Showing posts with label Stoke City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stoke City. Show all posts

Wigan - Stoke

Not too much time for analyze here, as the odds are in a serious drop.
Btw. previous bet was a draw.

Wigan –Stoke City

Two opposite trends here and serious difference in quality. Wigan (although undefeated in last four at home) have been producing poor performances that resulted with three consecutive defeats. They’re also clashed with injuries. Beside they’re lowest scorers in Premier (total of 11 goals), they’ll be without Rodallega and Moses with Di Franco rated 50-50.
Stoke are undefeated in last four games (three wins), where their draw against Man City was especially impressing. They invested lot during the summer, ambitions are high and I expect more from them.
I give a significant advantage to Stoke, but no way I can exclude a possibility of a draw. So, dnb option for me.

Bet: Stoke 0.0
Odd: 1.81 Tipico
Stake: 9/10


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Stoke City – Blackburn Rovers

Stoke are a decent home side and despite not so good results lately (only 2 wins at home of last 10 games), they’ve been playing good and I expect better results. Against Spurs (1-2) were unlucky, as well as against West Ham (1-1). They’re creating plenty of chances (Stoke have hit the woodwork 8 times, more than any other team), but lacking in goals. Club made some serious investments in new players (Jones, Pennant and signing Gudjohnsen should be right move considering his aerial abilities) and I’m sure they will be improving.  They won at Newcastle 2-1 in last round and that should be additional moral boost.  Andy Wilkinson and mentioned Pennant are doubts, while Fuller’s injury is not as bad as it looked and he’ll be in the squad.



Rovers have noticed a good start of the campaign, but oppositely from the hosts they were lucky in few occasions that allowed them to sit in the middle of the table. God knows how they resisted against City (1-1 away) and they deserved a defeat at Blackpool but scored in additional time for a win. However, fact is Blackburn under Big Sam are very poor traveler. In previous season they won just 3 times on the road and in one before that 4 times. Majority of their points are collected at home, while away play without a pressure, keep 0-0 and try to use their most dangerous weapon – set pieces. Striker Roberts and midfielder Andrews should be fit for the game, but key man Dunn and Grella are still sidelined.
                                                                                     


Both sides carry old fashioned English football with lots of fight in the air and this won’t be pretty game to watch. However, I can see bigger desire for a win at Stoke and a decent amount of unused potential. Expect a tight game and 1-0 home win.

Bet: Stoke -0.25
Odd: 2.00 bet365
Stake: 8/10


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Tottenham - Bolton

This is a repeating match and winner will face Fulham on the road in the next round. In the first game, Spurs were better rival and unlucky stayed empty handed. In the Premier, they’re in the race for the 4th place, but with the lack of the names in FA Cup Redknapp may see a chance for winning the trophy. At first game as it’s expected for tonight Redknapp rotated the squad, but the fact is those fringe players are actually very good. And in games against physically based teams (as Bolton surely are) they have obvious technical advantage. Tottenham will be without defender Ledley King because of a thigh injury. Arry’s key, Aaron Lennon also misses out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin problem, while Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker are cup-tied. Roman Pavlyuchenko came from the bench and scored twice in last round vs. Wigan and he’s expected to start the game. Gudjohnsen will also get a chance, but more likely in the second half. 

Bolton are facing the tough times trying to avoid relegation. They’re first under the line, with one point less than 17th Hull City. In the previous round, they suffered a hard defeat on the road vs. Blackburn 0-3, while at Saturday (Tottenham will play their game at Sunday) will face Wolves in six points game. Boss Owen Coyle has already stated he’ll rotate the squad and rest some players. However, I don’t expect too much missings and see his talks more like a psychological game. But, real problem for Coyle is Wanderers scored just one goal in last six competitive games (against Spurs in first game)! On-loan midfielder Weiss and Wilshere are cup-tied, while Steinsson (def), Basham (def) and Davies (mid) are injured. Wanderers are without a win in 11 competitive games on the road. 

Tottenham have very good record in FA Cup and they’re very strong at home. Only big name they can face in the next rounds is Chelsea (or Man.City) and they really have a chance to win a trophy. On the other hand Bolton will defend and wait their chance in counter-attack or set-pieces, but true is they’ll be competitive only until first conceded goal. Home win with -1.5 handicap.

