PL thoughts and a bet

Utd will win,I’m pretty sure.But, at 1.45 it doesn’t worth. And whenever I think about -1ah got a picture of Neville vs. Bale on the flank and lost my appetite.
Bolton shouldn’t be at 1.50 against anybody.

My only bet from Premier is Arsenal game. End of their title ambitions wasn’t at Wigan, but after Spurs’ game when Wenger said “It’s all over”. Tragically for them they still had a chance. Don’t think they’re in a better mood today. Will have Fabianski at goal once again. He’s a disaster, is conceding flukes and makes all defense unsafe and nervous. Today will have to cope against Tevez-Bellamy-Adebayor. Citizens like to play against top sides. Only then they’re motivated. Which means dangerous. They won’t play for 4th spot, they’ll play to beat Arsenal away. Wouldn’t go so far to back their win, but see goals on both sides. Odds around 1.65-1.70 are not so great, but I’ll take it. Over.

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Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would welcome a move to Barcelona, his agent said on Friday following reports the clubs were discussing a deal. (Press Association 0847 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants stump up a stunning £75m. (Daily Mirror) 
If Real do not sign the Portugal international winger by the end of the month they will have to pay him £26m as a result of a promise made to him by the club's former president Ramon Calderon. (Daily Star) 
Real's vice-president Fernando Tapias appeared to confirm on Spanish radio that the club does indeed have such a penalty clause written into an alleged pre-contract agreement made between Calderon and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes. (The Independent) 
Meanwhile, new Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (on photo) said he believes Ronaldo has a £75m get-out clause in his United contract and said he is "working to bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid". Perez also all but confirmed that AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka will join the club for £62m. (The Sun) 
Yet another seemingly Madrid-bound star is Valencia's David Silva. Liverpool are also keen on the midfielder but look as though they will miss out on him after he had talks at the Bernabeu. (The Times) 
Chelsea are set to offer Ashley Cole a £27m four-year deal in order to fend off interest in him from Barcelona, who are believed to be ready to bid £20m for the left-back. (The Sun) 
As well as hanging on to their best players, Blues midfielder Frank Lampard has urged the club to sign "someone to do something special", identifying a need for a creative midfielder or a striker. (The Independent) 
The players Lampard has in mind are Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Valencia's David Villa. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, brother of Gunners defender Kolo, to the club and is set to bid £12m for him. (The Sun) 
The Gunners are favourites to beat Manchester City to the signature of £8m-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who they see as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor. (Daily Mirror) 
But Arsenal face competition for the Bosnian from Manchester City, who are also looking at Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, Portsmouth's Peter Crouch and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. (The Guardian) 
Adebayor's future, meanwhile, could be in Italy as AC Milan are believed to be poised to make a £15m bid for the Togo striker. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a battle to hold on to Ashley Young, with Chelsea and Real Madrid set to be interested in the £20m-rated winger. (Daily Mirror) 
Villa have targeted Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry and will bid £6m for him. (Mirror) (Daily Mirror) 
David Bentley could also make the switch from White Hart Lane to Villa Park, but only if Spurs are prepared to accept £5m less than the £15m they paid Blackburn for him. (Daily Star) 
The clear-out at Spurs could also see Didier Zokora join Sevilla - but the Spaniards are thought to want to pay £2m less than the Londoners' £8m valuation of their man. (Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Manchester City want to sign Liverpool's Xabi Alonso as they want him to form a midfield partnership with their new £12m signing Barry. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland want to sign the world's tallest player, Serbian striker Nikola Zigic, who stands at 6 ft 8 ins. New boss Steve Bruce is set to sanction a club record £10m bid for the Valencia player. (Daily Mirror) 
Bruce also wants to raid former club Wigan to sign midfielder Lee Cattermole. (The Sun)
Bolton and Birmingham are competing to sign Anderlecht's Argentine playmaker Lucas Biglia, who would cost about £6m. The pair are also battling to snap up ex-Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davies. (Daily Mirror) 
Everton have warned Manchester City that defender Joleon Lescott is not for sale. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham want to hijack Everton's £6m swoop for Rennes full-back Rod Fanni. (Various)
Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire could be priced out of a move to Greek side Olympiakos as Rovers are holding out for £2m more than the £3m bid they have received. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is lining up a bid for Marseille striker Djibril Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. But the Frenchman is believed to prefer a move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Celtic, Bolton and Genoa are interested in Manchester City midfielder Gilson Fernandes. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton has insisted he will not be forced out of the club and does not want a transfer despite his bust-up with interim boss Alan Shearer. (Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United will pay Watford £400,000 for versatile defender Leigh Bromby. (Daily Star) 
New QPR boss Jim Magilton is set to raid former club Ipswich for striker Jon Walters and midfielder David Norris. (Daily Star)
Shrewsbury want to sign striker Jake Robinson, who has been released by Brighton. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been demanding a central striker's role for next season, as he is fed up of being played out on the left flank. (Daily Express) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says he is 50 times better as a boss now than in his early days when he was a "hothead" and used to sulk. (Daily Mirror) 
Bury manager Alan Knill is in talks with the club about a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal. (Daily Star)
Brendan Rodgers, who is set to become the new Reading boss, has revealed he was advised to take the job by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. (The Sun) 
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is on his way to Sporting Lisbon after being snubbed by Portsmouth. (The Sun)
A Middle East consortium is set to compete a takeover for League Two side Notts County. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Chris Waddle and fellow commentator Jon Champion will be fined £100 for each football cliche they come out with during England's game against Kazakhstan, with the money being donated by Setanta to the Bobby Moore fund. (Daily Star)
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Arsenal - Chelsea

