spkutano
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Posts posted by spkutano
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Re: England > Weekend > Premier League > 15-16 Oct Liverpool vs Man. United Pick: Home win Probable starting eleven: Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Enrique, Kuyt, Gerrard, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Suarez Man. Utd: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Young, Rooney, Chicharito I think Liverpool will win at Anfield. This is the biggest derby in England and I am sure the players from both teams will be very motivated. My first reason for the pick is the home advantage. Liverpool fans will give the maximum support to their players and we can't underestimate that fact. After all, Liverpool have won the last three matches at Anfield: 06.03.2011. Liverpool - Manchester Utd 3:1 25.10.2009. Liverpool - Manchester Utd 2:0 13.09.2008. Liverpool - Manchester Utd 2:1 It is a fact that Manchester have never lost four away games in a row against any team in the Premier League, but I strongly believe that will happen today. he next reason for my pick is Liverpool good form. They are in series of two consecutive victories. In the last round Liverpool won 2:0 against city rival Everton at Goodison Park. Before that Liverpool won 2:1 against Wolverhampton. I am sure the players confidence and the team morale are very high at the moment. Manager Dalglish has no important absences. On contrary, the captain Steven Gerrard is fully ready and it is expected he will start the match. So, I expect Anfield to celebrate today.
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Re: Euro 2012 Qualifiers > 11 October Slovenia vs Serbia Pick: Away win Probable starting eleven: Slovenija: Handanović - Brečko, Å uler, Cesar, Jokić - Bačinović, Kirm, Krhin, Iličić - Matavž, Novakovič Srbija: Jorgačević - Ivanović, Subotić, Vidić, Kolarov - Petrović, Stanković, Ninković - Krasić, Jovanović, Pantelić I think Serbia will win here. It is true they are guests, but Slovenian players will not have the fans support. The fans are protesting for the high ticket prizes. The fan group Viola from Maribor asked the Slovenian Football Federation to cut the prize from 10 EUR to 5 EUR and after been refused, they announced will not support the national team. So, maybe the Serbian players will have bigger support, even they are guests. However, the key reason for my pick is motivation. While Slovenia have nothing to play for, Serbia have a chance for the second place which means play-off. But they need a victory. Coach Vladimir Petrovic Pizon has experienced players like Nemanja Vidić from Nanchester United, Branislav Ivanović from Chelsea, Milos Krasić from Juventus, Dejan Stanković from Inter and so on. I am sure they can handle with the pressure and they are able to win in Maribor.
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Re: Euro 2012 Qualifiers > 11 October Macedonia vs Slovakia Pick: Away win Macedonia have the home advantage, but this time that fact means nothing. The National Arena Phillip II will be empty as the fans are very disappointed because of disaster results in this qualifiers. The fact is also the fans are very angry to the Football Federation of Macedonia and specially to the President Hari Hadzi-Risteski. Those fans who still decide to go, will use the opportunity to protest against him and to ask for his resignation. Now about the match. Slovakia is coming to Skopje with his strongest squad, leaded by the best player Marek Hamsik. On contrary, the situation in Macedonian squad is very bad. The key player Goran Pandev is injured and he didn't travel to Armenia. Even his absence is enough, four additional players are sidelined from various reasons. The deputy captain Velice Sumulikoski is suspended after he received red card in Yerevan. I am sure UEFA will additionally ban him after his stupid protests to the referee. Goran Popov and Mirko Ivanovski are also suspended as they have two yellow cards. Daniel Georgievski is sidelined with injury. To be the situation even worse, Muarem Muarem is also injured, but he is rated as doubtful. Remember, all of them (except Pandev) played against Armenia. Coach John Toshack was forced to call four youngsters: Stefan Spirovski, Samir Fazli, Stefan Ristovski and Stole Dimitrievski. In situation like this I think Slovakia is very close to the victory. The only question is about the motivation as Slovakia have no chance for one of the first two places.