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Stoke - Man.City Considering City's psychology, this game definitelly looks like betting on red/black on roulette. Will avoid it.

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WBA - Reading Won't underestimate Reading and will follow their high scoring trend. Over 2.5


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Portsmouth - Stoke City

Pompey noticed the worst start in English league competition ever. Considering their performances, I think it’s fair to be said they’re unlucky to not have more points on their balance. Birmingham scored last minute penalty against them, Bolton scored last minute winner, losing six of the eight games they have lost by the single goal margin. They have two positive results in last three games, both on the road Wolverhampton 1-0 and Hull City 0-0. In the previous Cup rounds, they defeated lower division teams Hereford United (4-1 at home) and Carlisle United (3-1 away). For them cup games are the way to satisfy fans and boost the team morale. Beside cup tied Boateng, Smith, Williamson and O'Hara, all others are available and will be presented tonight.

While in Premier League Stoke play over their real capabilities, Cup competition are usually using for the resting the key players. In the previous round, they passed Championship side Blackpool 4-3 (big come back after 1-3) and in round before only managed to sneak past Orient after extra time. Also, record in the league cup is more than poor. They were knocked out by Derby last year. Rochdale the year before. Darlington the year before that, and Mansfield the previous year. League Cup definitely don’t seem as their priority. For tonight’s game, Toni Pulis, announced that he intends to rest some (no less than nine) players and even in some interview warned Stoke fans who travel to Portsmouth not to expect anything near a full strength team out tonight.

Maybe sounds little weird, but Pompey are the favorites here. With every interview, odds have been decreasing from starting 2.40 to recent 2.07 (Pinnacle), but still worth of a bet. Home win.

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Tottenham Hot. - Stoke City

After nine rounds left, Tottenham hold the third place and after many years seem as a serious contender to break top-four of English football end earn a Champions League spot. With “’Arry” in charge, team finally looks more than competitive. Only two failures came after the clashes against probably the best league clubs Man.Utd.(1-3 at home) and Chelsea (0-3 on the road) and those are the only two games where Spurs didn’t score at least twice! Also, they look in a great shape recently, with three wins (Preston North End 5-1, Burnley 5-0 and Portsmouth 2-1) and a draw (Bolton Wanderers 2-2) in last four competitive games. Main story in English press is missing of excellent Jermaine Defoe who got a red card against Pompey. In my opinion it won’t be such a big lose, ‘cause his replacement Peter Crouch could be more useful against the team who will defend with 10 players, which Stoke surely plan to perform. Jonathan Woodgate played in a midweek friendly against Dag&Red and could make his first-team comeback this weekend, while Modric stays absent with a broken leg. 

Stoke have been noticing their dream start of the recent campaign. And while their tough performance at Britannia Stadium were expected, their recent good run on the road with three undefeated encounters (all three draws, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Everton) looks a little bit surprising. They play tactically almost perfect with strong defense displays (Huth, Shawcross, Collins and Faye back), waiting a chance from some set piece or counter attack. However, those chances haven’t come too often, Potters have some problems to score on the road and they also don’t have an away win so far. Considering statistics as well, they’ll have to wait more for it, as Stoke have only beaten Tottenham once in 29 attempts at White Hart Lane - a 2-0 win in 1975. They’ll have a chance to take something from this match as far as they manage to keep the clean sheet. Missing of key defender, Robert Huth, who has been banned for three matches for punching West Ham defender Matthew Upson, surely won’t help. Irish Glenn Whelan should return, but fellow midfielder Liam Lawrence is doubtful after missing training with a virus.

Tottenham possess more than decent quality, big spendings finally started to produce some results on the field, team looks in a great shape and they’re clear favorites here. Stoke have decent run of results, but the problem is they play over their real capabilities. Drop in form is unavoidable and I think it starts at White Hart Lane. My pick is home win with -1 handicap, bet365 offer 1.75.

