Bayern Munich 2-1 Man Utd

Ivica Olic grabbed an injury-time winner as Bayern Munich drew first blood in their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.
United had taken the lead after just 66 seconds when Wayne Rooney volleyed in six yards out from Nani's free-kick. 
But Franck Ribery's deflected free-kick set up a dramatic finale, rounded off by Olic's cool run and finish after a defensive error by Patrice Evra. 
United's misery was made complete when Rooney limped off with an ankle injury. 
And the England striker's injury could yet prove to be the major story of the night, with the 24-year-old apparently in severe pain after turning over on his ankle in the build-up to Bayern's winner. 
Either way, it was a poor night for United, who failed to build on Rooney's opener, allowing Bayern to take control of a tie now nicely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 7 April.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will comfort themselves in the knowledge that they have that away goal, but should Rooney be missing in a week's time it is clear United have plenty of work to do to combat a Bayern side who are likely to be buoyed by the return of key winger Arjen Robben after a calf problem.And while United must wait and see if he is fit to start the second leg or, indeed, Sunday's Premier League match with Chelsea, England coach Fabio Capello will also undoubtedly be interested in news on the severity of the frontman's injury.

www.bbc.co.uk

Bayern Munchen - Manchester United

Bayern  are approaching the finish of the season with hopes they can win the title and to progress as far as it is possible in CL. At Saturday will face Schalke in something like league final. In CL they turned the corner in Turin with a sensational win over Juve. But, after recent happenings in Italian club, I’m wondering in a real value of that achievement. In previous round, they knocked Fiorentina with two not so convincing performances. Boss van Gaal has serious problems with his key players. Robben (14 goals) suffered an injury at Saturday and was substituted. Many mind-games regarding his appearance, but I think we can’t expect his maximum anyway. Ribery has an ankle injury. He’ll surely appear, but I question his dedication to this game as he already “changed the club”, also he couldn’t be proud on his recent form. Key striker, Mario Gomez has just recovered from an injury and I don’t think he’s fully fit. And probably real key man, native Bavarian Schweinsteiger, is suspended. Wouldn’t write them off from tonight’s game, but those four are best players in my opinion.

 

As the season comes to end, United have been improving their performance and have noticed seven competitive wins in a row. With a return of Rio and Vidic got the iron in defence line and with Rooney in a sensational shape they can hope in a successful finish. As Bayern, they’ll also face main contender for domain title, Chelsea at Saturday. Sir Alex was gambling vs. Bolton, resting Ferdinand and Rooney and both are fit. No other injury concerns. United haven’t lost any of previous 16 away games in CL! Ferguson will probably set his favorite formation is such occasions, 4-5-1 and hope for another 1-0 win.

 

For me, visitors are clear favorites for progress. They’re technically and tactically better, in a better shape and have more self-confidence. I definitely can not fully exclude a probability of a scoring draw. Ferguson would be satisfied, I think. But on the other hand, I don’t think Bayern have a chance to win. Odds are not so high, but worth a shot. Dnb 2.

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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

Newcastle 2-0 Nottm Forest

Championship leaders Newcastle United could be promoted to the Premier League as early as the weekend after a hard-fought win over Nottingham Forest.
Should United beat Peterborough and Forest lose to Bristol City, the Magpies will bounce back into the top flight after one season away. 
They secured a 2-0 win over promotion rivals Forest after substitute Shola Ameobi scored in the 71st minute. 
Jose Enrique blasted the ball past Lee Camp for Newcastle's second late on.
Despite a goalless opening 70 minutes, this top-of-the-table clash proved a gripping encounter from start to finish, with Forest playing their part as they looked to bring their run of six away defeats to an end.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton:
"It's that close. We are where we are and we thoroughly deserve to be where we are and if [winning promotion] happens on Saturday, then no one will be more delighted than me.
"But the most important thing is we have to win first. 
"The nature of our business is you have to enjoy the wins and it will be a nice day tomorrow at the training ground. 
"I'm quite sure everybody will have a spring in their step. But we very quickly have to bring them back down to earth. 
"If we are able to take a spare chunk of what we had tonight into [Saturday's game at Peterborough] then we have got a good chance of coming away with a victory." 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies:
"I'm not admitting defeat, I am saying I think Newcastle United, in my opinion, will finish the job.
"We've got a challenge for second place that is very much still on the go."

www.bbc.co.uk

Newcastle United - Nottingham Forest

Nothing much to say about Newcastle. They’re far best team in Championship and will reach direct promotion. However, thankfully to away displays and numberless draws, their points’ advantage has been melted and they have just a single point more than WBA (have two games in hand though). They’re in the run of 9 games without a defeat, six consecutive wins at home, one was with 2 goals margin other with 3 or more. In total at home they have 15 wins and 4 draws and scary goal difference with 46 goals scored and just 9 conceded! Lovenkrands and Smith are returning, defenders Williamson and Hall as well. Newcastle have won three of their last four matches against Forest, scoring nine goals in the process and conceding only two.