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Re: Euro 2012 Qualifiers > 11 October Denmark vs Portugal Pick: Draw After the Friday's games, Portugal and Denmark are sharing the top of the group H. Norway is on the third position with three points less. The winner of the group will directly go to Poland and Ukraine, but there is a great possibility that both Portugal and Denmark will qualify. They need to play draw and Netherlands to stay unbeaten in Sweden. Are the mentioned things realistic? First about the match from the group E. Netherlands have maximal effect after 9 rounds. They also had maximal effect in the qualifications for World Cup 2010 in South Africa. I am sure coach Bert van Merwijk will like to end the second consecutive campaign with 100 percent. The motivation should not be a problem, I am sure his players are top professionals. And Sweden will be without the top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He received a yellow card against Finland and now is suspended. It is a big handicap for the coach Erik Hamren. So, I expect Netherlands to win at Rasunda Stadium, or at least to stay unbeaten. Now the question is how Denmark and Portugal will react. They will know the result from Sweden some 15 minutes before the end of their match. I am sure both coaches, Morten Olsen from Denmark and Paulo Bento from Portugal will be very satisfied with a draw that guarantees both national team will qualify to EURO 2012. It is interesting that Denmark and Portugal played in the same group in the qualifications for the World Cup 2010. And it is even more interesting that the match in Denmark ended with 1:1 draw. It happened some two years ago, on 05.09.2009. I expect something similar now.
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Re: Picks from basket Radnicki Kragujevac vs Cibona Pick: 1 (a.h. -2.5) Radnicki Kragujevac should win the first match in Adriatic League against Cibona. They have a solid team and they are specially strong at home. Coach Nikolic stayed and that's a positive factor. Radnicki best player Lee left the team, but some other good player signed. Sinovec, Bircevic, Pavkovic, Lucic, Turkish Cankaya and Americans Moore and Saymon are the new players. It is clear Radnicki have a stronger team in comparison with the previous season. On other side Cibona was in deep problems last season. Most of them were financial problems. The best player Bogdanovic left the squad, just as Radosevic and Giricek. The start wasn't good. On the qualification tournament for Euroleague in Lithuania they were eliminated from Lietuvos Rytas with 71:88. In the first match of Adriatic League they were again defeated, from Maccabi Tel Aviv with 81:97. By the way, the match with Maccabi was just three days ago and I am sure the players are tired. At the end I will mention that Radnicki won the last two mutual matches played in Kragujevac. Here are the results: 19.02.2011. Radnicki Kragujevac vs. Cibona 89:79 17.03.2010. Radnicki Kragujevac vs. Cibona 72:64 I think Radnicki will win. And I expect to cover the handicap.
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Radnicki Kragujevac vs Cibona Pick: 1 (a.h. -2.5) Radnicki Kragujevac should win the first match in Adriatic League against Cibona. They have a solid team and they are specially strong at home. Coach Nikolic stayed and that's a positive factor. Radnicki best player Lee left the team, but some other good player signed. Sinovec, Bircevic, Pavkovic, Lucic, Turkish Cankaya and Americans Moore and Saymon are the new players. It is clear Radnicki have a stronger team in comparison with the previous season. On other side Cibona was in deep problems last season. Most of them were financial problems. The best player Bogdanovic left the squad, just as Radosevic and Giricek. The start wasn't good. On the qualification tournament for Euroleague in Lithuania they were eliminated from Lietuvos Rytas with 71:88. In the first match of Adriatic League they were again defeated, from Maccabi Tel Aviv with 81:97. By the way, the match with Maccabi was just three days ago and I am sure the players are tired. At the end I will mention that Radnicki won the last two mutual matches played in Kragujevac. Here are the results: 19.02.2011. Radnicki Kragujevac vs. Cibona 89:79 17.03.2010. Radnicki Kragujevac vs. Cibona 72:64 I think Radnicki will win. And I expect to cover the handicap.
