Weekend socceria...

HEHKUTELLAAN VIELÄ EILISIÄ:

UEFA - Cup Semi Finals - second legs

Middlesbrough - Steaua Bukarest 1.75 - 4.75
I have always believed that Middlesbrough would advance to the final over the two legs and I still do, but I need Mark Viduka to play again for Boro. Oh, how I missed him against W Ham at the weekend, and I am sure that his striking partner, Hasselbaink did as well. Yakubu was a disaster and Downing was extremely wasteful. It was little wonder that West Ham got their lucky goal. The latest news is that Viduka returned to training on Tuesday and that he will play some part in tomorrow's game, hopefully from the start. Gareth Southgate and Riggott could not play in Bukarest, but both these key players will be available for this return leg. Steaua miss two of their best players, Nicolita and Paraschiv, but welcome back their striker Iacob. Nicolita is a danger to Boroo as he scored two of the Steaua goals against Betis in Spain. Steaua could easily have defeated Boro with more than one goal in Bukarest and I do not think that they are too fearful ahead of this return leg. They have played 6 away games in Europe this season, (3-3-0) and they travel to the north east of England full of confidence. With Viduka confirmed, Southgate and Riggott ready again, Middlesbrough will have a stronger look tomorrow than a week ago so it looks a home win! (1.75)

Middlesbrough 4 Steaua Bukarest 2

Sevilla - Schalke 04 1.95 - 4.35
Sevilla got the required 0-0 result in the first leg. A very strong defensive display almost guaranteed this result. The two famous Schalke players Lincoln and Kuranyi only played in the second half. They were part of the Schalke starting line up at the weekend, with Schalke once again playing out a 0-0 draw, this time away to Werder Bremen. Schalke have defensive worries this time, Krstajic is suspended and his replacement Rodriguez, a big injury doubt, but latest news is that Rodriguez has travelled with the Schalke squad to Spain. Sevilla will be without their injured striker F Kanoute and without their defence man, J Navarro. Fabiano will play from the start alongside Saviola, while Ocio will replace Navarro. Just noticed how well Sevilla have fared in their European home fixtures. Unbeaten this far, with 19-7-0 after 26 home games. I back the home win, but I am not desperately keen on this poor price. (1.95)

Sevilla 1 Schalke 0

TERVEISIN:Chris.