CHE VS SHU
Following the euphatic victory by MANU, Chelsea have no other choice but the secure victory against a Sheffield side that has lost the last 5 away games, and no more worse than the 4-0 drubbling by a half relaxed Liverpool side. Chelsea has a formidable home form and it is definitely the banker of the week.
CHE -1.5/2 with 188bet
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
EPL round of 27
Today shall see a few matchups that garner interest for profits, namely NEW VS LIV, MANU VS CHA, and READ VS AV. We have done well over the past few weeks, notching up more wins than losses. Hope the run continues today.
READ VS AV
Reading has continued their good run of 2007, having 6 victories on and off the road while only drawing once. Even then, their draw against Everton was after Reading took a 1-0 lead into half time. It seems Coppell and his men has lived up to their label of the surprise package this season even though many of the results are expected given the predictablity of the top four. Some, although the numbers are now increasing, are beginning to believe that Europe qualification rather than relegation strugglers are more apt in describing Reading.
They have lost their reverse fixture by 2-1 and Reading will definitely be gunning for victory in their backyard. A sturdy home form has ensured that the Berkshire outfit are a tough proposition at the Majeski Stadium, winning thir last four home games.
It is a totally different story for Villa, with 5 defeats in their last 5 away matches. Having won only once on the road this season, many are still convinced that O'Neill can lead his team to greater heights. However, the hype is starting to wane after a bright start to the season, yet the capture of Carew and Young give fresh impetus to an otherwise suspect strikeforce.
Reading has mainly Shane Long doubtful, given that the starlet picked up a knock while playing for Ireland last week. With midfielder Harper expected to be fit after stitches to his feet injury, and the return of both strikers Doyle and Kitson, Reading have not much, except for who to pair upfront, to worry about.
Villa defender Wilfred Bouma is a major doubt. He suffered an ankle injury while on international duty for Holland in midweek and was unable to train on Friday. If Bouma is ruled out, skipper Gareth Barry is expected to switch to left-back with either Patrik Berger or Steven Davis replacing him in midfield. Gabriel Agbonlahor is expected to shake off the calf injury which ruled him out of England's Under-21 game with Spain. Striker Luke Moore is recalled to the squad after recovering from his shoulder problem.
The new owner, Randy Lerner, has already expressed his desire and O'Neill will want to match up to his expectations. Reading, on the other hand, exceeds Wigan, the previous season's surprise, in achieving greater heights. My money is on Reading, given their impressive home form and overall performance at the moment.
READ -0.25 @ 188bet.com
NEW VS LIV
Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro could return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool.
The 28-year-old Nigeria international has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring injury, but is now back in the squad after returning to training.
Kieron Dyer is fit despite suffering from the after-effects of his exertions for England in midweek, but full-back Stephen Carr could be sidelined for a month with the thigh injury which forced him to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad.
Emre (calf), Shay Given (groin), Peter Ramage and Craig Moore (both hamstring), Michael Owen and Charles N'Zogbia (both knee) and Shola Ameobi are still out.
Liverpool will have captain Steven Gerrard in the squad after he played just 45 minutes for England in midweek due to a "niggling" injury picked up last weekend in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
But Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso misses the match at St James' Park due to a one-match suspension.
Boss Rafael Benitez could call in Mohamed Sissoko, who has been back in full training following a dislocated shoulder sustained at Birmingham in November.
LIV -0.5 @ 188bet.com
MANU VS CHA
Wayne Rooney has been passed fit for Manchester United's Barclays Premiership clash with Charlton at Old Trafford.
Rooney missed England's midweek defeat to Spain with a hip injury but came through training on Thursday and should be in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI.
Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also start as Edwin van der Sar has been ruled out with a broken nose.
John O'Shea (ankle) is out, while Michael Carrick (groin) and Cristiano Ronaldo (heavy cold) are both minor doubts.
Charlton manager Alan Pardew will not risk striker Darren Bent.
The England international has recently resumed training after a knee injury but is not ready for a first-team return, so Marcus Bent is expected to continue in a lone striker role.
