille are on a poor run after a long season. They were involved in the Intertoto cup, advanced to the UEFA - cup, and on the whole Lille have enjoyed a great season, for long the only threat to Lyon's title ambitions. Unfortunately they are presently in a bit of a free fall, and I do not know if they will recover or not. Anyway they lost the Thursday UEFA - cup fixture at home to Auxerre, and I see no positive tendencies to be found. Toulouse, newcomers and all, have performed wonders and they are in the race for Europe next season. Cardy and Dieuze are sidelined for Toulouse, with Aubey and Sireix playing instead. Toulouse to cause an upset! (5.00)
Sochaux - Bastia
Bastia, winners away to Sochaux, and the price is 6.00! Sochaux are dropping down the table, and their goal scoring problems seem to continue. No goals away to Rennes last week. (0-3) They miss one striker tomorrow, Menez, but should have Ilan back. Despite their win vs Lille last week, Bastia are still in the drop zone. Still no Nee or Karembeu, and we can expect the same Bastia line up tomorrow, as against Lille. Just recently I thought that Bastia would go down, but now I am know not so sure. Their manager really had to beat Lille last week, or else he would be out of job. The players obviously were there for him, when it mattered the most. Sochaux are having an indifferent, or should I say very poor season, and I give Bastia a decent chance of causing an upset. (6.00)
Metz - Rennes
By offering 2.25 on the opponents to Rennes, the bookies definitely have me fooled. Rennes, the worst of away sides (0-4-9 so far) have an away match with Metz, and I have to back the home win. (2.25) Rennes miss their defender Jeunechamp, and another defender Perrier-Doumbe is considered an injury doubt. Ex- Portsmouth striker Mornar is back in contention again. Metz have important players back - Meniri, Signorino and Obraniak, but Renouard is missing. Leca is not even picked. Decent Metz form, they drew away to Monaco last week, and they should be worth backing at home to the mystery team Rennes. You know how perfect Rennes are at their own place! (11-2-2) Metz to win! (2.25)
Nice - Strasbourg
Strasbourg miss both their strikers Niang and Pagis tomorrow away to Nice. Makes me suggest a home win for the strong home team, Nice. The price is 2.05. Strasbourg generally stink away from home (0-5-9), and without their regular strikeforce? Sounds bad, and their defender Boka is also out tomorrow. Nice have problems of their own with Agali suspended, and Meslin will deputise up front, together with Vahirua or Jankauskas. Traore is doubtful, and could be replaced by Die. Nice have lost one of their 14 home matches, and I have them as winners tomorrow. (2.05)
La Liga
Getafe - Real Madrid
I do not enjoy the fixture list in Spain this weekend. One suggestion however, as there is a monster price on Getafe vs Real M in the Madrid derby. (5.00) Real lost to Juventus in midweek, and their quest for the league title looks futile, and I wonder how motivated all their big names will be for this derby game. Talking about motivation, and you know that the Getafe players will have motivation enough for two sides on Sunday. Nothing wrong with the Getafe form either - they have drawn with La Coruna and Real Betis in their last 2 matches. Their keeper Aragoneses had a poor game vs Betis, and with a normal contribution from him, Getafe would have won their first away game. Aragoneses will still be between the posts for this match. Beckham is out for Real, and about Zidane I do not know. He did not look very fit against Juventus. Getafe then, and this big price. (5.00)
Chris.