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Stoke City - Sunderland

After three rounds in Premier, Stoke already showed they’re capable to secure their status in Premier. Opening win at home (3-0) against new-comers Burnley got the real weight after Burnley defeated Man.Utd. and Everton. Then heavy 0-4 defeat at Enfield (that surely didn’t discourage them) and first point on the road against Birmingham (0-0). So, key of the success is the same like in previous season, winnings at home and grabbing as much points away as it is possible. Last season, only Everton, Chelsea, Man.Utd. and West Ham took all three points from Britannia Stadium (Stoke collected 35 of their 45 points at home). Club’s management is very active in the finish of transfer window. Beside earlier signed Dean Whitehead (ex Sunderland midfielder), German international Robert Huth has completed his transfer to Stoke from Middlesbrough, with Tuncay expected to join him once personal terms are agreed. Also, Sunderland defender Danny Collins is in talks over a potential move to the Potters. It seems the club is a little bit stronger than in previous season and we should expect at least the results at same level. Defender Ryan Shawcross will have a late fitness test, while James Beattie should be fit to play despite limping off against Birmingham with a knee injury. Boss Tony Pulis rested his keys in Cup against Leyton and all will be ready for the game.

The Black Cats have made their best start to a Premier League campaign. Two wins from three games give a faith the club can finish in top half of the table. It is the result of big investments in new players in past two years and the current squad under the lead of Steve Bruce seems very competitive, but surely will need some time to reach their limits. After opening win on the road against Bolton (1-0), Sunderland noticed a defeat at Stamford Bridge (1-3), but team didn’t disappoint with performance. In the last round team made, public judgment is, very lucky win (2-1) against Blackburn at home. During the mid-week, Bruce gave a chance to fringe players vs. Norwich, who used it on the right way and with 4-1 win on the road just additionally raised the confidence in the club. Fit-again goalie Craig Gordon could make his first league appearance since April, with first solution Marton Fulop nursing a heel injury. Mentioned defender Danny Collins, a transfer target for Stoke, is unlikely to be involved in this encounter. As Stoke, Sunderland usually put the better displays at their Stadium of Light than on the road. Last season noticed just three away wins from 19 games and I simply don’t believe they can take three points at Britannia, where btw. they have lost their last two visits.

Considering the players’ individual qualities, Sunderland have a clear advantage. But, Stoke have a home crowd behind, they traditionally notice good results there and visitors are still far from using their full potential. I think hosts will win, but just in case cover a draw with more than decent odd (about 1.74). So, dnb on  home side.

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Thursday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City will offer Chelsea captain John Terry £1m a month in wages in a final bid to land the defender.(Daily Mail) 
But Terry will snub a move to Eastlands and sign a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.(The Sun) 
Manchester City could add yet more fire power to their squad and are lining up an £18m swoop for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. (Daily Express)
AC Milan are poised to make a £10m bid for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to battle it out with Aston Villa for the signing of Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin. (Daily Mirror)
But Villa are preparing to improve their offer for the 31-year-old to £3m. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen is thinking over a move to West Ham. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham winger Julien Faubert is wanted by German side Schalke 04. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have made a £2m offer for Hull defender Sam Ricketts. (Daily Mirror)
Pompey manager Paul Hart is lining up a bid for Reading winger Steven Hunt. (The Sun) 
Turkish side Galatasaray are set to launch a bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Deco. (The Times)
Everton are keen on Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull boss Phil Brown is lining up a £7m double swoop for Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley and striker Ross McCormack. (Daily Mirror)
Brown will also look to sign Ecuadorian winger Fernando Guerrero from Independiente Della Valle. (Daily Mirror) 
Preston are in talks with midfielder Didi Hamann after he was recently released by Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
Striker Darius Vassell is set to secure a move to Turkish side Ankaragucu after also being released by Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is keen on signing Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh and is a lining up a £10m bid.(The Sun) 
The Black Cats are also interested in Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (Daily Telegraph) 
Stoke City are poised to sign Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead in a £2.5m move. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Argentina manager Diego Maradona is being lined up by Portsmouth for a sensational move to the Premier League. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has risked angering his former club by saying he hopes big-spending Manchester City push the Gunners out of the top four this season. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has likened playing for the club as being a member of 60s rock group The Beatles. (Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, the Glazer family, who own United, have denied claims that they have blocked Sir Alex Ferguson from spending the £80m Cristiano Ronaldo transfer fee because purse strings are being tightened at Old Trafford. (Daily Star)
www.bbc.co.uk

