Liverpool - Wigan

There’re finally some smiles at Anfield. They’re in the run of four consecutive wins without conceding and I’m sure they haven’t given up from the idea about Champions League next year (currently six points far from 4th spot). Liverpool have been playing much better at home and have scored two or more goals in seven of last nine games at home. Gerrard and Skrtel are rated as in doubt, while Martin Kelly should be fit.

Wigan will definitely be struggling till the last round. Their win in the previous round over Blackburn was their first of last 16 games and they’re currently first under the relegation line. They have never won at Anfield, losing five of last six competitive games. Defender Gary Caldwell should play with the mask.

Confidence at Eland is sky high after a great win over Chelsea. I expect a more attacking approach and victory with at least two goals margin (with one, half stake is back). Suarez should score. First bet on Liverpool after a while, a year or so.

Bet: Liverpool -1.25
Odd: 1.91 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
p
One more...
p
Support the blog and open a betting account using the banners from the left. You'll get some free bets as well.
Make e-mail subscription and get my picks directly in the mail box.
p

Liverpool – WBA

Hodgson’s era isn’t started well. And if we can say Reina’s stupidity wasn’t so big tragedy, one derby defeat as well, then home failure against WBA would have an impact like a strong earthquake at Enfield. Importance of this game is even bigger because next L’pool 2 games, Brum and Man Utd both away. However, at home Liverpool won 13 of 19 games last season. 9 of those 13 were with 2 or more goals margin. Also won their last 10 games against WBA, 9 of them by at least 2 goals and have kept 17 clean sheets in their last 20 matches at home. Agger and Rodriguez are doubtful, Joe Cole still suspended, but Gerrard and Torres are back after Europa League rest.

.

The Baggies were hammered by Chelsea in the first round (0-6), but it seems they didn’t care too much about it as they bounced back in the next game and defeated Sunderland (1-0). Home wins should be a key for their possible survival in the Premier, Di Matteo knows that and I think they won’t be caring too much about away defeats from top sides. He can’t count on some important players. Defenders Marek Cech and Joe Mattock, midfielder Jerome Thomas and striker Ishmael Miller will miss the game through injury. WBA have won just 3 of their last 18 Premier League matches, haven't won a Premier game away in 17 attempts, winning only one in the last 28 and scored just one goal in their last 10 matches at Enfield!

 

I think public is little overreacting about the problems at Liverpool. Mascherano’s departure isn’t so big blow. His staying would be bigger, considering his behavior lately. They’re very good squad, looked very well against Gunners and this is a nice chance to return a self confidence.

.

Bet: Liverpool -1.25ah 

Odd: 1.76 188bet
Stake: 8/10
.
Make e-mail subscription and get my picks directly in the mail box.

.

Liverpool – Fulham

Nothing much to say about Reds. Gerrard and Torres have improved their form, Rafa realized it’s better to play more attacking and that started to produce really good results. They’ve noticed 9 competitive wins in a row at Anfield, last four with 3 goals margin. They still have a chance for 4th place and will hardly drop any point till the end. Torres is fit, Babel returned to contention. Liverpool have scored in their last 27 home Premier League matches.

.

Fulham made a first class surprise qualifying for EL semi-final. Hodgson said Europe will have priority over Premier. Well, it’s not like I believe what managers talking (especially Hodgson), but they’re safe in Premier and it looks like a natural thing. They’re going to rest some players. Zamora won’t play (although it still hasn’t been confirmed). Maybe few others. If we add their terrible record on the road (15 matches without an away win in the league) and the fact Anfield Road is not a happy place for them (haven’t won in 28 attempts), I think surprise will hardly happen. 

Home win with few goals margin. Bet is Liverpool -1.75, odds around 2.00.

.

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

Europa League

Liverpool – Benfica

Rafa made an (for Liverpool’s fans shocking) interview where he stated that Europa League have priority over 4th place in Premier! So, to exit the competition just after that would be stupid in my opinion. On the other hand Torres’ reaction when he realized he’s gonna be substituted at 60th min vs Birmingham while Gerrard at the same time keeps his head down, suggest there’s not so perfect chemistry in the dressing room. Also, Rafa demanded more resources for new players or he’ll go. I think that’s exactly what the board wants. Second solution is to sack Rafa and give hime 18 mill(?).

Benfica are without Saviola, but for me more important is Weldon who scored both goals in the first leg and is in doubt (still hasn’t been confirmed). They played at Monday and should be, at least little, tired. On the other hand they won’t lack in self-confidence. They already were in L’pool this season, humiliated Everton (I had 1 DNB). Their training session was followed by 150 supporters. Don’t know, but it seems they have a little bit better chemistry and desire for progress. Di Maria is a target of leading EPL clubs, he’ll have one motive more.

Too much reasons for both sides. I was about to take Liverpool –1.5, but gave up and will take goals in a double with the second one.

Wolfsburg – Fulham

Until Germans scored their goal at Craven Cottage, I think they were out of competition. Now they’re favorites. They’re strong side with great attacking potential. Dzeko is, as far as I’m aware, fully fit for the game. 

Fulham will play probably their most important game in the modern history. Main problem is they simply can’t defending on the road. Other problem is Dempsey is definitely out. Zamora got a knock against Wigan, will have a late fitness test, but he simply must play.

