Premier League Betting

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Man Utd - Blackpool,

United at home have a fearful record of 17 wins of 18 games. Only failure was a draw vs. WBA when they conceded two funny goals after 2-0 (remember how much I was happy with my -2 bet at ht). However, Blackpool are not West Ham from few seasons ago and I cannot imagine any, for them positive scenario. Nice and easy home win. 3-0 correct result.

Bet: Man Utd -1
Odd: 1.84 Betsson
Stake: 8/10

Fulham - Arsenal

The Cottagers are in very good shape, Arsenal are in a free fall and can’t see a reason why that should change today. I feel these odds are set wrong and think there’s a value on backing home side. Have been thinking about the best bet and decided not to be greedy.

Bet: Fulham +0.25
Odd: 2.25 (Canbet)
Stake: 7/10

And two small gambles (out of the record).

1.Overs in all games (Man Utd, Spurs and Man City over 3). Last day, why not? It could pay me a holiday, odd is 838.43 at 188bet.

2.In case Arry didn’t joke about Europa League. Birmingham to win + Liverpool draw. Double at 22.75, also 188bet.

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Premier League betting - two picks

It's good reasoning as always, but quite frankly I'm lazy to type. 
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Liverpool - Tottenham
Bet: Liverpool -0.75
Odd: 1.95 Stan James
Stake: 8/10

Wigan - West Ham 
Bet: Wigan -0.5
Odd: 2.08 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10 
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West Ham - Liverpool

Ok, here me going on Liverpool once again.
No time for a deeper analyze, just a pick.
Odds on City are raising, maybe a bet later.

Bet: Liverpool -0.25
Odd: 1.85 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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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
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One more...
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Results and statistic update

Wigan - Stoke 2-2 DRAW
Leeds - Crystal Palace 2-1 WON
Sunderland - West Ham 1-0 LOST
Liverpool - Aston Villa 3-0 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Liverpool - Aston Villa

I think Liverpool are in uptrend. They look better on the pitch, Hodgson’s vision should finally be applied and they should start climbing on the table. Four consecutive home wins, three in Premier and Napoli in EL. Despite the defeat, they looked good at White Hart Lane. Lucas and Meireles are compensating Stevie G’s absence very well. Key players were rested from a trip to Romania and only change will be Kyrgiakos who should start instead Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool were one of my favourite clubs, until Houllier became a manager. The ugliest football I had ever seen. Kicking the long balls, Heskey tries to make a header to young Owen and his runs. And these three moves all the game. Simply, I started to be happy whenever Houllier lost the game with this degradation. However, I assume he’ll try to make from Villa something like that. Defensive formation with fast wingers and tall strikers. And that L’pool took bunch of trophies during his era. He’ll also miss his key man, Ashley Young. Agbonlahor and Carew are far shape from previous season. Defence line looks extremely shaky nowadays, since they lost three in a row and conceded at least twice in last five! Villa have the worst league record against top five clubs and have just one win at Anfield from last 17 encounters.

Even without Gerrard (I don’t think Carragher is so big loss), Liverpool should be enough for this Villa. With three points, home side would climb to 8th place and then could start thinking about chasing CL spot. No big philosophy, home win here is a pure logic for me.

Bet: Liverpool -1ah
Odd: 1.95 Betsson
Stake: 8/10

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Blackpool – WBA

Despite they’re the poorest side in Premier and were tipped to be stuck for the bottom at the end of the season without too much points on the balance, Blackpool have noticed a decent start in the top crew. They have combat spirit and don’t respect anyone. They attacked Liverpool at Enfield and won (maybe never worse, but still it’s Liverpool), but on the other hand they have probably worst defense in  Premier. They simply can’t hold the things tight, if they don’t score will concede soon. Just on Man Utd’s games were seen more goals, they went over 2.5 in 7 of their 9 league games (two were 2-0) and all of their last 4 mutual games. Skipper and key player, Charlie Adam, is in a doubt for the game.

If the Seasiders are noticing a decent start, WBA are doing a dream one. They have 15 points and sounds unreal they’re two points far from Champions League! The characteristic that also applies to them is they’re playing without too much respect. The Baggies defeated Man City, Arsenal away, came from two behind at Old Trafford and don’t have a single defeat in last 8 competitive games! Striker Odemwingie and midfielder Morrison are in doubt, while duo Marc-Antoine Fortune and Jonas Olsson are back in contention. WBA have won their last four league games against Blackpool, scoring a total of 11 goals.

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I’m sure both sides fancy their chances tonight. Blackpool want to turn the corner (if that is possible however) after four defeats in last five games. WBA are on fire and will try to keep their recent run. Both sides carry an attacking style of play, won’t show too much respect (as usual) and I don’t think there’s a chance to cancel each other and play a boring game. Goals are very likely.

