Worthless Sunday

Lille were playing with the nerves, managed at the end to concede twice and ruin the handicap. I have been digging in today's games and couldn't find too many pointers. In Italy, Torino play without 9 players, home win drop from 2.15 to 1.70. It can be a clear home win, but also can be a  game for the bookies. No bet for me.

In Spain Osasuna host Real Madrid as a clear favorite!? 1.70 for a home win! Real's players are already on holiday, four defeats in a row, 15 goals conceded! Osasuna defeated Barca at Camp Nou and I can't find a logic to loose today and relegate. Barca don't care about league games, why should Real? Transfer market? Don't think so. Home win is probable, but I've already burnt my fingers on Spain and Osasuna. My opinion about Primera is the same as opinion about Puyol's two reactions in CL final (duels with Ronaldo and Van der Sar). No bet. 

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Brazil 1

Santos - Corinthians

Only bet for Sunday. Brazil's big derby. The Corinthians' boss announced yesterday that he'll rest some of 11 main players, thinking only about the second and decisive match against Vasco in the Brazil Cup (1-1 first game away). Bookies reacted quickly and decrease the odds. On the other side, Santos look in a nice shape, trashing Fluminense in the last round at Maracana 4-1. Play attacking, scored eight goals in the first three games. I don't believe in that "rest best players in derby games" stories and go for goals, instead the home win. Pinnacle offers nice 2.00. Over.

That's it. Will be back tomorrow with Norway and Iceland.

Cheers.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe they have won the race to sign Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry - for a combined fee of £42m.(News of the World) 
And City are also lining up a £30m bid for Barcelona's Champions League-winning striker Samuel Eto'o.(The People) 
Barcelona are poised to offer £40m for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United could bid £15m for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.(The People) 
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti will this week be confirmed as the new manager of FA Cup winners Chelsea, with the club preparing to step up their chase of £50m Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero.(Mail on Sunday) 
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is wanted by both Tottenham and West Ham.(The People) 
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez says he would like to join Liverpool.(Sunday Mirror) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to lure Chelsea winger Joe Cole, who played under him at West Ham, to White Hart Lane.(The People) 
Chelsea and Liverpool are battling it out for Paris St Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon - who is rated at about £12m.(News of the World) 
Steve Bruce wants Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch when he takes the manager's job at Sunderland.(The People) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is willing to pay £8m for Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson.(Sunday Mirror) 
Fulham are set to make a £5m bid for Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani.(News of the World) 
Beaten FA Cup finalists Everton have been tracking Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.(News of the World) 
Liverpool's players have told manager Rafael Benitez that he should bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield.(The People) 
Newcastle defender Jose Enrique says he wants to stay at the relegated club.(Sunday Mirror) 
Everton are leading the race for Leeds United's £7m-rated midfielder Fabian Delph.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United will not let midfielder Paul Scholes leave Old Trafford, despite reported interest from Stoke and Bolton.(The People) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson has made a £6m offer for Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone.(Sunday Mirror) 
Huddlestone will be part of a mass exodus from Tottenham this summer. The other players up for sale are Didier Zokora, Gareth Bale, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.(Mail on Sunday) 
Sunderland's new manager will be encouraged to make a bid for Bent in the summer. (Sunday Express)
Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is unhappy he has not had more first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and wants to go out on loan.(The People) 
Blackburn are facing up to the prospect of losing Benni McCarthy, Stephen Warnock and Chris Samba over the summer.(News of the World) 
However, Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim is likely to join up with his old boss Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth duo Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson are not yet willing to commit their futures to the club until they receive assurances from the club's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim.(Mail on Sunday) 
Blackburn are tracking Egyptian midfielder Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah, who is valued at £3.6m by his club Zamalek.( The People) 
Liverpool are chasing Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. (Sunday Express)
West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer is closing in on a free transfer to Birmingham. (News of the World) 
Birmingham want Cardiff striker Ross McCormack and Manchester United defender Danny Simpson as they prepare for life in the Premier League.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to bring Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp back to Fratton Park.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manager Alan Shearer's future at Newcastle has been thrown into doubt after owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale.(News of the World) 
England manager Fabio Capello says it was Theo Walcott's decision to play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship - a move which has angered his Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. (Sunday Express)
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is a candidate for the Portsmouth job, is wanted by Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.(News of the World) 
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has joined Eriksson in the race to become Portsmouth manager.(The People) 
Paul Jewell is being lined up for a return to Wigan, should manager Steve Bruce move to Sunderland.(News of the World) 
Bruce became interested in the Sunderland job when Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told him to cut the club's wage bill by £4m. (The People)
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is prepared to sign a new contract with the club and will hope that by saving Rovers from relegation, he can negotiate an improved transfer kitty.(The People) 
QPR have set their sights on Brazilian legend Zico as they look for a new manager, although former Ipswich boss Jim Magilton is favourite to land the job.(News of the World) 
Canadian multi-millionaire Jeff Mallett is looking to launching a takeover for Sheffield Wednesday.(The People) 
West Brom want £1m in compensation should manager Tony Mowbray join Celtic.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY 

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was certainly a happy man after the FA Cup victory over Everton on Saturday - and who could blame him? After the game, the Dutchman was photographed in the Blues dressing room puffing a large cigar as well as dancing with club owner Roman Abramovich. "Roman was there and he danced with us as well. But, no, he didn't breakdance," said Hiddink. (Various)(News of the World)
www.bbc.co.uk

Chelsea 2-1 Everton

A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.
The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history. 
But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left. 
The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal. 
In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia. 
Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day. 
And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. 
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne. 
Booked: Mikel, Lampard. 
Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72. 

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77). 
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter. 
Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines. 
Goals: Saha 1. 

Att: 89,391. 
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

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Lille 3 - 2 Nancy

1 - 0 R. Vittek  12. min.
2 - 0 A. Rami  15. min.
2 - 1 A. Ouaddou  42. min.
2 - 2 Y. Hadji  64. min.
3 - 2 N. Plestan  72. min.

Saturday night

Middlesbrough was a bad luck again. For tonight, just one fast pick.

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France 1

Lille Metropole - Nancy Lorraine

Home side is struggling for "top five". They need a win and to hope PSG or Toulouse make a mistake. On the other side, Nancy secured from relegation and won't have too much motives. Defender Emerson is the only one who won't play for home side, while Nancy's boss Pablo Correa can not count on Andre Luiz (suspended), Berenguer, Gaudu, Macaluso and Malonga (all injured). Odds for home win are not so big, 1.47 at Pinnacle. I'm confident after FA Cup and go for a home handicap win.