erie A
Lazio - Inter 3.30 - 2.40
Key player Cesar is back in training again, and could be included in the Lazio side on Saturday, at least in their big squad. Lequi is also fit, and Bazzani returns from his suspension. Almost problems of abundance for the Lazio coach Papadopoulos. The Inter defender Favalli has been troubled by some injury this week, and he is doubtful for this game. Offensively Inter have bigger problems, with only Adriano ansd Cruz available. Vieri, Martins and Recoba are all out injured. OK; Cruz and Adriano are not exactly a poor duo, but still! Lazio have advanced in the table by defeating bottom sides, or close to the bottom, and although Lazio have a good record against Inter these last years, they should not be able to defeat Inter this time. . Let us face it - Lazio are limited! . OK, if they find the same knock out form as against Roma, anything may happen, but it is not very likely, is it? I am not keen on jumping on the Inter win either, with these offensive shortcomings. It has to be the draw! (3.10)
Lecce - Fiorentina 2.10 - 4.10
Nothing wrong with the Lecce effort against Inter last week, and only a very late Inter penalty prevented Lecce from getting a draw. Zeman's team defends much better these days. They have Ledesma back from his suspension, and their striker Vucinic should be fit to play again, probably replacing Bjelanovic up front. Fiorentina had their necessary win against Reggina, and are now 2 points above the drop zone. They have to pick up some away points sooner or later, but this far they have achieved depressing away results. (1-5-7) For this match la Viola have lost two defenders Donadel and Delli Carri, and they should be replaced by Ariatti and Ujfalusi. I lack the real conviction, but I guess that the price on the home win is pretty OK. (2.10)
Palermo - Udinese 2.30 - 3.75
They looked in control, Palermo, last week vs Livorno, but the dismissal of Zaccardo changed the look of the game, and Palermo can have no complaints about the 2-2 draw. Zaccardo is suspended for this match, and even worse, their goal machine, Toni, as well. Could be that Zauli becomes the lone striker, with the support from the Argentinian Gonzales (or Santana) and Brienza. Fortunately for Palermo, another key player Corini is back for this match, and the same goes for Barone. Udinese had a terrible week end, losing at home to Bologna, 0-1. Then you should know that Bologna had more or less one shot on target - their goal. The Bologna keeper, Pagliuca, was man of the match. Sensini remains on the sidelines, and Jankulovski is suspended for this match. My feeling is that Palermo, without Toni, will only manage a draw in this match. The price is 3.00!
Brescia - Livorno 2.15 - 4.25
Massive win for Brescia last week, winning the six pointer game away to Siena. If they manage to defeat Livorno on Sunday, they will probably be able to leave the relegation zone. I cannot say that their line up looks very impressive, with for example Mannini playing with Carracciolo up front. Much travelled Wome on the midfield with Zambrella (unknown to me), and the key man of key men, Di Biagio, both defending and scoring. The latest I heard was that both Mannini and Berretta are struggling, and Mannini could be replaced by the young Dutchman Vonlanthen. Livorno will be without Vargas and Vidigal, but should have Colombo back. Livorno played a 0-0 draw away to Bologna two weeks ago, and I am sure that they will try to achieve something similar this time. Do not expect many scoring chances in this fixture! I settle for another draw. (3.00)
Bologna - Siena 1.85 - 5.30
One scoring opportunity - one goal - 3 points, yes, Bologna defended like mad men last week, and their keeper was outstanding. Their Greek international, Zagorakis, is suspended for this match, but players like Giunti, Amoroso and Cipriani are all back in training, but not yet ready this week end. Capuano probably in for Sussi. Siena miss the two defenders Tudor and Colonnese, with Argilli and Portanova from the start instead, and strangely enough Taddei has been omitted from the squad.. Siena have let in 6 goals in their last two matches, and I very much doubt that their defence will get better with these enforced changes. No value on the Bologna win, although it looks feasible. The draw for me! (3.25)
Reggina - Messina 2.00 - 5.00
The home side has lost 3 of their last 4 matches, but they still maintain a strong level in their home fixtures. They are not troubled by injuries at all, and only missing on Sunday is the suspended Mozart. Colucci and Nakamura from the start this time. What can Messina hope for? They constantly fail on their travels (1-4-9 this far), but in their last away match they were the dominant part, but still lost of course. (0-1 vs Lecce) Missing this time are Giampa and Zanchi, but Zoro and Donato should be back. The idea is to play Di Napoli from the start, alongside Zampagna up front, or Zampagna as the lone striker. Logically this will be a hard fought home win. (2.00)
Cagliari - Roma 2.80 - 2.80
Should be plenty of goals in this fixture, at least 5 in my opinion. Cagliari are leaking, but
always dangerous with their 3 strikers. The Roma trio Totti, Cassano and Montella will relish this encounter, with plenty of space for strikers. Suazo was excellent for Cagliari last week, when he came on as a substitute, and he will be preferred to Langella this time. Brambilla returns, and both Conti and Agostino are back from their suspensions, and only missing is Abeijon. No Mancini for Roma, and both Dacourt and Pelizzoli are injury doubts. Cagliari have lost only 1 home game this season, against Milan, and surely the value price in this fixture must be on the home win. Personally I still avoid this bet, as I have my doubts about the present Cagliari form. I will only back the over alternative.
