Sunday match Preview
Arsenal vs Fulham
Fourth placed Arsenal entertained sixteen placed Fulham, Arsenal go into the game as the favorites to nick all three points in the game. Arsenal although assured of a champion league spot next season will want to finish in third after Liverpool 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth but Fulham needs point to avoid the drop. Fulham are now on a winless streak and one victory away from home all season is always a disappointing record. But if I in the shoes of Fulham manager, I will ask the Fulham players to start the game with a high tempo and try to scored the first goal. The two recent visitors West Ham and Bolton scored the opening goals of the match and West Ham United left the Emirates with the full three points. So Sanchez should start with an adventurous 4-4-2 formation with McBride and Montella up front in the bid to try to score the early goal. Fulham should know that Lehman is not the safest of the hands in goals and Arsenal defense this season is not really strong. And Fulham should try to attack the main weakness of Arsenal this season which is from set-pieces. They should make use of the aerial prowess of players like McBride, Montella and Diop. If they can do the above, I am very certain that Fulham notched up their second away victory of the season. My bold prediction for this match is a 2-1 victory for Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
Italian League Prediction
Ascoli 1 Reggina 1
Inter Milan 1 Empoli 2
Livorno 1 Palermo 1
Messina 2 Atalanta 1
Parma 2 Cagliari 0
Roma 1 Lazio 2
Siena 1 Sampdoria 1
Udinese 1 Catania 0
Spanish League Prediction
Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 2
Barcelona 1 Levante 1
Celta Vigo 0 Real Mallorca 1
FC Sevilla 1 Espanyol 1
Getafe 1 Real Sociedad 1
Gimnastic 0 Villarreal 1
Osasuna 1 Real Zaragoza 0
Racing 0 Deportivo 0
German League Prediction
Bielefeld 1 Werder Bremen 4
Cottbus 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1
Fourth placed Arsenal entertained sixteen placed Fulham, Arsenal go into the game as the favorites to nick all three points in the game. Arsenal although assured of a champion league spot next season will want to finish in third after Liverpool 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth but Fulham needs point to avoid the drop. Fulham are now on a winless streak and one victory away from home all season is always a disappointing record. But if I in the shoes of Fulham manager, I will ask the Fulham players to start the game with a high tempo and try to scored the first goal. The two recent visitors West Ham and Bolton scored the opening goals of the match and West Ham United left the Emirates with the full three points. So Sanchez should start with an adventurous 4-4-2 formation with McBride and Montella up front in the bid to try to score the early goal. Fulham should know that Lehman is not the safest of the hands in goals and Arsenal defense this season is not really strong. And Fulham should try to attack the main weakness of Arsenal this season which is from set-pieces. They should make use of the aerial prowess of players like McBride, Montella and Diop. If they can do the above, I am very certain that Fulham notched up their second away victory of the season. My bold prediction for this match is a 2-1 victory for Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
Italian League Prediction
Ascoli 1 Reggina 1
Inter Milan 1 Empoli 2
Livorno 1 Palermo 1
Messina 2 Atalanta 1
Parma 2 Cagliari 0
Roma 1 Lazio 2
Siena 1 Sampdoria 1
Udinese 1 Catania 0
Spanish League Prediction
Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 2
Barcelona 1 Levante 1
Celta Vigo 0 Real Mallorca 1
FC Sevilla 1 Espanyol 1
Getafe 1 Real Sociedad 1
Gimnastic 0 Villarreal 1
Osasuna 1 Real Zaragoza 0
Racing 0 Deportivo 0
German League Prediction
Bielefeld 1 Werder Bremen 4
Cottbus 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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Saturday Matches Review
Chelsea vs Bolton
Chelsea hopes of a hat-trick of title might have evaporated after they were held 2-2 by Bolton. Chelsea is now five points behind leaders Manchester United after Man United 4-2 success over Everton at the other match which kickoffs at the same time. To add insult to injury, Carvalho is injured in the game and might miss the crunch European champion league semi-final clash at Liverpool on Tuesday.
Everton vs Manchester United
Manchester United are now within touching distance of the premiership title are they came from 2-0 down to beat Everton 4-2. They are now five points clear of two time defending champion Chelsea with three games remaining. Manchester United can wrap up the title should they beat Manchester City next weekend and Chelsea failed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates stadium.
Blackburn vs Charlton
Blackburn Rovers have sent Charlton closer and closer to playing Championship football next season by crushing Charlton 4-1 at Ewood Park. Charlton are now two points from safety and have only the last two games to preserve their top-flight status. Their home game against Tottenham and the trip to Anfield in their remaining two games of the season will determine whether they will stay up or be relegated at the end of the season.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Manchester City goal drought at the City of Manchester Stadium continues after visiting Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-0. Man City Joey Barton failure to scored from the spot meant that they are now without a home goal since the New Year Day.
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham
Tottenham boosted their chance of a UEFA Cup spot next season after coming out 3-2 winner in a five goals thriller in the Riverside Stadium. Tottenham is now level on points with Portsmouth who occupies the final UEFA Cup spot next season.
Portsmouth vs Liverpool
Liverpool shows that their priority is in the European Champion League rather than in the league when they rested several key players in the 2-1 reverse at Fratton Park. The latest defeat is the eighth defeat on the road this season for Liverpool. Portsmouth does their European aspiration a word of good with the latest victory. They are now occupying the last UEFA Cup spot for next season.
Sheffield United vs Watford
Sheffield United is now three points clear of the relegation zone after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over already relegated Watford. Watford Marlon King nearly salvaged a point for Watford but his effort came back off the crossbar which is to the relief of the Sheffield United faithful. Sheffield United now knows that the fight for survival is in its own hand. A victory in two of their remaining games will virtually assured them of Premiership football next season.
Wigan vs West Ham United
Wigan are now just above the relegation zone on goal difference after they lost 3-0 at home against fellow relegation rival West Ham United in a match that is being billed as a relegation six-pointer. West Ham United 3-0 victory have given themselves real hope of avoiding the drop but with home game against Bolton and away game to leaders Manchester United, they will have an uphill task of beating the drop.
Italian League Results
Fiorentina 1 Chievo 0
Torino 0 AC Milan 1
Spanish League Reults
Atletico Madrid 0 Real Betis 0
Valencia 2 Recreativo 0
German League Results
Alemania Aachen 0 Hertha Berlin 4
Bayern Munich 1 Hamburg 2
Dortmund 2 Frankfurt 0
M’gladbach 0 Stuttgart 1
Maniz 1 Hannover 2
Nurnberg 1 Wolfsburg 1
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Chelsea hopes of a hat-trick of title might have evaporated after they were held 2-2 by Bolton. Chelsea is now five points behind leaders Manchester United after Man United 4-2 success over Everton at the other match which kickoffs at the same time. To add insult to injury, Carvalho is injured in the game and might miss the crunch European champion league semi-final clash at Liverpool on Tuesday.
Everton vs Manchester United
Manchester United are now within touching distance of the premiership title are they came from 2-0 down to beat Everton 4-2. They are now five points clear of two time defending champion Chelsea with three games remaining. Manchester United can wrap up the title should they beat Manchester City next weekend and Chelsea failed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates stadium.