Luke Young (knee), Herman Hreidarsson (knee), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Talal El Karkouri (suspended) are also ruled out, but Pardew will hand debuts to two of his new signings, Alexandre Song and Madjid Bougherra.
MANU 4-0 @ 188bet.com
READ VS AV
Reading has continued their good run of 2007, having 6 victories on and off the road while only drawing once. Even then, their draw against Everton was after Reading took a 1-0 lead into half time. It seems Coppell and his men has lived up to their label of the surprise package this season even though many of the results are expected given the predictablity of the top four. Some, although the numbers are now increasing, are beginning to believe that Europe qualification rather than relegation strugglers are more apt in describing Reading.
They have lost their reverse fixture by 2-1 and Reading will definitely be gunning for victory in their backyard. A sturdy home form has ensured that the Berkshire outfit are a tough proposition at the Majeski Stadium, winning thir last four home games.
It is a totally different story for Villa, with 5 defeats in their last 5 away matches. Having won only once on the road this season, many are still convinced that O'Neill can lead his team to greater heights. However, the hype is starting to wane after a bright start to the season, yet the capture of Carew and Young give fresh impetus to an otherwise suspect strikeforce.
Reading has mainly Shane Long doubtful, given that the starlet picked up a knock while playing for Ireland last week. With midfielder Harper expected to be fit after stitches to his feet injury, and the return of both strikers Doyle and Kitson, Reading have not much, except for who to pair upfront, to worry about.
Villa defender Wilfred Bouma is a major doubt. He suffered an ankle injury while on international duty for Holland in midweek and was unable to train on Friday. If Bouma is ruled out, skipper Gareth Barry is expected to switch to left-back with either Patrik Berger or Steven Davis replacing him in midfield. Gabriel Agbonlahor is expected to shake off the calf injury which ruled him out of England's Under-21 game with Spain. Striker Luke Moore is recalled to the squad after recovering from his shoulder problem.
The new owner, Randy Lerner, has already expressed his desire and O'Neill will want to match up to his expectations. Reading, on the other hand, exceeds Wigan, the previous season's surprise, in achieving greater heights. My money is on Reading, given their impressive home form and overall performance at the moment.
READ -0.25 @ 188bet.com
NEW VS LIV
Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro could return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool.
The 28-year-old Nigeria international has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring injury, but is now back in the squad after returning to training.
Kieron Dyer is fit despite suffering from the after-effects of his exertions for England in midweek, but full-back Stephen Carr could be sidelined for a month with the thigh injury which forced him to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad.
Emre (calf), Shay Given (groin), Peter Ramage and Craig Moore (both hamstring), Michael Owen and Charles N'Zogbia (both knee) and Shola Ameobi are still out.
Liverpool will have captain Steven Gerrard in the squad after he played just 45 minutes for England in midweek due to a "niggling" injury picked up last weekend in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
But Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso misses the match at St James' Park due to a one-match suspension.
Boss Rafael Benitez could call in Mohamed Sissoko, who has been back in full training following a dislocated shoulder sustained at Birmingham in November.
LIV -0.5 @ 188bet.com
MANU VS CHA
Wayne Rooney has been passed fit for Manchester United's Barclays Premiership clash with Charlton at Old Trafford.
Rooney missed England's midweek defeat to Spain with a hip injury but came through training on Thursday and should be in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI.
Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also start as Edwin van der Sar has been ruled out with a broken nose.
John O'Shea (ankle) is out, while Michael Carrick (groin) and Cristiano Ronaldo (heavy cold) are both minor doubts.
Charlton manager Alan Pardew will not risk striker Darren Bent.
The England international has recently resumed training after a knee injury but is not ready for a first-team return, so Marcus Bent is expected to continue in a lone striker role.
Luke Young (knee), Herman Hreidarsson (knee), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Talal El Karkouri (suspended) are also ruled out, but Pardew will hand debuts to two of his new signings, Alexandre Song and Madjid Bougherra.
