After their blistering encounter at Stamford Bridge midweek, Manchester United face another tough away day at Anfield. Amidst all the discussion of refereeing decisions and less than clinical finishing from United, it has been lost to most critics that Chelsea simply wanted the match more, espcially in the second period. United, a goal up, looked satisfied to slow the pace down and even with the scores leveled looked pleased to leave with a point. Given the upcoming matches at Anfield and the Emirates a point away at Chelsea would have suited United. Chelsea, however, had no reason to settle and it showed. While all the talk is about getting back into the title fight, they have a real fight on for a Champions League spot and they played with true purpose in the second half.
United who haven't been the best away from home this year now face another tough task at Anfield. Liverpool might be lingering in sixth but their home form is what has kept them in the hunt for a European place. Only Spurs and Sunday's opponents United have fewer home loses this year. United are also missing their usual centre back pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand.
I expect a slower match than Tuesday's and for both sides to score. While United might again be satisfied with a draw there is the possibility that Arsenal will have overhauled their lead against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. I'm guessing a 1-1 draw, but would surprised if Liverpool lose given their home form and United's backline.
Juventus vs. AC Milan
The Rosseneri took the first step to the league title with a win over Napoli on Monday. While Napoli did nothing to put up a fight, failing to register a single shot on target, Milan can take comfort in the form of Alexander Pato. Although with Allegri not starting the young Brazilian in previous matches it might be more trouble in squad selection. However after his second half performance against Napoli, culminating in a splendid goal – a curling effort from outside the box – it would be shocking if he didn't keep his starting spot against Juventus on Saturday.
Juventus, who a couple weeks ago defeated a listless Inter, have since lost away to Lecce and at home to Bologna. The latter result indicative of their season – they've lost four times and conceded twenty one goals at home. Milan, on the other hand, have lost only once on their travels and conceded a paltry ten goals away from home.
At home though Juventus have showed some grit in the big matches this season; Udinese the only side above them to take all three points at the Stadio Olimpico. It probably won't be a very exciting match given Milan's defensive record away, but a win would take them into their midweek European match with Spurs and next month's derby against Inter with some confidence.
Hannover vs. Bayern Munich
Having lost two home games in a row, Dortmund in the league and Shalke in the Cup, Bayern are on the verge of crisis just when things were beginning to look good after the winter break. They currently trail their hosts Hannover by two points in the hunt for third place, the final spot for Champions League qualification. Bayern are poor away this year, dropping points on eight occasions and no side has won more home matches, eight, than Hannover.
The match promises to be exciting and high scoring. If Bayern fail to win their confidence could unravel ahead of the all important Champions League second leg tie against Inter.
Marseille vs. Lille
Last week's draw with Lyon did Lille no favours. OM took all three points in their match and three more would see them overhaul Lille in the table and possibly go top depending on Rennes result at Montpellier.
A tight match might go in Marseille's favour as they have the meanest defense in the league behind Rennes and were able to rest midweek while Lille progressed in the French Cup.
The Weekend Flutter
After the failure of last weekend, thanks Sven, its a surprise to everyone we're back for another battering.
Hannover home win or draw against Bayern Munich at 2.11
Bayern look shattered after loses Dortmund and Shalke. 2.11 seem generous odds that they won't get past Hannover.
Birmingham City home win against West Brom at 2.24
I've bet against West Brom two weeks running and they've managed two late comebacks, but I don't think they'll repeat that feat here. Birmingham should be on a high from their League Cup win and generally the winners of that tournament show improved form in the League. They've also got a real relegation fight on their hands and as worries about club's finances have surfaced they can't afford to slip any closer to the drop.
Brest home win against Bordeaux at 2.65
Bordeaux have been terrible away from home this year, their last match producing a 1-5 drubbing by Lorient. Again, good odds against a team that's won only three times on the road and conceded eighteen times in the process.
Freiburg home win against Werder Bremen at 2.55
Bremen are tinkering on the edge of the relegation zone and have lost seven times away from home. They've only scored nine goals and conceded and incredible thirty one times. Freiburg have had a good season and are still in the hunt for a Europea League spot. Again, good odds.
RFO's banker of Norwich City, Wrexham, Darlington at 4.16
After going February undefeated I'm guessing the Racing & Football Outlook's banker picks will fail on my first try. Oh well...
No comments:
Post a Comment