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Re: Brazil Serie A 2011 THREAD Flamengo vs Fluminense Pick: Under 2.5 goals I don't expect lot of goals on this match. The reason is very simple, both teams have many absent players. And the best among them. Flamengo key player Ronaldinho is with Brazilian national team. His absence is big handicap for the hosts. But that's not all as three more players are suspended - Airton, Willians and Gustavo. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo will be on big troubles, I don't think he has an adequate replacements for them. On other hand Fluminense is also missing the key player as Fred, just like Ronaldinho, is with the national team. One more player, Gum will miss the game due to injury. In situation like this I don't expect something special from the players from both teams. So, I think Under 2.5 goals is a good option for this match. Even the last three mutual matches ended that way: Campeonato Brasileiro 2011 10.07.2011. Fluminense - Flamengo 0:1 Campeonato Carioca 2011 24.04.2011. Fluminense - Flamengo 1:1 (1:2 AET) 13.03.2011. Flamengo - Fluminense 0:0 I expect something similar now.
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Re: WC 2014 Qualifying > 7-8 October Argentina v Chile Pick: Argentina -1.5 a.h. Probable starting eleven: Argentina: Andujar, Zabaleta, Burdisso, Demichellis, Rojo, Banega, Brana, Di Maria, Sosa, Messi, Higuain Chile: Bravo, Jara, Ponce, Gonzalez, Isla, Carmona, Vidal, Beausejour, Fernandez, Pinilla, Suazo After the fiasco at Copa America, Argentina changed the coach. Alejandro Sabella is now in charge after Sergio Batista was fired. Now the biggest question for everybody is - can he make what nobody before made, to find a exact role for the best World player Lionel Messi? Even Diego Maradona was unable to do that. Messi play in great style in Barcelona, but that's not the case when he play for the national team. The fans are frustrated, some of them angry. Now Sabella will probably try to "incorporate" Messi in the team. There is no question about the Messi motivation, specially because this match will be played in Buenos Aires. The home fans will give great support to their players, no doubt about that. Sabella has excellent players. He will start with Messi and Higuain in the attack, supported by Di Maria. Javier Mascherano is out, but I don't think that is big problem. It is fact Argentina have large number of quality players. I think Argentina will win against Chile. Even more as Chile will be without the key player Alexis Sanchez. He is injured and that is a big handicap for Chile. To be the situation even worse, Chile will miss one more player - Gary Medel is also injured. Having on mind all previous mentioned facts, I expect Argentina to win in handicap.
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Re: Euro 2012 Qualifiers > 7-8 October Turkey vs Germany Pick: Draw The situation in group A after 8 rounds is: 1. Germany 24 2. Turkey 14 3. Belgium 12 It is clear Germany will be on the first place. So, Germany is already qualified and now remain the battle for the second place. This is maybe the crucial reason for my pick. As You can see above, Turkey have one point advantage. In the last round Turkey will host Azerbaijan. It is expected Turkey to win that match, they are far better then Azerbaijan. Having on mind that Turkey have better mutual score against Belgium (home victory of 3:2 and a 1:1 draw on road), four points from the next two games should be enough for the second place. I am well aware of the fact that even the second place don't guarantee the play off match as one of the 9 national team with the worst record will be eliminated. Still, Germany is strong team and don't think they can loose the match. Turkey is playing at home, some 50.000 home fans at the Turk Telekom Arena will give the maximum support to their players. It is a great advantage for Turkey. The Turkish coach Guus Hiddink will definitely try to win, but I think his side is not that strong. Maybe the German coach Joachim Loew will rest some of his main players, but still he has an excellent strikers. Podolski, Schurrle, Mario Gomez, Klose and Cacau are in the squad, whoever play it will be good attack. Considering all previous manetioned facts, I think the draw is very possible here. After all, I think both coaches will be satisfied with one point.