Blackburn vs Charlton
Blackburn Rovers have sent Charlton closer and closer to playing Championship football next season by crushing Charlton 4-1 at Ewood Park. Charlton are now two points from safety and have only the last two games to preserve their top-flight status. Their home game against Tottenham and the trip to Anfield in their remaining two games of the season will determine whether they will stay up or be relegated at the end of the season.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Manchester City goal drought at the City of Manchester Stadium continues after visiting Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-0. Man City Joey Barton failure to scored from the spot meant that they are now without a home goal since the New Year Day.
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham
Tottenham boosted their chance of a UEFA Cup spot next season after coming out 3-2 winner in a five goals thriller in the Riverside Stadium. Tottenham is now level on points with Portsmouth who occupies the final UEFA Cup spot next season.
Portsmouth vs Liverpool
Liverpool shows that their priority is in the European Champion League rather than in the league when they rested several key players in the 2-1 reverse at Fratton Park. The latest defeat is the eighth defeat on the road this season for Liverpool. Portsmouth does their European aspiration a word of good with the latest victory. They are now occupying the last UEFA Cup spot for next season.
Sheffield United vs Watford
Sheffield United is now three points clear of the relegation zone after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over already relegated Watford. Watford Marlon King nearly salvaged a point for Watford but his effort came back off the crossbar which is to the relief of the Sheffield United faithful. Sheffield United now knows that the fight for survival is in its own hand. A victory in two of their remaining games will virtually assured them of Premiership football next season.
Wigan vs West Ham United
Wigan are now just above the relegation zone on goal difference after they lost 3-0 at home against fellow relegation rival West Ham United in a match that is being billed as a relegation six-pointer. West Ham United 3-0 victory have given themselves real hope of avoiding the drop but with home game against Bolton and away game to leaders Manchester United, they will have an uphill task of beating the drop.
Italian League Results
Fiorentina 1 Chievo 0
Torino 0 AC Milan 1
Spanish League Reults
Atletico Madrid 0 Real Betis 0
Valencia 2 Recreativo 0
German League Results
Alemania Aachen 0 Hertha Berlin 4
Bayern Munich 1 Hamburg 2
Dortmund 2 Frankfurt 0
M’gladbach 0 Stuttgart 1
Maniz 1 Hannover 2
Nurnberg 1 Wolfsburg 1
Labels: Soccer Results
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S-League
I think the odds for the S-league match is very tempting, sometimes I wonder should I allocate some money to punt on S-league matches. Tonight third placed Home United vs Second placed Tampinese Rovers. I think Home United will win 1-0. Last night Gombak United thrash Liaoning Guanyuan 5-1 at the Jalan Beasr Stadium. This leads to me thinking it is a good move to introduce foreign team into the S-league. The bottom two teams in the S-league are currently occupied by the two foreign teams in Korean Super Reds and Liaoning Guanyuan. The Korean Super Reds in my own opinion are anything but super. Maybe they called themselves super because the way that they are shipping goals in the S-league. They have conceded 26 goals in the S-league in just eight games more than anyone in the league. They are also the league lowest scoring team. They are 11th placed in the league one placed off Liaoning Guanyuan who currently occupies the wooden spoon. Liaoning are no better, one win from eight league games is poor return. Should the spot be given to established local team for example the likes of Jurong FC, Tanjong Pagar United and Sembawang Rangers. I certainly think so. If the foreign team comes to S-league and really give the lights of established teams like SAF, Tampines Rovers and Home United a run for the money in the race for the S-league title then I will raise both hands up to welcome foreign teams. But the foreign teams more often or not are propping up the S-league title rather than challenging the S-league title. Remember Sinchi FC from China, Sporting from Africa?? Where are they now, out of the S-league. The same fate is going to happen to the likes of Liaoning and Korean Super Reds in a matter of seasons. I really do hope that the relevant authorities will take more pro-active action when they introduce foreign team into the S-League. For example checking the reputation, the background and the history of the prospective foreign team. This is fundamental if the league will to see the reduced amount of failed experiment for the foreign team. I will like to see Jurong FC and Tanjong Pagar United who do have the grassroots support to be admitted to the S-league in the near future. I will like to tell FAS that the ball is in your court.
Labels: S-League
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Saturday match Preview
Chelsea vs Bolton
Jose Mourinho moans about Manchester United gets to play first usually in the weekend and a win for Manchester United put pressure on Chelsea before the start of their match. But for this weekend, there are no excuses and no moaning from Mourinho as both teams will play their respectively opponent in the early kickoff. Chelsea missed the chance on Sunday to cut Manchester United lead at the top after they could only draw 0-0 at Newcastle. Chelsea had a morale boosting 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champion league while Bolton lost their last league match 3-1 against Reading despite taking the lead in the second half. The corresponding fixture last season saw Chelsea thrash Bolton 5-1 but there won’t be a repeat of a thrashing. I expect a low scoring affair. 2-0 to Chelsea.
Everton vs Manchester United
Everton is strong at home this season with ten win from 17 league game at their Goodison Park home. They have a decent home against the big four winning against Liverpool and Arsenal while Chelsea escape Goodison with a 3-2 win. The corresponding fixture last season saw Manchester United win 2-0. Everton might have both Cahill and Johnson out so their attack with be significantly weaken. Manchester United on the other hand had defensive problem for this match. Manchester United away form had been shaky in recent months. Their last three away matches saw them beat Liverpool and Fulham unconvincingly and lost to Portsmouth and AS Roma. So this match could prove to be a potential banana skin for Manchester United in their bid for the title.2-1 to Everton.
Blackburn vs Charlton
Charlton is just two points away from the relegation zone. Blackburn has basically had nothing to play for this season as they do not have any chance of relegation and no chance of qualifying for Europe. This might play into Charlton hands but Charlton had only won once away from home this season. A 1-0 win at Portsmouth. Last season this match produced five goals as Blackburn crushed Charlton 4-1. I fancy Charlton to get their second win away from home this season, 2-1 to Charlton will be my call.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
12th placed Manchester City play 11th placed Aston Villa in the match. Both team had nothing to play for, this could be a low entertaining game. A 0-0 scoreline will be just about right for this match.
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham
Middlesbrough is strong at home whereas Tottenham is poor away from home this season. Middlesbrough will win emerge victorious in this game 3-1 will be the results.
Portsmouth vs Liverpool
Portsmouth is still in hunt of a UEFA cup spot next season. Liverpool has their minds on next week champion league tie against Chelsea. Portsmouth Goalkeeper David James 142 clean sheets surpass the pervious record of 141 kept by David Seaman. However much of the 142 clean sheets he kept was during his time with Liverpool. Liverpool have been poor travelers in the league this season, they have only won just 6 of their 17 away games. A lack of goals away from home this season is the main problem. They have only scored 17 goals away from home this season a record that is really disappointing. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Bolton, Reading, Tottenham, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Fulham have scored more goals away from home this season than Liverpool. Liverpool has to be more lethal in front of goals away from home next season if they were to challenge for the league title. As a Liverpool fan, I foresee Liverpool denting Portsmouth push for a European spot with a 2-0 away win.
Sheffield United vs Watford
Sheffield United is just two points clear of the relegation zone and need a win to further distance them from the relegation zone. Watford will be playing Championship football next season but Sheffield United will dread to join Watford in playing Championship football next season. Watford had only won one away from home this season and it is the 1-0 win against West Ham United at Upton Park next season. In Last season corresponding fixture in the championship saw Watford thrash Sheffield United 4-1 at Bramall Lane so a repeat of that is highly unlikely as Watford is not playing well away this season. But a Watford victory is not impossible; I very much fancy a Watford victory to tonight. 2-1 to Watford could be possible.
