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Weekend Soccer – By Chris.

FA  Cup.

Sheffield Utd   -  Manchester City     4.00   -  2.00
It is very hard to see how Sheffield will be able to score against City. There is nothing great about the City offence either, but they will muster one goal and that should be enough (2.00). United will be without their leading striker J Beattie once again,  L Hendrie is back from his suspension and new signing, veteran Ehiogu, could play some part tomorrow. I backed Sheffield in the previous round away to Bolton, but that had more to do with the look of the Bolton squad on that day. They fielded a strange looking side and were bound to lose.

City have sent Bianchi to Lazio, but Mpenza is fit again and  Sven has Vassell and Mpenza at his disposal as strikers. In other words City are without a proper striker again. I have to say that lately M City have been a bore to watch, but I guess that any side without goal scorers will be boring. 1-0 for M City! (2.00).

Sheffield 2 Man City 1

Southampton   -   Bury        1.40   -  10.00
This is the FA Cup and I am looking for possible upsets. In the previous round there were plenty of them. This time I will take a punt with the away win for second division Bury (10.00). They have a care taker manager (C Brass) at the moment and this young coach lead his side to a much deserved win against Norwich in the last round. The Norwich boss Roeder had no complaints about the result, only that that it was a big surprise. In midweek Bury came from behind twice against Bradford (2-2). Chris Hutchings, who managed Wigan at the start of the season, has joined Bury as some kind of second coach, helping Brass with the training sessions.

Southampton have lost their influential manager George Burley. He will take over the helm of Scotland from now on. I wonder how the Saints players will deal with Burley leaving the club. He has built this side more or less on his own, but he was always forced to sell players and it has not been easy for Burley and Southampton, lacking the proper funds. Southampton have been one of the most erratic sides around, both home and away, and I would not be surprised to see them losing this cup match on a bad day. It has been a 50/50 situation, good or bad days all season long. Bury to win then! (10.00). 

Southampton 2 Bury 0

Manchester Utd   -  Tottenham         1.50  -   7.50
The most attractive cup fixture this weekend, at least in my opinion. Tottenham played some excellent football in the Carling Cup semi final with Arsenal. When they are in the lead and can hit their opponents on the break, Tottenham are a great side to watch. I expect no major team changes for Spurs, but they have to do without the suspended Chimbonda this time.

United will have Anderson back in contention and there is also a slight possibility that P Scholes will be ready for his come back. United are 11-1-0 at Old Trafford this season and they are 8-2-0 in their last ten home games against Tottenham. To suggest an away win would be stupid, but something tells me that this will be a more open fixture than everyone is expecting.  Ramos, the Tottenham manager, has proven that he is something of a cup specialist. A game to enjoy! 

Man Utd 3 Tottenham 1

Wigan   -   Chelsea           6.85   -   1.55
Poor T Bramble. He has cost his side a couple of points by now. First his blunder against M City and last week he lost his feet at home to Everton. Wigan could include one or two of their new defenders in their squad for this match. I do not think that Edman or Figueroa will make that much of a change for the club, but nothing wrong with alternatives. Landzaat has left for Feyenoord.

Normally I would suggest that Chelsea would have motivation problems ahead of this cup fixture only a couple of days after their Carling Cup semi final, but not this time. They look so solid at the moment. Every player knows his place in this "full control" Chelsea side. Coach Grant is likely to make a couple of changes for this game, but they will always have a much stronger line up than Wigan, that much we know. These sides have met five times since Wigan reached the Premiership and Chelsea have yet to drop a point. Away win (1.55).

Wigan 1 Chelsea 2

Watford   -  Wolves          2.10   -  4.00
Watford are second in the Championship, three points behind the leaders WBA, and they are of course looking for promotion to the Premiership. However they continue to struggle at home (5-4-5), but they have won as many as nine away games. Marlon King is on his way away from the club and he will not be involved tomorrow. For me Watford were a lot about A Young and M King. Too bad really!

