Match of the Week: 'The Greatest of English Football Club'

By on

These two sides both claim to be 'The Greatest of English Football Club' - The Match of the Week will show which club is the greatest.


Manchester United v Liverpool FC

Premier League Round 16
Old Trafford
14-12-2014 @ 12.30 GMT









How are the two sides form?
Manchester United haven't looked back since they lost the Manchester Derby early in November. The last four matches in the Premier League have added 12 points to the Red Devils account and brought them back in the position for European football next season. The can get into the fun zone with a win against Southampton tonight. 

Liverpool are four points behind United and have the possibility of closing the gap with a win on Saturday. The Reds have five points for their last three matches after they drew against Sunderland last week. 

Manchester United have won five of the last ten matches against Liverpool. 

What are the probable line-ups?

Not less than six Manchester United players are injured or doubtful for the match against Liverpool, including Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Angel Di Maria. Daniel Sturridge is back on the training ground after his injury, but is unlikely to play against United why he is sidelined along with Mario Balotelli and five other players.

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Rojo - Young

Carrick - Fellaini

Herrera - Mata - Januzaj

van Persie
________________________________________

Lallana - Lambert - Sterling

Henderson - Lucas - Allen

Manquillo - Skrtel - Touré - Johnson

Mignolet

Worth keeping an eye on

Manchester United - Robin van Persie: The Dutch goal getter has had a disappointing start of the season, but now it seems he is back in his best form. If he plays his best, he will be a challenge for  the Liverpool defends.



Liverpool - Adam Lallana: Lallana left his impressing form in Southampton, but the expectations are still high to the England international. Lallana will have to improve and against Manchester United he should be able to challenge the defend.


 What to expect from this match?

Brendan Rodgers is under pressure, and a win against United will give him some time to reestablish his side and bring them back around the top positions. However, van Gaal has got the best out of his injury struck squad and United are beginning to find the level we know they have. United are the favorites against a struggling Liverpool side. 

What are the odds?

Manchester United: 19/20 (Betfred)

Draw: 45/17 (888sport)

Liverpool: 16/5 (BetVictor)



0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , , , ,

Match of the Week: Arsenal v Manchester City

By on

The Premier League winners from Manchester City takes on the FA Cup winners from Arsenal in this years FA Community Shield.


Arsenal v Manchester City
FA Community Shield
Wembley Stadium
10-08-2014 @ 15.00 UK








How are the two teams current form?

Arsenal won against Boreham Wood and lost against New York Redbull before playing their friendly tournament Emirates Cup last weekend. Here, The Gunners won 5-1 against Benfica before losing 0-1 to Monaco. 

Manchester Citys first friendly this season ended with a loss to Dundee FC, followed up two consecutive wins against Hearts and Sporting Kansas. Last week they played the Guinness International Champions Cup facing AC Milan, Liverpool and Olympiacos. Here, City only won against AC Milan.

The last ten meetings between Arsenal and Manchester City have ended in five City wins. 

What are the probable line up?

Arsenal are definately without Theo Walcott for the Community Shield, as the winger is out with a knee injury. Furthermore, Ryo Miyaichi, Thomas Vermaelen and the new goalkeeper David Ospina are all rated doubtful. 

Manchester City are without Alvaro Negredo, struggling with a foot injury.

Szczesny

Debuchy - Koscielny - Chambers - Monreal

Arteta - Ramsey

Sanchez - Cazorla - Wilshere

Giroud
_________________________________

Dzeko - Jovetic

Nasri - Touré - Fernando - Navas

Clichy - Demichelis - Kompany - Sagna

Hart

Worth keeping an eye on:

Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez is set to make his official debut for Arsenal, and will probably start as a winger. The Chile international should be eager to prove he is worth the money.


Manchester City: Stevan Jovetic has shown great form in the pre-season matches for Manchester City, and could play a decisive part in the match. 



What to expect from this match?

It's been a while since Arsenal last played in the FA Community Shield, and the Gunners are going into it to win. Manchester City won the trophy last in 2012 and are favorite to take it once again. Especially as Arsene Wenger has decided not to bring Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski into play before the season opener against Crystal Palace. Manchester City has not been convincing in the pre-season, but they should be the best team on Sunday.

What are the odds?

Coral offers a 5/4 bet on a Manchester City victory while PaddyPower offers 12/5 on an Arsenal victory. Should the 90 minutes end in a draw, Bet365 offers a 5/2 bet. 


0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , , , ,

Match of the Week: Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham FC

By on

After the weekends win against Norwich, Fulham can bring themselves above the relegation line with a win against Spurs, but the hosts need three points in their hunt for European football next season.


Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham FC
Premier League Round 35
White Hart Lane
19-04-2013 @ 12.45 UK








How are the two teams form?

Tottenham came behind with three in just 31 minutes against West Brom in the weekend but managed to comeback and play a draw. Spurs are now sixth in the league, four points after Arsenal on the fifth. 

Fulham is eyeing survival in the Premier League after their victory against Norwich now means they are only two points under the relegation line. The Cottagers have now won their last two matches before visiting White Hart Lane. 