MANU 4-0 @ 188bet.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
EPL round of
WHAM VS LIV
This promises to be an exciting matchup between 2 teams with contrasting fortunes. West Ham has not taken many points since the victory over ManU in Curb's first game in charge and continue to leak goals as their feeble backline is decimated by injuries.
By the time of this post, it is certain that Collins, Ferdinand and Gabiddon are all ruled out. However there is hope in the form of new signing Davenport. Yet it seems the only postive so far has been their attack. It seems that their attacking style has been renewed - they have scored 5 in their last two matches - although leaking in the same number of goals.
With the visit of Liverpool, it brings back memories of the FA Cup Final of last year. It will come as no suprise that West Ham will burst off the blocks to seek goals but it must be said that Liverpool themselves are in lethal form at the moment.
Have won the last 9 out of 10 matches, Benitez and Co seeks to extend that run. They have openly proclaim the importance of continuing this fine form and with encouraging news of Zenden and Sissoko are recovering from injuries, expect Liverpool to put up a tough fight tonight!
TG Over 2.5 with 188bet.com
READ VS WIG
Another match with teams of opposing forms. Reading have not lose in their last 5 while Wigan have equal a club record of 7 successful league defeats. All does not bode will for Wigan and Paul Jewell knows that defeat again will make it 8, a run that he intends to stop.
However, he has the unfortunate task of struggling with the mounting injuries that include Camara, Cotterill, Hall, de Zeeuw and Scharner. He has even been reduced to throwing Caleb Folan, a new signing from Chesterfield, into the deep end of the pool immediately. What effects does these have on the team performance though, remains to be seen.
On the other hand, even though Reading is on a fine run since the start of 2007, they are being only truly tested with injuries now. Doyle and Kitson are both out, leaving Lita and Long, two inexperienced strikers upfront. Thankfully, they have the midfield might of Sidwell, Hunt and Harper, which all can contribute to goals here and there.
With Wigan being midfield lightweights - namely only Landzart, Skoko, Kilbane and Valencia - the fight is really in the centre fo the park. If Wigan can control it, Reading may get overrun. Otherwise, a Reading without star striker Doyle and solid defender Sonko can still be a handful for Wigan.
READ -0.5 with 188bet.com
This promises to be an exciting matchup between 2 teams with contrasting fortunes. West Ham has not taken many points since the victory over ManU in Curb's first game in charge and continue to leak goals as their feeble backline is decimated by injuries.
By the time of this post, it is certain that Collins, Ferdinand and Gabiddon are all ruled out. However there is hope in the form of new signing Davenport. Yet it seems the only postive so far has been their attack. It seems that their attacking style has been renewed - they have scored 5 in their last two matches - although leaking in the same number of goals.
With the visit of Liverpool, it brings back memories of the FA Cup Final of last year. It will come as no suprise that West Ham will burst off the blocks to seek goals but it must be said that Liverpool themselves are in lethal form at the moment.
Have won the last 9 out of 10 matches, Benitez and Co seeks to extend that run. They have openly proclaim the importance of continuing this fine form and with encouraging news of Zenden and Sissoko are recovering from injuries, expect Liverpool to put up a tough fight tonight!
TG Over 2.5 with 188bet.com
READ VS WIG
Another match with teams of opposing forms. Reading have not lose in their last 5 while Wigan have equal a club record of 7 successful league defeats. All does not bode will for Wigan and Paul Jewell knows that defeat again will make it 8, a run that he intends to stop.
However, he has the unfortunate task of struggling with the mounting injuries that include Camara, Cotterill, Hall, de Zeeuw and Scharner. He has even been reduced to throwing Caleb Folan, a new signing from Chesterfield, into the deep end of the pool immediately. What effects does these have on the team performance though, remains to be seen.
On the other hand, even though Reading is on a fine run since the start of 2007, they are being only truly tested with injuries now. Doyle and Kitson are both out, leaving Lita and Long, two inexperienced strikers upfront. Thankfully, they have the midfield might of Sidwell, Hunt and Harper, which all can contribute to goals here and there.