Atalanta - Parma 2.60 - 3.15
Losing to Milan in injury time was a cruel blow for Atalanta last week end. Milan have scored very late winners more than once this season - has almost become a habit. Anyway Atalanta never deserved to lose, and their new striker Makinwa had an outstanding game once again. Their defender Sala is back for this game, as well as Mingazzini and Migliaccio. Parma miss their suspended keeper Frey, but welcome back the many key players that were rested in the mid week UEFA - cup game vs Sevilla. (0-0) (Gilardino, Morfeo, Bettarini and Simplicio among others) Despite their hopeless situation, Atalanta seem to preserve the right attitude, and I find no major reason to believe that the lousy away side, Parma, should win this fixture. I am not throwing myself over the home win either. OK, the draw then. (3.00)
Chievo - Juventus 6.70 - 1.64
Missing a penalty, and dominating the game did not help poor Chievo away to Sampdoria last week. They suffered a very unlucky 0-1 loss, and are now positioned in the relegation zone. Cossato is back in training, but it looks like Chievo will use only one striker, Pelissier, in a 4-5-1 formation. Their defender Mensah is suspended, and Moro will come in. Blasi is back for Juventus, and it is very likely that Trezeguet will be used up front instead of Zalayeta. I cannot stomach this ridiculous price on the away win. (1.64) Something for Chievo!
Milan - Sampdoria 1.55 - 7.50
Same here! I cannot accept this price on the home win. My God, Sampdoria are third in Serie A, and always extremely strong in their away games. Kutozov could be preferred to Rossini alongside Flachi, and this will, in that case, be the only change in their line up. Milan high after their advancement to the Ch. League quarter finals, are likely to make a few changes, but their starting line up will be as strong as ever. Pippo Inzaghi should feature, from the start or as a sub. Something for Sampdoria!
FA - Cup, Quarter Finals
Blackburn - Leicester 1.67 - 6.50
Surely the improved Blackburn side should advance to the semi finals. They thoroughly deserved their win away to Everton last week, giving the Evertonians practically no scoring chances. Coach Hughes has created a strong collective. Paul Dickov, their hot tempered striker had to leave the Everton match with a bad looking injury, but according to the latest reports it was not as bad as it looked. He should recover in time for this match. Savage played no part vs Everton, and he is touch and go for this match. Matteo definitely back however. By the way, Dickov's replacement, Jon Stead, scored the winner against Everton. Leicester are without a win in their last 6 league games, but they had this expected? win away to Charlton in the previous round of this FA - cup. In mid week they drew with Burnley, and coach Levein had made 5 changes in their line up. Leicester have scoring problems, and this got worse when Scowcroft left for Ipswich. Home win for Blackburn! (1.67)
Southampton - Manchester United 6.50 - 1.62
Only chance for M United to win something this season is winning the FA - cup, and consequently Southampton will face a very motivated United side on Saturday. Dejected and a bit tired, after their loss vs Milan, but absolutely motivated. Ryan Giggs is out of this fixture, and Q Fortune will probably start instead, or will it be Alan Smith? Southampton have Lundekvam, Delap and Le Saux, even their keeper Niemi fit and available, but missing is the ineligible Quashie. I have stood up for Southampton in their recent home matches, with success I must add, and I see no reason of leaving them out of my suggestions this week either. This time the price is the big decider (6.50), and I am prepared to take a chance against the mighty United. Home win!