The Gunners, as today’s opponent exited Champions League, but the way how they did it is different. They were outplayed at Emirates, and crushed with reality they can’t be equal with the bests. Two fast hits by Park and Ronaldo ended the game before it really started. Wenger talks about the youngness, big talents, glory in the future, hegemony in Europe… But, the impression is, however that story looked sympathetic at the start, he looses support, first from club’s management, then from the fans. Another season without a trophy and it is clear, without an improvement, next one won’t be too much better. Plus, rumors about Fabregas and Adebayor are leaving the club at the summer, became louder. Wenger responded with the intention to bring some experienced players. Hm…Today, lads will try to change the picture from Utd. game and prove their worth. Another reason for a headache is brilliant Arshavin has been suffering from a virus and wasn’t in training process. The alternative is Bendtner, who btw. was again star of the tabloids (see Saturday's gossip column). Clichy and Gallas are still sidelined, while Silvestre is probably returning back in team (to substitute young Gibbs at the left back, I guess).

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So, what was that?! Tragic defeat, Uefa’s conspiracy against English clubs, or just a stupidity of one man who wanted more attention? After the Moscow’s final, the Blues were saying can’t be worse. Hm…Yes, it can. Chelsea played both games almost perfect, but the first goal attempt, far in additional time was enough to bury Chelsea’s dreams about the throne. Now, they have to forget it fast (how?) and with clear minds travel to visit the neighbors on the north. As the hosts, Blues secured their place in Champions League next season, won’t have too much competitive motives, till the end. After Scolari’s leaving, Chelsea plays like born again, just one defeat from last 20 competitive games! Guus Hiddink is maestro of his profession, but will have a very difficult task, to turn players’ sadness into rage. He’ll have the same eleven available. Three points today won’t change too much, but all will feel much better. 

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Arsenal will try to prove that they are good as the other members of big four. Chelsea already knows that, Blues will try to burn Emirates just to improve their mood. I think we’ll watch a weird game. The Gunners will attack Chelsea, who is enough pissed even without that. So, I expect an open derby game and goals. 888sport offers 2.10. Over.

Portsmouth - Arsenal

Portsmouth holds 14th position, seven points above the relegation line. They're in decent shape, loosing just one game from last seven (Man.Utd. away, 0-2). Four rounds left, after Arsenal they'll play against Blackburn, Sunderland and Wigan. Not so tough opponents, don't expect they'll worry about the Premier league status. No reason for attack today, one point would be absolutely fine. Beside that, have some injury problems. Playmaker and very important Niko Kranjcar is lost for the rest of the season, with an ankle injury. Armand Traore is ineligible to play against Arsenal under the terms of his loan move from the Gunners.

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With a six points less than Chelsea and ten more than Villa, Arsenal will stay at 4th position. Not so bad achieve, but the fact is, Wenger is loosing his credibility. Team management and fans became unsatisfied with explanations such as:"Young team, big talents, next season...". Plus rumours about Fabregas and Adebayor leave the club become louder. So, Champions League is the last chance for Wenger and lads to, hm... why shouldn't say-save the season. In that purpose, boss will rest his keys for United. But, won't play with a pride, I expected mentioned Fabregas and Adebayor on the bench and in the game in second half in case of need. Clichy and Djorou, too. But, it is certain, brilliant Almunia will start the match. Fratton Park is not a place where Gunners like to be, they haven't won in last three games (three draws).