With Wigan being midfield lightweights - namely only Landzart, Skoko, Kilbane and Valencia - the fight is really in the centre fo the park. If Wigan can control it, Reading may get overrun. Otherwise, a Reading without star striker Doyle and solid defender Sonko can still be a handful for Wigan.
READ -0.5 with 188bet.com
Thursday, January 18, 2007
fa cup replay
NEW VS BIR
Tonight see a battle of two astute managers, Roeder in Newcastle and Bruce in Birmingham. Frankly speaking, both have done not too badly as bosses considering how Bruce had to cope with injury nightmares last season when Birmingham was still in the top flight, and now it is Roeder's turn.
Newcastle are having a torrid time with injuries and have no less than 15 senior players out while having to draft in 5 youth players. It is no mean feat to cope with such a headache while still competing in the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and Epl.Thankfully they have live up to expectations(of some) so far and the team has to work doubly hard for their results.
With Owen, Parker, Emre, Babayaro, N'zogbia, Carr, just to name a few, still in the treatment room, it has expectedly been goals galore for Newcastle, both scoring while conceding. As expected, the inexperienced backline has not been able to cope much and let in quite a number of goals and as I can see, Roeder must have instructed them to throw everything forward while attacking in a bid to outscore their opponents.
This arises to nearly all of the last 8 matches ending in TG Over and as things stand, Roeder declared that he will start with the same lineup as the last winning 3-2 at Tottenham should give punters an idea of what's coming.
On the other hand, Birmingham are leading the pack in the Championship and looks to be going back to the top tier immidiately. Their strength is in scoring and winning the rest by a comfortable margin, thus their feat in topping the table. Going into this, they have Brendter, who is on loan from Arsenal, out injured and Jaidi suspended from his read card the last time round. However, they have an extra rest period due to the call off of the previous game against Leeds. Bruce has labelled his interest in winning any possible domestic competition and it is unlikely he will take priority over the Championship compared to this. Also, except for their last away game, the last few have registered TG Over and it is possible this is the result we are looking for tonight.
Verdict: TG Over
Tonight see a battle of two astute managers, Roeder in Newcastle and Bruce in Birmingham. Frankly speaking, both have done not too badly as bosses considering how Bruce had to cope with injury nightmares last season when Birmingham was still in the top flight, and now it is Roeder's turn.
Newcastle are having a torrid time with injuries and have no less than 15 senior players out while having to draft in 5 youth players. It is no mean feat to cope with such a headache while still competing in the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and Epl.Thankfully they have live up to expectations(of some) so far and the team has to work doubly hard for their results.
With Owen, Parker, Emre, Babayaro, N'zogbia, Carr, just to name a few, still in the treatment room, it has expectedly been goals galore for Newcastle, both scoring while conceding. As expected, the inexperienced backline has not been able to cope much and let in quite a number of goals and as I can see, Roeder must have instructed them to throw everything forward while attacking in a bid to outscore their opponents.
This arises to nearly all of the last 8 matches ending in TG Over and as things stand, Roeder declared that he will start with the same lineup as the last winning 3-2 at Tottenham should give punters an idea of what's coming.
On the other hand, Birmingham are leading the pack in the Championship and looks to be going back to the top tier immidiately. Their strength is in scoring and winning the rest by a comfortable margin, thus their feat in topping the table. Going into this, they have Brendter, who is on loan from Arsenal, out injured and Jaidi suspended from his read card the last time round. However, they have an extra rest period due to the call off of the previous game against Leeds. Bruce has labelled his interest in winning any possible domestic competition and it is unlikely he will take priority over the Championship compared to this. Also, except for their last away game, the last few have registered TG Over and it is possible this is the result we are looking for tonight.
Verdict: TG Over
Monday, January 1, 2007
Round of 22! Happy New Year 2007!
Happy new year 2007 to one and all. The first day of the year promises to bring rewards to those who dare venture forth. A few sneak peeks today. First up,
READ VS WHAM
The battle of two astute managers will see Coppell racking his brains against veteren Curbishley. Reading won the reverse by a solitary goal back in October, but the gaffer then was Pardew. A change in management brought an encourging start to the relegation threatened club but the first win against Manu was short lived. The dull draw with Fulham followed by defeats against Portsmouth and ManCity.
