Southampton - Charlton Athletic

Without a 10 points penalty, Saints would be on the line for a play-off. With it, they’re 11 points behind, seven round left for them (six for the rest). At home look impressive with 11 wins out of last 12 games. Boss Pardew will have a one motive more as he was sacked from Charlton. Also, he knows their players very well. Will be without centre-half Radhi Jaidi, Seaborne and striker Connolly are back.

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Charlton are two points far from 2nd place and automatic promotion. They have two 1-0 wins in a row, undefeated in four games. They don’t accept play-off as a reality and will go for all three points today. Charlton haven’t been defeated in last 8 league games against Saints. Skipper Nicky Bailey has been recovered and returns to the squad. First goalie Rob Elliot is still out and will be deputized once again with Darren Randolph.

Hosts want to proceed with their play-off hopes and will attack without too much respect. Charlton need points as much as Saints do. I expect an open game and goals on both sides. Over 2.5, 1.90 at Pinnacle.
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Leeds United - Southend United

Leeds are back! After 4 consecutive defeats without a scored goal and dropping into play-off zone, team finally played one very good game. They were dominating first half should have scored once or two time more,they controlled the game and kept 2-1 win. This is their next “must win” game to carry the hopes for automatic promotion. Team again looks really good, excluding Beckford who reached the focus level he had playing for Wealdstone. They all know play-off would be another dead end and rest of the games is “all in” for Leeds. Striker Becchio is back after a head injury, as well as defender Ben Parker. Only missing is defender Jason Crowe. 

Southend are struggling, they’re third from the bottom and 3 points far from relegation line. Their run of results looks terrible. Eight consecutive defeats on the road, 14 of last 15 games and didn’t score in 9 of them! Anonymous player said to the press that happenings outside the field (club’s financial problems) distract their attention. Players got the wages for February, but haven’t for March. However, Southend will be without striker Scott Spencer who suffered ligament damage at Monday, while midfielder Franck Moussa is serving the last of his three-game suspension.

From 11 home wins, Leeds 7 won with 2 or more goals margin. They desperately need a win. On the other hand, Southend are fighting for their lives and not an ideal opponent for keeping the minimal lead. I’m going for Leeds -1.25 ah, odd is 1.82 at Pinnacle.
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More picks before 4pm kick-off. Stay tuned.

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Morecambe - Rotheram United

Morecambe find themselves in a good run of results with four wins and one defeat in last five games. With six rounds left, they’re three points far from play-off zone. At home look really impressive, five wins and a draw of last six encounters. In total just three home defeats of 20 games. Good news for the fans is club have extended winger Hackney’s loan deal from Colchester for a further month. Defender Parrish is back after suspension. Only missing is another defender, Will Haining.

Instead a battle for a title (as they promised before the season started), Rotheram are struggling to keep their play-off hopes. Considering their recent shape, wouldn’t be a miracle if they even drop out from first seven. They’ve noticed 3 defeats in a row (scored just once), while on the road have a win and four defeats of five games (scored twice). 0-3 defeat vs. Aldershot at Monday activated all alarms and first move is important midfielder Gary Roberts has been sacked for a breach of club’s discipline (drink and gambling). 

Unfortunately, odd 2.50 has been dropped and erased any thought regarding DNB instead clear home win. Anyway, I think it worth of a shot but will be careful with the stake. Home win, 2.30 at Expekt.

