Champions League betting, Chelsea - Barcelona

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Nothing much to say about these teams, except there will be a decent amount of pressure (mainly on Chelsea’s side).

Referee of this game is Felix Brych, an interesting lad. In his 20 Champions League matches, he’s shown a decent inclination to yellow and red cards, averaging 41.5 points per a game (yellow - 10 points, red - 25). He had pretty quiet game Benfica - Twente (last this season), but in four previous games he showed 24 yellow and 4 reds (average of 85 points!). 

Big pressure, tight game and nervous referee forced me to go to the booking market.

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Bet: Over 45 booking points
Odd: 1.98 (BetVictor)
Stake: 7/10

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CL betting, Barcelona - Man Utd

I will continue with posting analyzes and tips during the summer, but certainly not on a regular base. Make e-mail subscription and get my picks directly in the mail box.

Last time, Ferguson tried to keep it tight and lost it pretty easily. Now, he says he’ll attack Barca. I expect something between, but certainly an open game. Guardiola will probably put Mascherano in central defence (to be shown a card is 2.30 at Paddy Power), idea is to protect from Chicharito’s speed. Then SAF could put Berbatov to get advantage in the air... I’ll stop on open game. First thought was to go on over 2.5 with very nice odds (currently 2.38 at 188bet), but it could be tricky if in the final scoreline at one moment is 1-1 where both sides could reduce a risk. In situation where United won’t be so defensive and Barca hopefully won’t have very bad day, I expect both sides to score.

A gamble would be Hernandez to score first. Mexican fella is star of the future (if not now) and I expect him to play an important role tonight.

Bet: Both to score
Odd: 2.05 Unibet
Stake: 8/10

Gamble: Hernandez to score 1st
Odd: 10.00 William Hill
Stake: 1/10 
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Champions League pick

Barcelona - Inter, Over 3 @ 2.10 bet365

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Champions League 31. March

Arsenal – Barcelona, Arsenal corner handicap (-0.5) @ 2.00, Expekt

If it is any other top English club, I would take offered odd with a big smile. But Arsenal… At this moment it looks Barca is everything that Gunners want to be. And I really can’t predict final result. I can imagine 1-1 or 2-1, but will leave it.
I see Arsenal as a side which will have bigger possession and good pace. Partially because Barca’s tactic on away games in Europe (6 draws and 3 wins in last 9). They’ll sit back and wait some stupitidy by Almunia or Campbell most likely, or simply a chance for good counter attack. Guardiola would be satisfied with a scoring draw. Wenger would not. And Arsenal will have the advantage after set pieces, I guess Wenger knows it.

Inter – CSKA, over 2.5 @ 2.05, Stan James

1.40 for a home win is a rubbish in my opinion. Handicap, too risky. Mourinho will have same players that knocked Chelsea. They’re big favorites no doubt and they’re surely capable of scoring few tonight. On the other hand, CSKA like to play counter attacks, sometimes look very dangerous and can score. I think their chance is tonight, not in re-match. Like the odds for goals. Over 2.5.

Nice little double for me. (Those are best current odds for both bets,bet365 offer 1.95 for both.)

