Arsenal improved their performance in the last couple of weeks and now we can talk about not so bad season for them. Fabregas and Adebayor are finally recovered and with them on the pitch, squad looks much stronger. Gunners secured 4th place in Premier. They beat Wigan Athletic, 4-1 on the road and that was the fifth straight league win. They qualified in FA Cup semi-final and tonight have a chance to do the same in Champions League. They fought the draw in the first game on El Madrigal thankfully to magnificent strike by Emanuel Adebayor and tonight have to finish the job. Despite some injury problems (Gallas, Clichy, Djourou and Almunia won't play), Wenger's boys are the clear favorites and wait the game full of confidence.
Spanish side traditionally plays very well in Europe. In the first game, even without maybe the best player Santi Cazorla, made a lots of problems for Arsenal and minimal win wouldn't be undeserved. They play not so good, recently. Just one win in last five competitive games (Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home). Last round's defeat at home against Malaga 0-2 wasn't good introduction for tonight's game. But the biggest problem is missing second best player, Marcos Senna who injured against Malaga. So, two very important midfield player are out. Cani and Mati Fernandez have also some injury problem and their appearance is under the question mark.
I don't think Villarreal can resist on Emirates and expect the confirmation of Arsenal's excellent run of results. Home win is about 1.55. But, the stake is the semi-final and it's hard to believe home side will keep the minimal lead. Expekt offers 2.35 for handicap and that's my choice. Home handicap win!
Porto-Man.Utd.
Can Porto make a wonder? I don't care too much, but care about their brave performance. They attacked United at Old Trafford(!) and tonight have a chance to fill their dreams. I don't have a single reason to suspect their intention to attack, again. But, on the other half of pitch will be Man.Utd., rested, fully recovered (perhaps with Rio and Berbatov, too) and thirsty for blood. Beside I can't wait the start of game, my only logic conclusion is three or more goals. 888 offers 2.00 and I accept. Over!
Sheffield United definitely overcame februar crisis. Five wins and two draws from last seven games. Boss Kevin Blackwell is the best manager of March, United caught Reading on the table. Six points behind Birmingham, maybe three after the game. In the last round, they eliminated Ipswich Town (2-0 at home) from play-off race. Home side was dominating entire game and with the goals by Greg Halford and Darius Henderson got an easy victory. It looked like lads played with half of strength. Seven points more than 7th Preston North End (and a game less), no pressure. Young midfielder John-Joe O'Toole have some knee problems, played just 15 minutes against Ipswich and he's under the question mark. No other worries for Blackwell, he's expected to name unchanged eleven.