Bolton - Arsenal 4.33 - 1.97
Same goes for Arsenal. One chance of silver ware this season - the FA - cup. Extremely difficult task, up against the difficult Bolton team. Bolton already defeated Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium this season, and it was one of my better suggestions. Have Arsenal improved since that meeting? Absolutely not! Bolton have only suffered one defeat in 12 matches, so you cannot say that they are out of form, can you? Unfortunately Okocha is out for Bolton, but in all honesty, Okocha has not been his real self for ages. Gary Speed from the start, and Nicky Hunt in contention again. Arsenal will not come to this encounter with fresh legs or alert minds after their big game with Bayern Munich in mid week. To face the psychically strong and competitive Bolton side after that, looks like a very arduous task. The Arsenal cause has not been helped by the absence of Henry, who will be sidelined a couple of weeks from now. Accidentally he has scored the last 4 Arsenal goals. Have to back the home win! (4.33)
Newcastle - Tottenham 2.10 - 4.00
Pretty big price on the home win, considering the present Newcastle form. Surely the price has much to do with the Newcastle match this Thursday against Olympiakos in Greece. (3-1 win)Tottenham can quietly prepare for this quarter finals, and maybe this circumstance will even out the chances on Saturday. Newcastle excelled again and continued their winning run, by defeating Olympiakos, 3-1, with Robert, Shearer and Kluivert scoring the goals. For this match Boumsong should return to their defence, and coach Souness is indicating that he play with a slightly different team in this game - whatever that means! Sean Davis is fit again, but he is not likely to feature from the start for his Tottenham. No big worries for Spurs. As I stated above, I approve of the price on the home win. (2.10) Plenty of matches lately for Newcastle, but as long as they keep winning them, what can you do ? Keep on backing the Geordies! (2.10)
The Championship
Plymouth - Brighton
I like Plymouth at home to Brighton, and the price is 2.00. Their last two home fixtures have ended with 3-0 wins, against S United and Crewe, and they played a strong match away to the high flyers Derby last week, despite the 0-1 loss. New boys Blackstock and Chadwick upfront again. Lee Hodges is finally fit again, and Buzsaky will come in for the transferred S Adams. For Brighton both McCammon and A Virgo are doubtful starters My feeling is that Plymouth will win their third straight home win this Saturday. (2.00)
Coventry - Cardiff
Backing Coventry is always a special challenge. They have a habit of surprising this writer, one way or another. Time again this weekend at home to Cardiff, and the price on the home win is 2.20. Coventry had a good win away to Watford last week, and with the addition of keeper I Bennett, they will be able to draw from the same squad tomorrow. Cardiff have problems up front, with A Lee suspended, and A Campbell & P Thorne both injured. Remains their teenager Jerome and the make shift striker Bullock. Coventry then. (2.20)
French Soccer
Auxerre - Monaco
I choose Auxerre at home to Monaco, and the price on the home win is 2.50. Basically both these teams are suffering from poor domestic form, but there is no denying the terrific home statistics for Auxerre. (8-4-0) Both sides played in midweek, with Monaco disappointing immensely at home to PSV (0-2). I think that this loss was a hammer blow to the club, and that their season will disintegrate from here. Auxerre took the scalp of Lille, 1-0 away from home, (UEFA - cup) and they should be lifted immensely, as Auxerre usually struggle in away games. This match is all about a chance to play in the Ch.League next season, with only 3 points separating the two sides. At this instant, advantage Auxerre, and the price is 2.50.