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Portsmouth has no reasons to risk too much with attacking tactic (and to be honest, without Kranjcar midfield won't be so organized). On the other hand, I think combined Arsenal's eleven won't have enough strength for a win. Draw would be fine for both sides. Pinnacle offers 3.31. And, don't think we'll watch many goals (Expekt offers 1.87 for under).  Another draw on Fratton Park.

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Russian international Yuri Zhirkov head a £50m hit list of summer transfer targets being considered by Chelsea as part of the deal to bring AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti to Stamford Bridge. (Daily Telegraph) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has issued a hands off warning to the Spanish giants hoping to tempt Xabi Alonso out of Anfield. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the Liverpool ace, who nearly left last summer. (Various)
Benitez has also hinted Spanish side Valencia have wrecked any potential deal for forward David Silva. The Liverpool boss claims the 23-year-old is no longer a £20m target for Liverpool because officials leaked his interest in the player to the media.(Daily Mail) 
But if Liverpool are to end their wait for a league title they will have to do it within "a few years" or they will have to do it without Fernando Torres after the Spaniard said he would like to play in the Italian league one day. (The Independent) 
Manchester United's bid for glory on five fronts is unfolding against a backdrop of growing instability, with Carlos Tevez joining Cristiano Ronaldo in contemplating a future away from Old Trafford, possibly in tandem at Real Madrid next season. (The Times) 
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas appear to have ruled out leaving Arsenal after Arsene Wenger's team reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. (The Times)
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola wants to sign Swansea's Spanish right-back Angel Rangel as a replacement for out-of-contract Lucas Neill. Rangel, 26, has also been tracked by Manchester City with the Swans looking for £4m. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are lining up a £6m bid for Leeds' highly-rated youngster Fabien Delph. Boss Martin O'Neill wantes Delph, 19, to replace Gareth Barry if he joins Liverpool this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Blackburn are tracking 19-year-old Austrian striker Mark Arnautovic who plays for Dutch side FC Twente. (Daily Mirror) 
Derby defender Andy Todd, 34, is wanted by Australian club Perth Glory when he becomes a free agent in the summer. (The Sun)
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is ready to make a £2m bid for Bolton defender Danny Shittu, 28, this summer. McLeish wants to bring the Nigerian international to St Andrews even if Blues do not get promoted. (Daily Express) 
Celtic are tracking Costa Rica international winger Junior Diaz, who plays for Polish side Wisla Krakow. (Scottish Sun) 
Scotland forward Ross McCormack has been told he will be allowed to leave Cardiff if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League. (Scottish Daily Mail) 
Aberdeen skipper Scott Severin has warned he could be the latest player to quit Pittodrie for an out-of-contract move to England. (Scottish Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will be given one more season to prove himself at Eastlands. (Daily Telegraph) 
Brazilian star Romario is in the frame to become QPR boss. Romario, 43, quit playing last year and had a brief spell in charge of Vasco Da Gama. (The Sun)
West Ham United will be taken over by a consortium of international banks in the coming weeks. Icelandic government-appointed officials running the stricken investment bank Straumur are set to to take control from Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson at Upton Park. (The Guardian) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola wants Matthew Upson to sign a new contract. Upson, 29, has two years left on his contract and has hinted he wants European football before making a decision. (Various)
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn insists he is 100% behind boss Ricky Sbragia. (The Sun) 
Arsenal's Champions League hero Theo Walcott is finally on the verge of signing a new contract that will make him one of the club's highest-paid players. (Daily Express) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says highly-rated Norwegian central defender Brede Hangeland may stay at Craven Cottage. (Various) 
Pedro Mendes is stunned that his Rangers team-mate Kris Boyd is not in the running for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year. (Various) 
TV firm Setanta want to renegotiate their four-year £125m deal with the SPL, which is due to begin in 2010/11. (Scottish Sun)
QPR could be former West Ham boss Alan Pardew's next managerial port of call. (Daily Mirror) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Wayne Rooney made a fool of former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall - when he was just 11 years old. The Manchester United striker was Everton mascot in 2002 and, while warming up with the Welsh goalkeeper, he continually chipped the ball over Southall's head into the net (The Sun).
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Arsenal - Villarreal

Arsenal improved their performance in the last couple of weeks and now we can talk about not so bad season for them. Fabregas and Adebayor are finally recovered and with them on the pitch, squad looks much stronger. Gunners secured 4th place in Premier. They beat Wigan Athletic, 4-1 on the road and that was the fifth straight league win. They qualified in FA Cup semi-final and tonight have a chance to do the same in Champions League. They fought the draw in the first game on El Madrigal thankfully to magnificent strike by Emanuel Adebayor and tonight have to finish the job. Despite some injury problems (Gallas, Clichy, Djourou and Almunia won't play), Wenger's boys are the clear favorites and wait the game full of confidence.