Stoke 2-0 Wigan


Goals from Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie gave Stoke a comfortable win which saw them move above Wigan and into 11th in the Premier League table.
The match only sprang into life in the 69th minute when Fuller's persistence saw him evade three defenders and fire past Latics goalkeeper Richard Kingson. 
Beattie sealed victory soon after when he headed in Matt Etherington's cross. 
Wigan, without a win in seven games, struggled to respond and Fuller almost headed home a third goal late on. 
The home side's solid performance underlined the progress they have made in their first year in the Premier League.
With the Potters' safety already guaranteed, their 10th league win of the season at the Britannia Stadium means they approach their final game of the campaign Arsenal next week with a chance of securing a top-half finish. 
Wigan will end the season with much less optimism, and the inability to score that is the root of their problems was again apparent here.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:

"We are absolutely delighted to have won here for the supporters, who have been fantastic.

Stoke: Sorensen, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort (Pugh 46), Wilkinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington (Diao 76), Beattie (Cresswell 86), Fuller.

Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Kelly, Tonge.

Goals: Fuller 69, Beattie 76. 

Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa (Edman 81), Scharner, Cho (Watson 58), Brown (Mido 73), Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Rodallega. 
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Koumas, De Ridder, McManaman. 

Att: 25,641 
Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Stoke City – Wigan Athletic



This will be the game between two clubs from middle of the table, with the same number of points. Potters were moved into Championship, even before the season start. Team without a leader and the big names was declared as luck in quality. But, with fighting attitude and frenetic crowd at their Brittania Stadium, they made solid record and Saturday's 2-1 win at Hull guaranteed that they would retain their place in the Premier League next year. Stoke has a strong and very well organized defense line and they’re very dangerous from set-plays (who said Delap?). They have just one defeat from last eight home games(West Ham United, 0-1). And very interesting data is, Stoke didn’t lost at home from a bottom-half club. Their four home losses have been against Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham. Now, they’ll play without a pressure, just for fans. Tony Pulis has all team available, except on-loan striker Henri Camara, who is ineligible to face his parent club. Full-back Andy Wilkinson is likely to be involved, after having sugar injections (hm…what?) as a remedy for a slight back strain. Excellent performances at home ground set Potters as the favorites, today. 

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Wigan is finishing a very good season. Steve Bruce did an excellent job at the club who was at one moment (at the end of previous year), even contender for European competition, next year. Then club’s management sold Heskey and Palacios, clearly announced avoiding relegation as a main season objective. Bruce had a lots of problems with motivating his players in the previous weeks. But in the last game, against Manchester United at home, lads responded well. Wigan took a lead, but first Tevez and five minutes before the end Michael Carrick scored and left Wigan empty handed. Now, additional problem for Bruce is how to rest players for just three days. It is clear, visitors are in a bad shape with five defeats from last six competitive games and a draw (Bolton, at home 0-0), three away defeats in a row. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed the United match because of a back injury and Richard Kingson is set to deputise for him again. Prince of Egypt, Amr Zaki is in doubt, while the rest of crew is available.

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This game won’t decide too much. Both clubs will stay where they are. For home side this game is enjoy, for visitors one less before summer holiday. Hosts are in excellent mood, visitors feel tired and indifferent. I expect another home win, with a storming from the crowd. Pinnacle offers 2.31, 888sport 2.25. Home win.

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Hull City 1-2 Stoke


Stoke secured their Premier League status courtesy of a win that increased Hull's own relegation worries. 
Ricardo Fuller swivelled and shot Stoke ahead after a Liam Lawrence corner had ricocheted into his path. 
Kevin Kilbane had a shot palmed round the post for Hull, who were rescued by the woodwork when Glenn Whelan's shot struck the angle of the goal. 
But Lawrence powered in a 25-yarder to confirm Stoke's win, even though Hull's Andy Dawson scored a late free-kick. 
Stoke can celebrate an impressive achievement considering their resources and a season in which they started as one of the favourites for relegation. 
Hull were grouped with them as strong contenders to go straight back down to the Championship after promotion - a seemingly unlikely prospect after their promising start to the season.