Wolves will be without Ebanks-Blake, their new striker, and M Kightly is not yet fit. Latest signing, Dave Edwards, has been cleared to play. The Wolves season up to now has been mediocre or better put, quite poor. They were without a league win in eight matches before their comfortable 2-0 away win at Scunthorpe last week. I suggest that they will have their best period from now on until May. That is my feeling and we will find out if I am right. For now it will be enough if they can win this cup game at the Vicarage Road (4.00). 

Watford 1 Wolves 4

Peterborough   -   W B A       4.50   -   1.95
Maybe WBA are in the same boat as Watford. Winning promotion is what matters this season. They are facing free scoring Peterboro’ and I will back the outsider (4.50). There is only one team in the four divisions that have scored more goals than Peterboro’ so far and that is WBA. Peterboro’ are relying on A Mc Lean and Mackail-Smith for goals, both sought after strikers. The Boro captain Micah Hyde risks missing this match and he could be replaced by D Keates.

WBA will be without I Miller and Z Gera, but welcome back P Robinson, B Cesar and C Beattie. WBA already defeated Peterboro’ once this season in the Carling Cup but tomorrow the home team will have its revenge, at least if I will have it my way. Both teams are scoring freely and we should have an over game to look forward to and hopefully  the home win as well (4.00).

Peterbrough 0 WBA 3

Derby  -  Preston        1.83   -  5.00
The home side will be without five or six players, mostly defenders, but this has been the case for some time. Good news for Derby is the fact that Ghaly, Robert, Savage and Villa, their recent signings, will be able to play this cup game. Preston will most likely be without their strikers Mellor and Ormerod. Last week when Preston lost to Stoke, Hawley and C Brown started up front, so nothing new to report. Preston will be unchanged. Derby ought to win this cup clash (1.83). 

Derby 1 Preston 4

The Premiership 

Aston Villa   -  Blackburn        2.00   -   4.10
Definitely the home win for me (2.00). Blackburn fail to impress me as a team and they really should be able to play better football with so many good players in their side, but it is just not happening this season. They were lucky getting a point from their home game with Middlesbrough last week and will have to do without their key defender R Nelsen tomorrow.

Villa, without their England international midfielder G Barry, were only minutes from getting a famous win at Anfield earlier this week. Villa could not threaten at all for an hour or so, but on came Mr Harewood and he immediately changed the pattern of the game. Say what you like about Villa, but they are probably the strongest team in the Premiership when it comes to dead ball situations. A corner or a free kick and Laursen, Mellberg and Carew constantly cause havoc in the box for their opponents. Gareth Barry is once again considered a major injury doubt. O Mellberg is on his way to Juventus, but he is still very much a Villa player. Scott Carson will be back in the Villa goal. At Villa Park, A Villa are 5-0-1 in their last six meetings with Blackburn. Home win! (2.00).

Aston Villa 1 Blackburn 1

Serie A

Milan   -  Genoa         1.30   -   13.00
Once again the Milan coach Ancelotti has to explain away a league loss by his side. 1-0 up against Atalanta in midweek Milan were dominant and one was just waiting for a second  Milan goal. Instead Atalanta scored an equaliser out of the blue just before half time and in the second half Atalanta came more into the game and their winning goal was not that much a surprise. OK, Milan did not really deserve to lose the match, that much I can say.

I should think that Genoa will have to pay for the Milan miss at Atalanta (1.30). Milan will come with an unchanged squad still missing Dida and Maldini among others. No Leon for Genoa and Criscito is out, suspended. Home win for Milan (1.30).

Milan 2 Genoa 0

Atalanta  -  Reggina       1.82  -   5.60
A strong second half display by Atalanta made their surprising win against Milan possible. It was even more of a surprise as their play maker Doni had to leave the match in the beginning of the second half. He will be fit to play this match and Atalanta will most likely make no changes.

I was right about Reggina last week. With  their new player Brienza in their line up they deservedly defeated bottom colleagues Cagliari, 2-0.  They will be missing a couple of key players this week end. Amoruso, Cozza and Vigiani look set to miss this match. One of Ceravolo or Stuani will probably start in the front line. Although Reggina are on a healthy run I will be backing Atalanta this time (1.82).