The last ten meetings between the two sides have ended with seven victories to Tottenham.

What are the probable line-ups?

Everton are without Etienne Capoue, Michael Dawson, Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker due to injuries. Furthermore, Moussa Dembélé and Sandro are both rated doubtful for the match. Fulham are also struggling with injuries as Matthew Briggs, Damien Duff and Kostas Mitroglou are all out. Cauley Woodrow is rated doubtful.

Lloris

Naughton - Chiriches - Kaboul - Rose

Lennon - Paulinho - Chadli - Eriksen

Kane - Adebayor
___________________________________

Woodrow

Kasami - Diarra - Reither - Sidwell - Dejagah

Richardson - Amorebieta - Hangeland - Heitinga

Stockdale

What to expect from this match?

Tottenham are the favorites and should, on paper, be able to take a win against Fulham. However, The Cottagers have played well against better teams this season and given they are in desperate need of points they will fight with all they got. Last time the two sides met Lewis Holtby scored for Spurs, at the moment he is on loan at Fulham, but he will not be playing against his owner-club. Spurs have a good take on Fulham and this could be a match where we will see a goal from Christian Eriksen, securing a 2-1 to Tottenham.

What are the odds?

SkyBet offers an 8/15 odds on a Tottenham victory while Ladbrokes offers a Fulham victory to odds 6. A draw gives 7/2 at BetVictor.







0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , ,

Match of the Week: Portugal v Sweden

By on

The European leagues are taking a break while the World Cup playoffs are taking place. One of the most interesting matches is between Portugal and Sweden on Friday.


Portugal v Sweden
World Cup Playoffs first match
Estádio de Luz
15-11-2013 @ 19.45 UK








How are the two teams form?

Portugal ended the group stages second in Group F only a point after Russia while Sweden ended second in Group C eight points after Germany. Sweden have not won against Portugal in their last four meetings, however, the last three have ended in draws - two of them goalless.

What are the probable line-ups?

Paulo Bento has called up uncapped William Carvalho as well as the two injury doubts Fabio Coentrao and Joao Pereira. Meanwhile, Swedens Erik Hamren has selected a squad much alike the one qualifying for the play offs, with Zlatan Imbrahovic as the star.

Patricio

Pereira - Costa - Pepe - Coentrão

Moutinho - Meireles

Nani - Ronaldo - Bruma

Postiga
________________________________

Ibrahimovic

Larsson - Elmander - Elm

Kallstrom - Wernbloom

Olsson - Antonsson - Granqvist - Olsson

Isaksson

What to expect from this match?

Erik Hamren has already been out saying Sweden are the underdogs in this match, which is partly true. There is no doubt that Portugal is a good team, but Sweden has a Zlatan in super form, and he will be important in this match. Portugal will put their trust in Ronaldo to deliver in this match, and it will truly be a battle between two of the Ballon d'Or nominated.

I expect to see a rather defensive Sweden, playing on the contras but also a Sweden getting most out of their chances with Zlatan as the main player. Portugal will be strong defensive, but will have to show offensive play at home to please the crowd. Could well end in a draw.

What are the odds?

Portugal are the favorites according to oddschecker.com, with betway holding the best odds at 3/4, while a Sweden win will give a 47/11 at betfair. If you think this will be another draw between the nations Unibet holds 14/5. 
0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , , ,

Match of the Week: England v Poland

By on

With Friday's win against Montenegro England is one step closer to the World Cup in Brazil. The last step towards the tournament is the match against Poland, which will decide whether the Three Lions will have to go through the knock out matches or if they can book tickets for the Brazil flight. The Match of the Week is between England and Poland.

England - Poland
World Cup Qualification UEFA Group H
Wembley Stadium
15-10-2013 @ 20.00 UK







How are the two teams form?

England took an important victory on Friday against Montenegro, but still needs a win to keep their 1st in the Group. The match against Montenegro showed a determined England team that was in it to win it. Montenegro is not an a bad team, but on paper Poland is better. However, England is unbeaten in their 5 last internationals!

Poland lost against Ukraine in the last match, and is 4th in the group and can not qualify for the World Cup any longer. However, Robert Lewandowski have sworn that Poland will not lay down and let England roll over them.

The last meeting between the two nations ended in a draw; Poland have never won against England.

What are the probable line ups?

Raheem Sterling has been called up for the final match of the qualification while Ashley Cole definitely is out. Poland, on the other hand, will probably play the same starting XI as they did against Ukraine as they will play to win against England.

Hart

Smalling - Jagielka - Cahill - Baines

Carrick

Lampard - Wilshere

Welbeck - Sturridge

Rooney
______________________________________

Lewandowski

Klich - Krychowiak - Blaszczykowski

Sobota - Lewandowski

Wojtkowiak - Jedrzejczyk - Szukala - Glik

Boruc

What to expect from this match?

As Robert Lewandowski has sworn, Poland is not going to let England just walk over them. The Three Lions are sure to end at least as 2nd, but will do whatever they can to win against Poland.