But one win in 19 Premier League games has seen the Tigers slide down the table and, although they have managed to stay out of the clutches of the bottom three all season, their form suggests that may not be the case for much longer.

Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte (Geovanni 67), Dawson, Garcia (Mendy 60), Boateng, Kilbane, Barmby, Fagan, Cousin (Manucho 60).
Subs Not Used: Duke, Hughes, Halmosi, Marney. 
Goals: Dawson 90. 

Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington (Pugh 85), Beattie (Cresswell 78), Fuller (Kelly 90).
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Camara, Sonko. 
Booked: Etherington. 
Goals: Fuller 41, Lawrence 73. 

Att: 24,932 
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Hull City - Stoke City



From the potential biggest surprise in Premier, Hull City became a serious contender for relegation. Four defeats in a row, just one point from last six games and a single win from last 19 games! They hold 17th position with three points more than dangerous zone. At Villa Park they displayed a very good performance, but lost 1-0 at the end. Team morale is on very low level, team mates Geovanni and Cousin even made an arguing during the half-time. It seems this is the last chance. In the rest two rounds, Hull will face Bolton on the road and host Man.Utd.. Caleb Folan is suspended, while Bullard, Ashbee and Gardner are injured.

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Stoke practically secured their Premier League status. Eight points above the line, three rounds left. Very good performances at Britannia Stadium made them without a pressure at the season finish. On the road, they have just one win (and four draws) from 17 games. Two 0-1 defeats in a row, Fulham away and in the last round West Ham United at home. Today have a chance to finish the job and theoretically avoid relegation. Tony Pulis can not count on injured defenders Amdy Faye and Danny Higginbotham, while Danny Pugh returns in the squad.

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Hull City has no other way, than to attack from the first whistle. Surely, nobody wants to leave decision for the last round and Man.Utd.. Visitors like a tough game, that’s their way to compensate lack of quality during the whole season. I expect an open game from the start. And goals. Pinnacle offers very good 2.20. Over.

Charlton Athletic - Birmingham City



Addicks have no worries about the relegation battle, their fate is sealed, it's sure they'll drop into League One. But, without a pressure, they started to play very solid. First 1-1 at home against play-off contender Preston North End, than victory 3-2 on the road, against Saints. Beside three scored goals, Charlton had many goal opportunities, including missed penalty kick. Best on the pitch were youngest, Jonjo Shelvey, Therry Racon and Tresor Kandol. Club's management already announced they'll sell the best players (Zheng Zhi, Nicky Bailey, Andy Gray) on the summer market. Long time injured players are: defender Johnatan Fortune, midfielder Jose Semedo and striker Andy Gray, while key midfielder Daren Ambrose is in doubt.

Birmingham finally started to play in "premier league shape". They beat Wolves 2-0 at home, showing maybe the best performance this season. Cameron Jerome and Gary O'Connor used a nervous in Wolves defence line and scored for a fully deserved 10 men victory. But, derby victory will have a value just with three points today. Blades watch their own business and after yesterday's 1-0 against Reading, occupied (at least for a short time) second place. Situation in Birmingham about injured and suspended players seems better than in previous part of season. Defenders Jimi Traore and Stuart Parnaby, midfielder Kemy Agustien, striker Marcus Bent are all injured, while Lee Carsley is suspended after a brutal chalenge on Chris Iwelum and direct red card.

Home side will play for their pride, away for crew of the best. Young Charlton players finally got the chance to show what they know (and showing), maybe they can score today, but I don't think it'll be enough. The Blues performance is on the highest standards, so and confidence. Everything except their convincing victory would be a first class surprise. Pinnacle offers decent 2.13. Away win.

Nottingham Forest - Bristol City

The last chance for Forest. I think they can win, beside the injury problems (as always). Reds are facing decreasing motivation, after they practically lost the chances for play-off. I won't touch under, one goal from Bristol can push this game in big over. 2.50 at Expekt on home side looks more than acceptable. Home win.

Stoke City - Newcastle United

8000 fans watched the training after Chelsea defeat to show support. Shearer's side have nothing to loose. Will start with Martins, Owen, Duff and Gutierez. Stoke will be ready. 2.05 at 888  for goals is totally ok. Over.