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Re: Euro 2012 Qualifiers > 7-8 October Armenia vs Macedonia Pick: 1 Armenia is a strong favorite against Macedonia. There are many reasons for that. First of all, the home advantage. This match will be played in Yerevan, the tickets are already sold and it is clear the fans will give a great support to their players. Next, the motivation factor. Macedonia have no chance for something more in the group B. No matter how the last two games will finished, Macedonia will stay on the fifth position. On contrary, Armenia have historical chance to reach one of the first two places. So, the whole motivation will be on the home side. Next, Macedonia is playing poor. They have a problem to win even against poorest side in the group Andorra (last month Macedonia won in Skopje, but the final score was only 1:0), not to speak about some stronger team. Finally, the most important reason. Macedonia will be missing three players. One of them is Goran Pandev, the key player in the national team. Pandev is injured and won't travel to Armenia. Ibraimi and Tasevski will also be missing the game due to different reasons (first one is injured, the second one refused to play), but the absence of Pandev is crucial. So, Armenia should win here.
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Re: U21 European Championship Qualification 6-8 October Croatia U21 vs Spain U21 Pick: Spain U21 a.h. -1.5 Probable starting eleven (source marca.com) Croatia U21: Kalinic, Antolic, Kukoc, Glumac, Pavlovic, Sovsic, Brozovic, Lovacic, Situm, Vujicevic, Slislovic Spain U21: De Gea; Montoya, Amat, Inigo Martinez, Planas; Oriol Romeu, Illarramendi; Canales, Isco, Iker Muniain; Ãlvaro Vazquez. This match will be played in Osijek. But even Croatia is the host, it is clear Spain is the favorite. Here are the situation after the first two rounds: 05.09.2011. Switzerland U21 - Croatia U21 4:0 03.06.2011. Croatia U21 - Georgia U21 0:1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 05.09.2011. Spain U21 - Georgia U21 2:0 01.09.2011. Georgia U21 - Spain U21 2:7 You can see that Croatia lost from Georgia at home, while Spain won against the same Georgia two times. Croatian coach Susak has welcomed back defender Renato Kelic and striker Ante Vukusic, but I doubt that will change something. Simply, the quality is on Spain side. For example, the Croatian goalkeeper Kalinic is reserve in Hajduk, while David De Gea is first goalkeeper in team like Manchester United. Sergio Canales is important player in Valencia, I can't compare him with any Croatian player. Even some of the players that will be on the bench are good, like Rodrigo who is important player in Benfica and so on. Because of that I expect Spain to win with at least two goals difference.
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Re: England > Weekend > Premier League > 1-2 October Tottenham vs Arsenal Pick: Home win Probable starting eleven: Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Krancjar, Parker, Modric, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Song, Santos, Arteta, Frimpong, Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin Arsenal is in the deepest crisis in the last 20 years. The manager Arsen Wenger is also under the big pressure and I don't see the way he can handle with that. Fabregas and Nasri departures are the main reason for the bad results. Arsenal is particularly bad on road. After the goalless draw with Newcastle in the first round, Arsenal suffered a catastrophe from Manchester United (heavy defeat of 8:2) and painful loss from Blackburn (4:3). I don't see something positive and I expect another defeat for Arsenal. Tottenham is a strong team, the players will be extremely motivated against the city rival and I believe they are able to win. Even more as Tottenham is in series of three consecutive victories in the Premier League, against Wolverhampton, Liverpool and Wigan, plus the victory in UEFA Europe League against Shamrock Rovers. For this match both managers have some problems. Harry Redknapp will be without William Gallas, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone. On other side Arsen Wenger will be without Gervinho, Laurent Koscielny, Yossi Benayoun and Johan Djourou.
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Re: England > Weekend > Premier League > 1-2 October Everton vs Liverpool Pick: Away win Probable starting eleven: Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Neville, Fellaini, Rodwell, Drenthe, Saha Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Enrique, Henderson, Adam, Lucas, Downing, Suarez, Carroll I think Liverpool is closer to the victory. There are three reasons for my pick. First of all, Everton is in bad form. They were very bad against Manchester City last weekend. Everton lost 2:0 and the defeat isn't catastrophe, but the way they were playing surely is. Everton failed to create a single chance on that match. To be the situation even worse, Everton lost the best striker Tim Cahill after he picked up an injury and he won't play against Liverpool today. The second reason for my pick is Liverpool. They are not excellent, they even lost two games so far, but I think Dalglish can be satisfied with his team performance. The captain Steven Gerrard is back, he played the last minutes against Wolverhampton, but Dalglish will probably not risk with Gerrard. Glen Johnson is definitelly out. Finally, Liverpool have a good record at Goodison Park in the last period. The Reds have won three of the last four matches in Premier League as guests. Here are the results: 17.10.2010. Everton - Liverpool 2:0 29.11.2009. Everton - Liverpool 0:2 27.09.2008. Everton - Liverpool 0:2 20.10.2007. Everton - Liverpool 1:2 I believe Liverpool is able to win once again.