Bet: Over 3.0
Odd: 2.26 Canbet
Stake: 8/10

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Birmingham – Wigan

Birmingham made a decent start of the season with home win against Blackburn and staying undefeated vs. Liverpool as well as in two away games (Sunderland and Bolton). Then came a tragedy for them expressed in derby defeat against WBA 1-3. Team reacted positively and defeated MK Dons in a Cup game. Brum are very good at their St Andrew’s and if they don’t lose today it will be one year without a home defeat! They brought on loan Alexander Hleb from Barca and he should make a great impact on the right flank. Birmingham are in second, usually very dangerous, season in the top crew and avoiding relegation is main objective. To reach that, they must win the games like Wigan at home. James McFadden is injured.

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After just five rounds passed, Wigan already announced their candidacy for moving down to Championship. One very lucky victory (over Spurs on the road, 1-0), one draw (Sunderland at home, 1-1) and three defeats with shocking goal difference 2-13! Wigan have only won one of their last eight Premier games and before Spurs, they had noticed six consecutive defeats on the road. In the previous round, Man City took all 3 points from DW Stadium with Wigan had not a single attempt on a target. They look very bad and I think manager Roberto Martínez is close to face the exit door. Only light in the dark is N’Zogbia’s recent shape, but it cannot be enough to push the whole team. Captain defender, Gary Caldwell, is still sidelined as well as midfielder Cleverley. 

 

It’s a big difference in quality, here. Birmingham will play for the fans as it is first game after WBA and this should be their “best shot” (or very near to that). I’m aware the most of their wins are with a goal margin, but here expect something more.

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Bet: Birmingham -0.75
Odd: 2.12  188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Sunday's result and statistic update

Something is very disturbing in Liverpool's play. Disappointing. 

They were robbed for an obvious penalty, but probably didn't deserve it.

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Liverpool - WBA  1-0  1/2 LOSS

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Statistic:

Profit: 25.36

Yield: +22.15%

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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.

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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.

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Bet: Liverpool -1.25ah 

Odd: 1.76 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Bayern - Inter

Bayern will have 2 big threats, Robben and Olic. Few good games including elimination of Sir Alex's men,but my impression is they progressed to final with a slight touch of luck.

Few years ago I said that Inter will win CL at same year when Liverpool win Premier. Which means never. But, Mourinho created Chelsea in Italy and eliminations of Barca and mentioned Chelsea make of them favorites tonight in my opinion. And simply can’t imagine Mourinho loses at his future home. No way.

Have been thinking about -0.25, but decided to take a big odd. Inter to win, best offer is at Eurobet 2.50. Milito will score. Correct result 1-0,2-0.

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EL thoughts

Fulham should be favorite in the first fixture. Zamora isn’t fit, but will play. Great home record in Europe, one draw (Shakthar) and all other wins. This is the most important game in their lives.
Hamburger sacked Labadia, players definitely feel better. Decent German team with some very good players, Petric, Berg, Jansen, ZeRoberto, van Nistelroy.
The problem is final game is in Hamburg. Last season old farts from FIFA and UEFA were saying the interest of football is Barcelona to play in CL final (???!!!). So, this season interest of football (read: tv rights, advertising, bigger attendance, lack of Englishmen in town…) could be Hamburg to play at home. So would like to see Fulham in the final, but my vote goes for German side.

Liverpool - Atletico M. To be honest, have no idea about this one. Liverpool should progress, all season is in this game. But it could be the end of one (Rafa’s) era as well. Vote for Liverpool.

No bets, I’ve been just wasting my money lately.

P.s.: It was offside, right?

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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