Lille - Toulouse
A couple of big prices! Toulouse for instance away to Lille. (5.00) Lille are on a poor run after a long season. They were involved in the Intertoto cup, advanced to the UEFA - cup, and on the whole Lille have enjoyed a great season, for long the only threat to Lyon's title ambitions. Unfortunately they are presently in a bit of a free fall, and I do not know if they will recover or not. Anyway they lost the Thursday UEFA - cup fixture at home to Auxerre, and I see no positive tendencies to be found. Toulouse, newcomers and all, have performed wonders and they are in the race for Europe next season. Cardy and Dieuze are sidelined for Toulouse, with Aubey and Sireix playing instead. Toulouse to cause an upset! (5.00)
Sochaux - Bastia
Bastia, winners away to Sochaux, and the price is 6.00! Sochaux are dropping down the table, and their goal scoring problems seem to continue. No goals away to Rennes last week. (0-3) They miss one striker tomorrow, Menez, but should have Ilan back. Despite their win vs Lille last week, Bastia are still in the drop zone. Still no Nee or Karembeu, and we can expect the same Bastia line up tomorrow, as against Lille. Just recently I thought that Bastia would go down, but now I am know not so sure. Their manager really had to beat Lille last week, or else he would be out of job. The players obviously were there for him, when it mattered the most. Sochaux are having an indifferent, or should I say very poor season, and I give Bastia a decent chance of causing an upset. (6.00)
Metz - Rennes
By offering 2.25 on the opponents to Rennes, the bookies definitely have me fooled. Rennes, the worst of away sides (0-4-9 so far) have an away match with Metz, and I have to back the home win. (2.25) Rennes miss their defender Jeunechamp, and another defender Perrier-Doumbe is considered an injury doubt. Ex- Portsmouth striker Mornar is back in contention again. Metz have important players back - Meniri, Signorino and Obraniak, but Renouard is missing. Leca is not even picked. Decent Metz form, they drew away to Monaco last week, and they should be worth backing at home to the mystery team Rennes. You know how perfect Rennes are at their own place! (11-2-2) Metz to win! (2.25)
Nice - Strasbourg
Strasbourg miss both their strikers Niang and Pagis tomorrow away to Nice. Makes me suggest a home win for the strong home team, Nice. The price is 2.05. Strasbourg generally stink away from home (0-5-9), and without their regular strikeforce? Sounds bad, and their defender Boka is also out tomorrow. Nice have problems of their own with Agali suspended, and Meslin will deputise up front, together with Vahirua or Jankauskas. Traore is doubtful, and could be replaced by Die. Nice have lost one of their 14 home matches, and I have them as winners tomorrow. (2.05)
La Liga
Getafe - Real Madrid
I do not enjoy the fixture list in Spain this weekend. One suggestion however, as there is a monster price on Getafe vs Real M in the Madrid derby. (5.00) Real lost to Juventus in midweek, and their quest for the league title looks futile, and I wonder how motivated all their big names will be for this derby game. Talking about motivation, and you know that the Getafe players will have motivation enough for two sides on Sunday. Nothing wrong with the Getafe form either - they have drawn with La Coruna and Real Betis in their last 2 matches. Their keeper Aragoneses had a poor game vs Betis, and with a normal contribution from him, Getafe would have won their first away game. Aragoneses will still be between the posts for this match. Beckham is out for Real, and about Zidane I do not know. He did not look very fit against Juventus. Getafe then, and this big price. (5.00)
Chris.
Vastaukset 6
Vanhimmat
Vai oisko nää helmiä sioille?
Ei taida amiskundit enklantia ymmärtää
toi että ammattikoululaisia morkataan, kun ollaan niin ite jotain muuta.
Ja mulla ei kyllä ollu mitään ongelmia ymmärtää noita äskösiä vihjeitä! ei pitäs yleistää...
hahhaaahh
Tip-ex kopijoija.Hah.
Parasta vihjausta täällä, oli kopioitua eli ei.
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