Reading has survived the two most difficult battles in the EPL against both ManU and Chelsea, picking up a surprising point in the encounter with the latter. The loss against Manu was tough given that they are one of the rare teams to put 2 past van der Sar in a match. The upcoming game sees defender Sodje suspended following his red card and captain Murty picking up a knock.
On the other hand, West Ham welcomes back Konchesky, Zamora and captain Reo-Coker for the matchup while the injured includes Gabbidon, McCartney and Mascherano. Curbishley has yet to do magic but it is hardly surprising given that the squad he inherited is unchanged. This same team has not won on the road this season. while drawing two and losing 8. All the while they only scored 2 but conceded a whooping 16!
It is imperative for West Ham to start picking up points, as Curbs suggests 'performing a Man City'. Yet it remains to be seen whether they can improve their away form and indicators point to a Reading victory.
NEW VS MANU
An interesting match through the history of EPL as this game tends to produce a few goals. Fond memories of the 4-3 Newcastle victory when Shearer was still playing are thrown up but there is slim chance that any such repeat will be seen today. Roeder can count his walking wounded to form up a whole team but itself, but has commendably held the team together, stringing the odd victories here and there.
To date, Manu has won away games as though they were at home, adding in the fact that 9 out of the last 10 meetings between the two sides and it can be said that St James is akin to ManU's playground. Furthermore, driven by the recent run of wins and a realistic chance of capturing the championship after missing out for the last three years, you can bet your life that they won't be slipshod about this. Timely rotation has ensured that fatigue is reduced to a minimum, but this does not help in any way of our prediction of the lineup. However news is that Scholes and Vidic, who are suspended the last match, returns for this. Also, a injury doubt for Ferdinand will give Neville a start, hence squashing rumours of his leg operation.
Team news for the other camp is that injuries to Bramble, Moore, Carr, Bernard, Babayaro has seen the Newcastle defence in shreds and the limping off of Ramage against Everton leaves Steven Taylor as the only fit senior centre back. Nicky Butt is most probably going to fill the other empty slot as an emergency centre back, as he has done in the previous match. After the last two away defeats by Everton and Bolton, this home game is a headache for manager Roeder and he will be in no doubt to take an extremely defensive play for the visit of Manu. Solano, Duff, Ameobi, Owen, N'zogbia and Harper are the remaining injured players.
Once again, the longest serving manger of the Premiership has proved his unpredictability with his rotation and it is wise to wait for the lineup before deciding. Perhaps the 65th birthday of Fergie can give a boost to the troops for another consective win on the trot and I will be cheering them on too.
READ VS WHAM
The battle of two astute managers will see Coppell racking his brains against veteren Curbishley. Reading won the reverse by a solitary goal back in October, but the gaffer then was Pardew. A change in management brought an encourging start to the relegation threatened club but the first win against Manu was short lived. The dull draw with Fulham followed by defeats against Portsmouth and ManCity.
Reading has survived the two most difficult battles in the EPL against both ManU and Chelsea, picking up a surprising point in the encounter with the latter. The loss against Manu was tough given that they are one of the rare teams to put 2 past van der Sar in a match. The upcoming game sees defender Sodje suspended following his red card and captain Murty picking up a knock.
On the other hand, West Ham welcomes back Konchesky, Zamora and captain Reo-Coker for the matchup while the injured includes Gabbidon, McCartney and Mascherano. Curbishley has yet to do magic but it is hardly surprising given that the squad he inherited is unchanged. This same team has not won on the road this season. while drawing two and losing 8. All the while they only scored 2 but conceded a whooping 16!
It is imperative for West Ham to start picking up points, as Curbs suggests 'performing a Man City'. Yet it remains to be seen whether they can improve their away form and indicators point to a Reading victory.