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas is set to rejoin Barcelona in the summer. The 22-year-old Spaniard is contracted to the Gunners until the end of the 2013/2014 campaign but is unhappy with the team's lack of ambition. (Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo)
Paris St Germain's bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Anderson fell through because the French club were reluctant to pay the Brazilian's wages.(Daily Mail)
Sunderland missed out on landing Egypt winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi after his club ENPPI rejected the Black Cats' bid of £2m.(Daily Mail) 
One of the most unusual deals on deadline day was Mido's move to West Ham - where he will be on the lowest wages for a player in the Premier League. The Egypt striker signed on a six-month loan from Middlesbrough for £1,000 a week and Hammers owner David Sullivan called the deal "one of the most amazing of all time".(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Beleaguered Chelsea defender John Terry will tell England manager Fabio Capello that he will not relinquish the captain's armband for the national team.(Daily Mirror) 
However, others report the Chelsea centre-half is considering resigning as skipper of England ahead of talks with Capello on Friday. It follows newspaper allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.(The Independent)
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge could be on the verge of quitting international football following the fall-out of Terry's alleged affair with his ex-girlfriend.(The Times) 
David Beckham has revealed his thoughts on returning to Old Trafford in an AC Milan shirt ahead of this month's Champions League clash. The England midfielder, on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, said: "The thought of playing United always gives me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much."(Daily Express) 
Midfielder Park Ji-Sung has warned Chelsea that Manchester United will not capitulate as the Premier League title race heats up.(The Sun) 
Striker Emmanuel Adebayor thanked his Manchester City "family" for providing support following the deadly gun attacks on Togo's football team in Angola in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Fiorentina and ex-Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine last week, has been labelled a "child" by the Italian club's sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.(The Sun) 
Striker Wayne Rooney is confident that Manchester United can set a new Premier League record and win four successive titles.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea missed Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, on Africa Cup of Nations duty, throughout January but still won all five games. The strikers are set to feature for the Blues in Tuesday's game at Hull and Frank Lampard said: 'When they were away people spoke about us struggling. We've done well and now we will be even stronger."(Daily Mail) 
Portuguese winger Nani says he is back to his best after a stunning performance in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Arsenal. The £17.3m signing in 2007 said: "The manager has shown confidence in me, I have been given more time on the pitch and that has given me belief in myself."(Daily Mirror)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been busy reflecting on the defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The Spaniard said: "I felt very well but when you find yourself 2-0 or 3-0 down, it's difficult. Even Lionel Messi would struggle to do anything."(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

It wasn't the most dramatic of transfer deadline days, with less than £20m being splashed out in the final 24 hours of the window.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are stepping up their attempt to sign Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, and are prepared to offer him wages of £8m a year after tax.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is in talks with Real Madrid with a view to signing former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer.(Daily Telegraph) 
And Redknapp has had a bid for out-of-favour goalkeeper Ben Foster rejected by Manchester United. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is ready to quit the club he joined as a nine-year-old two decades ago. Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and Premier League big spenders Manchester City are believed to be interested in a deal.(Daily Mail)
Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford is planning to leave the League One club in the summer for a move to Everton.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has held further talks with the father and agent of Racing Santander's Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the 18-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool star Fernando Torres has urged the club to buy a top Spanish striker - such as Valencia's David Silva or David Villa - while under-fire Reds boss Rafael Benitez is pondering a £12m bid for Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones.(The Sun) 
However, Benitez's attempt to sign Jones has hit the rocks as Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is holding out for a £10m cash deal.(Daily Express) 
Bruce wants Wigan's £7m-rated left-back Maynor Figueroa and is willing to sacrifice midfielder Kieran Richardson to land him.(Daily Star) 
Sunderland are preparing a bid for Benfica's veteran Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes.(The Independent) 
French side Lille want to sign Portsmouth defender Younes Kaboul for £10m, with cash-strapped Pompey willing to accept the offer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has been told that he must drop his wage demands if he is to secure a move away from Fratton Park.(Daily Star) 
Zenit St Petersburg say they have pulled out of the race to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to splash out on Fulham's England under-21 giant centre-half Chris Smalling - in a stunning £7m deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham City have been told they can have Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, if they match the asking price.(The Sun) 
And Birmingham are interested in FC Moscow forward Maxi Lopez, who has been on loan at Gremio in Brazil.(The Times) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has made an offer for Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have watched Bordeaux defender Mathieu Chalme as they try and offload Alan Hutton. (Daily Telegraph) 
Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses has revealed he cannot wait for his crack at the big time as his inevitable exit from the Londoners draws closer.(Daily Mail) 
Burnley are speaking to Monaco striker Frederic Nimani, and could sign the French Under-21 international on loan.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are keen on Stoke striker James Beattie and Hull winger Stephen Hunt.(Daily Mail) 
Philippe Senderos is weighing up his options before deciding whether to join Celtic, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich or Everton on loan from Arsenal. (Daily Mail/The Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are waiting to discover the extent of midfielder Michael Essien's knee injury, amid fears that the Ghanaian could be out for the rest of the season.(The Times) 
The Glazer family, the controversial owners of Manchester United, could take £600m out of the club over the next seven years in dividends, interest and fees coming out of a bond issue.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola could be replaced by former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes if David Gold and David Sullivan complete their takeover of the club.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Gold and Sullivan will announce that Zola's position is safe when they take control of the club.(Daily Star) 
Barcelona have shrugged off claims that coach Pep Guardiola will replace Sir Alex Ferguson as the next manager of Manchester United.(The Sun) 
French winger Jerome Rothen, on a season-long loan from Paris St Germain, was in Glasgow on Monday to prove to Rangers he is still too sick to play after two months off with swine flu. (Daily Record) 
Celtic and Rangers are on the verge of clinching a £1.5m per year deal with Tennent's to replace Carling as the Old Firm's shirt sponsor. (Daily Record/Daily Express)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has stoked the flames ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against rivals Manchester City by claiming his club were right to get rid of City striker Carlos Tevez as he was over-priced.(Daily Telegraph) 
And former United winger David Beckham has told City's fans that they will never be bigger than the Old Trafford club. He also said that he would never join City, no matter how much money they offered him.(Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