Wigan vs West Ham United
West Ham United was lucky to escape point deduction for their questionable purchase of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano although they were given a record fine in excess of 5.5 million pound. West Ham is now just three points away from safety. A win for West Ham tonight will put them level on point with Wigan and just behind Wigan on goal difference. West Ham have tough match coming out against the likes of Bolton and Manchester United so they have to win this game. I am on their sides, I see this game ending Wigan 1 West Ham United 2
Italian League Prediction Fiorentina 4 Chievo 0
Fiorentina needs to play European football next season in order to keeps the likes of Luca Toni in the sides. They are strong at attack. Chievo are just five points away from the relegation zone. But playing in Florence, I fancy Fiorentina to defeat Chievo easily.
Torino 2 AC Milan 1
This match might cause the possible shock of the week, AC Milan have the champion league semi final on their mind as they travel to Torino. I fancy Torino to cause an upset.
Spanish League Prediction
Atletico Madrid 1 Real Betis 0
Atletico Madrid are still in hunt for champion league qualification next season, they need to win to move closer to the top four. Betis is just four points above the relegation zone, they will fight hard in this game. I am going for a 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid in a low scoring game.
Valencia 4 Recreativo 1
Valencia hopes of the title all but vanished after their 2-1 defeat at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. That results together with Zaragoza win against Celta meant that Zaragoza now occupies the fourth spot. Valencia needs to win back that fourth spot to ensure that they will be playing in the champion league next season. They are strong at home winning 12 of their fifteen home games. Their last home match saw them crushed title hopeful Sevilla 2-0. Recreativo are on a hot scoring streak at the moment, nine goals in their last three league games is good return for any sides. So expect this to be high scoring, Valencia to win this home game.
German League Prediction
Alemania Aachen 1 Hertha Berlin 1
Bayern Munich 2 Hamburg 2Dortmund 3 Frankfurt 0
M’gladbach 0 Stuttgart 0
Maniz 1 Hannover 0
Nurnberg 1 Wolfsburg 0
Jose Mourinho moans about Manchester United gets to play first usually in the weekend and a win for Manchester United put pressure on Chelsea before the start of their match. But for this weekend, there are no excuses and no moaning from Mourinho as both teams will play their respectively opponent in the early kickoff. Chelsea missed the chance on Sunday to cut Manchester United lead at the top after they could only draw 0-0 at Newcastle. Chelsea had a morale boosting 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champion league while Bolton lost their last league match 3-1 against Reading despite taking the lead in the second half. The corresponding fixture last season saw Chelsea thrash Bolton 5-1 but there won’t be a repeat of a thrashing. I expect a low scoring affair. 2-0 to Chelsea.
Everton vs Manchester United
Everton is strong at home this season with ten win from 17 league game at their Goodison Park home. They have a decent home against the big four winning against Liverpool and Arsenal while Chelsea escape Goodison with a 3-2 win. The corresponding fixture last season saw Manchester United win 2-0. Everton might have both Cahill and Johnson out so their attack with be significantly weaken. Manchester United on the other hand had defensive problem for this match. Manchester United away form had been shaky in recent months. Their last three away matches saw them beat Liverpool and Fulham unconvincingly and lost to Portsmouth and AS Roma. So this match could prove to be a potential banana skin for Manchester United in their bid for the title.2-1 to Everton.
Blackburn vs Charlton
Charlton is just two points away from the relegation zone. Blackburn has basically had nothing to play for this season as they do not have any chance of relegation and no chance of qualifying for Europe. This might play into Charlton hands but Charlton had only won once away from home this season. A 1-0 win at Portsmouth. Last season this match produced five goals as Blackburn crushed Charlton 4-1. I fancy Charlton to get their second win away from home this season, 2-1 to Charlton will be my call.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
12th placed Manchester City play 11th placed Aston Villa in the match. Both team had nothing to play for, this could be a low entertaining game. A 0-0 scoreline will be just about right for this match.
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham
Middlesbrough is strong at home whereas Tottenham is poor away from home this season. Middlesbrough will win emerge victorious in this game 3-1 will be the results.
Portsmouth vs Liverpool
Portsmouth is still in hunt of a UEFA cup spot next season. Liverpool has their minds on next week champion league tie against Chelsea. Portsmouth Goalkeeper David James 142 clean sheets surpass the pervious record of 141 kept by David Seaman. However much of the 142 clean sheets he kept was during his time with Liverpool. Liverpool have been poor travelers in the league this season, they have only won just 6 of their 17 away games. A lack of goals away from home this season is the main problem. They have only scored 17 goals away from home this season a record that is really disappointing. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Bolton, Reading, Tottenham, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Fulham have scored more goals away from home this season than Liverpool. Liverpool has to be more lethal in front of goals away from home next season if they were to challenge for the league title. As a Liverpool fan, I foresee Liverpool denting Portsmouth push for a European spot with a 2-0 away win.
Sheffield United vs Watford
Sheffield United is just two points clear of the relegation zone and need a win to further distance them from the relegation zone. Watford will be playing Championship football next season but Sheffield United will dread to join Watford in playing Championship football next season. Watford had only won one away from home this season and it is the 1-0 win against West Ham United at Upton Park next season. In Last season corresponding fixture in the championship saw Watford thrash Sheffield United 4-1 at Bramall Lane so a repeat of that is highly unlikely as Watford is not playing well away this season. But a Watford victory is not impossible; I very much fancy a Watford victory to tonight. 2-1 to Watford could be possible.
Wigan vs West Ham United
West Ham United was lucky to escape point deduction for their questionable purchase of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano although they were given a record fine in excess of 5.5 million pound. West Ham is now just three points away from safety. A win for West Ham tonight will put them level on point with Wigan and just behind Wigan on goal difference. West Ham have tough match coming out against the likes of Bolton and Manchester United so they have to win this game. I am on their sides, I see this game ending Wigan 1 West Ham United 2
Italian League Prediction Fiorentina 4 Chievo 0
Fiorentina needs to play European football next season in order to keeps the likes of Luca Toni in the sides. They are strong at attack. Chievo are just five points away from the relegation zone. But playing in Florence, I fancy Fiorentina to defeat Chievo easily.
Torino 2 AC Milan 1
This match might cause the possible shock of the week, AC Milan have the champion league semi final on their mind as they travel to Torino. I fancy Torino to cause an upset.
Spanish League Prediction
Atletico Madrid 1 Real Betis 0
Atletico Madrid are still in hunt for champion league qualification next season, they need to win to move closer to the top four. Betis is just four points above the relegation zone, they will fight hard in this game. I am going for a 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid in a low scoring game.
Valencia 4 Recreativo 1
Valencia hopes of the title all but vanished after their 2-1 defeat at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. That results together with Zaragoza win against Celta meant that Zaragoza now occupies the fourth spot. Valencia needs to win back that fourth spot to ensure that they will be playing in the champion league next season. They are strong at home winning 12 of their fifteen home games. Their last home match saw them crushed title hopeful Sevilla 2-0. Recreativo are on a hot scoring streak at the moment, nine goals in their last three league games is good return for any sides. So expect this to be high scoring, Valencia to win this home game.