NEW VS MANU
An interesting match through the history of EPL as this game tends to produce a few goals. Fond memories of the 4-3 Newcastle victory when Shearer was still playing are thrown up but there is slim chance that any such repeat will be seen today. Roeder can count his walking wounded to form up a whole team but itself, but has commendably held the team together, stringing the odd victories here and there.
To date, Manu has won away games as though they were at home, adding in the fact that 9 out of the last 10 meetings between the two sides and it can be said that St James is akin to ManU's playground. Furthermore, driven by the recent run of wins and a realistic chance of capturing the championship after missing out for the last three years, you can bet your life that they won't be slipshod about this. Timely rotation has ensured that fatigue is reduced to a minimum, but this does not help in any way of our prediction of the lineup. However news is that Scholes and Vidic, who are suspended the last match, returns for this. Also, a injury doubt for Ferdinand will give Neville a start, hence squashing rumours of his leg operation.
Team news for the other camp is that injuries to Bramble, Moore, Carr, Bernard, Babayaro has seen the Newcastle defence in shreds and the limping off of Ramage against Everton leaves Steven Taylor as the only fit senior centre back. Nicky Butt is most probably going to fill the other empty slot as an emergency centre back, as he has done in the previous match. After the last two away defeats by Everton and Bolton, this home game is a headache for manager Roeder and he will be in no doubt to take an extremely defensive play for the visit of Manu. Solano, Duff, Ameobi, Owen, N'zogbia and Harper are the remaining injured players.
Once again, the longest serving manger of the Premiership has proved his unpredictability with his rotation and it is wise to wait for the lineup before deciding. Perhaps the 65th birthday of Fergie can give a boost to the troops for another consective win on the trot and I will be cheering them on too.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Round of 21! Countdown to 2007!!!
Chelsea didn't do us much favours the last time round, but as predicted, a extremely tough match with Reading packing the midfield. This time, it is...
MANU VS READ
Yes, tonight I will focus on this matchup. With the reverse fixture ending 1-1, Reading must surely have a tinge of confidence coming into this with the last match ending two-all with Chelsea. Indeed, the team labelled as THE surprise package this season has once again prove its worth with battling results that are against the odds. However, in the upcoming game against ManU, I can't see any further than an outright victory for the home team.
If Reading was said to have a boost of confidence, then ManU would be overflowing with it, scoring 13 and conceding only 4 in the last 5 home games, leaving a trail of blaze in the EPL. Majority of the home victories for ManU this season have a 2 goal cushion and I fully expect this to be another of such wins.
Manu have Scholes and Vidic suspended with 5 yellow cards each, but they will have quality in their ranks to replace them. Expect Ferdinand, Saha, Giggs to make the starting lineup or at least into the match this time round after being rested last week. Although rotating his team is paramount to winning the title challenge and they will definitely put up a tough show, predicting who he will start with in this festive period is hard.
Thankfully, there seems to be no such problems with Reading. With a limited squad, it boils down usually to the team, especially the defence, picking itself when rid of any injuries or suspensions. Once again, it looks like Coppell with form up with another 4-5-1 like the trip to Chelsea last weekend, but the Theatre of Dreams ain't no playground. Mourinho may have made a mistake in leaving his midfield lightweighted against them but expect no such behaviour from Fergie. A seasoned veteren, he has been through many Christmas battles and in the past years, Manu has taken maximum points during the Christmas-New Year week.
Once again, emphasis on this match is on Manu clearing the -1.75 handicap. A small punt on 3-0, 3-1 is advised if correct score is the choice.
MANU VS READ
Yes, tonight I will focus on this matchup. With the reverse fixture ending 1-1, Reading must surely have a tinge of confidence coming into this with the last match ending two-all with Chelsea. Indeed, the team labelled as THE surprise package this season has once again prove its worth with battling results that are against the odds. However, in the upcoming game against ManU, I can't see any further than an outright victory for the home team.
If Reading was said to have a boost of confidence, then ManU would be overflowing with it, scoring 13 and conceding only 4 in the last 5 home games, leaving a trail of blaze in the EPL. Majority of the home victories for ManU this season have a 2 goal cushion and I fully expect this to be another of such wins.
