Clermont 2-0 Bastia


The Auvergnats could officially confirm their continuation in the event of outcome while Bastia had no desire to finish the year with a good tempo to prepare for the next season. Clermont Foot drawing primarily through Chaussidière who sent a superb free kick in the soupirail Corsican (1-0, 35th). In the second half, Grougi the conclusion of a great work Yatabaré send a heavy hit in the window of Agostini (2-0, 55th). With this twelfth victory of the season, ensuring their continued Clermontois Ligue 2 (12th). Bastia is currently 14th.

www.sc-bastia.net

Clermont Foot - Bastia

My internet connection colapsed 'cause the storm. That's why I didn't post yesterday. Will try to patch it with dial-up, till monday. For today...



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Two rounds left in French second league. Clermont holds the 13th position, five points from relegation zone. Tonight, need one point to theoretically avoid relegation. They have three wins from last five games, two consecutive home wins (Reims 1-0 and Sedan Ardennes 3-0). In the last round, they missed the first “match point” against drowning Berrichonne Chateauroux, on the road. Clermont put a solid display against more than motivated hosts, but the result at the end was negative, 0-1. But, the real opportunity missed on previous away game, against mediocre Dijon. “Grab a point” tactic revenged and hosts noticed the second win from 18 games. Anyway, Clermont still has a fate in their own hands. Opponent is more than appropriate, no injuries and suspendings, motivation is high and I can’t see any reason for leaving the status decision for the last round and away game.


Bastia is holding the 11th place. They have seven points more than relegation zone and for them season is already over. Recent shape is not something to be proud on. Just one win from last six games. But, on the road it is a disaster. Five games without a win, three defeats. Last win (and the only in 2009.) they conquered against Amiens, 1-0. But, globally they have just four wins from 18 away games, scoring just 9 (nine) goals! The bill for the bad results, first paid manager, new one have been nominated for the next year. Beside the lack of motivation, and angry manager, Bastia has a lots of problems with injured players. André, Mendy, Ben Zekri, Ghisolfi, Barthélémy are all out and few more is in doubt. Goalie Agostini will make his debut in the first team. I’m not sure I’ve understood correctly (precisely, can’t really believe in it), but I found the info he’s the fifth goalkeeper in the club!!! I haven’t found any reason that gives Bastia a one percent of chance to make a positive result. Except, to keep the net, somehow.

The only thing that calls on caution is level of this league. Clermont shouldn’t have any problem with discouraged and clashed with the injuries, visitors. Motivation level and team quality will make the difference and decide this game. Best odd offers Pinnacle, 2.04. Home win.

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Friday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will bid £22m in the summer for Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Douglas Maicon, a player wanted by the club's probable new manager Carlo Ancelotti.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham and Liverpool are battling it out for the chance to buy Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are preparing a £15m move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.(The Sun) 
But the Gunners are set to cash in on striker Emmanuel Adebayor with the Togo international unhappy with fans' criticism of his performances. Chelsea, Inter Milan and AC Milan are possible buyers. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa and Birmingham are leading the chase for Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, who is rated at £8m.(The Sun)
West Ham are willing to sell injury-prone striker Dean Ashton over the summer and are hoping that Newcastle or Aston Villa might revive their previous interest.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are looking to land Derby pair Kris Commons and Giles Barnes as Alex McLeish prepares for the Blues' return to the top flight.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa defender Zat Knight could cross the city to join up with McLeish's newly-promoted side.(The Guardian) 
Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong has warned the Magpies that he will seek a transfer should the club drop into the Championship. (The Times)
Giant Hibernian defender Rob Jones is being tracked by a host of English league clubs including Bristol City, Derby, Leeds, Swansea, West Brom and Nottingham Forest - with Forest lining up a £1m bid.(Bristol Evening Post) 
Dundee United have agreed a pre-contract deal with Huddersfield striker Danny Cadamarteri. (Various)
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has shelved plans to swoop for £4m-rated Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez's future at Manchester United is looking bleak with the Argentine, as well as fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov, set to be left on the bench for the Champions League final next week.(The Sun) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared by the Football Association in his spitting row with Hull assistant manager Brian Horton.(The Sun) 
Sunderland will offer former Tottenham boss Martin Jol the manager's job at the Stadium of Light in the summer.(Daily Star) 
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has predicted that AC Milan counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will switch to Chelsea for next season.(The Independent) 
Chelsea have cancelled plans for an FA Cup victory parade, citing the credit crunch.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is holding off signing a new contract as he is undecided over his long-term future.(Daily Star) 
Everton centre-back Joseph Yobo is poised to sign a new five-year deal to stay at Goodison Park after ironing out problems from his initial negotiations with the club.(The Guardian) 
England's 2018 World Cup bid has been criticised by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner after a British National Party councillor was invited to its Wembley launch.(The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY 