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Chelsea - Everton

We came to the end. With FA Cup final, the curtain is falling at the football season in England. Considering odds, Chelsea is a clear favorite. They reached the final after overcoming Arsenal 2-1 in the semi-final, at the same place. Fans and management are happy with recent team performances. They have suffered only one defeat in 21 games under manager Guus Hiddink. In the race for Premier Chelsea didn’t have a real chance, paying a bill for wasted points and all mess that Scolari made. In Champions League they were eliminated after totally outplayed later champions. Thankfully to wrong referee’s judgments (I don’t expect anything such like that from Howard Webb) didn’t get a chance to face United again in big final. So, this is the last opportunity for silverware and my impression is the entire season will be judged depending from this game. Frank Lampard has given a boost by declaring himself fit. He sat out last week's win over Sunderland with a knock but will start at Wembley, with Alex and Juliano Belletti (virus) also fit. Deco and Carvalho have some injury problems, but their missing will be covered easily. In recent FA Cup campaign, Chelsea scored more goals proper than any other club (15) and conceded five. Two last games of these rivals ended with goalless draws, but another fact is Chelsea haven’t lost from Everton in last 22 competitive games! Players are in the mood to repay Hiddink for all effort he made for past three and a half months. Also, a trophy would be a big encouragement for the next season and attack for Premier.


Toffees secured a top-six finish for the fourth season in five after three wins and a draw in their last four games. They beat champions Manchester United on penalties to reached this final. Before that, eliminated Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Probably is nonsense, but in each of the last four seasons, the club who knocking out Middlesbrough has gone on to finish runners-up in the competition. But, more serious sounds David Moyes has never experienced victory over Chelsea in any competition as Everton manager. He had a lots of problems with the injuries through the season, but made some impressive results at the same time. This time he has received good news on the injury front, with Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar fully fit following recent worries over hamstring problems. That should enable Moyes to deploy his favoured 4-5-1 formation and announce a game with small number of goals. In Premier League, Everton is considered like a typical “home team” with much better record at Goodison, than away. But, after the semi-final game vs Man.Utd. (also played at Wembley), they grab a point at Stamford Bridge, clearly showing they can play the games on the road. Long time injured are Arteta, Yakubu, Jagielka and Anichebe. 

The odds and statistics favour Chelsea - but that is exactly how Moyes and Everton like it. They will try to put a tough display, trying to keep a net and to threat from counter-attacks. On the other side, we’ll see who will join Drogba in attack. Malouda, Anelka, or both. From this choice depends the number of goals on this match (under, or over). Although I don’t like the odds (and yellow outfit for Londoners), I give a convincing advantage to Chelsea and go for their win in 90 minutes. William Hill and 188sports offer 1.75. Chelsea to win.

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Maybe more picks later.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton manager David Moyes wants to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a chance to extend his Premier League career.(Daily Mail) 
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is set to undergo groin surgery, putting on hold his proposed £7.5m move to Italian side Fiorentina.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to overhaul his squad over the summer with utility player Emmanuel Eboue, striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender William Gallas the likely departures. (Daily Mirror)
Russia and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov will join Chelsea this summer for a fee of £18.6m.(The Sun) 
West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green has turned down the offer of a new contract, which will alert London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.(Daily Star) 
Bolton want to give Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes one final season of first-team football.(The Sun) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is questioning his Old Trafford future after being left on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have worried his bosses in London with comments that it would be a dream to play for Champions League winners Barcelona.(Daily Express) 
Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Perez has claimed "an agreement" is in place for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club. (Various)
Winger Stewart Downing has been told he can leave relegated Middlesbrough, as long as it is not for Tottenham.(Daily Star) 
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has no intention of leaving the club over the summer, and according to his agent, he wants to honour the three years left on his contract.(The Guardian) 
New Ipswich boss Roy Keane could make a £500,000 bid for QPR defender Damien Delaney. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, is wanted by Wigan to replace the Sunderland-bound Steve Bruce.(Daily Mirror) 
Darren Ferguson is also wanted by Reading but a row over his compensation fee could scupper a move to the Madejski Stadium.(Daily Mail) 
Celtic could make a surprise move for West Ham number two Steve Clarke as they look to fill the managerial vacancy left by Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Sun)
Portsmouth could have problems if prospective new owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to appoint a new manager, as Pompey have already agreed terms with caretaker boss Paul Hart.(Daily Mail) 
The consequences of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League has been brought into stark reality with the news that 120 administrative and commercial staff are set to lose their jobs.(The Times) 
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner wants to sign a new contract with the club, even though his current deal does not expire until 2012.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY 

Coverage of the FA Cup final always sees a hefty chunk of nostalgia and this year is no exception. It is 17 years since their popular ITV show came off our screens but 'Saint & Greavsie', former Liverpool forward Ian St John and ex-Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves, are back on Setanta for a one-off show as part of the build up to the clash between Chelsea and Everton.

The pair are as outspoken as ever and are not too impressed with the football programmes on offer today. "No way as good as ours," says Greaves.(The Guardian)
www.bbc.co.uk

Now we're talking

Zurich 2 - 1 Grasshoppers

1 - 0 A. Rochat  53. min.
1 - 1 G. Zarate  54. min.
2 - 1 A. Abdi (pen.)  70.min.

Brestois 1 - 2 Nimes

0 - 1 R. Malm  58. min.
1 - 1 B.D. Carvalho  59. min.
1 - 2 R. Malm  62. min.

Boulogne 4 - 0 Amiens

1 - 0 D. Perrinelle  4. min.
2 - 0 A. Cuvillier  17.min.
3 - 0 G. Thil  62. min.
4 - 0 J. Brignoni  82.min.

Picks for Friday

Yesterday games started surprisingly bad, as Inter Turku managed to loose at home against outsider VPS Vaasa 0-1, then HJK Helsinki finished the job on a right way and Ull/Kisa shocked Sandefjord and realized my double chance gamble. Entire impression spoiled Fjolnir, loosing against nine-men Vestmannaeyar. Profit at the end, but 2 from 4 also. It has to be better. Something for today...

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Switzerland 1

Zurich - Grasshoppers

Last round. Time for celebration, home side already won the league. The best way is a win in front of the fans. No other motives (as for visitors), but it should be enough. Beside that, Zurich is dominate at home and win is probable (over, too). Best odd is at Pinnacle 1.87. Fact that calls on caution is that odd still grows. Usually, it means that Pinnacle knows something that I don't. But, can't see any such important fact. Small bet, anyway. Home win.