Manu have Scholes and Vidic suspended with 5 yellow cards each, but they will have quality in their ranks to replace them. Expect Ferdinand, Saha, Giggs to make the starting lineup or at least into the match this time round after being rested last week. Although rotating his team is paramount to winning the title challenge and they will definitely put up a tough show, predicting who he will start with in this festive period is hard.
Thankfully, there seems to be no such problems with Reading. With a limited squad, it boils down usually to the team, especially the defence, picking itself when rid of any injuries or suspensions. Once again, it looks like Coppell with form up with another 4-5-1 like the trip to Chelsea last weekend, but the Theatre of Dreams ain't no playground. Mourinho may have made a mistake in leaving his midfield lightweighted against them but expect no such behaviour from Fergie. A seasoned veteren, he has been through many Christmas battles and in the past years, Manu has taken maximum points during the Christmas-New Year week.
Once again, emphasis on this match is on Manu clearing the -1.75 handicap. A small punt on 3-0, 3-1 is advised if correct score is the choice.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
EPL round of 20 - Boxing Special
Boxing Day has always thrown up many unexpected surprises, will we see any today? As I have not much time to do research, today I shall only list a few choices for interest.
CHE VS READ
Chelsea has never been in the role of a follower under the reign of Mourinho, as they had always led the pack during the festive period. This is a new experience for many of their players, especially non-English ones like Essien and Drogba, just to name a few, and from desperate times come forth brave heros. Arise from the crowd, we have Robben and Drogba, who have rescued Chelsea from imminent death with their timely goals. With Terry and two keepers out, I foresee Chelsea to have a battle on their hands till they are reinstated to their first team places from injuries.
This match throws up memories of the earlier reverse fixture at Majeski Stadium, where Cech and Cudicini were infamously literally knock out of the game. Hence, this promises to be a clash of equal statue, with Chelsea needing to win the game more so as to catch up to ManU. There will be changes in the team for sure, after they threw away a 2-0 lead at Wigan the last time round. Reading too, will concoct a potion different from the previous meeting as Coppell expects Mourinho to be once bitten, twice shy. Luck is not with them too, as star striker Doyle has not scored in last 4 matches and they failed to win the 4.
Contrary to popular belief that Chelsea will win this with even hands tied behind their backs, I have a gut feeling Reading will put up a fight. Teams just promoted from the Championship have a knack of retaining their battling physical instincts and this will definitely be shown in tonight's game. Coupled with the fact Chelsea has performed professionally, winning by slim margins at their own backyard recently suggests another such result.
With much said, I will go for another slim victory for Chelsea like their last match against Wigan. And expected a rough game too.
CHE VS READ
Chelsea has never been in the role of a follower under the reign of Mourinho, as they had always led the pack during the festive period. This is a new experience for many of their players, especially non-English ones like Essien and Drogba, just to name a few, and from desperate times come forth brave heros. Arise from the crowd, we have Robben and Drogba, who have rescued Chelsea from imminent death with their timely goals. With Terry and two keepers out, I foresee Chelsea to have a battle on their hands till they are reinstated to their first team places from injuries.
This match throws up memories of the earlier reverse fixture at Majeski Stadium, where Cech and Cudicini were infamously literally knock out of the game. Hence, this promises to be a clash of equal statue, with Chelsea needing to win the game more so as to catch up to ManU. There will be changes in the team for sure, after they threw away a 2-0 lead at Wigan the last time round. Reading too, will concoct a potion different from the previous meeting as Coppell expects Mourinho to be once bitten, twice shy. Luck is not with them too, as star striker Doyle has not scored in last 4 matches and they failed to win the 4.
Contrary to popular belief that Chelsea will win this with even hands tied behind their backs, I have a gut feeling Reading will put up a fight. Teams just promoted from the Championship have a knack of retaining their battling physical instincts and this will definitely be shown in tonight's game. Coupled with the fact Chelsea has performed professionally, winning by slim margins at their own backyard recently suggests another such result.
With much said, I will go for another slim victory for Chelsea like their last match against Wigan. And expected a rough game too.
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