 

Forest are third, they’re 9 points far from WBA and direct promotion and also have a game less. So, theoretically it could be 6 points. But while they’re shinning at home, they’re shape on the road is disgusting and should be a shame for one promotion chaser. Six defeats in a row, against the clubs from the bottom and middle of the table (Derby, Coventry, Doncaster, Leicester, Preston and Barnsley) and just 3 (three) goals scored in those 6! They’ll give their maximum against top side and maybe will try to get closer to 2^nd place but the sad true is they look clueless on the road and if start the game with more attacking attitude it would just make the job easier for the Toon. Defenders Perch and Lynch are in doubt and will face a late fitness test. Forest's win at home in October was their first league victory against Newcastle for 21 years.

 

Newcastle will reach the promotion, it’s out of question. But, they’ll surely try to secure first place for their pride and also haven’t forgotten a defeat on the road vs. Forest  (0-1). On the other hand, visitors should be satisfied with a play-off spot. More courage tonight would only mean more balls in the net. My bet is -0.75 ah at 1.95. 

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View on hm... negative weekend

Birmingham – Arsenal

"Brum have nothing to play for, but will try to give some importance to themselves in a title race. They won’t look tired. On the other hand, this is the highest importance for the Gunners. They definitely have potential to score few. Over 2.5 for me. bet365 offer 1.88, Pinnacle 1.83."

1-1 lost!

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Tottenham Hotspur - Portsmouth

"To make a good result at White Hart Lane, team should have very strong defensive abilities. Pompey currently don’t look even competitive. Defensive line with James on goal (made a sensational error vs. Chelsea) doesn’t promise anything more than another defeat with big margin. My bet is -2 ah. Pinnacle offer 2.11."

2-0 draw

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Bolton - Manchester United

"Utd have been doing hard all season to reach the top and I can’t imagine they lose the points against Bolton. However, they’ll try to keep some energy for Champions League game and won’t suggest any big handicap. Bet is Utd -1 ah. "

0-4 win!

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Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

"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."

0-1 lost!

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I'm dissapointed with Gunners, but really shocked with Sheff Utd. It was, actually my main pick of the weekend. I didn't have time to post here (posted only at SoccerVista)  a gamble Blackburn 2-2 ht/ft, but at the end a negative weekend and worst week in 2010.

With a waiting for better days, more will follow.

Good luck to all.

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham could extend striker Eidur Gudjohnsen's loan for a further 12 months. The Monaco player has scored two goals in his last three appearances and impressed in top scorer Jermain Defoe's absence.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are considering a move for 24-year-old Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is valued by the Bundesliga club at about £10m. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton, Birmingham and Preston are keeping tabs on Manchester United's England Under-21 international Tom Cleverley, currently on loan at Watford.(Daily Mail) 
Defender Liam Ridgewell will look to leave St Andrew's unless Blues stump up a new four-year, £20,000-a-week deal for the in-form 25-year-old.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull misfit Geovanni is in talks with Greek side AEK Athens as the Brazilian hopes to leave the KC Stadium, where his £25,000-a-week wages are set to be cut by 40%. (Daily Mail) 
And Geovanni's team-mate, midfielder Jimmy Bullard, will be top of Newcastle's shopping list if the Magpies secure promotion to the Premier League. Bullard, 30, has only started eight games since a £5m move 14 months ago but scored in Saturday's win against his former club Fulham.(The Sun) 
Derby County manager Nigel Clough is chasing Den Haag midfielder Danny Buijs.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Roy Keane will be sacked as Ipswich manager this week, although he could make a quick return to work, with Celtic considering making him Tony Mowbray's successor.(The Guardian) 
But West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will remain in his post at least until the end of the season, despite a six-game losing streak that has left the Hammers only a point above the relegation zone. The Italian, who said he would consider his future in the wake of Saturday's loss to Stoke, has the backing of senior players.(The Times) 
Or, Zola will not return to the club after taking flight to Sardinia following Saturday's home loss.(The Independent) 
However, a friend of Zola's has spoken to him and learnt that he has no intention of walking out on the job and will be in charge for Sunday's trip to Everton.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas faces a race to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first-leg against Barcelona. The former Barca trainee could be joined on the sidelines by Abou Diaby, while Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will miss the tie with a hamstring strain.(The Guardian) 
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic fears being banned for four of the club's remaining six Premier League matches after appearing to catch Bolton's Johan Elmander with an elbow during Saturday's 4-0 victory.(Daily Mirror) 
A group of Rangers fans have taken the first tentative steps towards a potential takeover of the club. The Rangers Supporters Trust has sent an exploratory document and members hope to buy the shares of majority shareholder and former chairman Sir David Murray.(Daily Mirror) 
Chris Hughton has confirmed he will remain as Newcastle manager next season and insists he is keen to keep both striker Andy Carroll and captain Steven Taylor at the club, despite the pair allegedly being involved in a training-ground row that left Taylor with a broken jaw.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Football fans will be given the right to buy their club under new proposals announced by the Labour government. Under the proposal, fan groups would get priority over other bidders. (The Times)
West Ham had a novel approach to combating Stoke midfielder Rory Delap's long throws on Saturday - deploying advertising hoardings within feet of the pitch. They even made an announcement over the public address system for a ball boy to replace a hoarding that had been knocked over. (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

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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