Atletico Madrid will take a slender Europa League semi-final first-leg advantage to Anfield next week thanks to a ninth-minute strike from former Manchester United front man Diego Forlan.
In truth, however, the hosts will be regretting several opportunities they missed to add to their advantage. 
Liverpool, perhaps tired after their gruelling journey by land across Europe, will be grateful that they will not have to recover from a two or three-goal deficit following a poor game only redeemed by two good saves by goalkeeper Pepe Reina. 
Both sides went into the match missing key strikers and opted for a lone man up front with Atletico's Argentine international Kun Aguero suspended while injury denied Liverpool's Fernando Torres the chance to play against his former club. 
Atletico initially seemed to suffer the least from the absence of one of their key players. 
The Spanish side decided to test their visitors from the whistle and it quickly became apparent that the Liverpool back four were not sure how to deal with ex-Arsenal man Jose Antonio Reyes and Simao operating down the wings, with Jose Manuel Jurado playing just behind Forlan. 
Just nine minutes into the game, Jurado floated a cross to Forlan's head but, despite hardly making any contact, the Uruguayan international got a second chance when the ball fell to his feet and he poked it past Reina. 
The Liverpool defence recovered from the initial shock and gradually started to pick up their men but little creatively was coming out of the midfield with captain Steven Gerrard having another indifferent game.
They were, however, unfortunate not to level when Yossi Benayoun beat Atletico goalkeeper David de Dea - but his effort was wrongly ruled out for offside. 
But both sides were failed to make the best of their first-half free-kicks and corners with each team guilty of poor passing from set pieces as well as when going forward. 
Finally, Liverpool started to come into the game with 10 minutes to go before half-time with, for the first time, Dirk Kuyt starting to find his range from out on the right flank. 
However, Atletico almost went two in front four minutes before the break when their Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi stripped Daniel Agger of the ball on the right side of the box and skipped past two weak challenges before, trying ambitiously to score from a narrow angle, putting the ball into the side of the net. 
Atletico had another good chance just before the hour but a great save from Reina denied Simao, whose thunderous volley from an Ujfalusi cross looked on its way into the top corner. 
Despite Benitez swapping the ineffective David Ngog for Netherlands winger Ryan Babel after 63 minutes, the Dutchman fared little better with the chances he was offered, squandering an excellent opportunity in front of goal four minutes after getting on the pitch. 
The impressive Ujfalusi had another good effort with a rasping left foot shot 15 minutes from the end but Reina again showed why he is almost certainly going to be in Spain's World Cup squad, despite the plethora of options available to Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque. 
The final minutes saw Liverpool - who have became the first English club to play in 16 European semi-finals - becoming increasingly desperate. 
And Atletico responded with some crude challenges which saw Valera get a late yellow card.
www.bbc.co.uk

Europa League

I don't have too much inspiration to write reasoning (sorry). So, just a pick:

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Atletico Madrid - Liverpool, 2 DNB @ 2.19 188bet

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Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took another huge blow as they failed to break down resolute Fulham despite dominating possession.
Alberto Aquilani's early overhead kick was easily collected by Mark Schwarzer. 
And the Australian continued to thwart Liverpool and Aquilani, saving his 20-yard curling effort and watching the Italian's left-footed drive fly wide. 
Schwarzer was again equal to Ryan Babel's fierce strike as Fulham defended deep and frustrated Liverpool. 
This game could have been a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final in Hamburg - if Liverpool and Fulham are able to overcome their respective semi-final opponents.
But if that is the case, the neutral will hope for a far less one-sided affair - as Liverpool attacked relentlessly but lacked the necessary guile to open the scoring. 
Rafael Benitez's Liverpool side will take on Atletico Madrid after overcoming Benfica 4-1 at Anfield to win 5-3 on aggregate, while Fulham won 1-0 at German champions Wolfsburg for a 3-1 aggregate victory and will face Hamburg in their last-four encounter. 
But, there were no signs that Liverpool were feeling the effects of their exertions in the week as they started brightly with chances falling to David Ngog, Maxi Rodriguez and Aquilani. 
The home side had received an attacking blow prior to kick-off when talismanic 22-goal striker Fernando Torres was ruled out with a knee injury.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"I am a little bit disappointed, normally when you control the game and have chances you can score. We know the fourth position is a little bit far away. 
"They were deep, they were well organised and we had to score. We had one or two chances, their keeper was good, but it's not easy to find space when they have players behind the ball. 
"We needed to be patient and it was not easy to find the final pass in the final third. 
"I am disappointed because I feel that we had plenty of possession." 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"There is no doubt Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on to the back foot but at the same time we stood our corner very well and fought very hard. 
"We stopped them getting clear-cut chances and it was really when we just lost Daniel Agger for a corner at the end that I was concerned the ball was going to go in the back of the net. 
"On the occasions when they got good strikes in Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. It is another excellent clean sheet. 
"I have got to be very satisfied with what the team has done because Liverpool are a very difficult team to take points off home or away."
www.bbc.co.uk

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.

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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.

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Europa League - Reports

Liverpool 4 - 1 Benfica (agg 5 - 3)

Fernando Torres scored twice to help Liverpool overpower Benfica at Anfield and set up an Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.
The Reds levelled the tie on aggregate when Dirk Kuyt met Steven Gerrard's corner and his header was allowed to stand after initially being ruled out. 
Lucas ran clear to make it 2-0 before Torres added a third on the break. 
Oscar Cardozo's drilled free-kick gave Benfica hope but Torres made sure of victory late on with a cool finish. 
The Spanish striker can look forward to returning to his former club Atletico in the last four after keeping alive Liverpool's last hope of silverware this season but, in the meantime, his side will resume their bid to secure fourth place in the Premier League with added confidence after an impressive display. 
Torres's eventual contribution more than justified Rafael Benitez's decision to replace him during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham to rest a knee injury, but initially he appeared to be struggling against the Portuguese champions and was in some discomfort.
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Wolfsburg 0 - 1 Fulham (agg 1 - 3)