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is backing Barcelona, the club where he started his career, rather than Manchester United in the Champions League final.
"I want the Spanish side to win and I don't want our closest rivals to collect another title," he said. (The Independent)
Manchester United fans have been given special dispensation by Uefa to create a mosaic tribute to former boss Sir Matt Busby ahead of the Champions League final kick-off in Rome. (Various)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are confident of landing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso for £23m if Florentino Perez is appointed president again.(The Sun) 
Inter Milan are preparing a double-swoop for Chelsea duo Ricardo Carvalho and Jon Mikel Obi and hope to land the pair for £21m. (Daily Express) 
Meanwhile Chelsea are confident they can hold off the advances of Barcelona and tie left-back Ashley Cole to a new deal. (The Guardian) 
Manchester United have been warned they face stiff competition to land Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa are prepared to lose £9m and let Gareth Barry run out the remainder of his contract, rather than sell him to a Premier League rival.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are preparing a £10m bid for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson. (Daily Star) 
However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may be prepared to pay as much as £15m for the Portsmouth man. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough will slap a £9m price tag on defender David Wheater if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday. (The Sun) 
Wheater is wanted by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill who is hopeful of landing the centre-back for £7m. (Daily Star)
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has been assured he has a future at the club. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea are leading the chase for Wolfsburg's £6m-rated striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mirror)
Olympiakos are set to offer Blackburn £2m for striker Matt Derbyshire, who is on loan at the Greek side. (Daily Mirror) 
Joseph Yobo looks set to leave Everton after turning down a new deal at the club. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have joined Wigan, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Celtic in the chase for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Scottish Daily Mail)
Celtic outcast Bobo Balde has agreed to try and win a move to Birmingham City. ( Daily Record) 
Guinea international Balde must prove his fitness and desire during a trial period if he wants a move to Birmingham. (Scottish Sun) 
Palermo lead the race to take Massimo Donati back to Italy from an unhappy spell at Celtic. (Various)
Lazio have been linked with a move for Rangers playmaker Pedro Mendes. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP


Chelsea are set to confirm AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager as early as next week. (Daily Star)
Celtic want David Moyes to become their new manager next season.(The Sun) 
Alan Shearer has given the strongest hint yet that he will stay on as Newcastle manager, even if the club are relegated on Sunday.(The Sun) 
However, assistant manager Iain Dowie has cast doubt over Shearer's long-term involvement at the club. (The Telegraph) 
Hull striker Dean Windass is set to land a role as player-coach, alongside Colin Todd, at League Two side Darlington. (Daily Mirror)
Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has emerged as the leading contender to replace Steve Coppell as Reading manager. (The Sun) 
Newcastle coach Colin Calderwood is on the short-list to become the new Chesterfield manager. (Daily Mirror)
Falkirk boss John Hughes is the leading contender for the Blackpool job, while Ayr United's Brian Reid is also in the running. (The Herald) 

AND FINALLY 

Former world player of the year Luis Figo is considering an offer to play in the Chinese Super League. (Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sakhtar 2-1 Werder (aet)


Rodrigues Jadson's extra-time winner sank Werder Bremen and ensured Shakhtar Donetsk won the last Uefa Cup final.
Luiz Adriano's delicate finish put Shakhtar in front after 25 minutes. 
Werder equalised before the interval when Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov could only divert Ronaldo Naldo's long-range free-kick into the net. 
And it was another goalkeeping error that gave Shakhtar victory in extra-time, when Tim Wiese allowed Jadson's 97th-minute strike to squirm in. 
Shakhtar deserved the victory in Istanbul, but Werder will reflect on the absence of inspirational forward Diego because of suspension.