German League Prediction
Alemania Aachen 1 Hertha Berlin 1
Bayern Munich 2 Hamburg 2Dortmund 3 Frankfurt 0
M’gladbach 0 Stuttgart 0
Maniz 1 Hannover 0
Nurnberg 1 Wolfsburg 0
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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German League Review
Bochum blew the German League title fight wide open after they beat league leaders Schalke 04 2-1 at home last night. Werder Bremen could snatch the outright lead when they travel to relegation threatened Bielefeld on Sunday night. Stuttgart meanwhile could temporarily cut Schalke lead to one point if they beat M’gladbach away tonight.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Labels: Soccer Results
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German League Preview
Tonight there is a German League game being played. Vfl Bochum vs Schalke 04. Vfl Bochum came into this game on the back of a 3-0 win against Elntracht Frankfurt. Schalke come into this game after last weekend 2-0 win against Cottbus. The fight for the German League and the relegation is getting more and more interesting. With four games left, Schalke 04 is top with 62 points and Werder Bremen is just two points off the pace. Stuttgart is a further 2 points adrift with 58 points. The fight to avoid relegation is also very intense as Alemania Aachen which currently occupys the last relegation spot at 16th place is just behind 15th place Bielefeld on gaol difference and just five points away from seventh place Hertha Berlin. This shows how close is the fight for German League Survival. The likes of Hertha Berlin, Cottbus, Bochum, Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Dortmund, Hannover, Frankfurt and Bielefeld are not safe yet. I still hope that Werder Bremen will win the title so I think Schalke will slip up in this game. I tip Bochum will beat Schalke 04 2-1.
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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UEFA Cup Semi Final Review
Espanyol vs Werder Bremen
Espanyol have given themselves an outstanding chance of reaching the 2007 UEFA Cup final with a wonderful 3-0 win against Werder Bremen who are currently second in the German :league. Espanyol will travel to Germany with an outstanding advantage. Bremen goalkeeper compounded his team woes in Spain by getting sent off for a professional foul on Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo.
Osasuna vs Sevilla
Osasuna beat Osasuna 1-0 in the all Spanish UEFA cup semi-final yesterday.
Sodado scored the vital goal that might put Osasuna in a first European final ever. Sevilla shows sign of fatigue as this is their third game in a week. They are still in hunt for the Spanish league title and Spanish Cup. They are just one point behind Barcelona and they have one foot in the Spanish Cup after they demolish Deportivo 3-0 in the Semi Final first leg of the Spanish Cup. Sevilla completing in three different front are taking a toll on their squad. The defending UEFA Cup champion Sevilla will play the second leg at home looking to overturn the 1-0 scoreline.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Espanyol have given themselves an outstanding chance of reaching the 2007 UEFA Cup final with a wonderful 3-0 win against Werder Bremen who are currently second in the German :league. Espanyol will travel to Germany with an outstanding advantage. Bremen goalkeeper compounded his team woes in Spain by getting sent off for a professional foul on Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo.
Osasuna vs Sevilla
Osasuna beat Osasuna 1-0 in the all Spanish UEFA cup semi-final yesterday.
Sodado scored the vital goal that might put Osasuna in a first European final ever. Sevilla shows sign of fatigue as this is their third game in a week. They are still in hunt for the Spanish league title and Spanish Cup. They are just one point behind Barcelona and they have one foot in the Spanish Cup after they demolish Deportivo 3-0 in the Semi Final first leg of the Spanish Cup. Sevilla completing in three different front are taking a toll on their squad. The defending UEFA Cup champion Sevilla will play the second leg at home looking to overturn the 1-0 scoreline.
Labels: Soccer Results
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UEFA Cup Semi Final Preview
Espanyol vs Werder Bremen
Espanyol only hopes of qualifying for Europe next season depends heavily on winning the UEFA Cup. They do not have any relegation worries neither they are in the position to qualify for Europe. So they can fully focus on the UEFA Cup tie. Werder Bremen is second in the German league and their attention is winning the German League. So I expect Espanyol will this game. 2-1 will be the score.
Osasuna vs Sevilla
Osasuna are in the same situation with Espanyol, their hopes of playing in Europe next season depends heavily on success in this season UEFA Cup. They are only six points above the relegation zone so the immediate attention is to ensure that they ease the relegation worries in the La Liga. Osasuna is playing in the semi final of a European competition for the first time in their history whereas their opponents have proven European pedigree. Sevilla is the defending UEFA Cup champion. But Sevilla main target this season is the Spanish La Liga. They have an outstanding chance of overhauling Barcelona in the La Liga title so UEFA Cup might not be on top of their priority. And another fact is that Sevilla will be playing two games per week for a couple of weeks already so fatigue for Sevilla might be possible. The previous meeting between the sides ends in a goalless draw. After weighting in all the factors, I am going for a 1-0 Osasuna win.
Espanyol only hopes of qualifying for Europe next season depends heavily on winning the UEFA Cup. They do not have any relegation worries neither they are in the position to qualify for Europe. So they can fully focus on the UEFA Cup tie. Werder Bremen is second in the German league and their attention is winning the German League. So I expect Espanyol will this game. 2-1 will be the score.
Osasuna vs Sevilla
Osasuna are in the same situation with Espanyol, their hopes of playing in Europe next season depends heavily on success in this season UEFA Cup. They are only six points above the relegation zone so the immediate attention is to ensure that they ease the relegation worries in the La Liga. Osasuna is playing in the semi final of a European competition for the first time in their history whereas their opponents have proven European pedigree. Sevilla is the defending UEFA Cup champion. But Sevilla main target this season is the Spanish La Liga. They have an outstanding chance of overhauling Barcelona in the La Liga title so UEFA Cup might not be on top of their priority. And another fact is that Sevilla will be playing two games per week for a couple of weeks already so fatigue for Sevilla might be possible. The previous meeting between the sides ends in a goalless draw. After weighting in all the factors, I am going for a 1-0 Osasuna win.
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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Chelsea vs Liverpool Review
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Joe Cole scored the winner as Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of 2007 Champion League semi-final. Chelsea has finally breached the Liverpool defense after the failure to score in the pervious four champion league meeting. Chelsea is now the favorite to advance to the final in Athens. But the 1-0 score line did not truly reflect the dominance especially in the first half. Liverpool chances of advancing to the final now depend on the second leg at Anfield.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Joe Cole scored the winner as Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of 2007 Champion League semi-final. Chelsea has finally breached the Liverpool defense after the failure to score in the pervious four champion league meeting. Chelsea is now the favorite to advance to the final in Athens. But the 1-0 score line did not truly reflect the dominance especially in the first half. Liverpool chances of advancing to the final now depend on the second leg at Anfield.
