Manchester City - Blackburn

After 125 mill pounds spent during the summer, City started the season of great expectations with a win, draw and a loss. And while opening draw at Spurs wasn’t a big failure, demolishing L’pool was the great confidence boost, then real shock came at Sunderland (0-1 defeat). Considering circumstances and 94^th minute penalty, dressing room atmosphere is still good. They look very good defensively, that was the only goal conceded in 5 competitive games this season, while their attacking potential looks terrific. Mancini’s only concern is Tevez who will face a late fitness test (considering odds movement, he’ll be on the bench). Balotelli will be out for a while, Boateng will wait for a debut, while Micah Richards is fit again.

.

Blackburn is a hard working side consisted from just average players, but with the leadership of (in my opinion) one of the best managers. They have enough quality to avoid struggling, but I can see a mid table position as their greatest possible achievement. As always majority of their points will come from home games, while on the road will be playing for a goalless draws. Under Big Sam, in first season they won just 4 away games of 19 and scored 18 goals, in second (last one) won miserable 3 and scored 13! In previous season, against all top sides (including Everton, Villa, Fulham and Stoke) except L’pool they lost with 2 goals margin at least. Defender Olsson is only doubt, while ex City striker Mwaruwari could have his debut.

 

I said once, I’ll be backing City as long as they feel as contenders for a title. They have a great potential and things will be fine as long as there’s good atmosphere. At Sunderland, they got a smack right in the mouth. They treat it as a bad luck and still believe they can win the title. So, let them believe. 

.

Bet: Man City -1.25

Odd: 2.16 188bet

Stake: 8/10

.

Make e-mail subscription and get my picks directly in the mail box.

.

Inter - Fiorentina

Glad my instinct was correct,weird results in England.

Serie A trophy for Massimo Moratti became usual.Losing Cup would accept as a fist in the face.Inter didn’t play for the weekend as their game vs. Parma was postponed,they’re rested,but Mourinho will surely think about next encounter on 10.02..However,Balotelli will get a chance,Sneijder is suspended from league so will play in Cup,Lucio and Milito are also expected to appear.

Fiora won one point from last two games and their spot for CL is in doubt. Additionally,club has been shaken with Mutu affair.Considering they’ll host Roma for the weekend and Bayern after that,think Prandelli will give a chance to his talents. They’re better in statistics as won 5 times in Cup, drew 3 and lost once.However,expect their defensive display and a try to make good result before a re-match.

Hosts are big favorites,have longer list of players and ambition to win the competition.Everything else would be a failure.Home win.
.
Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Sweden u21

With a heavy hart, I have to say Italy is a favorite against Serbia. Leaded by Pierluigi Casiraghi, team is well balanced in all lines. The most of players are the first team members in their clubs. Attack is masterful, Balotelli, Acquafresca and Giovinco. Uh...

Serbia played excellent in last three tournaments. Two finals and once semi-final. The expectations of the audience are high. But, something doesn't work. It seems coach Krcmarevis is lacking in authority, too much individual efforts, I couldn't see any sign of team spirit. We're weakest in attacking line. First choice Djordjevic is injured and replaced by Crvena Zvezda's player Perovic. I think both are far from Euro level.

Odds on Italy are more than ok, William Hill and most of the others offer 2.20. I can't go against us, so won't bet.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Inter - Sampdoria

Yesterday I spent a day on some meadow (that somebody calls a stadium) singing to our loving club. I missed my bets 'cause didn't have time for deeper researching, but shallow opinion was correct (and useful I hope), handicap and under. Anyway...

On the Giuseppe Meazza stadium will be played a second match of Italian Cup, semi-final. In the first game, Inter played certainly the worst performance in the entire season, loosing 3-0. With a saturday's draw in Torino, they practically secured the title, the Cup is left. Loosing one trophy can put a shadow on their superiority in Italy and I have no doubt Mourinho will try everything to reach the final. Press from the beginning with Ibrahimovic and Balotelli in attack should result with early goal (in any net). Inter won their league game on Meazza 1-0, after that visitors were loud in complaining against referee. Maicon won't play, Muntari too. Patrick Vieira is expected to start the match.

Opposite from Inter, first leg was the best game for Doria, this season. Cup competition is the only way for them to reach Europe. 12 000 fans got the tickets and travel to Milan to support the lads. It is clear that tonight's game is a match of the season for them. They lost 0-2 in Catania, but their thoughts were on Meazza. 3-0 advantage is huge and boss Mazzari has a difficult task to keep the players focused, 'cause real hell is waiting for them. One goal, conceded early can turn the pleasant dreams into nightmare. Palombo, Cassano and Pazzini will try to score from counter-attack and finish the job.

Loosing one trophy would be a big hit to Jose Mourinho's vanity. Inter will try to score early and open the game, that tactic can be "little" risky when you know who contains opponent's attack. Even if they concede, I don't expect Inter to stop. My bet is goals. Bwin offers more than decent 1.75. Over.

Real Sporting - Espanyol

Espanyol has two wins and a draw from last three round. This game as the rest will be decisive for them. Sporting, on the other hand, with four consecutive defeats reached the relegation line. They were overplayed against Betis (0-2 on the road), but in round before that, they played more than well against Valencia (2-3 at home), loosing unlucky. If they repeat that performance tonight, their victory isn't even in doubt. Odds for are very high for a home win. Pinnacle offers 3.05! That's more than enough for me to try. Gamble bet. Home win!