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Re: UEFA Champions League > 27 September CSKA Moscow vs Inter Pick: Draw Probable starting eleven: CSKA Moscow: Gabulov; V. Berezutski, Ignashevich, Nababkin, A.Berezutski; Aldonin, Cauna, Tosic; Dzagoev; Love, Doumbia Inter: Julio Cesar; Nagatomo, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Coutinho, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Obi; Pazzini, Milito I expect an interesting and efficient match in Moscow. But I don't see a clear favorite. CSKA is playing at home, they started the UEFA Champions League campaign with a good result (draw away to Lille) and they are a small favorite here. But Inter is very experienced team, they were the champions two seasons earlier. It is true Inter started the season very bad, but everything is different now. The former coach Gasperini was fired and Claudio Ranieri was appointed as a new coach. Under him Inter started well and won 3:1 against Bologna at Saturday. The atmosphere in the squad is positive and I am sure Inter can stay unbeaten in Moscow. Ranieri will be missing Wesley Sneijder, Maicon, Thiago Motta and Dejan Stankovic due to injuries and Diego Forlan as he can't play in Champions League. CSKA Moscow on other side is almost complete as only the goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev will miss the game due to injury. Considering all previous mentioned facts, I think this match could ende with a draw.
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Re: UEFA Champions League > 27 September Bayern M. vs Man. City Pick: Draw Probable starting eleven: Bayern Munchen: Neuer, Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber Lahm, Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Kroos, Ribery, Gomez Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Barry, Yaya Toure, Silva, Aguero, Nasri, Dzeko The most interesting match in this round will be this one in Munchen. The home Bayern is in excellent form, but Manchester City is also in great form. Bayern Munchen coach Jupp Heynckes will be without injured Croatian striker Ivica Olic. The good news for Heynckes is that Arjen Robben is back from the injury. Heynckes is still unsure if Robben will play as the team is playing very well even without him. On other side Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will be without Nigel de Jong.The German media were expecting Owen Hargreaves to play against his former club, but that is not possible as he was not named in 25-man squad for this competition. I expect good football at Allianz Arena. Bayern will surely try to win, but Manchester City is also strong. They are inexperienced as a team, but have very good and experienced players. So, I believe Manchester City is able to stay unbeaten here. Draw is my call.
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Re: Turkey Super Lig 2011/2012 Besiktas vs Antalyaspor Pick: Draw Besiktas is a strong favorite against Antalya. However, the favorites are not always winning their games. I think Antalya is able to stay unbeaten at Fiyapi Inonu Stadyumu in Istanbul. First of all, Besiktas players are surely very tired after they have to play in domestic championship and UEFA Europe League. Second, Besitas showed some weaknesses, they lost from Eskisehir in the first round. Coach Carlos Carvalhal can't be fully satisfied with his players performance. But the main reason for my pick is not Besiktas, but Atalanta. They are in excellent form and they are able to upset the favorite. Antalya have the same score like Besiktas, two victoires and one defeat in the first three rounds. Here are the results: 21.09. Antalyaspor - Mersin Idmanyurdu SK 1:2 16.09. Kayserispor - Antalyaspor 0:1 11.09. Antalyaspor - Gaziantepspor 1:0 Coach Mehmet Ozdilek is doing a great job so far. I expect him to continue that way. Ugur Inceman is in excellent form, he has already scored two goals. I believe Antalya is able to stay unbeaten on this match.