Spanish side traditionally plays very well in Europe. In the first game, even without maybe the best player Santi Cazorla, made a lots of problems for Arsenal and minimal win wouldn't be undeserved. They play not so good, recently. Just one win in last five competitive games (Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home). Last round's defeat at home against Malaga 0-2 wasn't good introduction for tonight's game. But the biggest problem is missing second best player, Marcos Senna who injured against Malaga. So, two very important midfield player are out. Cani and Mati Fernandez have also some injury problem and their appearance is under the question mark.

I don't think Villarreal can resist on Emirates and expect the confirmation of Arsenal's excellent run of results. Home win is about 1.55. But, the stake is the semi-final and it's hard to believe home side will keep the minimal lead. Expekt offers 2.35 for handicap and that's my choice. Home handicap win!

Porto-Man.Utd.

Can Porto make a wonder? I don't care too much, but care about their brave performance. They attacked United at Old Trafford(!) and tonight have a chance to fill their dreams. I don't have a single reason to suspect their intention to attack, again. But, on the other half of pitch will be Man.Utd., rested, fully recovered (perhaps with Rio and Berbatov, too) and thirsty for blood. Beside I can't wait the start of game, my only logic conclusion is three or more goals. 888 offers 2.00 and I accept. Over!

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea he is ready to take over from interim manager Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge this summer. (The Sun) 
However, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has insisted that neither Ancelotti nor their Brazilian playmaker Kaka will be leaving the Italian club. (The Times) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is planning a £5m swoop for highly rated Porto left-back Aly Cissokho, who impressed in the Portuguese side's 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Tuesday. (The Sun)  
Another Porto playing who could be heading to Tottenham is striker Wason Renteria, who says that the London club have contacted him about a possible summer transfer. (Setanta) 
Manchester City have set their sights on cash-strapped Atletico Madrid's Argentine striker Sergio Aguero. (The Sun) 
Everton right-back Lars Jacobsen could be leaving the club in the summer to join Bayern Munich after making only one appearance for the Blues in last month's 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth. (The Sun) 
Zenit St Peterburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is keen on a move to England, so long as it is to "one of the strongest teams". (Daily Mail) 
West Brom midfielder James Morrison says he would have to weight up his options should an offer from another Premier League team should West Brom be relegated. (Guardian) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Former Tottenham manager and current Hamburg boss Martin Jol has put Premier League clubs on alert by stating he would like to return to England. (Various) 
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor says the spectacular overhead kick he executed against Villarreal on Tuesday night is the best goal he has scored. (Various) 
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock says he has no intention of quitting this summer, despite the club's poor season. (The Sun) 
QPR boss Paulo Sousa is on the verge of being sacked after his position at the club was weakened by the termination of assistant manager Bruno Oliveira's contract on Monday. (Various) 
Former England manager Steve McClaren, who is currently at the helm of FC Twente, has backed his former club Middlesbrough to escape relegation this season. (Daily Express) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has insisted he was right to splash out £5.5m on winger Savio and has backed the 19-year-old to come good. (The Sun) 
Former Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has refused to rule out a return to the Saints if it would help the club. (Guardian)  
 
AND FINALLY 

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has revealed that his players have transferred their desire to win go-karting races during the team's trip to Malta last month into a drive to succeed in their chase for an automatic promotion spot. (The Sun) 
Manchester City's £10m striker Craig Bellamy says he is ready to get back in touch with his trainee roots and in order to prove his worth to the club he would gladly clean the boots of any big-name signings who force him out of the team. (Various) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith will let Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor save their careers if they apologise for their part in the 'Boozegate' incident. (Daily Record) 
Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink says he would like to go back to Holland and rejoin his old club PSV Eindhoven, but he's not in a hurry to do so. (Daily Record) 
Clyde will be unable to switch grounds unless the Scottish Football League give them permission to do so as the Broadwood club face eviction from their current home. (Daily Record) 
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has blasted the SFA over a rule which sees midfielder Scott Brown banned for two matches, one of which has yet to be scheduled. (Daily Mail) 
Hearts winger Deividas Cesnauskis has instructed his agent to find him a new club outside of the UK for next season. (Daily Express)
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