Labels: Soccer Results
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Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview
Chelsea vs Liverpool
In the repeat of the 2005 champion league semi-final, the 2007 second champion league semi final is between two old foes Chelsea and Liverpool in the all English semi final. They were drawn together again in the group phase in the 2006 champion league. They four pervious champion league meeting between the two English sides had just yield one goal. And that goal was none other than the controversial goal by Sanz Luis Garcia which never cross the line which happen in the second leg of the semi final tie. The other three match ended in goalless stalemate. So expected that this match to be a tight game. One interesting fact that has gone unnoticed is that since Rafa Benitez took over as Liverpool manager, Liverpool had yet to score at the Stamford bridge. Chelsea had managed three win and two draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge since Benitez was the Liverpool boss. In the 04/05 season, Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 in the league while drawing 0-0 in the champion league at Stamford Bridge. In the 05/06 season, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0 and was held 0-0 by Liverpool in the group phase of the champion league. This season, Chelsea had secured a 1-0 win at the Stamford Bridge in the league. So Chelsea had yet to concede a goal at home against Liverpool since Jose Mourinho was Chelsea manager. The Chelsea boss had stroke up the heat by labeling Liverpool as favorite in this tie. The Chelsea boss even claimed that Liverpool might get the Chelsea players who are one yellow card away from a suspension to be booked in tonight match. Flashback to the 2005 champion league tie between the two sides, Liverpool Xabi Alonso was one yellow card away from a suspension when Chelsea Gudjohnsen dived to get Alonso booked and subsequently banned from the second leg. Mourinho is afraid that the past misdeed might came to haunt him. Chelsea is facing some selection problem ahead of this match. Robben and Ballack is injured for this match. Carvalho is a major doubt and the will give Mourinho a defensive selection headache. Liverpool might take advantage of the weaken defense to nick in away goals which will be crucial to the tie. According to Sinagpore pools, the odds for a draw dip from $3 to $2.95. The odds for Liverpool had dipped from $3.80 to $3.40. So Singapore punters in general think that Liverpool will at least take a draw away from this match. I am with this group of punter and I boldly predict a 1-0 win for Liverpool in this match. Liverpool to end the goal drought at Stamford Bridge since Benitez took the helm of Liverpool football club. This match will be tight and low-scoring.
In the repeat of the 2005 champion league semi-final, the 2007 second champion league semi final is between two old foes Chelsea and Liverpool in the all English semi final. They were drawn together again in the group phase in the 2006 champion league. They four pervious champion league meeting between the two English sides had just yield one goal. And that goal was none other than the controversial goal by Sanz Luis Garcia which never cross the line which happen in the second leg of the semi final tie. The other three match ended in goalless stalemate. So expected that this match to be a tight game. One interesting fact that has gone unnoticed is that since Rafa Benitez took over as Liverpool manager, Liverpool had yet to score at the Stamford bridge. Chelsea had managed three win and two draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge since Benitez was the Liverpool boss. In the 04/05 season, Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 in the league while drawing 0-0 in the champion league at Stamford Bridge. In the 05/06 season, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0 and was held 0-0 by Liverpool in the group phase of the champion league. This season, Chelsea had secured a 1-0 win at the Stamford Bridge in the league. So Chelsea had yet to concede a goal at home against Liverpool since Jose Mourinho was Chelsea manager. The Chelsea boss had stroke up the heat by labeling Liverpool as favorite in this tie. The Chelsea boss even claimed that Liverpool might get the Chelsea players who are one yellow card away from a suspension to be booked in tonight match. Flashback to the 2005 champion league tie between the two sides, Liverpool Xabi Alonso was one yellow card away from a suspension when Chelsea Gudjohnsen dived to get Alonso booked and subsequently banned from the second leg. Mourinho is afraid that the past misdeed might came to haunt him. Chelsea is facing some selection problem ahead of this match. Robben and Ballack is injured for this match. Carvalho is a major doubt and the will give Mourinho a defensive selection headache. Liverpool might take advantage of the weaken defense to nick in away goals which will be crucial to the tie. According to Sinagpore pools, the odds for a draw dip from $3 to $2.95. The odds for Liverpool had dipped from $3.80 to $3.40. So Singapore punters in general think that Liverpool will at least take a draw away from this match. I am with this group of punter and I boldly predict a 1-0 win for Liverpool in this match. Liverpool to end the goal drought at Stamford Bridge since Benitez took the helm of Liverpool football club. This match will be tight and low-scoring.
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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Manchester United Vs Milan Review
Manchester United vs AC Milan
Manchester United chance of a treble was given a boost when they edge out AC Milan 3-2 at Old Trafford last night. Cristano Ronaldo scored the opening goal after just five minutes. But Kaka scored twice before half-time before Rooney equalized in the fifty-ninth minute. Rooney completed the comeback by scoring the second of the game deep into injury time to give Manchester United the edge but remember that AC Milan do have the two away goal which will be crucial should the aggregate score after the second leg remain a tie. Manchester United came into this game with three of their first choice defender out injured. But they show that attack is the best form of defense by bringing the game to Milan especially in the starting of the game and the second half. The second leg will also be a hell of a fight as both these teams are still very much in the tie.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Manchester United chance of a treble was given a boost when they edge out AC Milan 3-2 at Old Trafford last night. Cristano Ronaldo scored the opening goal after just five minutes. But Kaka scored twice before half-time before Rooney equalized in the fifty-ninth minute. Rooney completed the comeback by scoring the second of the game deep into injury time to give Manchester United the edge but remember that AC Milan do have the two away goal which will be crucial should the aggregate score after the second leg remain a tie. Manchester United came into this game with three of their first choice defender out injured. But they show that attack is the best form of defense by bringing the game to Milan especially in the starting of the game and the second half. The second leg will also be a hell of a fight as both these teams are still very much in the tie.
Labels: Soccer Results
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Manchester United vs AC Milan Preview
Manchester United vs AC Milan
Manchester United come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home against Middlesbrough. Manchester United might miss their entire first choice back-line of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. The first three are out with injury while Evra is a doubt for this match. AC Milan are on the back of two consecutive Serie A win and they have won the last meeting at Old Trafford between the two sides 1-0. This is AC Milan third consecutive champion League semi-final appearance. Old Trafford seems to be a happy hunting ground for Milan. They not only won the previous meeting in 2005, they won the 2003 UEFA Champion league on this very ground when they defeat Juventus on penalty after a dull 0-0 draw. AC Milan had only one major doubt in Nelson Dida who had just recovered from an injury, he might not play in this match. The only way that Manchester United will win this match is by attacking. AC Milan had the history of choking in vital match. In 2004, they won 4-1 at San Siro only to lose 4-0 at Deportivo. A year later, they lost a three goal lead in the champion league final and subsequently lost the match against Liverpool. In the semi-final of the champion league in 2005, they take a 2-0 home lead to PSV but lost 3-1 at PSV. They managed to squeeze into the final by the away goal rule. But the champion league semi final are usually tense affair. Last season both the finalist Barcelona and Arsenal edge out their opponent AC Milan and Villarreal 1-0. But I think this game will be high scoring. I predict the score to be 3-2 to Manchester United.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Manchester United come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home against Middlesbrough. Manchester United might miss their entire first choice back-line of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. The first three are out with injury while Evra is a doubt for this match. AC Milan are on the back of two consecutive Serie A win and they have won the last meeting at Old Trafford between the two sides 1-0. This is AC Milan third consecutive champion League semi-final appearance. Old Trafford seems to be a happy hunting ground for Milan. They not only won the previous meeting in 2005, they won the 2003 UEFA Champion league on this very ground when they defeat Juventus on penalty after a dull 0-0 draw. AC Milan had only one major doubt in Nelson Dida who had just recovered from an injury, he might not play in this match. The only way that Manchester United will win this match is by attacking. AC Milan had the history of choking in vital match. In 2004, they won 4-1 at San Siro only to lose 4-0 at Deportivo. A year later, they lost a three goal lead in the champion league final and subsequently lost the match against Liverpool. In the semi-final of the champion league in 2005, they take a 2-0 home lead to PSV but lost 3-1 at PSV. They managed to squeeze into the final by the away goal rule. But the champion league semi final are usually tense affair. Last season both the finalist Barcelona and Arsenal edge out their opponent AC Milan and Villarreal 1-0. But I think this game will be high scoring. I predict the score to be 3-2 to Manchester United.
