wwheng
1475
2014/09/28 20:48
#314214
wwheng wrote:
UEFA Champions League
9/18/2014
Barcelona
Out of the squad, new keeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Douglas, Sandro, Pedro, Marc Bartra, Martín Montoya and Gerard Piqué arguably have the most to gain from added minutes. Whether Lucho thinks it is necessary to instill that in his players at this point in the season is up to him. But it’s something that needs to be addressed before injuries start to make Lucho’s choices for him. Piqué’s lack of confidence against Athletic Bilbao was smellier than a rotting gazelle on the Serengeti, and any poacher of a forward worth his mettle will put as much pressure as possible on the out-of-form defender. By the same token, a rusty Adriano and Montoya could prove shaky cover for Jordi Alba at left back once his swashbuckling tendencies inevitably get him a hamstring injury.
Home - Barcelona
Last away matches - W-W-D-W-D-W
APOEL Nicosia
With a Cyprus Supercup and two victories in the first two rounds of the Cypriot Championship in the back pocket, APOEL is off to a usual good start. And considering manager Giorgos Donis made off with a league and cup double last season, he certainly knows how to get the better of his opponents.Defensive veteran John Arne-Riise is perhaps the most recognizable name in the Cyprus squad, but his fitness will prevent him from taking the field. Greek central defender Anastasios Papazoglou has just returned from injury and will bolster the back line tasked with marking Barcelona’s pesky strikers.
Away - APOEL Nicosia
Last away matches - W-D-D-W-W-W
Asian Handicap
Home - (-3.00)
Away - (+3.00)
Pick - APOEL Nicosia (+3.00)
Odds - 2.26
Stakes - 10/10
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UEFA Champions League
9/18/2014
Bayern Munchen
Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich experiment has thus far been largely characterised by a free-flowing, dynamic style that can only be praised. Yet, despite their utter dominance of German domestic football, there can be no mistaking that Champions League glory is the ultimate prize for the Bavarian giants. They seem likely to miss the talismanic figure of Arjen Robben this week due to injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara are also set to miss the action. Javi Martinez is also unavailable, which will almost certainly necessitate the inclusion of Xabi Alonso in the holding role alongside Lahm.
Home - Bayern Munchen
Last away matches - D-W-L-L-W-W
Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be banned from the touchline on Wednesday following comments he made in the wake of their Champions League exit to Barcelona last season. Pablo Zabaleta is also suspended, which will see the vastly experienced figure of Bacary Sagna charged with the unenviable task of marking Franck Ribery. I’m certain that Pellegrini will opt for one striker up front, considering the talent at Munich’s disposal. Fernandinho and Toure will offer a muscular force in midfield, while Pellegrini would be wise to utilise the electrifying pace of Navas on the counterattacks.
Away - Manchester City
Last away matches - D-W-L-W-W-L
Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Bayern Munchen (-1.00)
Odds - 2.16
Stakes - 10/10
Source : UefaChampionsLeague
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1475
9/26/2014
Levante vs Rayo Vallecano
Home - Levante
Last away matches - W-D-L-L-W-W
Levante
After opening their campaign with an appalling 0-2 home loss to Villarreal, Levante never seemed to have learned from their mistakes and failed again to grab significant points from their next three meetings. In fact, they have already conceded 10 goals in just four matches but without actually scoring any. Fortunately, the very ugly streak has been broken in their fifth league fixture. Ruben Garcia’s goal in the 46th minute served as the only goal netted in their brawl versus Granada. This gave them three points to advance their hopes of pulling themselves out of the relegation zone.
Away - Rayo Vallecano
Last away matches - L-D-L-D-D-L
Rayo Vallecano
Like Levante, Rayo obtained their very first La Liga victory of the season from their most recent battle (versus Athletic Bilbao 2-1). This was at the back of a pair of draws and defeats which mainly characterized their campaign for the first four weeks of the tournament. Los Franjirrojos, however, have a much more acceptable goal difference from their hosts as they are only handicapped by a two-goal deficit. A good execution in the front rwo plus a strong support from the back will allow Rayo to recover in their next few battles—provided that they truly deliver.
Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.50)
Away - (-0.50)
Pick - Rayo Vallecano (-0.50)
Odds - 2.51
Stakes - 8/10