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France 2

Brestois - Nimes Olimpique

This game is interesting 'cause the fact is Brestois doesn't have 42 points, as some bookies and sites announced. They got three points for Reims game and can not relegate! Beside that, four keys are out. Nimes is 18th, the first under the line with the same points as 17th Chateauroux. Desperately needs a win. Bad away record, but they don't have a defeat in last five rounds. Think it worths a try. The best odd is again at Pinnacle (don't like this), 2.52. Away win.

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Boulogne - Amiens

Clear position for Boulogne, home win will provide promotion. I read some rumors (and read denying, too) that club's president said he can't and don't want to go in Ligue 1 next year due to financial problem! And Amiens isn't safe from relegation. In French League 1 appear usually same clubs, just changing promotion/relegation direction. I can't imagine club such as Boulogne in League 1 and 1.35 is somehow too low. Perhaps I'm wrong and home win is obvious, but I'll, once again, try to find a surprise of a day. Best odd for away win, again Pinnacle 9.47! Double chance, X2 gamble for me.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward is a £50m target for Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future. (Daily Telegraph) 
However the prospect of Ronaldo joining Real Madrid may have receded with the Spanish side opting for the £40m signature of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. (Independent) 
In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.(Daily Express) 
Ribery was Chelsea boss-in-waiting Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice summer signing but the Blues have lost out to Real Madrid. Ancelotti may look to CSKA Moscow's Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov. (The Times) 
Chelsea have been told they will need to put up £20m for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge when he is named Chelsea boss next week. (Daily Telegraph) 
If Manchester United do not complete the permanent signing of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez this summer they will turn their attentions to Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Wigan's Antonio Valencia. (Daily Express) 
Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.(The Times) 
Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final. (The Sun) 
Paul Scholes must decide if the Champions League final is to be his final game for Manchester United. Stoke want the 34-year-old midfielder as a player-coach. (Daily Mail) 
Sir Alex Ferguson may ditch Nani and Ji-Sung Park as the Manchester United boss reshapes his squad while Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also leave this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is holding out for a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will try to bolster his defence by moving for AC Milan defender Digao, the younger brother of Brazilian forward Kaka. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Standard Liege. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are lining up a £6m bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore hopes to make his loan move to Birmingham permanent. (Daily Star)
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up a £2m bid for 20-year-old Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (Daily Express) 
Portuguese defender Nuno Valente will leave Everton this summer but the 34-year-old will play on for another year elsewhere.(The Times) 
Greek side Panathinaikos have bid £1.5m for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop. (Daily Star) 
Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Middelsbrough's David Wheater, 22, after the £6m-rated defender successfully came through a knee operation. (Daily Star)
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is being linked with an £8m move to Italian side Fiorentina. (Independent) 
The Magpies have warned the clubs chasing defender Sebastien Bassong that they will not take anything less than £15m for him. (The Sun) 
Sheffield United have rejected a £2m bid from Aston Villa for defender Kyle Naughton. The Blades have put a £6m price tag on the full-back. (Daily Express) 
Leeds have joined West Brom, Celtic and Leicester in the battle for Swindon striker Simon Cox. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former England and Mexico boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is favourite to become the new Portsmouth manager.(The Times) 
Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.(The Times) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours. (Guardian) 
The Premier League will test out its strengthened fit-and-proper-persons rules on Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim. (Guardian) 
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to be considered for the vacant managerial post at Sunderland. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY 

Everton's Marouane Fellaini believes his lucky hairstyle will help the Toffees defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
The 21-year-old, who cost Everton £15m from Standard Liege last summer, has scored nine goals this season and he's hoping that his Afro-style hair will inspire him to add to that tally on Saturday at Wembley. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's results

Fjolnir 1 - 3 Vestmannaeyar

0 - 1 T. Mawejje  5.min
          B.R. Einarsson  17.min red card Vest.
0 - 2 A. Leight-Smith  53.min.
1 - 2 A. Mwesiga  57.min
1 - 3 A. Olafsson  66.min
        T. Mawejje  89.min red card Vest.

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HJK Helsinki 1 - 0 Tampere United

1 - 0 S. Sorsa 28. min.

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Inter Turku 0 - 1 VPS Vaasa

0 - 1 L. Smith 69. min.

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Ull/Kisa 1-0 Sandefjord

1 - 0 Jarnbjo 62. min.

Thursday view

More than disappointing United. Without a real chance. Ferguson is yelling at defence, Ronaldo at Ferguson 'cause the bad tactic, but the fact is they didn't have a desire to play. Whole team failed. And Messi (hats off for him, btw.) scored a header against Vidic, Rio and O'Shea?! Last night Barca was a better side and deserved took a trophy.

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Scandinavian games are today. I use some calculation based on current form and results, but haven't included line-ups. Made a list of possible winners (and best place for bet) and will follow with (should I say) very small bets. In the next rounds, I'll try to make a closer view. As usual, comments are welcome. So...

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Iceland 1

Fjolnir - IBV Vestmannaeyjar 1 (2.o5 at 10bet)

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Finland 1

HJK Helsinki - Tampere Utd. 1 (1.89 at Pinnacle)

Inter Turku - VPS Vaasa 1 (1.40 at Pinnacle)

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Norway Cup

Ullensaker/Kisa - Sandefjord 

I've found some info, Sandefjord will rest some keys. Kisa is one of the top teams in third league. Beside that, home pitch (additionally ruined with a bad weather) is proper for third level more than for first league. Passing play will be much harder for Sandefjord. Average odds are 9.75 7.22 1.16 If You're addicted on gambling (as I do) maybe double chance-1X worths a try. Expekt offers 12.00 for home win and 8.75 for a draw! For me, definitely a gamble.