Atalanta 2 Reggina 2

Cagliari   -  Napoli         3.20   -  2.50
Time for Cagliari to win a  game again? It is long overdue, but I nevertheless prefer their opponents, Napoli (2.50). I have said it on a number of occasions, there is not much hope for the bottom side. They are just not good enough for Serie A. Anyway, Cagliari welcome back both Larivey and Conti for this match, Foggia will be OK,  but they will be without Pisano.

Napoli will be without the suspended Blasi and the injured defender Savini. Zalayeta, the Napoli striker, is back for this match. The only negative news for Napoli ahead of this match is that their fans are not allowed into the Cagliari arena. So a desperate home side playing in a stadium where only their own fans are watching. I cannot help it. Away win (2.50).

Cagliari 2 Napoli 1

Catania  -   Parma        2.25   -  3.80
I am thinking that Parma could win their first away game of the season (3.80). They were terribly unlucky last Sunday, losing 2-3 to the league leaders Inter. They matched Inter all the way and they will definately win a couple of away games before the season is over, certainly if they can play like they did against Inter. Their defenders Coly and Couto will not be available for this match and probably not Dessena either. Hopefully we will see C Lucarelli from the start.

Catania put all their energy on a midweek cup game at Udinese (2-3 loss), and this could prove advantageous for Parma on Sunday. Catania will be without the suspended Sardo. Backing Parma (3.80).

Catania 0 Parma 0

Empoli   -   Fiorentina        3.95   -   2.20
Tuscany derby again and the above odds look pretty accurate. Empoli played some decent football last week but ended up losing both their matches. Firstly 3-5 to Juventus in the cup and then 0-1 to Livorno in the league. They never deserved to lose against Livorno, but then again, scoring goals has become a problem for Empoli. Giacomazzi returns from his suspension and Empoli have no major injury worries. They will probably use a 4-5-1 formation this time with Pozzi preferred to Saudati up front.

Fiorentina are at full strength. They played a cup game at Lazio earlier this week (1- 2 loss) but their coach fielded mostly second choices. Their big star Mutu was in the starting line up. X2, I guess. 

Empoli 0 Fiorentina 2

Livorno   -  Juventus         5.00  -   1.91
As I mentioned above, Livorno probably didn’t deserved to win the derby vs Empoli, but a certain Amelia between the posts once again was their hero of the day. The Livorno unbeaten run goes on, now eight games. They will have E Fillippini back for this match, but both Giannichedda and Bergvold remain sidelined. Pulzetti should be available.

Juventus only rested Nedved and Buffon in midweek when they played  a Coppa Italia match with Inter (2-2).  They also played a cup game last week, using most of their first choices and could be that Juve will not be at their strongest this weekend. That was the case a week ago at home to Sampdoria (0-0). Camoranesi, Chiellini, Andrade and Zebina will be missing once again. Buffon is an injury doubt, but Nedved should be fine. Maybe I will take a chance with the home win (5.00). 

Livorno 1 Juventus 3

Roma   -   Palermo         1.45  -  8.50
Crazy odds. Palermo have the capacity to win any match in Serie A, but alas, they seldom live up to their full potential. If I only could say why! Maybe the answer is very simple,  I am wrong about Palermo. Last week it happened again. Miccoli missed a penalty and only recently Amauri struck the wood work with his penalty attempt. Palermo will have all their big guns available for this match. Totti and Perrotta did not travel to Genoa for a cup game in midweek, but they are expected back for this match. Roma sent out their strongest side against Sampdoria (1-1) and maybe Palermo can benefit from this fact. I have to take a chance with the away win (8.50).

Roma 1 Palermo 0

Sampdoria   -   Siena       1.67   -   7.00
Strong defensive display by Sampdoria last week in their tricky away game with Juventus (0-0). On Sunday we will see the attacking side of Sampdoria, quite successful this season with 5-3-1 in Genoa. They welcomed Roma in midweek for a cup game, using a very strong side, including fit again Cassano (1-1). They were 11 vs.10 for most of the game, but failed to hold on to their 1-0 lead. It remains to be seen if the Sampdoria players can reload their batteries for this "easy" league fixture. Montella and Campagnaro will not be available.