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucesu:

"It is bigger because it is the last and maybe we can keep the trophy. We don't have to make a copy of it. 
"We have bigger aims. We now want to do things in the Champions League: Reach the quarterfinals, maybe the semi-finals. 
"It was important not to allow Werder to play to their style, we contolled the game and we created most of the chances." 

Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf:
"We were just not fast enough and not just effective enough. 
"We weren't able to play our usual football, we didn't put enough pressure on our opponents. 
"We gave them too much space and lost too many balls. I congratulate Shakhtar, they were the best team on the night." 


Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Chigrinsky, Rat, Lewandowski, Fernandinho, Ilsinho (Gai 99), Jadson (Duljaj 112), Willian , Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy 89).
Subs Not Used: Khudzamov, Ischenko, Chyzhov, Moreno. 
Booked: Srna, Lewandowski, Ilsinho. 
Goals: Luiz Adriano 25, Jadson 97. 

Werder Bremen: Wiese, Fritz (Pasanen 94), Prodl, Naldo, Boenisch, Niemeyer (Tziolis 103), Frings, Baumann, Ozil, Pizarro, Rosenberg (Hunt 78). 
Subs Not Used: Vander, Tosic, Vranjes, Harnik. 
Booked: Frings, Fritz, Tziolis, Boenisch. 
Goals: Naldo 35. 

Att: 53,100. 
Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).
www.bbc.co.uk

Shakhtar - Werder



Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul is the place where Shakhtar Donetsk and Werder Bremen will contest the last Uefa Cup final. Shakhtar hope to become the first Ukrainian side to win a European trophy since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Formal hosts, last season's Ukrainian champions, go into the game after thrashing Lugansk 3-0 away from home to clinch second place in this year's championship behind runaway champions Dynamo Kiev. That has secured a place in the third qualifying round of next year's Champions League. On the road to final, they eliminated Tottenham, CSKA Moscow and Olympique Marseille. In semi-final they passed their fellow citizens, mentioned Dynamo. In all those rounds, Ukrainian side was outsider. Tonight, for the first time they’ll be the favorites. They’re full of confidence and surely won’t luck in motivation (beside all competitive motives, I’m sure Rinat Akhmetov promised a more than lucrative reward for the trophy). Boss Mircea Lucescu has no problems with missing players. Aleksandr Kucher served his suspension ban, while Jadson is set to play despite a recent knock. Tomas Hubschmann is suspended, but he can be replaced, easily.

Werder want their first major European honor since the 1992 Cup Winners' Cup. As their European hopes in Bundesliga vanished, this will be the chance to save the season. Their performances in Uefa Cup were excellent and they fully deserved this final. They were better than: AC Milan, Saint Etienne, Udinese, but the sweetest victory came at the end, against their arch rivals Hamburger SV. Werder scored 15 goals on these 8 games, showing great force in attack. And there we come to reasons for Thomas Schaaf’s headache. The best player, team’s brain and playmaker on the pitch, leader in assists and one of the best scorers, Diego is suspended (going to Juve, btw.)! Werder definitely isn’t the same team without him. But, that’s just a beginning. Key striker Almeida is also suspended. Here Schaaf’s headache turns into migraine, Mertesacker and Jensen are injured and won’t play. Naldo, Pizarro and Rosenberg also have some injury problems and their appearance is under the question mark! Four keys won’t play and another three are in doubt. Enough for a panic attack. And enough to be declared as outsiders. I expect a cautious start from them where they’ll wait a chance from some set-up plays, or Özil’s run on the wing.