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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Bayern Munich tell BBC Sport there has been no approach for Franck Ribery and he wants to stay at the club. "He is contracted until 2011 and we want to extend his deal," said a spokesperson. 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery for £43m. Manchester United also want the 26-year-old French international as a potential replacement for winger Cristiano Ronaldo. (The Sun) 
Chelsea may be forced to pay a British transfer record of £45m if they are to land Ribery. (Daily Star) 
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is planning an £8m move for Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Elano. (The Sun) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has lined up Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso. Bilbao want £10m for the 20-year-old. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa have inquired about midfielder David Bentley's future at Tottenham. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are lining up a £3m move for Red Star Belgrade's Serbia midfielder Nenad Milijas(on photo). The 26-year-old is also wanted by CSKA Moscow and Roma. (Daily Mail) 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is considering a swoop for two Wigan players - midfielder Michael Brown and defender Emmerson Boyce.(Daily Mirror) 
Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune is weighing up an offer from Portsmouth after spending the end of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion.(The Sun) 
Stoke will offer midfielder Liam Lawrence a bumper new contract to ward off interest from Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton and Blackburn are fighting it out for Villarreal's Chile international Matias Fernandez. The 23-year-old midfielder will make a decision once the Spanish season ends at the weekend.(The Sun) 
Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire has conceded he is ready to make his loan move to Olympiakos a permanent one. The Greek side are lining up a £3m bid for the 23-year-old.(Daily Star) 
And Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid Marseille for Argentine defender Renato Civelli. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull are weighing up a move for former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller, 28, after he was released by QPR.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal are set to sign Cheltenham's 15-year-old prodigy Jamie Edge for a basic fee of £100,000. Midfielder Edge chose Arsenal over Manchester United. (Daily Star) 
Middlesbrough have put winger Stewart Downing up for sale but only to a top-four club.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby have had a £400,000 bid rejected for Blackpool defender Shaun Barker.(The Sun) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith is planning a £3m move for West Bromwich Albion striker Chris Brunt. The 24-year-old is a boyhood fan of the Glasgow club. (Daily Record)  

OTHER GOSSIP

Wigan will look to Swansea boss Roberto Martinez if Sunderland agree to pay the £5m in compensation to take Latics manager Steve Bruce to the Stadium of Light. (The Times) 
Alan Shearer, who is set to become the permanent manager of Newcastle, is playing hardball with Magpies owner Mike Ashley over a £15m to £20m transfer pot for next season. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie is stalling on a contract extension at the Emirates.(Daily Star) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez plans to shake up his backroom staff by replacing four coaches. Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish is tipped for an advisory role, while former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister could come in as a coach.(Daily Mail) 
AFC Wimbledon are planning a multi-million pound move back to Plough Lane. The club, who have been promoted to the Blue Square Premier, want to develop Wimbledon greyhound stadium.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY 

Bristol City's ground is set to become a Tesco store. The club will raise £20m from the sale of Ashton Gate to put towards the cost of a new 30,000 all-seater stadium at Ashton Vale. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd

Manchester United's attempt to make history and become the first club to defend the Champions League ended in failure against Barcelona in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of repeating last year's triumph against Chelsea barely got off the ground as they ended well beaten by a Barcelona side inspired by the genius of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. 
United started the final, played in stifling heat, as if retaining their crown would be little more than a formality, creating a host of early chances against the nervous-looking Catalans, with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat. 
But once Samuel Eto'o scored at Edwin van der Sar's near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.
Barcelona's peerless midfield pair of Andres Iniesta and Xavi ruled midfield with a display of passing perfection, starving United of further opportunities to strike at a defence weakened by injuries and suspension. 
Xavi hit the post with a free-kick and Thierry Henry was denied by Van der Sar before Messi crowned a glorious personal performance with a stunning header to clinch victory with 20 minutes remaining. 
He made a mockery of his tiny stature to rise and head home Xavi's cross - and in that magical moment any hopes United harboured of a recovery were snuffed out. 
If the showdown between Messi and Ronaldo was billed as the spectacular sub-plot within this showpiece, there was only one winner as Barcelona's playmaker terrorised United throughout. 
Ronaldo, for all his obvious frustrations that ended almost inevitably in a yellow card for a late barge on Carles Puyol, never stopped running but this was not to be his night or United's.

.

Barcelona: Valdes, Puyol, Toure Yaya, Pique, Sylvinho, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta (Pedrito 90), Messi, Eto'o, Henry (Keita 72).
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Caceres, Muniesa, Gudjohnsen, Bojan. 
Booked: Pique. 
Goals: Eto'o 10, Messi 70. 

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson (Tevez 46), Carrick, Giggs (Scholes 75), Park (Berbatov 66), Ronaldo, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Nani. 
Booked: Ronaldo, Scholes, Vidic. 

Att: 72,700 
Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).
www.bbc.co.uk

Barcelona – Manchester United

The final game is in front. Barca, formally host, had an excellent season in Spain, wining both titles, league and cup. Their superiority was visible in Madrid where they humiliated an arch rivals, scoring six times! Fans were suspicious when Frank Riijkard was substituted with a coach of younger selections at the club. But, Guardiola got rid of Deco and Ronaldinho (biggest stars from previous season) and made a squad younger. Attacking performance (scored 30 goals in 12 CL games, btw.) deserved admiration of whole football Europe. Wining an European title would be a crown of excellent season. But, won’t be easy. First reason is the opponent. Since beating Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final, they have played eight European matches against English opposition and won just once. Big problem is when someone cut their passing play. Whatever Spanish side says, admitting, or not, they were outplayed in semi-final. If referee allows tough game from the start with many fouls and challenges, they’ll be in a big trouble. Eto’o, Messi and Henry can’t get a ball, midfield already has a player less (formation 4-3-3) and defense is fighting against the storm. Here we come to the second big problem. Three very important players won’t play. Abidal and Dani Alves are suspended, while Marquez and Milito are injured. It means Puyol and Silvinho will be on the sides, Toure and Pique as the center backs. But, that’s not all, Henry and Iniesta have injury problems. They’re expected to play, but the question is, are they fully fit. 


United take on Barcelona on with the aim of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League title and to join the clubs who did it in the previous format of competition (1956-60 Real Madrid, 1961-62 Benfica, 1964-65 Inter Milan, 1971-73 Ajax, 1974-76 Bayern, 1977-78 Liverpool, 1979-80 Nottingham Forest FC). Sir Alex Ferguson and lads are superior in England, wining the Premier League again and easily. There are some opinions this team is the best in United’s history. In the previous CL round, they passed Porto and humiliated Arsenal. Tonight, their opponent will be much harder, one of the best European teams. Sir Alex knows what is the weakest link in Barca’s machine and will try to use their wounded defense line. He has no worries about missings, just suspended Fletcher (will be substituted by Park more likely than Anderson). But, the real secret is condition of Rio Ferdinand’s injury. He says he is “fine”, but he has been out for three weeks with a calf injury. If he’s not fully fit, there will be two possible problems. First, half-injured Rio will have a task to stop the best strikers in Europe. Second, if Jonny Evans will substitute him (in this case, over is very possible). It is very important for them what criteria referee will establish from the start. Will he allow tough challenges, or will cut the play for easy touching. 