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Re: Italy - Serie A - 24-25 September Catania vs Juventus Pick: Draw Probable starting eleven: Catania: Andujar, Alvarez, Bellusci, Spolli, Capuano, Sciacca, Lodi, Ricchiuti, Gomez, Maxi Lopez, Lanzafame Juventus: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Krasic, Marchisio, Pirlo, Elia, Matri, Quagliarella Catania have one victory, one draw and one defeat in the first three rounds. But it is important to be mentioned Ctania good home form. They didn't receive a single goal for 180 minutes and we must respect that fact. Catania played 0:0 against Siena and won 1:0 against Cesena. For this match coach Vincenzo Montella will be without injured Nicola Legrottaglie and Cristian Llama. On other side Juventus started the season very good. They have two victories and one draw in the first three rounds. Juventus is favorite on this match, but they won't have an easy job. Coach Antonio Conte will be without suspended Mirko Vucinic. It is interesting to be mentioned that the last match between Juventus and Catania ended with draw. Even more because that match was played in Torino on 23.04.2011. So, if Catania was able to stay unbeaten in Torino, I think they can repeat that at Sicily.
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Re: England > Weekend > Premier League > 24-26 September Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Pick: Draw Probable starting eleven: Liverppol: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Enrique, Kuyt, Adam, Lucas, Downing, Suarez, Carroll Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Hunt, O'Hara, Edwards, Henry, Jarvis, Doyle Liverpool is in very bad form. They have lost two matches in the row, 0:1 from Stoke and 0:4 from Tottenham. Manager Kenny Dalglish is under small pressure, he must find a way to motivate his players. It is true Liverpool won 2:1 against low division Brighton in Carling Cup at Wednesday, but that's something different. The captain Steven Gerard is very close to the returning, he even played 15 minutes at Wednesday. Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel were both sent off against Tottenham, but now are back from suspension. Wolverhampton started the season in excellent way, with two victories in the first two rounds. But then started to play worse and now have two defeats. For this match the manager Mick McCarthy have the skipper Roger Johnson and Steven Fletcher back from the injuries. I think Wolverhampton could stay unbeaten at Anfield. They will defend, no doubt about that. And Liverpool is having problem against such defensive oriented teams. Even more, Wolverhampton won the last season's fixture played on 29.12.2010 with 0:1. It is too much to expect another victory for Wolverhampton, but a draw is possible.
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Re: Italy - Serie A - 20-22 September Milan vs Udinese Pick: Milan Probable starting eleven: Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Seedorf; Aquilani; Pato, Cassano Udinese: Handanovic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Badu, Armero; Torje; Di Natale There is no other option for Milan then a victory. Milan have just one point from the first two rounds and this is a must win situation. I know the opponent is Udinese, another good team then even participate in UEFA Champions League qualifications (Udinese was eliminated from Arsenal), but Milan have to win. Coach Alegri will have to play without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini, but Milan have other good players. Alexandre Pato is in great form and his confidence is very high at the moment, specially after his great performance at Nou Camp where he scored the fastest goal in Champions League. Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin has also some unavailable players as Andrea Coda, Damiano Ferronetti, Antonio Floro Flores, Giovanni Pasquale and Kwadwo Asamoah are injured. But I see some motivation problems in Udinese squad, specially after the fans jeered during the match with Rennes in UEFA Europa League. Finally, Milan have a good home record against Udinese in the last few seasons. Three victories and one draw surely point out who is the favorite on this match. Here are the results: 09.01.2011. Milan - Udinese 4:4 12.02.2010. Milan - Udinese 3:2 21.12.2008. Milan - Udinese 5:1 18.05.2008. Milan - Udinese 4:1 I believe Milan will win once again.