I have to believe that Siena will stay in Serie A as I like their approach. Winning 3-2 at Palermo last week shows their bold attacking style, home and away. Cannot say that it is their squad actually impresses me, more their willingness to go forward. Bertotto is on the injury list. Rigano on the bench again? Home win? Probably, but the price on the home win is not my cup of tea. (1.67)

Sampdoria 1 Sienna 0

Torino   -   Lazio           2.50   -   3.20
They say that Torino played an improved game last week away to Fiorentina (1-2). Two home penalties however and Torino once again came out on the losing side. Their key player Rosina is expected back for this match, but Recoba, Ventola and Comotto are sidelined. Even worse their mid field dynamo Corini is out suspended. We will probably see Di Michele and Bjelanovic up front for Torino on Sunday.

Mutarelli and Stendardo are out suspended and Lazio also have a couple of players on their injury list. Lazio played against Fiorentina in a cup game yesterday (2-1 win) and surprisingly they fielded a very strong side with for example Pandev and Rocchi up front. Bianchi, on loan from M City, is ready to make his debut for Lazio. X2 this one. Score draw is my suggestion (2.95).

Torino 0 Lazio 0

Udinese  -   Inter          5.30   -   1.80
Udinese rested all their regulars in their midweek cup game, at least from the start, but they sent on Quagliarella and Pepe in the second half and this move gave them a 3-2 win vs Catania.  Last week Udinese matched Milan for the whole of the game, but they cruelly lost to an overtime goal from Gilardino.

Inter rested half of their regulars at home to Juventus, they had Burdisso red carded early in the game and I suggest that 2-2 was a good result under those circumstances. Inter were poor at home to Parma, but in some unbelievable way Ibrahimovic found the Parma net twice in the last five minutes and Inter won the match 3-2. Couto was shown the red card and a penalty was given. Ibrahimovic scored and with Couto out of the action there was no one who could stop Ibra in the penalty area and he scored again. To sum it up, the referee gave Inter a helping hand. Inter will have Stankovic back for this match, but Chivu, Maicon, Dacourt and Figo remain sidelined. Udinese picked up a point away to Inter and this time I think that they will do even better. Home win (5.30). 

Udinese 0 Inter 0

French League

Sochaux   -   Valenciennes        2.30   -   3.50
Sochaux were robbed in midweek.They dominated every aspect of the Monaco fixture but lost the match 0-1, thanks to a late Monaco goal from Piquionne. OK, in my gambling bible I will say something like  this, ‘struggling sides are usually unlucky and should be avoided as betting objects’. However, in my opinion Sochaux have improved their football since Gillot became their new boss. New striker Kandia Traore could make his debut, but Isabey is an injury doubt tomorrow.

I like to think that I am opposing Valenciennes at the same time. Their days of wine and roses are over and they have lost their last three games, including an embarrassing 0-4 loss to PSG, despite the fact that Valenciennes were 11 vs. 10 on the pitch. They will be without the suspended Rippert tomorrow, meaning that their coach has to reshuffle his defence again.  Sochaux to win (2.30).

Sochaux 1 Valenciennes 0

Metz   -   Rennes        3.25   -   2.38
It was a small wonder that Rennes failed to score against Nice in the first half in midweek, such was their domination. They took the lead in the second half, but almost immediately Nice equalised. It was a big surprise at that stage, and after that shock Rennes never recovered their spirits. It looks like Echijile will return to the Rennes defence for this match, but B Cheyrou is a doubt. Maybe Didot will play from the start. Agouazi, midfielder, will be back for the bottom side, Metz, but once again they will be without several regulars. Backing Rennes then (2.38).