Barcelona 2-0 Inter

Reigning champions Barcelona gave their chances of progression from Champions League Group F a huge boost with a 2-0 home win over Internazionale.
Defender Gerard Pique volleyed an early first from a corner before winger Pedro finished off a sublime move to make it two on 26 minutes, although Inter keeper Julio Cesar was at fault.
Following the earlier 0-0 draw between Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev, the result puts Barca top of the table with eight points. 
Rubin are second and Inter third - both on six points - and Dynamo have five. 
With injuries to key forwards Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, there were nerves flying around in Barcelona prior to the match.
The Blaugrana had taken only one point from their last two European games and faced the prospect of becoming the first holders since the inaugural Champions League in 1993 to be eliminated at the group stage of the tournament.
Messi and Ibrahimovic were ultimately restricted to the bench, kept in reserve should Pep Guardiola have need of his superstars later in the match.
However he need not have worried: led by the silky-skilled Andres Iniesta, the home side were too good for Jose Mourinho's Inter team on the night.
http://eurosport.yahoo.com

Barcelona - Inter

Pep Guardiola has been facing a lots of problems these days. Barca have noticed three consecutive league draws on the road (Valencia, Osasuna, Athletic Bilbao) and left the first place to the worst enemies from Madrid (who will face for the weekend at home in new El Clasico, btw.). Team doesn’t perform well, it’s obvious. Unusually for them, have plenty of problems to score. Leo Messi is completely out of shape. He’s also injured and predictions are he won’t play. Ibrahimovic is surely more expensive than Eto’o, but he can not reach the same number of goals as Cameronian, so far. As Messi, he’s also injured but is expected to appear. Eric Abidal and Yaya Toure have both been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus and are isolated. Rafa Marquez is ill, but it has been discerned that the Mexican does not have Influenza A, and depending on his progress, he may be able to play. And one long term injury - Gabriel Milito! Lack of result here would mean Barca will fight for progress in the last round against Dynamo Kiev on the road!


Inter keep the absolute domination in domain frames, have noticed 10 wins and just a single defeat in opening 13 rounds and are in run of 10 games without a defeat. Problem is, however, Massimo Moratti wants a Champions League trophy and it has been well explained to Jose Mourinho. Despite the tiny achievement in past four group rounds, three draws (and one win), Inter hold the first position in group with a point more than Barca and are in good position. Win in Spain would practically secure the progress and first place, while draw would leave the decision for the last round and game at Meazza against Rubin Kazan. Mourinho is well aware the keeping a draw at Camp Nou would be a suicidal mission. He’s also aware about the moment where the Spanish giant is. Oppositely, his lads have been playing in a great shape and he hasn’t any injury worries as well. If Inter win, that will push the title defender very close to elimination. Answer on Barca’s attacks will be tight formation and waiting for some counter attack. And Samuel Eto'o will have another opportunity to prove his departure from Barcelona was harsh.

