Brentford – Hull City

Brentford started campaign in League One with one draw and two defeats in opening three rounds (good result vs. Swindon last weekend, 1-1 away). In the first round, they defeated League Two side, Cheltenham, 2-1 at home. The Bees don’t have so bright history in Carling Cup as they have not reached round three for 19 years. I think more important for them would be to keep the players fit than to try to boost self confidence tonight. However, striker Carl Cort and winger Sam Wood are injury doubts. Signing from Leicester, midfielder Nicky Adams, could have his debut.

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Hull relegated from Premier, but managed to keep majority of the team from previous season. However, thankfully to the decent amount of arrogance already faced a tough life in the second tier (Millwall 0-4). New signing is Slovenian international, Robert Koren, who already made his debut in last round. I expect him to play again, to get used with the new team mates. Also considering news from Hull camp, they should have a strong line-up. Striker, Craig Fagan, will have to wait for his debut as he has a groin problem. If they qualify, it will be for the 4th time in five seasons.

 

I’m well surprised with these odds on Hull. Big difference in quality should be enough for an away win.

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Bet: Hull -0.25ah

Odd: 2.04 188bet

Stake: 7/10

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Probably one more before kick-off.

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Sunday's World Cup round-up

Graham Taylor is convinced goalkeeper David James' terse responses to questions about Fabio Capello's selection policy were a clear indication that all is not well in the England camp.
Former England boss Taylor said: "I know David very well because we signed him as a young player at Watford many years ago. He is very articulate and he was giving us a message there, make no mistake. That was a message that all is not right."
Although he has vowed not to resign and has stood by some controversial team selections, under-fire Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen is facing media criticism following the Indomitable Lions' early exit from the World Cup. 

After it was suggested to the Frenchman that his tactics were to blame for defeats against Japan and Denmark, Le Guen simply replied: "I will not resign but you have given your opinion and I respect that. Either you trust me or you don't, but that's the way things are."

A top public university in Bangladesh has closed indefinitely after students clashed over whether to cancel classes in order to watch the World Cup. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology reportedly asked students to leave dormitories to calm the situation, after at least five people were injured in violent disturbances.

One group had demanded an early summer vacation so they could watch football on television without any tension. They asked other students not to attend classes or take tests and locked the university's main gate, prompting clashes with senior students who wanted classes to continue.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a fear of failure and the absolute necessity to get through the group stage has contributed to the poor performances of top European sides at the World Cup.
Wenger said: "The biggest teams who have the highest level of expectation cannot express that talent yet. One reason is caution, fear of failure, response to huge demands. These teams will just get through, most of them, then you will see them really play." 

Australia forward Harry Kewell is adamant he did not deserve to be sent off for handling the ball on the line during his team's 1-1 draw against Ghana.
Kewell told the Sydney Morning Herald: "Everyone that's seen it is saying: 'Fair enough, it's a penalty'. But was it deliberate? Of course not." And coach Pim Verbeek added: "What is he supposed to do, cut his arm off?"

Television viewing figures suggest the United States public have embraced the World Cup. Twice as many Americans are believed to have watched the first five games of the tournament compared with four years ago.

Slovenia's Robert Koren insists his side will not play for a draw against England on Wednesday, even though a point would be enough to take them through to the last 16 - probably at the expense of Fabio Capello's men.
Koren, whose club future is in doubt now his West Brom contract has expired, said: "We will do everything in our power against England. We will try to win."

www.bbc.co.uk