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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Inter Champion of Italy, Barcelona lead at the La Liga was cut
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged the PFA player and young player of the year last night. This result hardly surprises anyone as most of the observer had predicted this before the results were announced. The following is the results for the matches played last night.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Chelsea missed a glorious chance to cut Manchester United lead at the top of the table to one point as they were held 0-0 by Newcastle United. Newcastle meanwhile retained their unbeaten home record against the so-call Big Four after the latest stalemate. The gap remained at three points between Manchester United and Chelsea remains at three points as both sides are both held to draw by their respective opponent. But Manchester United do have the upper hand of the superior goal difference should both team finished level on point at the season end. The match between Chelsea vs Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate match looks to be a case of winner takes the title match.
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth
Portsmouth former England number one David James broke another former England number one David Seaman premiership clean sheet record by keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 stalemate between Villa and Portsmouth. It is James 142 premiership clean sheet surpassing the 141 clean sheets that David Seaman kept. That draw kept Portsmouth hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season. They are just one pointing arrears of Reading for that last UEFA Cup slot.
Italian League
Atalanta 2 Roma 1
Chievo 2 Liverno 1
Empoli 0 Torino 0
Lazio 0 Fiorentina 1
Reggina 1 Udinese 1
Siena 1 Inter Milan 2
Palermo 3 Parma 4
Inter Milan were crowned the champion in Italy as they defeated Siena 2-1 last night. Their nearest rival Roma who defeated Inter at the San Siro in mid-week lost 2-1 away at Atalanta. Meanwhile Roma cross town rival Lazio unbeaten run in the league in 2007 was finally halted when Fiorentina edge Lazio 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Parma climb out of the relegation zone as the beat Palermo 4-3 at Sicily in a seven goals thriller.
Spanish League
Deportivo 1 Osasuna 0
Levante 1 Getafe 1
Espanyol 2 Real Betis 2
Mallorca 1 Gimnastic 0
Recreativo 4 Racing 2
Sevilla 4 Bilbao 1
Villarreal 2 Barcelona 0
Barcelona away woes in the league in 2007 continue as Villarreal also know as the Yellow Submarine defeat Barcelona 2-0 at home. Their league at the top of the La Liga was reduced to one point as Sevilla demolished relegation threatened Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid had earlier come within two point of Barcelona by beating Valencia 2-1 in Saturday match. Levante 1-1 draw coupled with a 2-0 loss for Celta against Real Zaragoza meant that Levante are now level on point with Celta who occupy the last survival spot.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Chelsea missed a glorious chance to cut Manchester United lead at the top of the table to one point as they were held 0-0 by Newcastle United. Newcastle meanwhile retained their unbeaten home record against the so-call Big Four after the latest stalemate. The gap remained at three points between Manchester United and Chelsea remains at three points as both sides are both held to draw by their respective opponent. But Manchester United do have the upper hand of the superior goal difference should both team finished level on point at the season end. The match between Chelsea vs Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate match looks to be a case of winner takes the title match.
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth
Portsmouth former England number one David James broke another former England number one David Seaman premiership clean sheet record by keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 stalemate between Villa and Portsmouth. It is James 142 premiership clean sheet surpassing the 141 clean sheets that David Seaman kept. That draw kept Portsmouth hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season. They are just one pointing arrears of Reading for that last UEFA Cup slot.
Italian League
Atalanta 2 Roma 1
Chievo 2 Liverno 1
Empoli 0 Torino 0
Lazio 0 Fiorentina 1
Reggina 1 Udinese 1
Siena 1 Inter Milan 2
Palermo 3 Parma 4
Inter Milan were crowned the champion in Italy as they defeated Siena 2-1 last night. Their nearest rival Roma who defeated Inter at the San Siro in mid-week lost 2-1 away at Atalanta. Meanwhile Roma cross town rival Lazio unbeaten run in the league in 2007 was finally halted when Fiorentina edge Lazio 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Parma climb out of the relegation zone as the beat Palermo 4-3 at Sicily in a seven goals thriller.
Spanish League
Deportivo 1 Osasuna 0
Levante 1 Getafe 1
Espanyol 2 Real Betis 2
Mallorca 1 Gimnastic 0
Recreativo 4 Racing 2
Sevilla 4 Bilbao 1
Villarreal 2 Barcelona 0
Barcelona away woes in the league in 2007 continue as Villarreal also know as the Yellow Submarine defeat Barcelona 2-0 at home. Their league at the top of the La Liga was reduced to one point as Sevilla demolished relegation threatened Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid had earlier come within two point of Barcelona by beating Valencia 2-1 in Saturday match. Levante 1-1 draw coupled with a 2-0 loss for Celta against Real Zaragoza meant that Levante are now level on point with Celta who occupy the last survival spot.
Labels: Soccer Results
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Soccer Prediction
The following is my prediction for the matches played tonight matches
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Newcastle had done well at St James Park this season against the so call big four. They beat Liverpool 2-1 and hold Manchester United and Arsenal to 2-2 and 0-0 draw respectively. But Chelsea is on hot form themselves, they are on a hot streak. Chelsea should edge Newcastle out in this match. 1-0 to Chelsea will be my call.
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth
Villa are on a five game unbeaten run, Portsmouth is on a high after beating Manchester United and Newcastle United in the past couple of weeks. But both the game is at their Fratton Park home. Portsmouth lost their last away game 4-2 against rock bottom Watford. Another thing that is against Portsmouth is that they have yet to win against Villa since their promotion to the premiership some three seasons ago. But with European football still a possibility for the Fratton Park outfit, I see Portsmouth edging out Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
Italian League
Atalanta 1 Roma 2
Catania 1 Ascoli 0
Chievo 0 Liverno 2
Empoli 1 Torino 0
Lazio 3 Fiorentina 1
Reggina 1 Udinese 1
Siena 2 Inter Milan 1
Palermo 0 Parma 1
Spanish League
Deportivo 0 Osasuna 1
Levante 1 Getafe 1
Espanyol 2 Real Betis 1
Mallorca 2 Gimnastic 0
Recreativo 0 Racing 1
Sevilla 0 Bilbao 1
Villarreal 2 Barcelona 1
Barcelona had not done well away fro home in 2007. Their last away game saw them go down 1-0 at Real Zaragoza. Therefore I tip Villarreal will win 2-1.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
Newcastle had done well at St James Park this season against the so call big four. They beat Liverpool 2-1 and hold Manchester United and Arsenal to 2-2 and 0-0 draw respectively. But Chelsea is on hot form themselves, they are on a hot streak. Chelsea should edge Newcastle out in this match. 1-0 to Chelsea will be my call.
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth
Villa are on a five game unbeaten run, Portsmouth is on a high after beating Manchester United and Newcastle United in the past couple of weeks. But both the game is at their Fratton Park home. Portsmouth lost their last away game 4-2 against rock bottom Watford. Another thing that is against Portsmouth is that they have yet to win against Villa since their promotion to the premiership some three seasons ago. But with European football still a possibility for the Fratton Park outfit, I see Portsmouth edging out Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
Italian League
Atalanta 1 Roma 2
Catania 1 Ascoli 0
Chievo 0 Liverno 2
Empoli 1 Torino 0
Lazio 3 Fiorentina 1
Reggina 1 Udinese 1
Siena 2 Inter Milan 1
Palermo 0 Parma 1
Spanish League
Deportivo 0 Osasuna 1
Levante 1 Getafe 1
Espanyol 2 Real Betis 1
Mallorca 2 Gimnastic 0
Recreativo 0 Racing 1
Sevilla 0 Bilbao 1
Villarreal 2 Barcelona 1
Barcelona had not done well away fro home in 2007. Their last away game saw them go down 1-0 at Real Zaragoza. Therefore I tip Villarreal will win 2-1.