Beside the importance that game brings for Italians, I have the impression this is also a test of maturity for Mourinho. A big win would return him on the big scene, while defeat would move him closer to the exit door from Meazza. I give a small advantage to Italians, but Barca will attack anyway. However, goals shouldn’t miss. Pinnacle offer 2.10. Over.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are lining up an £85m summer bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney - and believe the Old Trafford club's huge debts mean they would consider the offer. (News of the World) 
Barca officials want to meet with Manchester City's owners in Abu Dhabi this week to discuss a loan deal for City's £32.5m Brazilian forward Robinho.(News of the World)   
Barcelona also hope to sign Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano for £20m during the January transfer window. (News of the World) 
Man City are willing to meet Bayern Munich's £60m valuation of Franck Ribery when he recovers from a long-term tendon injury - and City boss Mark Hughes flew to Germany last week to speak to the French winger.(News of the World) 
Benfica are willing to sell star winger Angel Di Maria, with Manchester United and Chelsea both interested in the Argentine. (Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester City see Di Maria as the ideal replacement for Robinho but could have to pay as much as £27m to capture the 21-year-old. (Sunday Times) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has earmarked three potential January signings with CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and his team-mate, right-sided midfielder Milos Krasic, in his sights along with Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.(Sunday Express) 
Schalke's Manuel Neuer and Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler are also on Ferguson's shortlist as potential replacements for Edwin van der Sar. (Sunday Express) 
Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland have been told they will have to pay £7m if they want to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. (Sunday Express)
Up to four Premier League clubs willl try to sign AC Milan striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar for a cut-price £12m in January, with Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Birmingham all interested. (News of the World) 
Tottenham's £14m striker Roman Pavlyuchenko will move to Spain in January, with Valencia favourites to sign the Russian.(Sunday Mirror) 
Arsenal are set to offer £6m for Wolfsburg's Bosnian playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic. (News of the World) 
Chelsea will make a £17m move for Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini in January, following the suspension of the London club's transfer ban. (News of the World) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will bid £6m for West Ham's England goalkeeper Rob Green in January, but the Hammers will hold out for £8m. (News of the World) 
Porto are interested in re-signing Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy after Rovers boss Sam Allardyce revealed he is willing to sell the South Africa international in January. (News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Rafa Benitez will be sacked as Liverpool boss in the summer if his side fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill the favourite to succeed him. (News of the World) 
Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who is now working for the club's academy, will be appointed temporary boss if Benitez is fired before the end of the season. (News of the World) 
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks insists the Reds will not be forced to sell Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres or Javier Mascherano, even if they miss out on next season's Champions League. (Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool hope to raise £250m through the sale of the naming rights to their proposed new stadium. (Sunday Times) 
Manchester United striker Michael Owen is all-but certain to miss out on the World Cup finals if he is not named in Fabio Capello's squad to face Brazil next week. (Sunday Times) 
Owen will not be in Capello's squad when it is named on Sunday evening - and his only chance of getting on the plane for South Africa is if England suffer a glut of injuries to the striker, with Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor all above him in the pecking order. (Mail on Sunday) 
Capello has warned Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, currently sidelined by a back injury, that he will not pick any half-fit players in his squad for the World Cup finals. (The Observer) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez feels Steven Gerrard should not travel to Qatar for Saturday's game with Brazil, even though the Reds captain is likely to play some part for his club against Birmingham on Monday after recovering from a groin problem. (Sunday Telegraph) 
Liverpool could ignore a specialist's advice over their striker Fernando Torres and play him against Birmingham on Monday, despite being told that he needs to rest. (Sunday Express) 
Hull City will sack boss Phil Brown this week, and he is doomed regardless of how the Tigers get on against Stoke City on Sunday afternoon. (Mail on Sunday) 
England midfielder David Beckham, 34, is ready to sign a new contract with Los Angeles Galaxy that would take him up to his 40th birthday. His current deal ends in 2011. (News of the World) 
Former Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is hoping to return to management with another club in the next few months. (Sunday Mirror) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has threatened to quit the Gunners if Alisher Usmanov wins control of the club. Wenger would take over at Real Madrid instead.(News of the World) 
Former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet is set to be interviewed by Brighton about becoming the next boss of the Seagulls. (Sunday Mirror) 
Or, Brighton hope to appoint Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins as their new manager this week. (News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Burnley right-back Tyrone Mears played for Jamaica last season despite having no links with the country - his father was actually from Sierra Leone. (News of the World) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered his players to be mindful of their public image and curb their "lifestyle excesses" - with one of his major gripes being the 'super car' culture at the club.(News of the World) 