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Re: Italy - Serie A - 20-22 September Juventus vs Bologna Pick: Under 2.5 goals Probable starting eleven: Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Krasic, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pepe; Matri, Vucinic Bologna: Gillet; Raggi, Portanova, Loria, Morleo; Perez, Mudingayi, Kone; Diamanti; Acquafresca, Di Vaio I think Juventus will win, but I also think there will be no more then two goals in Torino. First of all Bologna is playing very poor. They failed to score a single goal in the first two matches. So, how can we expect Bologna to score against Juventus when they failed to score against Fiorentina and Lecce. I know Bologna have a good striker in Marco Di Vaio, but it seems his time is gone. Di Vaio is old and slow and I am sure Juve defenders can handle with him. Now about Juventus, how many goals can they score. In the first round they scored four goals against Parma, but then just one against Siena. Coach Antonio Conte has many options in the attack. Still, I believe Juventus will win 1:0 or maximum 2:0 on this game. After all, three of the last four mutual games have ended with Under 2.5 goals. Here are the results: Italian Serie A 2010/11 26.02.2011. Juventus - Bologna 0:2 24.10.2010. Bologna - Juventus 0:0 Italian Serie A 2009/10 21.02.2010. Bologna - Juventus 1:2 27.09.2009. Juventus - Bologna 1:1 So, I believe in another low efficient match. Bologna will play catenaccio, no doubt about that. As I already wrote, I don't think they will score. That is why I am suggesting Under 2.5 goals.
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Re: Italy - Serie A - 20-22 September Chievo vs Napoli Pick: Draw Probable starting eleven: Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Andreolli, Cesar, Jokic; Bradley, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Paloschi, Moscardelli Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Zuniga, Inler, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Pandev; Cavani It is clear we will see an interesting match at Stadio Bentegodi in Verona. Napoli is the favorite, no doubt about it. They started the season in terrific way, with two victories in the row. First they won Cesena on road, then the actual champion Milan at home. In the meantime Napoli played 1:1 in England, against Manchester City in UEFA Champions League. For this match coach Walter Mazzarri will be without Marco Donadel and Miguel Britos as they are still injured. Chievo started the season not too good. In the first round they played 2:2 with Novara at home, even they were leading 2:0 after 24 minutes with goals scored by Sergio Pellissier and Cyril Thereau. In the second round Chievo lost 1:2 from Parma. Coach Domenico Di Carlo is under small pressure and this is very important match. Three players are doubtful for this match, Sergio Pellissier, Francesco Acerbi and Luciano. I think this match will end with draw. Napoli is better team, they are in good form, but we can't underestimate Chievo. Specially because they are playing at home. After all, Chievo took all six points the last season, winning 2:0 at home and 3:1 in Naples. So, I think this match will finish with draw.
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Re: England > Weekend > Premier League > 17-18 September Tottenham vs Liverpool Pick: Liverpool Probable starting eleven: Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Kranjcar, Parker, Modric, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez Interesting match at White Hart Lane in London. And I think Liverpool is closer to the victory. It is true Liverpool lost from Stoke in the previous round, but I dare to say that defeat was undeserved. Stoke was awarded with a suspicious penalty and that decided the match. By the way, that was the first defeat for Liverpool in the new season. About the team news. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will miss Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone, Sandro, Danny Rose and Steven Pienaar, while Rafael van der Vaart is doubtful. On other side Kenny Dalglish will be without Glen Johnson, while Steven Gerrard is close to full fitness and could be in contention for this game. It's up to Dalglish now when the captain will play. I think Liverpool is closer to the victory. Tottenham is playing at home and it could be a crucial factor. I know this is contradictory, but here is my explanation. Tottenham must attack in front of the fans and Liverpool will have many space for the counterattacks. With players like Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt in attack, Liverpool will be very dangerous and I think they are able to win. Tottenham received 8 goals in the first three rounds, the defense players are out of confidence. Even more, Tottenham was humiliated from Manchester City at White Hart Lane (lost 1:5 on 28.08.2011) and showed many weaknesses in the defense. I believe Liverpool will take advantage from that fact.
