That's what I needed. All three picks passed. Spanish and French sides played attacking games, while exhausted Boca didn't have a chance against motivated Rosario. Sometimes everything looks so easy.
Today we'll have three second league clashes. In Germany, Osnabruck and Hansa will fight to avoid relegation. I think Hansa is closer to achieve it, but won't bet. As I won't for French game. Racing Strasbourg against Metz, fourth against the third. For me, the most interesting will be in Championship game. So...
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Norwich City - Reading
This is the last chance for Canaries. They're the first under the line, with three points less than Barnsley, four than Nottingham Forest and five then Plymouth Argyle. With three points will be very close to stay in Championship, otherwise will have to beat Charlton away and to hope Barnsley will loose against Plymouth (Norwich has better mutual score with Barnsley). With a point, they'll include Forest into calculation, but Forest will host relegated Saints and they look safe. There is no doubt, this is a game of the season for Norwich who doesn't look in so good shape. Two defeats from last three games. Striker David Mooney, on loan from Reading, is ineligible so Cody McDonald could make his first start. Excellent winger Lee Croft is in doubt (will play, I guess), while defender Dejan Stefanović, midfielder Wes Hoolahan and strikerCarl Cort are long time injured. Full Carrow Road will try to help the lads to reach the golden victory. But the biggest problem will be second half of the pitch where will be one of the best league teams.
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With a victory in Birmingham, Preston made a complete mess on the top. Birmingham, Sheff.Utd and Reading are now the contenders for a place number two (80 points, 79 and 74). Royals have a simple calculation. Win tonight and win at Sunday against Birmingham at home (have a better mutual score) and to hope Sheff.Utd. will lose in London against C.Palace. But, beauty of the situation is Reading can loose even a play-off spot, with two possible defeats! Preston is now just three points below (have a better mutual score than Reading) and will host QPR. Too much numbers and solutions, but it is for sure Steve Coppell's lads will go for a win tonight. Considering the names, they're the most quality squad in a league. Not so good run of results, with too many draws put them in this position. But, in the last round they overplayed Derby on the road (2-0), with two goals scored and two cancelled. Big blow is injury of striker Noel Hunt who suffered a fracture to his ankle against Barnsley. Full-back Chris Armstrong returns following his recovery from a knee injury, while striker Kevin Doyle is also set to come back.
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Really big game is tonight. Before a Birm.-Pres. game I planned to put my money on Canaries. Now I can't imagine which side has an advantage. Opposite motives, League One against Premier. Biggest fears against biggest ambitions. Full crowd against the quality. No one will be satisfied with a draw. Just a victory gives a faith. I expect another open game and again will bet on goals. Expekt offers 2.oo and I accept. Over.