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Friday's gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Valencia striker David Villa. With United burdened by debts in excess of £700m, the £40m fee quoted by the Spanish side will have to be lowered if a deal is to be done.(The Guardian)
Manchester City are planning a surprise move for Bayern Munich striker, and Manchester United conqueror, Ivica Olic after the Croatia star impressed boss Roberto Mancini.(Daily Mail)
Mancini made the trip to Anfield on Thursday night to take a look at Benfica left winger Angel di Maria as he considers whether to bid for the Argentina international.(Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner is a summer target for Manchester United with Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also in Sir Alex Ferguson's sights.(Daily Mirror)
Bordeaux striker Maroaune Chamakh's move to Arsenal is all but done, with the Morocco international expected to sign a four-year deal at the Emirates.(Daily Mail)
AC Milan's France midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 25, has quashed speculation linking him with Lyon and Manchester City - saying he wants to remain with the Italian side.(goal.com)
Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson is attracting interest from Newcastle and Sunderland with Tynesiders' boss Chris Hughton weighing up a £2m bid.(The Sun)
But Larsson may be persuaded to stay and try and force his way back into the Birmingham starting line-up with a one-year contract extension on the table at St Andrew's. Defender Liam Ridgewell has been offered another two years.(Daily Mirror)
Tottenham are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Guti with the 33-year-old former Spain international expected to be available on a free transfer this summer.(Daily Mail)
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, 34, will join Sydney FC after the financial collapse of his current club North Queensland Fury.(Daily Mail)
Sporting Lisbon are lining up a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario.(Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson failed to accept defeat like a gentleman after his side's Champions league quarter-final defeat to the German side.(The Sun)
United right-back Rafael da Silva was left in tears after his dismissal reduced Ferguson's side to 10 men early in the second half.(The Sun)
Defeat against Hull at the weekend could spell the end of Brian Laws' tenure as Burnley manager.(Daily Mail)
Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are considering standing aside as co-chairman of the club. British Airways chairman Martin Broughton has been sounded out about the role.(Daily Telegraph)
American billionaire Stan Kroenke could launch a bid to take full control of Arsenal if he decides to sell his shareholding in American football franchise the St Louis Rams.(The Independent)
Striker James Beattie has suffered another snub at Stoke with teenage rookie Louis Moult ahead of him in the pecking order for this weekend's clash with Wolves.(Daily Mail)
Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston says keeping manager Walter Smith at Ibrox next season is a "high priority" but admits he can not guarantee the former Everton and Scotland boss money to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Record)
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could make his return from a serious ankle injury in Wednesday's derby against Tottenham.(Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

On-loan Celtic striker Robbie Keane's top-of-the-range Range Rover was seized by police after a worker at the garage it was being repaired in took it for an unauthorised late-night spin.(Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane says he can feel the presence of legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough every time he returns to the City Ground.(Daily Mail)
After their loss to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February, manager Martin O'Neill has demanded Aston Villa change their suits, their hotel and stay in London one night rather than three ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.(Daily Mirror)
Notts County striker Luke Rodgers could be lining up alongside Barcelona striker Thierry Henry next season if both complete expected summer moves to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.(Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