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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Results from yesterday match
Manchester United title hopes dealt with another set back when they were held 1-1 drew by Middlesbrough. Mark Viduka equalizer had added another twist in the battle for the premiership title between Manchester United and Chelsea. The lead at the top was increase to four point temporarily but Chelsea can close the gap within one point should they beat Newcastle United at St James Park tonight. This is the first time that Manchester United had dropped point at home to team outside the top four. Elsewhere, Watford relegation from the EPL is confirmed after their 1-1 home draw against Manchester City. But the battle for survival is getting more interesting after these weeks results. Bobby Zamora kept up his recent good scoring form by getting that important winner against Everton. West Ham United 1-0 win against Everton coupled with a 1-1 stalemate in the Charlton-Sheffield United game meant that West Ham is just three points away from safety. With Wigan losing and Fulham drawing 1-1 against Blackburn, the fight to avoid relegation is getting hotter and might go down to the wire with three games reminding. West Ham, Charlton, Sheffield United, Wigan and Fulham are on 32, 33, 35, 35 and 36 points respectively. It is going to be two of these five teams that will be joining Watford playing Championship football next season. Liverpool second 2-0 home win this week against Wigan had strengthen their bid to finished third as they are now four points clear of Arsenal who was held 2-2 draw at Tottenham. Jenas scored the equalizer deep into stoppage time to dent Arsenal bid to finish third this season. Reading came from one goal down to beat Bolton 3-1 at the Bolton Reebok Stadium. The win for Reading meant that they now occupy temporarily that elusive 7th spot that guarantee a UEFA cup spot next season. To the Italian league, AC Milan had tightened the grip in their bid for Champion League football next season as they beat Cagliari 3-1 at San Siro. In the only other matches played yesterday, Sampdoria defeat Messina 3-1. They are now 7 points clear of Palermo in the battle for fourth spot. Over at the La Liga, Real Sociedad kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation by beating Atletico Madrid 2-0 at home last night. They are now three points within Celta Vigo who plays Real Zaragoza away tonight. In the late match between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid kept up their slim hope of stealing the La Liga title from the hands of Barcelona by beating fellow title challenger and in-form Valencia 2-1. They are now within two point of Barcelona who travels to Villarreal tonight. Over at the French league, Lyon had won their six consecutive French League title even without kicking a ball after their nearest rival Toulouse falter against Rennes. Over at the German League, Schalke 04 is back on top of the top of league with a 2-0 victory over Cottbus. Stuttgart has the upper hand in the battle for the final champion league spot by defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 at home. Munich now trail Stuttgart by five points in the battle for third place with only four rounds of matches to play. The battle to be champion is getting hotter by the weeks as Schalke now top the table with 62 points only two points ahead of Werder Bremen. Stuttgart is further two points in arrears of Bremen. Bayer Leverkusen leapfrogs their opponent Nuremberg into fifth spot by defeating them 2-0 at the Bay Arena. Bochum thrashes Frankfurt 3-0 away from home. Dortmund eases their relegation worries a little by defeating Hertha Berlin 1-0 away from home. Bielefield won 3-2 away from home against Wolfsburg to boost their chance of avoiding the drop.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Labels: Soccer Results
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Soccer Prediction
Today I am going to make certain prediction for the Saturday match for the different European league. First of course is the EPL.
Tottenham vs Arsenal
A north London derby and probably the match of the week. Tottenham are winless in their last three league games after their 3-1 win against Watford. Arsenal on the other hand had won their last two home game against Bolton and Manchester City. But Arsenal had not won an away game in the league since their 2-0 success at Blackburn five away games ago. Their last four away games in the league read draw-lose-lose-draw against Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle. I don’t see Tottenham winning the game, I see this game being played out to an entertaining 2-2 draw. This London derby is know for high scoring. Most notably the 5-4 Arsenal win at White Hart Lane in the 04/05 season. I will take A-D in the half-time/Full time-double.
Liverpool vs Wigan
As a Liverpool fan, I think there is only one outcome in this match. It is going to be a home win. But by how much? I think the game will end 3-0 in Liverpool’s favor. Wigan are my favorite team that will be relegated alongside the likes of Sheffield United, West Ham United, Watford. I think three of these four team will be relegated at the season end. Wigan had not won in their last five matches after their 1-0 success at the City of Manchester Stadium against Manchester City. Therefore Wigan will leave Anfield empty-handed and get stucked in the relegation dog-fight should Charlton defeat Sheffield United.
Charlton vs Sheffield United
A relegation six-pointer is the way to describe this match. Sheffield United is two points and a place ahead of Charlton in the league. Neither team can afford to lose this match. Charlton had won their three of their last four games at The Valley. Sheffield United on the other hand is on a seven game losing streak away from home in the league. They had yet to win an away game in the league in the year 2007, had won just once away from home this season but they are on a high after their emphatic 3-0 win at home against West Ham. That result lifts them above Charlton and out of the dreaded relegation zone temporarily. But I predicted that Charlton will defeat Sheffield United 2-0 to leapfrog the opponent in the league table.
Bolton vs Reading
I believe that Bolton is virtually assured of a spot in the UEFA Cup next season but Reading is still in the hunt for a place in the UEFA cup next season. But Bolton is strong at home. Reading win against Fulham snap a six game winless streak. So 1-0 home win will be my call.
Watford vs Manchester City
Watford is doomed. Their relegation from the league will be confirm if they lose this match. Manchester City had won two of their last three away match but Watford notched up an impressive 4-2 victory over Portsmouth in their last match at the Vicarage Road home. But the 4-1 FA Cup defeat had sent them back down to the harsh reality. I foresee that Manchester City to seal Watford relegation fate by winning 2-1 to notch up their three victory out of their last four road game.
West Ham United vs Everton
West Ham have give them a fighting chance of avoiding the relegation zone in recent weeks scoring impressive win over the likes of Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Arsenal. Their win against Arsenal is impressive as they become the first side in the league to defeat Arsenal at the Emirates. But back to back losses to Sheffield United and Chelsea had brought them back to hell. Everton had drawn all of their last three away games 1-1. I think West Ham United will make the relegation fight more interesting by beating Everton 2-0.
Fulham vs Blackburn.
Fulham had just sacked Chris Coleman. Northern Ireland manager Sanchez had put in as interim boss. His first game saw his Fulham being defeated 1-0 at Reading. But I still believe that Fulham will not get relegated. They will win this game by 2-1.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
The leader versus the 14th place team. Middlesbrough had won just once in the league away from home this season and have not won an away game this season. Manchester United had defensive problem in recent weeks. Therefore I think Middlesbrough will score in this game. I see this game as a potential banana skin for the leader. Middlesbrough to win 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Now to the Spanish League
The match of the weekend in Spain is without doubt the match between Real Madrid and Valencia. I see this match as potential title decider as I do not see Barcelona wining the La Liga title this season. I think Valencia will edge out Real by 1-0. The other Spanish match on Saturday night sees Real Sociedad takes on Atletico Madrid. Real Sociedad had given themselves some hopes of beating the drop with two wins out of their last three league game while Atletico Madrid beat another team in the relegation Levante last week. But with Atletico still within three points off a champion league spot, they might want to win this match. But the relegation prospect might propel Sociedad to beat Atletico Madrid. I think the score will be 2-1 to Real Sociedad.