During his time with Monaco, Manchester United defender Patrice Evra played for a month with chicken breasts packed into his left boot to protect an ankle injury.(Sunday Times)

www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

European champions Barcelona will test Manchester City's resolve to keep Brazilian forward Robinho by offering to take the player on a six-month loan should the Blues reject a £32.5m bid. (Daily Mirror) 
Alternatively, Barca will offer City French striker Thierry Henry in exchange for Robinho. (Daily Star) 
Hull City boss Phil Brown is tracking Aarhus' Danish international midfielder Jakob Poulsen ahead of a transfer window move.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has insisted he will not be leaving Italy to join Tottenham this summer. (The Sun) 
Atletico Madrid have reiterated their desire to sign Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue, a move which could embroil them in a "tapping-up" row. (Daily Mirror) 
The Gunners also face a fight to keep hold of young Spanish midfielder Fran Merida who is wanted by Sevilla.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea will attempt to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson next summer if their appeal against their transfer ban, imposed for tapping up, is successful.(The Times) 
Leeds are set to sign Wolves striker Sam Vokes on loan until January.(Daily Mail) 
Stoke want defender Ryan Shawcross to sign a new four-year deal to ward off interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, who are all considering January bids for the player.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth are hoping to sign on-loan Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara on a permanent basis. The 22-year-old's temporary deal at Fratton Park expires in January. (The Sun) 
Sheffield United are weighing up a £2m bid for Blackburn's third-choice keeper Mark Bunn.(The Sun) 
Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon is being tracked by Bolton, Wigan and Burnley after contract talks between him and the Blades broke down.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has played his way into Fabio Capello's squad for next year's World Cup, as has Peter Crouch.(The Sun )
New Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has promised to go on an £80m spending spree next year with half available to manager Alex McLeish in January and half the following summer.(The Sun) 
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton has admitted he wants to take the reins at St James' Park on a permanent basis.(Daily Mirror) 
The representative of referee's union Prospect says that Sir Alex Ferguson's apology to referee Alan Wiley for labelling him "unfit" shows that managers can no longer get away with abusing officials.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton have complained to referee's chief Keith Hackett that striker Kevin Davies is being victimised by officials because of his previous poor disciplinary record.(Daily Mirror) 
Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has warned his national coach Diego Maradona has got eight months to save the country from World Cup humiliation. Argentina scraped through to the 2010 finals in South Africa via a nervy 1-0 win over Uruguay last weekend.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has joked that his controversial decision to pick David Beckham as man-of-the-match for Wednesday's England match against Belarus was because two-goal striker Peter Crouch rejected a summer move to the Stadium of Light.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios is set to miss Spurs' game at Portsmouth on Saturday after Interim Honduras President Roberto Micheletti told the national team's players, including Palacios, to stay in the country and party following their qualification for the 2010 World Cup.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are lining up a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto’o to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure. (The Times) 
Man United will also try to tie up a deal for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia once they have completed the £80m transaction with Real Madrid for Ronaldo. (The Guardian) 
Bayern Munich have slapped an incredible £90m price-tag on France winger Franck Ribery, who Sir Alex Ferguson sees as a potential replacement for Ronaldo at Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
United could also face the prospect of losing Carlos Tevez following the exit of Ronaldo after Robinho urged the Argentine to quit Old Trafford and join him at rivals Manchester City. (The Sun) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to buy Glen Johnson this weekend.(Daily Mail) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce are planning a shock £15m raid on Tottenham for striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
European Champions Barcelona have offered striker Samuel Eto'o to Liverpool in exchange for midfielder Javier Mascherano.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring legendary AC Milan and Italy fullback Paolo Maldini to join his coaching staff at Chelsea.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Fifa president Sebb Blater believes Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo is football's "Picasso" and is worth his £80m price tag. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are preparing a £50m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but could face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. (Daily Star)
Real Madrid have signed AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £62m. (The Sun) 
Chelsea had come into the bidding for Kaka but failed with a late bid for the AC Milan forward.(The Times) 
However, Kaka's signature may not yet be completed and Chelsea could yet land the AC Milan forward if they improve on Real's offer. (Daily Star) 
If Chelsea do miss out on Kaka then they will prepare a £45m deal for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato. (The Times) 
Chelsea will also look to sign Manchester City's highly rated 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge who is out of contract at Eastlands.(The Times) 
The Blues have also told striker Andriy Shevchenko, who is on loan at AC Milan, that he is needed back at Stamford Bridge next season. (Daily Star) 
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is to reject the chance of staying at Manchester United, despite the Premier League champions looking set to meet the £32m asking price.(The Sun) 
Manchester City appear to be the favourites to land Tevez, with the 25-year-old's representative Kia Joorabchian claiming his client feels "humiliated" by United. (The Guardian) 
City will also target Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will also prepare a £15m bid for Didier Drogba, if the Chelsea striker turns down the offer of a new contract. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ready to commit his long-term future to the club, having said in January he was ready to leave if he continued playing a bit part at the club. (The Sun)
However, Benaayoun could yet turn his back on Anfield, with Manchester City, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal believed to be interested in the Israeli. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pleaded with the club to bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield. (Daily Express)
However, Merseyside rivals Everton are weighing up a move for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker. (The Times) 
But Owen would have to take a 50% pay cut if he joined the losing FA Cup finalists. (Daily Telegraph)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a £15m bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Anfield boss faces a fight to hang on to midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)
Despite appearing to have won the race to sign Kaka, Real Madrid will still go after Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and will pay £75m for the Portugal star. (The Sun) 
Steve Bruce will sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10m once he is confirmed as Sunderland manager. (Daily Mirror)
Bruce will be given £50m to spend on new players at the Stadium of Light.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tracking St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at about £5m. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are preparing a £6m bid for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and are also keen on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.(The Sun) 
Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is attracting interest from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Mail)
Bolton hope to beat Blackburn to the signature of Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth striker John Utaka is being tracked by French clubs Rennes and Bordeaux. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has claimed that Celtic are lining him up to become their new boss following Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Independent) 
However, Celtic officials have reacted with astonishment to claims by Adams that he'll become their new boss. (Daily Record) 
Wim Jansen has firmly denied recommending Tony Adams for the post of Celtic manager, as the former England captain claimed. (Various)
In-demand Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is set to chose Wigan over Celtic. (Scottish Sun) 
Steve Bruce will insist that his assistants at Wigan, Eric Black and Nigel Spink, are offered contracts at the Stadium of Light, before he agrees to become Sunderland manager.(Daily Express) 
Swansea will ask for £3m compensation if manager Roberto Martinez leaves the club. Celtic and Wigan are reportedly interested in the Spaniard. (Daily Mirror) 
Port Vale look set to name Micky Adams as their new manager. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks set to commit his future to the Blues and sign a new three-year contract at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 
Anxious SPL clubs will hold crisis talks about their TV deal with Setanta, with growing fears the plug will be pulled on their £31m-a-year deal. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY

Former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has written an open letter to the club's supporters apologising for his departure to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
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.

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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).
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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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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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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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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are the leading contenders to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and are preparing a deal worth £50m to land the Argentine.(The Sun) 
Tottenham had been set to offer £18m to land the 25-year-old but have been priced out of the market for Tevez.(The Sun) 
Instead, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will concentrate on securing the signing of Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones. (The Guardian) 
Jones has conceded he will leave Sunderland if the club are relegated to the Championship this weekend. (The Sun) 
It is not known if Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club after his agent conceded he had "no clue" about the 25-year-old's future. (The Guardian) 
Barcelona are preparing a sensational £20m move for Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. (The Independent) 
Wigan are set to lose midfield duo Antonio Valencia and Paul Scharner in the summer. (The Guardian) 
Real Madrid are favourites to land Valencia, although the Ecuador midfielder has told friends he would prefer to join Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will reject a summer move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to join Manchester City in a move that could result in young forward Daniel Sturridge moving the other way.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are also interested in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and are preparing an £18m deal for the Uruguay forward.(The Sun) 
West Ham defender Lucas Neill is a target for Greek side Olympiakos. (Daily Mail) 
The Hammers are set to loan out promising young striker Freddie Sears next season. (Daily Express) 
Blackburn are lining up a £1.5m bid for Paris St Germain winger Jerome Rothen. (The Sun)
Benfica are interested in taking Chelsea centre-half Ricardo Carvalho back to Portugal. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are tracking Lazio forward Goran Pandev, who is also wanted by German club Hamburg. (The Times)
Charlton winger Lloyd Sam is being tracked by Premier League trio Stoke, Wigan and Newcastle. (Daily Mirror)
Reading have ruled out making Stoke striker Dave Kitson's loan move there permanent. (The Sun) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is lining up a £2m bid for Leicester keeper Joe Mattock. (The Sun)
Striker Jermaine Beckford, who has been linked to Premier League clubs, is to have talks about his future at Leeds United. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to commit his future to the club following reported interest from Real Madrid.(Daily Mail) 
But the Gunners boss will be given £13m to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid are still hopeful of landing the Frenchman and have given Wenger until Thursday to decide. (Daily Star) 
Wenger will be handed £100m by Real to spend on new players if he joins the Spanish giants. (Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Stewart Downing is facing six months on the sidelines, scuppering any chance of a dream £12m move to either Liverpool or Tottenham. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is set to reject a summer move and sign a new three-year deal at the club.(Daily Star) 
Uefa has confirmed that Scotland's runners-up will face two qualifying rounds in the Champions League and will not be seeded in the first round. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY 

Laid-back Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that pre-match nerves often leave him with a case of the shakes before a game.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Chelsea are ready to offload striker Didier Drogba after his furious reaction to the club being knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona. (Various) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has quashed talk of midfielders Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso leaving the club this summer. (Various) 
Bolton could refresh their interest in Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, who has been suspended by the Magpies, during the summer. (The Sun)
Wigan are considering a move for Derby's £5m-rated winger Kris Commons. (Scottish Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP 

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has waded into the aftermath of Barcelona progressing at Chelsea's expense by saying his countryman and Blues boss, Guus Hiddink's negative tactics cost the London side a place in the final. (Various) 
Barcelona's players applauded John Terry and sang his name after he congratulated them on their progress by going into their dressing room and shaking hands with each of them. 
But the Catalan side wasted little time rubbing salt into Chelsea's wounds with right-back Daniel Alves saying: "football has won over strength." (Various) 
Alan Shearer has enjoyed management more than he thought and will stay on as Newcastle boss even if the club are relegated. (Various) 
Shearer faces a crucial game against relegation-rivals Middlesbrough on Monday and is set to recall striker Michael Owen to his starting line-up. (The Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie are close to signing new long-term deals with the club. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit has warned Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that Cesc Fabregas could leave unless he signs proven talent. (Daily Express) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane is set to upset some of his players by telling them they need to move closer to the club's training ground. (Various) 
Former Oldham boss John Sheridan is set for a return to management by taking over as Chesterfield manager. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY 

A dummy match report on the Uefa website hours before kick-off apparently predicted the Chelsea-Barcelona semi-final, second leg would end 1-1 with the Spanish side getting a late equaliser. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona

Andres Iniesta's spectacular strike deep into stoppage time wrecked Chelsea's dreams of a second successive Champions League final against Manchester United amid chaotic scenes at Stamford Bridge. 
Chelsea looked to have kept Barcelona at bay and sealed an all-Premier League clash in Rome on a night of nerve-jangling tension after Michael Essien's 20-yard blockbuster in the ninth minute. 
But with Guus Hiddink's side hanging on - and fuelled by a sense of injustice after referee Tom Ovrebo rejected a succession of penalty appeals - Iniesta beat Petr Cech from the edge of the area to send Barcelona into the final on away goals. 
It was a heartbreaking moment for Chelsea and one that was too much to bear for Didier Drogba, on the sidelines after being substituted with an injury.
There had already been angry scenes in the technical area after Barcelona's leveller, with Hiddink appearing to be buffeted on the touchline, but at the final whistle, Drogba marched on to the field to subject referee Ovrebo to a prolonged verbal tirade. 
He rightly received a yellow card, but Drogba refused to be deterred by this punishment and continued to pursue the official while being held back. 
It was a unpalatable conclusion to a dramatic encounter in which Chelsea had four appeals for penalties ignored, the strongest being a clear handball by Gerard Pique after the break. 

Barcelona now face United in the final - but it was victory at a price with Dani Alves ruled out of the final after a booking and Eric Abidal also missing after he was unluckily sent off for tangling with Nicolas Anelka. 
Chelsea, meanwhile, must now gather their forces for the end of the Premier League campaign and the FA Cup final against Everton.
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