I see a high scoring game. Personally fancy Fulham to pass (instinct more than reasons), but see goals as a better option. Over 2.5. Something like 3-2, correct score.

So, double for me:
Liverpool - Benfica, Over 2.5
Wolfsburg - Fulham, Over 2.5

.

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

Liverpool - Blackburn

Liverpool started to raise their shape in correct time as they’ve approached to the final third of the season. The fact is 4th place would save the season as it wasn’t achieved more than that in previous campaigns. Otherwise, club would see a departure of Torres and probably Gerrard. However, they’re four points behind 4th Man.City and have to collect points in games like today’s. Good thing is Gerrard has been returning his shape which means all team plays for about 25% percents better. Rafa faces defensive problems as Skrtel suffered a broken metatarsal in EL, Kyrgiakos remains suspended and Johnson just started with light training. Carragher will return to his natural position in the center of defense, while Rafa will give a chance to Degen or youngster Martin Kelly on right back. The Reds like to play against Blackburn. They have lost only once to Rovers in their last 22 league meetings and only once at Anfield in last 15 games. 

Blackburn hold 12th place on the table, with ten points margin from relegation zone and it seems Big Sam has making an excellent job with, I think it is fair to say, limited squad. They look comfortable, but only thankfully to their record at home where they’ve collected 28 of total 34 points. On the road, they’re defending trying to keep 0-0, but it has only resulted with 8 scored goals (31 conceded) in 13 games! At the same time, their away record against top Premier sides looks more than discouraging. Arsenal (2-6), Chelsea (0-5), Man.Utd. (0-2), Everton (0-3), Man.City (1-4), Aston Villa (1-3, 4-6)! In last two visits two Anfield, they conceded seven goals in total (0-4, 1-3). Also, defense line will miss the skipper Ryan Nelsen. Chris Samba returns after a ban, while Dunn, Basturk, Di Santo and Reid played a midweek reserve game and will appear.

Liverpool desperately need three points and there’s no space for any kind of relaxation. It’s too big stake. They perform much better and consistent than before a month, for example and I expect a confident performance. On the other hand, Rovers feel comfortable in the middle of the table and possible defeat at Anfield wouldn’t be a disaster. I expect little less defensive formation from Allardyce than usual and few goals conceded. Liverpool win with -1.5 handicap.

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

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

AC Milan forward Kaka wants the Italian club to sign Steven Gerrard, despite the England midfielder recently agreeing a new contract with Liverpool. (Daily Mail) 
Cristiano Ronaldo's future has been plunged into fresh doubt after Ramón Calderón, the former Real Madrid president claimed the Spanish champions have a formal agreement to sign "one of the best players in the world" in the summer. (The Times) 
Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is expected to lead a summer exodus from Liverpool after voicing his frustration at his minor role in Rafael Benítez's squad this season. (The Times) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will keep striker Roman Pavlyuchenko but ditch Darren Bent in the summer, according to the Russian's agent. (The Sun) 
Or Redknapp could let Pavlyuchenko and Bent leave and spend £10m replacing them with Sunderland's 24-year-old striker Kenwyne Jones. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Tottenham boss has pushed Genoa's Diego Milito to the bottom of his wanted list with Juventus and Inter Milan both chasing the striker. (Daily Express) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will not pay over the odds for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour this summer. Liege want £15m for the Belgian but O'Neill values the 22-year-old at £7m. (Daily Star) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has told Egyptian striker Mido, on loan at the JJB Stadium from Middlesbrough, that he is on course to earn a permanent move to Wigan this summer. (Various) 
Meanwhile, Bruce has run the rule over Santos Laguna and Ecuador striker Cristian Benitez. (The Sun) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will be given the summer-funds to sign Joe Ledley, 22, from Cardiff for a fee of around £7m, and McCarthy is also tracking Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce. (Various) 
Arsenal are considering a bid to bring West Ham defender Matthew Upson back to the club, although it may depend on whether the Hammers get into Europe. (Daily Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to bid for Swansea's goal machine Jason Scotland - whether his club beats the drop or not.  

OTHER GOSSIP 

Walter Smith has opened the door for Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor to play again for Rangers. The Ibrox boss revealed he has changed his mind on sidelining the shamed Scotland stars because the SFA admit they botched their handling of the Boozegate affair. (Various) 
But Ferguson and McGregor could still both be sold in the summer if offers come in that prove suitable to Rangers and the players. (Daily Mail) 
Rangers striker Kris Boyd has suffered a fresh blow when he was omitted from the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year awards. 
The Scottish Premier League top scorer, who was almost sold in January, has 28 goals for the season and currently sits just two short of a century in Rangers colours. (Daily Mail) 
Juventus have confirmed Claudio Ranieri will remain their coach next season. (The Independent) 
Inter Milan are considering cancelling Adriano's contract after the Brazil striker said he was taking a break from the game. (The Independent) 
 
AND FINALLY 

England fans can breath easy, with the news that Wayne Rooney's wife Colleen is planning a Caesarean birth for the couple's first child. 
Colleen is due on 10 October - the same day as England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine - but she now plans to have a Caesarean in late September. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk