Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

Sheffield United are 10^th, seven points far from play-off zone. They have had two problems recently. Their sensationally bad run on the road. Seven consecutive defeats (one goal scored) and two draws in last two games. And injury crisis that forced them to loan players. But, situation has been improved on that field as skipper and key defender Chris Morgan returns to the squad after suspension. Boss Blackwell was forced to play with just one player in attack, Richard Cresswell (4 goals in last 3 home games). For today’s game two important players will have a late fitness test, key striker Darius Henderson and another striker Henri Camara. I expect Henderson from the start. Blades last time lost at home 2^nd November (0-1 vs. Newcastle) and since than have 8 wins and 3 draws. Also, they have kept clean sheets in eight of their last 11 home league games.

 

Scunny are 20^th with five points more than clubs in relegation zone (have a game in the hand) and it seems they’re on the good way too keep the status. They’ve noticed two crucial wins in last two rounds against direct opponents from the bottom, Plymouth and Peterborough. However, it is fair to say one of those was hit by injury crisis and second is far worst in the Championship. Also, their record on the road is not something that should be proud with. They’ve noticed just 12 points (just Posh are worse) and conceded 42 goals (the biggest number in the league). Major concern for manager Adkins is condition of best player and key striker, Gary Hooper after his injury. Interesting thing is Adkins removed his main man from the squad for match vs. Newcastle on the road, as he kept him from potential injury and for more important games. I won’t be surprised to see same thing again.

 

Scunny will fight, they need points but feel safe as Palace continued with their free fall. On the other hand hosts are chasing play-off. They definitely have quality for that, I expect very strong squad for this game and in such occasions, Bramall Lane  become a hell place for visiting teams. I predict a win with few goals margin and choose -1 ah. 2.09 at Pinnacle.

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Championship - Champions League

I've spent several hours reading, searching, thinking, making conclusions… At the end couldn’t find a good pick for tonight and I’m really annoyed. With the experiences from my past mistakes, won’t force myself to make a big bet anyway. But, will be 2 smaller.

Nottingham Forest - Sheffield United
This will be a shocking bet, but I am actually going to back United here.
Forest have 2 away defeats in a row. Before that, hardly won at home vs. Wednesday. They’re playing very well, but also have very young squad and recent result crisis can have a bigger impact. 
United are hard working side. Have injury problems in back line, but it seems they used to cope with it. Against Bristol, news was very dangerous Camara in front. Henderson has returned his old shape, as well.
4.5 for away win?! This will be a tight game. One good cross at the start would be enough to make 1.8 for a home win ridiculous. I’m still thinking between X2 and dnb 2. 

Milan – Manchester United
I don’t wan to offense anybody, but I really hate Italian football, with all those time wasting, faking, arguing with referee… My opinion is they simply can not cope with English clubs.
Yes, Milan have Ronaldinho who likes to play like a kid. Pato is great, agree. Seedorf and Becks could make some excellent individual efforts. But, they also have Dida at the goal, slow midfield with Gattuso and Ambrosini and even slower defense line. Also, their years won’t be an advance.
United miss Ronaldo. They avoid to admit, but have a problem with Vidic. Some rumors say, Rio is in the same row. But, they’re second English team (with one point behind Chelsea) and that fact must be respected. Also, Rooney is in a life’s shape. I guess Sir Alex will set defensive formation and try to kill Italians with some counter attack. 
I have little doubt again, dnb or clear away win. Think, it would be dnb 2.

There’s no way I’ll back Derby this season, anytime, against anybody and with any odds. Matter of principle. In fact, I refuse to bet on any game in which Derby are involved. Won’t regret even if they win 3-0 tonight, one bet more or less. Too much nerves have lost.

Will prepare for a pint and tv coverage.
See you tomorrow.

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Saturday's beauty

Sheff Utd 2 - 0 Bristol City

Sheffield United shrugged off a slow start to maintain their push for the Championship play-offs at Bristol City's expense.
Chris Iwelumo showed some promising early touches on his City debut, but United gradually grew in authority. 
City keeper Dean Gerken pulled off some excellent saves, but was powerless to stop Henri Camara's vicious second-half effort from nestling in the top corner. 
Darius Henderson nodded in Jamie Ward's cross on the hour to seal the points. 
The win, United's first in five games, leaves the Blades a point adrift of sixth-placed Leicester City, who have played two games fewer. 
City, meanwhile, are without a victory since mid-January and have now conceded 13 goals in their last six games.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"I thought everyone played really, really well. 
"We used the ball intelligently and moved well off it. When you see us go out and look like that then it makes you realise our biggest problem this season is going to be keeping everybody fit. 
"If we can do that then we've got every chance. 
"We are trying to build something and the boys have shown out there what they can do." 
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"We didn't do enough to give ourselves a chance to win the game and the the first goal killed us. 
"Our confidence is a bit low at the moment and it just seemed to drain - that's where we are. 
"We've been drawing a lot, especially away from home, and now we're getting our fair share of defeats. 
"But we've got two home games now and hopefully we can get a bit of confidence going with our fans behind us."

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Coventry 1 - 0 QPR

Gary Deegan's early strike was enough to stretch Coventry's unbeaten run to five matches, while QPR are now nine games without a win in any competition. 
Deegan struck his first goal for the club early on, a shot into the bottom corner that left Rangers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme rooted to the spot. 
QPR pressed either side of half time, with Lee Cook forcing Keiren Westwood to save from a free-kick. 
Cook also flashed a shot across the goal, but the visitors could not level. 
Coventry manager Chris Coleman:
"I anticipated that it wasn't going to be a classic but we got the job done. 
"We said to them at half-time that it might be one of those games where we just had to dig in and get a result. 
"This win puts us within six points of the top six and eight points off the bottom three so we are on the up." 
QPR manager Mick Harford:
"You run out of words to say when you are on a run like this because you don't get the rub of the green. 
"You are always under pressure as a manager. You are judged on results. I would prefer to play poorly and win, that's what we need to do at the moment. 
"I don't think we deserved to lose because they had one shot on target in the whole game and it took a deflection. It's my job to pick the players up but the spirit is good."
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Sheffield United - Cardiff City

After they made an encouraging start to this campaign, Sheffield United's results have come up short in recent weeks and Blades find themselves on 13th place. They noticed last win in steel-city derby (3-2) more than a month ago. Since then, two home draws (Ipswich 3-3, stoppage time equalizer and Doncaster 1-1) and three away defeats (Swansea 1-2, Scunthorpe 1-3 and Blackpool 0-3). Main reason for this sinking is recent injury crisis, ten regular players are sidelined and Blades currently can not resist against any opponent in second tier. Also, fact they have 13 new players comparing with previous season shouldn’t be forgotten. To make the things even worse, took care the only forward Darius Henderson who got a knock and he’s doubtful for the game. Club have signed free-agent striker, Henri Camara, he will probably start the match, but his fitness isn’t on proper level and the question is how much he can really help. While they’ll have a lots of problems to score against tough side as Cardiff surely is, defense line looks extremely shaky conceding six goals in last two encounters. Considering their current situation, I’m absolutely sure they would accept one point today.

The Blue Birds hold the third place on the table with just a point less than league leaders WBA. After the good start of the season, club fell in injury crisis and noticed five competitive defeats in six games! When injury list started to decrease, results became brighter. Cardiff have three wins (Derby 6-1, Watford 4-0 and Coventry 2-0) and a draw (Crystal Palace 1-1) in last four games. But, the most important thing is manager Dave Jones should have a strong squad to choose from, with a lot of his players now available again. His “key of the keys” Ross McCormack is fully fit and ready, defender Kevin McNaughton, midfielder Mark Kennedy and striker Warren Feeney are also available. Only missing player is midfielder Kelvin Etuhu who could be fit and back in training after the next international break. Excellent striker Michael Chopra is the leading scorer in the division with 11 goals, and United face another goal threat in midfielder Pete Whittingham, who has scored six times in the Welsh side's last five matches. Win at Bramall Lane would boost team confidence and maybe launch them on the top. 

I don't agree with the bookies that favor the home side and see the value here. Even if United don’t have injury problems (injury catastrophe sounds more appropriate), Cardiff would be at least equal. Instead more reasons for away win, I'll say few words about my concerns here. It’s a derby clash which usually means very nervous game. Cardiff have three players sent off so far, which is the most by any club. Many recovered players at visitors’ side could make a damage to the team balance that have noticed good run even without them. Also, home ground and the fact the both sides wouldn’t be unhappy with undecided outcome force me to cover a draw instead going on clear away win. Dnb is arround 2.20, even +0.25 on Cardiff is well paid.

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One more later.

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Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Striker Henri Camara, available on a free transfer after leaving Wigan Athletic, is lining up a transfer to Hull City. (Sky Sports) 
Blackburn are closing in on Nantes midfielder Aurelien Capoue with the 27-year-old midfielder set to seal a loan move. (L'Equipe)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are set to turn their sights towards West Ham centre-half Matthew Upson after having two bids for Everton defender Joleon Lescott rejected. (The Guardian) 
Barcelona are preparing a variety of tactics in an attempt to capture Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with a fund of at least £25m and a number of fringe players set to be offered. (The Times) 
Mark Viduka's move to Portsmouth is in doubt, with the threat of administration still hovering over the Premier League club. The striker currently has no club after being released by Newcastle.(Various) 
Aston Villa's PFA Young Player of the Year Ashley Young is unlikely to be released, says Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who has been linked to the England winger. (Press Association) 
Liverpool are considering a move for Stoke's 21-year-old centre-half Ryan Shawcross (on photo).(Daily Mail) 
Derby County are on the verge of signing 19-year-old Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore on loan. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

David Beckham has received a heap of praise from Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan after the 2-1 win at New England in Major League Soccer. The American striker, who recently questioned Beckham's commitment following the England midfielder's loan spell at AC Milan, said: "David's been great since he's been back, in every way."(The Sun)
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