Robert Lewandowski is Poland's best player at the moment, and if England manages to mark him so tight he won't get a chance in front of the goal. The two teams strenghts are the pacey wings, and Sturridge and Welbeck will have to support Rooney with some in-depth runs.

My prediction on the game will be a small 1-0 victory to the home side. 

What are the odds?

Paddy Power holds a 2/7 odds for a England victory while a draw between the nations will give back 11/2 at Bet365. If you're hoping for a Poland win you should play at Coral woth a 14/1 odds.




0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , , ,

Match of the Week: Arsenal - Bayern Munich

By on

Champions League is Arsenal's only chance of bringing a trophy to Emirates Stadium this season. However, the opponent is no other than mighty Bayern Munich.

 
Champions League 1/8 finals
Emirates Stadium
19-02-2013 @ 19.45 UK

How are the two teams form?

After Saturday's surprising FA Cup exit, Arsenal only have the Champions League title to fight for. The latest six Arsenal matches has ended in 3 wins, 1 draw and the lost match against Blackburn Saturday. The Gunners are currently positioned fifth in the Premier League while they ended second after Schalke in their Champions League group.

Bayern Munich Friday won 3-0 against Wolfsburg and is keeping their streak of 13 matches without loosing. The Germans are currently first in the German 1. Bundesliga and ended first in their Champions League group, in front of Valencia.

The latest four meetings between the two teams have ended in two victories for Bayern Munich, a draw and a single win for Arsenal.

What is the probable starting XI?


Arsenal is without a decent left back as Kieran Gibbs is out with an injury, and Santos has joined Brazilian side Gremio on a loan. Furthermore, Nacho Monreal is not registered for the Champions League.

Munich's Holger Badstuber, Javi Martinez and Claudio Pizarro are all injured and not in play for the match against Arsenal.

Szczesny

Sagna - Mertesacker - Vermaelen - Jenkinson

Arteta - Cazorla
Walcott - Wilshere - Podolski
Giroud
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gomez

Ribery - Müller - Robben

Schweinsteiger - Alaba

Lahm - Dante - Van Buyten - Boateng

Neuer

What to expect from this match?

Arsenal's form is shocking at the moment, and they won't have many chances against Munich is they don't step up to the challenge. Overall Munich seems as the best team with quality players on almost all positions. However, Arsenal might be able to exploit Munich defends as the normal starter Badstuber is missing.

Arsenal will probably aim to pull of a goalless draw and hope for a better change in Munich. I predict that we will see a defensive Arsenal, who will be playing on contra strikes. Meanwhile, Munich will probably be the most dominant team on the pitch and put Arsenal under a major pressure. The question is if Arsenal can hold them back.

What are the odds?

Bayern Munich is by far the most popular bet according to oddschecker.com. Both BetVictor and Bluesquare gives a 11/10 odds on Munich, while a draw gives the odds of 45/17 by Pinnacle. The same bookmaker gives a 54/19 back on an Arsenal victory. Betting on the result, a 3-1 victory to Bayern Munich gives back 20.

0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , , , , ,

Match of the Week: Greece - Bosnia-Herzegovina

By on

This week features World Cup Qualifications matches. Greece takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina in group G.

 World Cup Qualification Group G
Karaiskakis Stadium
12-10-2012 @19.45 BST

How is the two teams form?

Both Greece and Bosnia has six points after the first two matches in Group G. Bosnia has only conceived two goals, whilst they have scored twelve. However, they have met Liechenstein and Latvia, which is considered as the easiest teams in the group.

Greece has met Latvia and Lithuania in their first two matches. After the two matches, Greece has a 4-1 goals scorer.

How will the starting line look?

Greece starting line could look as:

Karezis

Toridis - Spyropoulos - Papastathopoulos - Papadopoulos

Katsouranis - Tziolis - Maniatis - Ninis

Samaras - Gekas

Coach Fernando Santos has decided to keep Katsouranis in the squad, eventhough he curently is without a club. In front, Samaras will replace Fortounis who is not a part of the Greece squad for this match.

Given the last two matches, the Bosnia starting line could be:

Begovic

Spahic - Mujdza - Vranjes - Zukanovic

Lulic - Misimovic - Zahirovic - Salikovic

Ibisevic - Dzeko

Bosnia is without the profile Pjanic for this match, why Zukanovic can go in and take the position.
Who should you keep an eye on?

Can Dzeko keep his streak going?
Bosnia has two dangerous men on the team, as Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic so far has scored four goals each, and will terrorise the Greece defends in the match.

What to expect from the match?

Greece will be on their heels in the match. The Bosnian attack seems incredible strong, and even though Greece has a good defends, they will be overrun. Greece might have the most routine, and will probably play a defensive match, but I just can't see them winning this one. My bet will be a 2-1 victory for Bosnia.


What are the odds?

Most of the bookmakers have Greece as favorites, why a Bosnia win gives around 11/4 back.



0 kommentarer
Etiketter: , , , ,