All those missings on German side gave a slight advantage to Ukrainians (bookies give slight to Germans, btw.). This is the final, no re-match, and many weird things happened already in such games. But, for me Shakhtar is closer to victory, odds are more than sweet (although in a drop) and simply feel Wiese will make another brutal mistake. Limited stake. Expekt and 888sport offer 2.70. Shakhtar to win.

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Btw. Sandefjord 2 - 2 Rosenborg

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Wednesday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are the leading contenders to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and are preparing a deal worth £50m to land the Argentine.(The Sun) 
Tottenham had been set to offer £18m to land the 25-year-old but have been priced out of the market for Tevez.(The Sun) 
Instead, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will concentrate on securing the signing of Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones. (The Guardian) 
Jones has conceded he will leave Sunderland if the club are relegated to the Championship this weekend. (The Sun) 
It is not known if Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club after his agent conceded he had "no clue" about the 25-year-old's future. (The Guardian) 
Barcelona are preparing a sensational £20m move for Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. (The Independent) 
Wigan are set to lose midfield duo Antonio Valencia and Paul Scharner in the summer. (The Guardian) 
Real Madrid are favourites to land Valencia, although the Ecuador midfielder has told friends he would prefer to join Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will reject a summer move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to join Manchester City in a move that could result in young forward Daniel Sturridge moving the other way.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are also interested in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and are preparing an £18m deal for the Uruguay forward.(The Sun) 
West Ham defender Lucas Neill is a target for Greek side Olympiakos. (Daily Mail) 
The Hammers are set to loan out promising young striker Freddie Sears next season. (Daily Express) 
Blackburn are lining up a £1.5m bid for Paris St Germain winger Jerome Rothen. (The Sun)
Benfica are interested in taking Chelsea centre-half Ricardo Carvalho back to Portugal. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are tracking Lazio forward Goran Pandev, who is also wanted by German club Hamburg. (The Times)
Charlton winger Lloyd Sam is being tracked by Premier League trio Stoke, Wigan and Newcastle. (Daily Mirror)
Reading have ruled out making Stoke striker Dave Kitson's loan move there permanent. (The Sun) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is lining up a £2m bid for Leicester keeper Joe Mattock. (The Sun)
Striker Jermaine Beckford, who has been linked to Premier League clubs, is to have talks about his future at Leeds United. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to commit his future to the club following reported interest from Real Madrid.(Daily Mail) 
But the Gunners boss will be given £13m to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid are still hopeful of landing the Frenchman and have given Wenger until Thursday to decide. (Daily Star) 
Wenger will be handed £100m by Real to spend on new players if he joins the Spanish giants. (Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Stewart Downing is facing six months on the sidelines, scuppering any chance of a dream £12m move to either Liverpool or Tottenham. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is set to reject a summer move and sign a new three-year deal at the club.(Daily Star) 
Uefa has confirmed that Scotland's runners-up will face two qualifying rounds in the Champions League and will not be seeded in the first round. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY 

Laid-back Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that pre-match nerves often leave him with a case of the shakes before a game.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Boring Tuesday

Sunderland lost again and surprises in Scandinavia, that's the epilogue from Monday. Today's offer is even worse. I dug deeper in Norway football. Rosenborg, who won fifteen of the previous seventeen league titles, remain clear favourite in the 2009 title-race despite a disappointing fifth place finish last term. According to online bookmakers, the nearest challengers are Stabaek, Brann and Valerenga. I still won't bet, just monitor the games. Mentioned Rosenborg will face Sandefjord, on the road. Odds for away win is bigger in Norway, than in the rest of the Europe (2.00-1.85). If You want to try, best offer is at Expekt, 1.90, but once again, my money stays in a wallet. One day break.

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Will be some analyze(s) for tomorrow, Uefa Cup probably. 

Cheers.

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Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
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