I give a clear advantage to United. My reasons are nearly similar like in semi-final. 1.English style of play against Spanish, 2. Ferguson against Guardiola, 3. Barca's defense. Simply, Man.Utd. is stronger. But, at the same time, two reasons for limiting the stake. First, won’t say a big wisdom, but this is final and everything is possible, as always. Second, again unknown referee. Ovrebo didn’t see Pique handed the ball from two meters distance. Won’t write about the things outside the football, but really hope Swiss Massimo Busacca will be on the game level. Expekt offers 2.70. United to win and Rooney to score.  

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United chief executive David Gill says the club are ready to pay the £25.5m required to secure the future of forward Carlos Tevez. (Various)
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is the first high-profile player to be told he can leave Anfield over the summer.(The Sun) 
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho will raid his former club Chelsea to land defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Deco. (Daily Mirror)
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti says he could become Chelsea manager as early as next week if the Italian club do not want to keep him. He has also told Blues owner Roman Abramovich that he wants to sign two midfielders - Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso of Liverpool. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United's Ryan Giggs has begged fellow winger Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford after the Portuguese international told close friends that the Champions League final would be his last game for the club.(The Sun) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is poised to revive his interest in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater as Boro look to trim their squad following their relegation to the Championship. (Daily Telegraph) 
Bolton are ready to bid £3m for Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin. (The Sun) 
Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos says he does not want to return to London following his loan spell at AC Milan. (Daily Mirror) 
West Brom midfielder Robert Koren is a target for Birmingham. (The Sun)
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been strongly linked with a move abroad this summer, says he is happy to stay with the Gunners.(Daily Express) 
Centre-back Brede Hangeland is preparing to snub Arsenal and commit his future to Fulham. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Celtic want Burnley manager Owen Coyle to replace Gordon Strachan, and will approach the newly-promoted Premier League side for permission to speak to the Scot. Dundee United boss Craig Levein and West Brom's Tony Mowbray are also in the frame.(Daily Record) 
However, West Brom insist that manager Tony Mowbray will in charge next season, despite their relegation from the Premier League.(Daily Express) 
Alan Shearer has indicated to Newcastle's players that he will be their permanent manager when pre-season training begins in July.(The Sun) 
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told Sunderland that he wants £5m in compensation for Lactics manager Steve Bruce.(Daily Mirror) 
The future of Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has been placed in further doubt after he revealed that there will be a huge clear-out at Bramall Lane.(The Sun) 
And Blackwell is one of the names linked with the manager's job at QPR. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth are expected to confirm Paul Hart as their permanent manager this week. (The Times)
Reading have asked Preston for permission to speak to manager Alan Irvine about taking over at the Madejski Stadium. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY 

If AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti does take over at Chelsea, it could be as entertaining as Jose Mourinho's spell at Stamford Bridge - if his autobiography is anything to go by. Here is a little excerpt: "The manager of Milan is on a secret mission - I am like 007 on my own. Sat behind a driver with the face of a killer. More than a taxi, this is like a time machine, from Milanello to Stamford Bridge, from yesterday to tomorrow, from one devil (AC Milan) to another (Chelsea)."
(Various)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday-putting the line

The time is coming to put the line on previous betting season. The curtain falls on all of the major competitions. CL final is tomorrow and FA Cup final at weekend (will be two analyzes) and that's it. Last year, I tried to follow some summer leagues. The main problem (as You may know) is to find more info about the games. After some time and not so bright results (supported with a headaches caused by all day researchings) I gave up. Now, I'm in the mood to try again. Have on my mind Norway, Finland  and Brazil, at the start.  After some time, depending from my results and Your interest, I'll decide to continue, or to stop. Every comment (opinion, suggestion, help...) would be more than appreciated.

And, once again, thanks to all readers. I have to admit I'm too lazy to write on paper all my posted picks and calculate the profit rate (I know it is positive), but I'm sure some of them were very profitable and brought some income (more than looses) to You. "Football Betting (and More)" exists three months and had 5000 visitors (average per day raises continuously), till today. I see it as a success and I'm grateful for Your trust. 

Cheers,

Dule

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra is trying to persuade Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery to come to Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
Manchester City and Tottenham are battling it out for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.(Daily Star) 
West Brom defender Paul Robinson says he will leave the relegated club as he wants to play in the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal have made an £8m bid for Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are ready to make another bid for Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, who is currently playing for Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Chelsea are confident they have beaten Inter Milan in the race to sign FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic.(Daily Mail) 
Defender Michael Turner has disappointed Liverpool by pledging his future to Hull. (Various)
Wolves have abandoned plans to sign Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone after being quoted £8m for the 22-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith is set to offload midfielder Barry Ferguson this summer rather than risk him going on a free next year.(Daily Record) 
Tottenham are ready to listen to offers for Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko and are set to step up their chase for Djibril Cisse.(The Guardian) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Newcastle are ready to offer Alan Shearer a four-year contract as they look to bounce back into the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Shearer has been told that £30m must be slashed from Newcastle's wage budget following their relegation to the Championship.(Daily Star) 
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is the favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan at Celtic.(The Sun) 
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has been strongly linked with the vacant manager's position at Sunderland. (Daily Mirror) 
However, Strachan is not a target for Sunderland.(The Independent) 
Strachan told family and friends last week that he would be standing down as Celtic manager.(Daily Record) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says following his FA Cup semi-final miss, he will not want to step up should the Champions League final go to a penalty shoot-out.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says the club needs to be in the Championship promotion hunt by Christmas if he is to remain in his job.(The Sun) 
Former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is hoping to beat Jim Magilton to the QPR manager's job. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY 

One person that is revelling in Burnley's promotion to the Premier League is former Labour press chief Alastair Campbell. He says Burnley's achievement was "even better than playing football in a charity match with Diego Maradona in front of 72,000 people".(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Burnley 1-0 Sheff Utd

Wade Elliott's sensational strike ended Burnley's 33-year wait for a return to the top flight as they defeated Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Elliott scored with a curling 13th-minute strike into the top corner that was worthy of winning any Wembley occasion. 
Indeed, victory for Owen Coyle's team was fully deserved as their 61st game of a long and successful season culminated in promotion to the Premier League for the first time. 
The Clarets, founder members of the Football League, played with freedom and ambition - and should have doubled their lead after the break but Nick Montgomery blocked Joey Gudjonsson's hooked shot while Kyle Walker made a superb challenge with Robbie Blake poised to strike. 
Burnley created a series of chances and went close from distance several times - in stark contrast to their Yorkshire opponents, whose best hope of an equaliser came from two penalty appeals. 
The first, for a challenge on Brian Howard, was debatable, but Christian Kalvenes's crude challenge on Walker after the break was a clear foul.
However referee Mike Dean, whose appointment Blades boss Kevin Blackwell had criticised in the build-up to the match, sided against United on both occasions. 
It was a miserable afternoon for the Blades, who saw Jamie Ward red carded late on after he picked up two bookings in four minutes. 
But Coyle and his squad, who earlier in the campaign came within minutes of reaching the Carling Cup final, have now ensured their season would not be one of near misses with their Wembley victory.

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Burnley: Jensen, Duff, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes, Elliott, Alexander, McCann (Gudjonsson 27), Blake (Eagles 69), Thompson (Rodriguez 73), Paterson.

Subs Not Used: Penny, McDonald. 
Booked: Carlisle, Kalvenes. 
Goals: Elliott 13. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naughton, Montgomery, Howard (Lupoli 82), Cotterill (Ward 58), Stephen Quinn (Hendrie 85), Halford, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Bromby. 
Sent Off: Ward (80). 
Booked: Ward, Lupoli. 

Att: 80,518 
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
www.bbc.co.uk

A quick view on Monday

I stay behind my words and still think it was about the pride (Barcelona-Osasuna). Real M lost at home too, against Mallorca (1-3), but they weren't my concern. Both giants got a lesson from dignity from English four. Man.Utd., Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, although they didn't need the points, won their games and finish the season with a style. That's why Primera never will be Premier.

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Final at Wembley starts at 4pm. Burnley and Sheffield United contest a £60million winner-takes-all showdown for a place in the Premier League, in the richest club game in world football. The Clarets have full squad available, while Blades have a few injury concerns with doubts over Darius Henderson (Achilles), Jamie Ward (hamstring) and John-Joe O'Toole (ankle). Bookmakers learnt from their mistakes and this time don't underestimate Burnley, offering about 2.60 for their win (against Reading on the road, odds were about 4.70). United is the most consistent team in Championship, Burnley is mentally the strongest. Once again, I give a small advantage to Burnley and follow my instinct with a gamble bet. 888sport offers 2.70. Burnley to win.

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Striker Didier Drogba is ready to sign a new contract and stay at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 
Premier League newcomers Wolves and Birmingham are both battling to sign Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on loan. (Daily Mail) 
Out-of-contract Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is considering a three-year deal to finish his career in Switzerland with Basle.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham are preparing a bid for £4.5m-rated West Bromwich Albion winger Chris Brunt.(Daily Mail) 
Tuncay, Afonso Alves, Stewart Downing and David Wheater will be just some of the names leaving Middlesbrough after they were relegated to the Championship. (Daily Express)
Everton and Fulham are tracking Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde is training with Blackburn in the hope of winning a deal there. (Daily Mirror) 
Aberdeen captain Scott Severin could decide to stay if the club improve their contract offer after qualifying for the Europa League. (Daily Express) 
Madjid Bougherra says there is no way he will leave Rangers in the summer after the defender helped Rangers win the Scottish title and a place in the Champions League group stages. (Daily Mirror)
Hearts want to re-sign Paul Hartley and the midfielder is happy to return to Tynecastle if Celtic fail to offer him a new contract. (The Sun) 
Bruno Aguiar has confirmed on his Facebook page that he will leave Hearts after the midfielder rejected a new contract. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP 

Sunderland are lining up Celtic manager Gordon Strachan to replace Ricky Sbragia, who resigned as Black Cats boss on Sunday. (Daily Mirror)
Frank Rijkaard, Martin Jol and Slaven Bilic are also believed to be on Sunderland's shortlist to replace Sbragia. (Daily Mirror) 
Gordon Strachan is poised to quit Celtic as manager, with a statement expected this week and Sunderland targeting the former Southampton boss. (The Sun)
Motherwell's Mark McGhee has emerged as favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan as Celtic manager. (The Sun) 
But Burnley's Owen Coyle, West Brom's Tony Mowbray and former West Ham manager Alan Curbishley will also feature on Celtic's shortlist. (The Sun)
Motherwell's Mark McGhee is favourite to succeed Jimmy Calderwood as manager of Aberdeen. (The Scotsman) 
Aberdeen midfielder Ricky Foster says the club have made a mistake by forcing out manager Jimmy Calderwood. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY 

Shear drop, Sob on the Tyne, Sheer agony, Tears on the Tyne and Down and out are just some of the back-page headlines relating to Newcastle's relegation. (Various)
www.bbc.co.uk

Crvena Zvezda 3-2 Rad

www.delije.net

Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea

Sunderland were beaten by Chelsea but avoided relegation only for their manager Ricky Sbragia to resign.
Nicolas Anelka put Chelsea in front with a 22-yard shot but keeper Petr Cech missed a cross and Kieran Richardson lashed in an equaliser. 
Salomon Kalou drove in a shot to put Chelsea ahead again before Ashley Cole slotted in the visitors' third. 
Kenwyne Jones headed in late on for the Black Cats, who stayed up after rivals Newcastle lost 1-0 at Aston Villa. 
The Magpies' result came through after the final whistle and will have provided extra satisfaction for the Stadium of Light faithful as, along with Hull losing to Manchester United, it made sure they stayed in the top-flight.
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia's future was as uncertain as the club's Premier League status before the game and, although the Black Cats survived, he stood down after the match. 
He achieved his primary goal of keeping the club in the top flight but would have achieved that aim a lot easier if Sunderland had shown the same sort of endeavour, energy and enthusiasm as they did for the most part against Chelsea. 
The visitors put out a strong line-up with only Frank Lampard and Alex missing but any thoughts they would be distracted by having one eye on next Saturday's FA Cup final proved ill-founded.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink:

"We finished off with a good win and especially with a world class goal from Nicolas Anelka. 
"My time here has been amazing. Every minute there was good work. The boys responded to what we wanted. 
"I challenged them and they responded very well. They are big names and were very good in their attitude." 

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Davenport, Ferdinand, Collins, Malbranque (Healy 78), Whitehead, Tainio (Reid 65), Leadbitter, Richardson (Murphy 87), Jones.
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Edwards, Cisse, McShane. 
Booked: Bardsley. 
Goals: Richardson 53, Jones 90. 