Fulham produced a superb second-leg display to beat German champions Wolfsburg and seal their place in the Europa League semi-finals.
The Cottagers took 21 seconds to make amends for Wolfsburg's late goal in the first leg as Bobby Zamora neatly turned Jan Simunek and slotted his side ahead. 
Grafite saw a shot blocked on the line as the home side pressed late on but Fulham held out for a deserved win. 
They now face Hamburg in what is their first ever European semi-final. 
The success continues a sensational second European campaign for Fulham, who had eliminated defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk and favourites Juventus in the previous two rounds.
It is a fitting reward for an extremely determined and intelligent performance from the London side, who struck with their first attack and then frustrated their talented opponents. 
Wolfsburg came into the game full of confidence following Alexander Madlung's late header in the first leg, which had given them a priceless away goal and a strong foothold in the tie. 
Fulham were punished for a poor final 10 minutes at Craven Cottage last Thursday but it took them all of 21 seconds in the Volkswagen Arena to rectify the previous week's last-ditch lapse in concentration as Zamora gave them the lead straight from the kick-off. 
The in-form striker, who passed a fitness test before the game on an Achilles injury, collected a pass inside the area from fellow forward Zoltan Gera and stylishly set up a cool, side-foot finish past home keeper Diego Benaglio for his sixth Europa League goal of the season and 19th in total.
www.bbc.co.uk

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

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea rejected Wigan last year because his dream move would be joining Manchester United.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth are trying to sell Nadir Belhadj to Russian side CSKA Moscow for £4m - but about £1m is owed to his former club Lens, who want the amount settled in full. (Daily Mirror) 
Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has been told by his French club Monaco to forget about making his loan move to Tottenham permanent. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has stepped up the chase for 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham want former England manager Steve McClaren, who is currently in charge of Dutch side Twente Enschede and on the verge of winning the title, to be their new boss next season - but need Gianfranco Zola to keep them in the Premier League first. (Daily Mirror) 
Current England boss Fabio Capello has tipped Aston Villa midfielder James Milner to be his surprise package at this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are confident captain Cesc Fabregas will be fit to face his former club Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates on Wednesday.(The Independent) 
Meanwhile, self-confessed Arsenal fan Thierry Henry says he is feeling emotional about his return to north London as a Barca player.(Daily Express) 
Iain Dowie could get the Hull manager's job permanently, even if the Tigers are relegated this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson loves playing against the best teams in the Champions League and declared: "We've got our cake and we're eating it."(Daily Mail) 
Landing Sven-Goran Eriksson as the new Ivory Coast manager is a dream come true, according to the Elephants' Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, an England Under-21 regular, could switch to the Nigeria national side so he can play in the World Cup.(Daily Mail) 
Barry Ferguson is set to head a delegation of Birmingham players for a crunch meeting with the club's new owners over improved contracts.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Referee Mike Dean, who awarded Blackburn a controversial penalty in their 1-0 win at rivals Burnley on Sunday, will take charge of Saturday's crunch match in the Premier League between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford.(Daily Mail)

www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Aston Villa are considering a move for Manchester United's reserve Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. (Daily Mail) 
Reports in Italy claim Juventus would be prepared to let goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sign for Manchester City for a fee in the region of £32m. (The Times) 
France winger Franck Ribery remains coy over his future at Bayern Munich amid continued interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ribery's current contract expires at the end of the season, but German side Bayern have given him until the end of March to decide his plans.(IM Scouting) 
French striker Frederic Piquionne wants to remain in England after his loan spell at Portsmouth finishes at the end of the season. The 31-year-old looks set to leave cash-strapped Pompey but does not want to return to his parent club Lyon. (IM Scouting) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Rafael Benitez would earn an instant £16m payment if Liverpool sacked the under-pressure manager in the summer because of a clause in the Spaniard's five-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
But should the Anfield club accept an investment offer of £100m from private equity firm Rhone Group, the Reds could afford to hang on to their coveted stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. (Daily Mail)
However, Benitez fears that striker Torres will seek to leave Anfield if Liverpool fail to finish fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League.(The Guardian) 
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho is claiming 'home advantage' ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg tie at former club Chelsea. Mourinho, who led the Blues to six trophies in three years, said: "Everybody knows Mourinho doesn't lose at Stamford Bridge. My record is unbeatable." (The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Mourinho has refused to let his Inter players train at Stamford Bridge, fearing Chelsea spies may attempt to learn his tactical plans. The Italian side hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg.(Daily Star) 
Kasper Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United legend Peter, is good enough to play in the Premier League again, according to the keeper's Notts County manager Steve Cotterill. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Hull manager Phil Brown has been ordered not to talk to his teenage midfielder Tom Cairney. Brown has received a letter from the 19-year-old's legal representatives after the club tried to open contract negotiations.(The Sun)

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