Now to the Italian League.Two matches on Saturday. My prediction for the two matches are as follows:
Sampdoria 2 Messina 0
AC Milan 1 Cagliari 1
German league prediction:
Bayer Leverkusen 0 Nuremberg 1
Eintracht Frankfurt 2 Vfl Bochum 1
Hertha Berlin 0 Borussia Dortmund 2
Schalke 04 1 Energie Cottbus 1
Stuttgart 3 Bayern Munich 1
Vfl Wolfsburg 1 Bielefeld 0
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tottenham vs Arsenal
A north London derby and probably the match of the week. Tottenham are winless in their last three league games after their 3-1 win against Watford. Arsenal on the other hand had won their last two home game against Bolton and Manchester City. But Arsenal had not won an away game in the league since their 2-0 success at Blackburn five away games ago. Their last four away games in the league read draw-lose-lose-draw against Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle. I don’t see Tottenham winning the game, I see this game being played out to an entertaining 2-2 draw. This London derby is know for high scoring. Most notably the 5-4 Arsenal win at White Hart Lane in the 04/05 season. I will take A-D in the half-time/Full time-double.
Liverpool vs Wigan
As a Liverpool fan, I think there is only one outcome in this match. It is going to be a home win. But by how much? I think the game will end 3-0 in Liverpool’s favor. Wigan are my favorite team that will be relegated alongside the likes of Sheffield United, West Ham United, Watford. I think three of these four team will be relegated at the season end. Wigan had not won in their last five matches after their 1-0 success at the City of Manchester Stadium against Manchester City. Therefore Wigan will leave Anfield empty-handed and get stucked in the relegation dog-fight should Charlton defeat Sheffield United.
Charlton vs Sheffield United
A relegation six-pointer is the way to describe this match. Sheffield United is two points and a place ahead of Charlton in the league. Neither team can afford to lose this match. Charlton had won their three of their last four games at The Valley. Sheffield United on the other hand is on a seven game losing streak away from home in the league. They had yet to win an away game in the league in the year 2007, had won just once away from home this season but they are on a high after their emphatic 3-0 win at home against West Ham. That result lifts them above Charlton and out of the dreaded relegation zone temporarily. But I predicted that Charlton will defeat Sheffield United 2-0 to leapfrog the opponent in the league table.
Bolton vs Reading
I believe that Bolton is virtually assured of a spot in the UEFA Cup next season but Reading is still in the hunt for a place in the UEFA cup next season. But Bolton is strong at home. Reading win against Fulham snap a six game winless streak. So 1-0 home win will be my call.
Watford vs Manchester City
Watford is doomed. Their relegation from the league will be confirm if they lose this match. Manchester City had won two of their last three away match but Watford notched up an impressive 4-2 victory over Portsmouth in their last match at the Vicarage Road home. But the 4-1 FA Cup defeat had sent them back down to the harsh reality. I foresee that Manchester City to seal Watford relegation fate by winning 2-1 to notch up their three victory out of their last four road game.
West Ham United vs Everton
West Ham have give them a fighting chance of avoiding the relegation zone in recent weeks scoring impressive win over the likes of Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Arsenal. Their win against Arsenal is impressive as they become the first side in the league to defeat Arsenal at the Emirates. But back to back losses to Sheffield United and Chelsea had brought them back to hell. Everton had drawn all of their last three away games 1-1. I think West Ham United will make the relegation fight more interesting by beating Everton 2-0.
Fulham vs Blackburn.
Fulham had just sacked Chris Coleman. Northern Ireland manager Sanchez had put in as interim boss. His first game saw his Fulham being defeated 1-0 at Reading. But I still believe that Fulham will not get relegated. They will win this game by 2-1.
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
The leader versus the 14th place team. Middlesbrough had won just once in the league away from home this season and have not won an away game this season. Manchester United had defensive problem in recent weeks. Therefore I think Middlesbrough will score in this game. I see this game as a potential banana skin for the leader. Middlesbrough to win 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Now to the Spanish League
The match of the weekend in Spain is without doubt the match between Real Madrid and Valencia. I see this match as potential title decider as I do not see Barcelona wining the La Liga title this season. I think Valencia will edge out Real by 1-0. The other Spanish match on Saturday night sees Real Sociedad takes on Atletico Madrid. Real Sociedad had given themselves some hopes of beating the drop with two wins out of their last three league game while Atletico Madrid beat another team in the relegation Levante last week. But with Atletico still within three points off a champion league spot, they might want to win this match. But the relegation prospect might propel Sociedad to beat Atletico Madrid. I think the score will be 2-1 to Real Sociedad.
Now to the Italian League.Two matches on Saturday. My prediction for the two matches are as follows:
Sampdoria 2 Messina 0
AC Milan 1 Cagliari 1
German league prediction:
Bayer Leverkusen 0 Nuremberg 1
Eintracht Frankfurt 2 Vfl Bochum 1
Hertha Berlin 0 Borussia Dortmund 2
Schalke 04 1 Energie Cottbus 1
Stuttgart 3 Bayern Munich 1
Vfl Wolfsburg 1 Bielefeld 0
Labels: Soccer Prediction
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LoNg TiMe No UpDaTe...
It had been a long time since I last blogged. I am too busy overcoming all the challenges and obstacles of life. I will take this opportunity to revitalized this blog. Yesterday, I watched a VCD by the title of Wrestlemania 23. Although most of us know that wrestling was fake but I was glad that I saw the Undertaker wrestle. He beat Bastista for the world heavyweight gold. Kudos to the Undertaker. Now to soccer and I would like to point out certain conspiracy regarding established team saved from relegation especially the Spanish and the Italian league which I had observed. In the Italian league, Parma had been in the relegation zone for the most part of the past two seasons. But last season, they managed to climb out the relegation zone in the last few games of the season. Here is the conspiracy theory: this season Parma won three games going into March (around 20 odd games) but now they have won three of their last five matches. Although they still occupy the 18th spot currently, they are now level on point with Chievo who occupy the elusive 17th spot that ensure safety. They avoid being relegated last season by finishing the season strongly. Pure Coincidence? I don’t think so. I think it is somewhat fixed as Parma is one of the Italian league so-call established team alongside the likes of Roma, Fiorentina, Inter, Milan, AC Milan and Juventus. So I think they will not be relegated. Now to the Spanish league, as we know Barcelona, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are the three that have featured in the Spanish La Liga every single season since the inception of the league. As of march, Bilbao had been struggling for form and stuck in the relegation spot for quite some time but recent success over Valencia and Espanyol had propel them to the 16th spot and two point away from the relegation zone. Again, there is no coincidence in my opinion. There must be some behind the scene manipulation to prevent Parma and Bilbao from their respective league. For the English league, I strongly believe that Watford and West Ham United is going down. As for the third team, I reckon that it is going to be either between Wigan and Sheffield United. My prediction for the top four team in the league: Manchester United will be champion , second spot will goes to Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will be third and fourth respectively. As the FA final will be contested by Manchester United and Chelsea, the last UEFA Cup spot will goes to the seventh placed team in the league. The three team that will qualified for the UEFA cup will be Everton, Bolton and Portsmouth. And I was pleased that Liverpool won last night against Middlesbrough. It temporarily leapfrog Arsenal in the third spot. With four games remaining in the season, I think Liverpool will hold off Arsenal for the third spot.
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