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Kalou 65), Mikel (Mancienne 78), Belletti (Ballack 27), Malouda, Drogba, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Sinclair, Stoch. 
Booked: Ashley Cole. 
Goals: Anelka 47, Kalou 74, Ashley Cole 86. 

Att: 42,468 
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunderland - Chelsea

Have no comment for Guardiola.

Black cats come into this last round with two points more than “first under the line”- Newcastle. Two way for them to stay in Premier: to win against Chelsea, or Newcastle doesn’t win against Aston Villa, on the road. Their recent performances don’t make the first option very possible. They have seven defeats from last nine league games! In the last game vs Portsmouth away, Sunderland had a chance to solve all the problems about avoiding relegation. They took a lead in 60th minute, but manage to concede three times till the end! Manager Ricky Sbraglia has an interesting explanation for their lack of results (told to bbc): "From our point of view, we have conceded too many and not scored enough!”. And that will be changed against Chelsea? Ok. Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque is a doubt after suffering a hip injury during Monday's defeat at Portsmouth. George McCartney (calf) is still short of match fitness, while Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring) and goalkeeper Craig Gordon (knee) will not be involved. Sunderland is in position where a draw doesn’t mean anything. So, one conceded goal in the first half can make the hosts give up from Chelsea and just listen the news from Villa Park.

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Since Guus Hiddink took a charge, Chelsea plays as born again. Attacking and efficient games, with tactically perfect play are the main characteristics of their recent performances. Improvement is more than obvious, and everybody (players, fans, management) would like to see him on the bench in the next season. But, he’ll keep his word and leave the club at the end. Before that, lads have to play this match and the FA Cup final at 30.5., against Everton. Hiddink admitted that he has one eye on the Wembley showpiece, but that it is unlikely he will rest many players this weekend. He’ll make some changes in team ‘cause danger of injuries, but underlined that he likes when his players are in a good rhythm. Michael Ballack is set to return for after missing their win over Bolton with flu. Ricardo Carvalho and Deco are also back in contention after recovering from hamstring problems. The accepted opinion is Chelsea doesn’t have a motive?! Chelsea plays without a real motive at last few months, but made a run of ten wins and a draw (Everton, home 0-0) in last eleven games! I don’t think the motivation will be the problem (trashing Arsenal, after disaster in Champions League, is a very good example), Hiddink will manage it. And one statistic info, Chelsea won last eight games against today’s opponent, conceding just twice and scoring 21!

.

My opinion is once again completely different from bookies’, which is good, odds are more than acceptable. Sunderland isn’t capable to defeat Chelsea, and in situation where a draw doesn’t have a weight, players and attendance will focus on news from Birmingham. If they seriously come in this game (I think they will), Chelsea won’t have too much problem to win at Stadium of Light and wait a final in a good mood. Betfred offers 2.00, while Expekt, Pinnacle and the most of others 1.85. Away win.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

David Beckham could be on his way back to England with AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti hoping to take the midfielder with him in a switch to Chelsea. (Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea are already making plans for life without Didier Drogba as they consider bids for Atletico Madrid's £50m-rated Sergio Aguero and Wolfsburg's Bosnian striker Edin Dzerko. (News of the World) 
Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United, claiming that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is like a "second father to me". (News of the World) 
But Ferguson, while confident that United's recent success is enough to keep Ronaldo at the club, is resigned to losing Carlos Tevez over the summer. (Mail on Sunday) 
Arsene Wenger has left the door open for Thierry Henry to return to Arsenal, revealing that he still talks to the Barcelona striker who watches all the Gunners games on television. (News of the World) 
Texan millionaire Ellis Short will complete a buy-out at Sunderland next week and hand a new manager, possibly Martin Jol or Steve McClaren, a £200m transfer budget to turn the Black Cats into a major force. (Sunday Express) 
Manchester City are also stepping up their interest in Emmanuel Adebayor and are ready to meet Arsene Wenger's £21m valuation of the striker. (News of the World) 
Mark Hughes has switched his attention away from Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz to Aston Villa's John Carew as he continues his hunt for a new striker at Manchester City. (Sunday Mirror) 
Martin O'Neill has told Liverpool they will have to pay £10m if they want to successfully revive their interest in Gareth Barry, despite the midfielder having just one year left on his Aston Villa contract. (Sunday Mirror) 
But competition from Manchester City and AC Milan could push the bidding past the £19m mark. (People) 
Rafael Benitez is closing in on a £15m deal to take Portsmouth and England defender Glen Johnson to Anfield. The Spaniard is also weighing up a bid for Heerenveen winger Daniel Pranjic. (Sunday Express)
German giants Bayern Munich are also monitoring Johnson and are ready for an auction against the Reds, Manchester City and Totenham. (People) 
Xabi Alonso could be on his way out of Liverpool, however, after his agent told Benitez his client wants to move on. Real Madrid are favourites to land the Spain international, but could face competition from Arsenal , Manchester City and Juventus. (News of the World) 
Chelsea's pursuit of Zenit St Petersburg forward Danny could be put on hold however after the 25-year-old suffered a knee injury in training. (News of the World) 
Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant could choose between either Real or Atletico Madrid with both clubs keen on taking him to the Spanish capital this summer when he becomes available on a Bosman. (News of the World) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce is ready to do battle with Everton and Blackburn for the signature of Newcastle's Alan Smith. (News of the World) 

Fulham's frontline could feature 6ft 4in Austria international Marko Arnautovic if an approach to FC Twente is successful. (News of the World)

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OTHER GOSSIP

The Norwegian Football Association is calling for a fresh inquiry into the 2005 dealings that took Jon Mikel Obi from FC Lyn to Chelsea via Manchester United. The midfielder signed an option agreement with United before announcing he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. (Mail on Sunday) 
Alan Shearer has already made summer signing plans with the Newcastle board and is set to commit himself to the Magpies regardless of the outcome of today's fight against the drop. (Sunday Express) 
Patrice Evra has accused Arsenal players over attempting to injure him ahead of the Champions league final in revenge for his "men against babies" comments after United's semi-final victory at the Emirates. (Various) 
Former Everton legend Peter Reid is the figurehead for international investment company London Nominees which hopes to buy the Toffees. (News of the World) 
Rafael Benitez has moved to end his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by writing him a personal letter offering help and support while the Scot's grandson was being treated in Liverpool's Alder Hay hospital. (Sunday Mirror) 

AND FINALLY 

Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin wants to renegotiate his £80,000-a-week contract after complaining that British taxes swallow up half his salary. (Mail on Sunday)
www.bbc.co.uk