Metz 1 Rennes 1

Le Mans   -   Monaco        2.40   -   3.30
I have been quite confident in opposing Le Mans these last couple of weeks. They have lost their last three games and their poor form has done me no harm at all. Their negative results have a lot to do with all their many absentees of course and they will not be stronger tomorrow. Now their key defender Basa looks like he will miss this match. Still no De Melo and their keeper Pele risks missing this match as well. Cerdan will be back from his suspension which is at least something positive.

Monaco are on a very positive run, but as I mentioned above, they rode their luck against Sochaux earlier this week. Their last away game at Metz a week ago, impressed me more, as they outclassed their opponents to win 4-1. Almiron has signed from Juventus and he could make his first start for the club tomorrow. Bernardi is still missing. I am not as confident this time as on the other three occasions, but I will nevertheless be supporting the away win for Monaco (3.30).

Le Mans 1 Monaco 0

Lens  -   Strasbourg     2.00   -   4.00
Just in time Lens have found some good form. Three wins on the bounce including their 3-0 thrashing of Lyon. In midweek they became the first side to win at Valenciennes (2-1). They were 0-1 down to a S Savidan goal and usually nothing can stop Valenciennes when they are in the lead, but Lens look unstoppable at the moment. Their coach Papin is indicating some kind of rotation tomorrow.

Strasbourg were full value for their 2-0 win at home to Toulouse. They were much in the ascendancy from start to finish. A bit surprising considering their woeful home display vs Nice just recently. Their defender Paisley is considered an injury doubt and P Johansen will not be involved this time either. I will be behind Lens (2.00).

Lens 2 Strasbourg 2

La Liga

Mallorca  -  Atletico Madrid         2.80   -  2.85
Both sides played cup games in midweek and both were on the losing end of the result. Mallorca visited Getafe and lost 0-1 and same result for A Madrid away to Valencia. I noticed that the Mallorca striker Guiza only played as a second half substitute, but I take it for granted that he will be in the starting line up for this league game. Mallorca will be without the suspended D Navarro.

Great first half by Atletico last week in the Madrid derby, but incredibly enough they found themselves 0-2 down. They were without L Franco, Seitaridis, Jurado and Ze Castro last week and for this match they have lost four more players. We will not see Maxi Rodrigues, R Garcia, Simao or A Lopez this weekend. Their midfield is severely weakened for this match and Aguero and Forlan, their outstanding strikers, have played many games lately. Mallorca are not doing great at the moment, but under the circumstances they have to be backed this time (2.80). 

Mallorca 1 Madrid 0

Sevilla   -  Osasuna         1.55  -   6.50
Time for Sevilla to play a home game again and time for them to pick up necessary three points (1.55). Last week was tough for the club. Two away games  - first  against Barcelona in the cup (0-0) and then in Madrid against Getafe (2-3).  They fielded a strong side at Getafe and I was surprised to see Sevilla losing the match. OK, it was a 90th minute goal that decided the match. Maybe the Barce encounter influenced the Sevilla players in a negative way or maybe they just cannot get their act together away from home this season. I just checked their nineteen man squad and only their African players are missing. Even Boulahrouz is back in their squad.

Home fixture again and they will get my support (1.55). Osasuna will welcome back Pandiani for this match, but both Punal and Corrales are major doubts. No Plasil or Nekounam. Home win. (1.55).

Sevilla 2 Osasuna 1

Real Madrid   -   Villarreal        1.52   -   8.00
Everything is going the Real way this season. Take this fixture for example. Real had no game in midweek and they have been able to prepare quietly for this match. Players like Robben, Torres, Metzelder and Sneijder have all recovered and are available this weekend. Only Pepe, Heinze and Saviola are out injured.

Villarreal played a big cup game last night against Barcelona. Villarreal had the home advantage and fielded of course their strongest side. The match ended in a 0-0 draw with Villarreal dominating the first half, but Barca were stronger in the second half. Not much time for recuperation and then off to the Bernabeu Stadium for this game with the superior league leaders. It will be difficult for Villarreal. Well it is always tough to visit Real M. Villarreal are 0-3-5 in their last visits to Madrid. Home win, but quite limited odds, I know that (1.52).

Real Madrid 3 Villarreal 2

Chris.