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.
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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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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will try to lure Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to Old Trafford with the prospect of more regular first-team football.(L'Equipe in French) 
Wolfsburg coach Lorenz Gunther Kostner is desperate for striker Edin Dzeko to reject a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Sporting Lisbon will attempt to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario this summer.(Abola in Portuguese)
Spartak Moscow manager Valery Karpin has hit out at Liverpool winger Albert Riera over his wage demands and ruled out signing the Spaniard before the transfer window closes on Thursday. (Daily Mail) 
Feyenoord's £5m-rated midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum admits it would be a "dream" to move to Liverpool after catching the eye of the club's scouts.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn midfielder Moten Gamst Pedersen has been offered £25,000 a week to join Olympiakos this summer, while Fenebahce, Palermo and Fiorentina are also interested.(The Sun) 
Tottenham have been told it will cost £5m to land Atletico Madrid keeper Sergio Asenjo.(Daily Star) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Neo-Coker plans to see out the remaining year of his £2m-a-year contract at Villa Park despite the club's desire to recoup some of the £7.5m they paid West Ham for the player in 2007.(Daily Star) 
Sunderland have launched a bid to sign highly sought after Udinese winger Simone Pepe, with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce keen to make a statement of intent with a £15m bid.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves are trailing Southampton's £2m-rated England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana, who has scored 18 goals this season and is also being watched by Tottenham and Fulham. (Daily Mail) 
Leeds manager Simon Grayson is preparing a summer move for Swindon striker Billy Paynter. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Burnley manager Brian Laws is on the brink of being sacked, barely three months after he was appointed at Turf Moor, following a run of only one win in 14 games.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal will make significant changes on and off the pitch this summer, with boss Arsene Wenger ready to make central defence a transfer priority and Stan Kroenke poised to make a pivotal decision in the long-term battle for control of the club.(Daily Telegraph) 
Forward Lionel Messi, who tormented Arsenal with all four goal's in Barca's 4-1 victory at the Nou Camp, says he is aiming to get even better and claimed he still needed to work hard on his game.(Daily Star) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hinted he may quit Anfield unless the club invests in new players this summer.(The Sun) 
Bentiez has admitted for the first time that he feels he has taken Liverpool as far as he can after six years of "wheeling and dealing", insisting the club will not be able to compete for the Premier League or Champions League without the cash injection provided by fresh investment.(Daily Telegraph) 
Reds captain Steven Gerrard sees goalkeeper Pepe Reina one day becoming the club's skipper.(The Sun) 
Aaron Lennon is set to give Tottenham and England a huge boost by featuring in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth after recovering from a groin injury that has kept the winger out for over three months.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has warned that keeper Joe Hart's career could suffer if he is forced to return to Manchester City when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.(The Sun) 
McLeish looks set to clash with the Blues board over Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli. Blues owner Carson Yeung set-up a £10m deal in January to sign Boselli but McLeish refused to sanction the purchase having never seen the Argentine forward play and the transfer was eventually scrapped. But Yeung's associates are trying to revive a new move for Boselli in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Yeung is ready to go to the High Court to seek £5m in compensation from former Blues co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who are now in charge at West Ham, in relation to bills and liabilities he inherited.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina legend and current national team manager Diego Maradona says Lionel Messi is "the best in the world", adding that Barcelona's Argentine forward "is playing kick-about with Jesus".(The Sun) 
Tottenham and England striker Peter Crouch will bring back his robot dance goal celebration - if he scores in the World Cup final. "I'd definitely pull out the robot in the World Cup final. I might even have to work on some new moves just in case that happens. But I doubt I'd have time to think about how to react if I scored."(The Sun) 
Arsenal forward Carlos Vela could face disciplinary action from the club after he lost his passport and was unable to take his place in the Gunners squad for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg in Barcelona.(Daily Mirror) 
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has bought a share in his favourite restaurant in Southport, Merseyside. The Liverpool captain now plans to reopen it with a New York theme in time for the World Cup.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has revealed how his brother refuses to eat and locks himself in his room if the Blues lose. (Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Man Utd 3-2 Bayern Munich (agg 4-4)

Arjen Robben's spectacular late strike wrecked Manchester United's hopes of reaching a third successive Champions League final as he sent Bayern Munich through on away goals at Old Trafford.
The former Chelsea star rifled in a magnificent volley from Franck Ribery's corner with 16 minutes left to stun United after they looked to be cruising into the semi-finals as they went 3-0 up before the interval to establish a two-goal aggregate lead. 
Robben capped a dismal week for United that has seen them lose the Premier League leadership and crash out of the Champions League - also ending English interest in the tournament after Arsenal's exit against Barcelona. 
Wayne Rooney was in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up as he completed a remarkable recovery from the ankle ligament injury he sustained in Bayern's 2-1 win against United in the Allianz Arena eight days ago. 
And he was quickly a thorn in Bayern's side, setting up Darron Gibson's opener after just three minutes. United looked on course for the last four when Nani turned in Antonio Valencia's cross four minutes later to put them ahead in the tie.
Bayern were being run ragged and Nani capped United's complete supremacy when he scored his second and their third as half-time approached - but the whole mood and shape of the tie was turned when Ivica Olic took advantage of poor defending to bundle home a crucial goal before the interval. 
Louis van Gaal's side suddenly discovered hope, and a measure of composure, their cause being helped when Rafael was sent off after 50 minutes following his second yellow card for a foul on Ribery. 
Ferguson responded by replacing Rooney, who had been limping heavily earlier, with John O'Shea, but the momentum had swung dramatically to Bayern and Robben's wonder goal capped a period of pressure. 
United had no Rooney to call on for the finale and they did not have the inspiration to mount a trademark late surge as the Premier League's last representative went out of a tournament in which they have exerted so much influence in recent seasons. 
Ferguson must now gather his team for a final assault on a fourth successive title, but there is no doubt they have taken three heavy blows as they attempt to add more silverware to the Carling Cup won against Aston Villa. 
And he will also hope Rooney has not sustained further damage to his ankle in this lost cause.
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