Barcelona 0-1 Osasuna

Barcelona suffered a home defeat to Osasuna in their last match before their Champions League final against Man United.
Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani headed the only goal of the game from a first-half corner to boost the Pamplona side's chances of Primera Division survival and subject Pep Guardiola's side to only their second home defeat in the league this season.
Youngster Marc Muniesa was controversially sent off late on as the home side - containing a number of fringe players - finished the game with 10 men, and Guardiola was also dismissed for his protests.
Barcelona sealed the league title last Saturday as fierce rivals Real Madrid lost at Villarreal and that allowed Guardiola to field a number of second-string players against Mallorca the following day.
And with the chance to win an historic treble - with Barcelona having also won the Copa del Rey 10 days ago - just four days after this match, Guardiola once again named a severely weakened team for the visit of Osasuna.
Despite their win, Osasuna remain in the relegation zone and must now take something from the game at home to Madrid next weekend.
For Barca, meanwhile, it was a second defeat in the space of a week, but the Catalans celebrated their league and cup successes on the pitch after the match and will now look ahead - with a very different team - to Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome.Of the 11 likely starters on Wednesday, only Samuel Eto'o and Sylvinho began this match.
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Barcelona - Osasuna

I’m little confused with these odds for Barca. So, bookies predict:1. Barca doesn’t need points, Osasuna does, 2. Barca will travel to Rome for the most important game this season and 2a will play with a reserve team, 2b will think about United instead Osasuna, 3. Barca is in bad shape in Primera and has no reason to improve it now. My prediction is different, but let’s start in the order. In the previous week, Barca won two titles, Primera and cup. In league they have two games without a win. First Villarreal equalized in the last minute of additional time, for 3-3 at Camp Nou. Then, after the cup final, lads traveled to island, to face Mallorca. Guardiola gave a chance to some youngsters and hosts won 2-1. Tonight will be more about the pride, than about points. This is the last game in front their fans and they won’t allow to bad performance and negative result put the shadow on entire season. And I really don’t think (does anybody?) that Barca will play with the name, let the visitors to take a point or three and start the rumors about the setting the game up! Can’t imagine. Guardiola will send the best eleven on the pitch. Some of the magicians missed Mallorca and another missing game would mean possible drop in shape. Additional thing, in the run for the best goal scorer, Samuel Eto’o has just one goal more than Forlan, will try to add more goals on his account.

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Before a month and a half, Osasuna made a magnificent display against Atletico Madrid, on the road, trashing them 4-2! Seven days later, Athletic Bilbao was beaten at home ground 2-1 and then nobody could see the dark clouds. But, after that, Osasuna made a run of six games without a win, four defeats and two goalless draws (last one was hardly fought against Sevilla at home 0-0, in the previous round), founding themselves at 17th place with the same number of points like “first under the line” Real Sporting (and two more than Numancia). Sporting will face safe Valladolid on the road and in the last round will host hopeless Recreativo Huelva. Meanwhile, Osasuna will visit Barca and host Real Madrid! So, I guess, they need at least three points! Everybody in Pamplona is wondering how this is happened. From my point of view, I don’t care, they deserve to relegate and don’t feel sorry for them. They won Atletico, scoring four goals in Madrid, but defeated against (in order) Almeria, Malaga, Recreativo Huelva and Getafe, after that. Now, Camacho has two choices, to attack at Camp Nou (kamikaze tactic), or to defend and try to keep the net. Chelsea did it, why Osasuna can not?! Exactly. Nice trip to Secunda.

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Again Real in Madrid, Guardiola didn’t rest anybody, despite Chelsea was on the corner. These two games are not on the same level, but I expect from him to do the same thing. Anyway, even the reserve team would be capable to beat Osasuna with two goals difference. Full crowds will wish a nice trip to lads and a good luck against United. For me, anything other than home win with two or more goals difference would be a first class surprise. Best odd offers Expekt, 2.05. As one friend of mine says: "Hit 'em where it hurts!". Home win.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants Brazilian superstar Kaka to join him at Stamford Bridge if the Italian coach make the rumoured switch to manage Chelsea next season. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is once again eyeing up a summer move to Real Madrid, despite recently suggesting he would be remaining at Old Trafford. (The Sun) 
Martin O'Neill has warned Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to be wary of Liverpool's reported renewal of interest in his signature this summer, claiming he should possibly feel "hurt" by the Reds' reluctance to pay the club's asking price last off-season. (The Guardian)
If Liverpool do renew their interest in Barry they will still have to pay at least £10m for the player.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn are all in the hunt for Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge after the striker rejected City's offer of a new contract. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester City will relaunch a £10million bid to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott this summer.(The Sun) 
City boss Mark Hughes has told any potential suitors for midfielder Stephen Ireland they are wasting their time as he will not be leaving the club.(The Sun) 
Hughes has also reportedly switched his attentions to Aston Villa striker John Carew, after finally losing patience with Blackburn's demands for their striker Roque Santa Cruz.(The Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is planning a huge summer clear-out of players, regardless of which division they are in next season.(The Sun) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce is ready to offer Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, currently on loan at Portsmouth, a move to the Latics this summer.(The Sun) 
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed his club's interest in signing Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. (The Sun)

Parma have joined Sampdoria and Atalanta in the race to sign Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati. (The Sun)

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OTHER GOSSIP

Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb says the Gunners must loosen their purse strings if they want to prevent their best players seeking moves to other clubs.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger though has told the club's board to "shut up" about spending plans for the summer to prevent selling clubs from increasing their prices. (Various)
Everton boss David Moyes believes the club must make significant moves in the transfer market this summer to keep the club at a high level. (The Times) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is another who feels his side need to splash out in the off-season, but this is to avoid becoming embroiled in another relegation battle. (The Times)
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho insists he would not swap his striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for European and World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.(Daily Mail) 
Millwall striker and record goalscorer Neil Harris says that Sunday's League One play-off final against Scunthorpe is a "bigger occasion" than the club's FA Cup final appearance against Manchester United in 2004. (The Times)
The Scottish FA will reject the idea of a Team GB playing at the 2012 Olympics when its board meets on Tuesday. (Daily Express)

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AND FINALLY 

Burnley's Graham Alexander, 37, who will line-up for the Clarets against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Monday, says the secret to his long career is that he never leaves training without first having an ice bath.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has declared his intention to be "Selfish, more of a nutter and show aggression" to improve his game after being told by England coach Fabio Capello he had become "too nice".(The Times)
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