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Re: Basketball European Championship 2011 - Lithuania Macedonia - Russia Pick: Macedonia The battle for the third place on European Basketball championship in Lithuania. Russia is a big favorite, but I still think Macedonia can upset them. It is true Russia won in the group stage with 63:61 (12.09.2011), but it is also true Macedonia was very, very close to the victory. Just one second before the final whistle Sergey Monya scored three points and brought a victory to Russia. It is clear Macedonia could easily win that game too. Russia was lucky to win, even the coach David Blatt admitted that. Now is a new match, an interesting battle for the bronze medal. Macedonian players are very tired, but the motivation is extremely big. They are something like nation heroes, I am sure they will find a power for one more match. On other side Russian players are little disappointed, they were hoping to play in the final. The defeat from France could be an important factor. That was their first defeat on European championship. Macedonia main handicap will be the absence of Todor Gecevski. He broke the hand against Slovenia and he didn't play since then. But even without him Macedonia managed to eliminate the hosts in quarterfinal and Macedonia was competitive against Spain in the semifinal. Don't forget Macedonia won the first half against Spain. Sorry, but I don't see any team to make such result against fully motivated Spain players (I know Turkey won against Spain, that's why I wrote against "fully motivated" Spain players). Bo McCalebb and Pero Antic are the leaders, they are playing in great form and I see big problems for Russian team.
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Re: Italia Serie A second round Inter vs Roma Pick: Away win Probable starting eleven: Inter: Julio Cesar; Jonathan, Ranocchia, Lucio, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Obi; Sneijder; Pazzini, Forlan. Roma: Stekelenburg; Rosi, Burdisso, Heinze, Cassetti; Perrotta, De Rossi, Pjanic; Borriello, Totti, Borini I expect an interesting and efficient match at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano. And I expect Roma to win. But the main reason for my pick is not Roma, but Inter. Inter started the season catastrophic, with two defeats in the first two matches. They lost 4:3 from Palermo in the first match in Serie A. Having on mind that Palermo is much weaker then the previous seasons, it is clear the defeat was very frustrating for the players and for the fans. But just after that came the second defeat. Inter lost 1:0 from Turkish Trabzonspor in UEFA Champions League opening match. This situation remind me on the last season's situation. The new coach Gian Piero Gasperini could easily finish like Rafa Benitez. Both teams are handicapped here. Inter will miss Emiliano Viviano, Maicon, Ivan Cordoba, Andrea Poli, Cristian Chivu and Thiago Motta, while Roma will miss Juan, Cicinho, Erik Lamela and Juan Angel. I think Roma could win at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano. They are solid team, with many new players. It is clear Roma need some time, the players will play better as time goes on. Coach Luis Enrique announced he will start with Borriello, Totti and Borini in the attack. Don't forget Pjanic, he is also a dangerous and experienced striker. So, I believe Roma is able to win.
Macedonia First Division 2011/12
in Other European Leagues Football Predictions
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Teteks vs Shkendija Pick: Away win Probable starting eleven: Teteks: Madzarovski, Naumovski, Gjorgjevski, Mitrevski, Bejtulai, Idrizi, Demiri, Trajcevski, Stolevski, A. Stojanovski, N. Kleckarovski Shkendija: Jovanovski, Elmazovski, Nikitovic, Berisha, Cuculi, Useini, Mustafi, Emini, Peev, Kurtishi, Sali. I expect the actual champion Shkedija to win. Both coaches have some problems in front of this derby. Teteks coach Dragi Setinov will be missing two important players. Both Vladimir Sekulovski and Burhan Aliu are suspended and it will be very hard for Setinov to find adequate replacements. On other side his counterpart Nedzat Sabani will probably be without the best striker Ferhan Hasani. He is injured and he is rated as highly doubtful. The positive news for Sabani is that Jovanovski, Useini and Emini are back in the squad. The main reason for my pick is the quality factor. Simply, Shkendija is better team at the moment. There is no home advantage in this derby. Both teams are from Tetovo and both teams are sharing the stadium. Even more, Shkendija will have much bigger support from the fans. I expect some 10.000 Shkendija fans to be at the stadium. In situation like this I believe the better team will win. And third placed Shkendija is much better then eight placed Teteks.