
UEFA Champions League
9/18/2014
Barcelona
Out of the squad, new keeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Douglas, Sandro, Pedro, Marc Bartra, Martín Montoya and Gerard Piqué arguably have the most to gain from added minutes. Whether Lucho thinks it is necessary to instill that in his players at this point in the season is up to him. But it’s something that needs to be addressed before injuries start to make Lucho’s choices for him. Piqué’s lack of confidence against Athletic Bilbao was smellier than a rotting gazelle on the Serengeti, and any poacher of a forward worth his mettle will put as much pressure as possible on the out-of-form defender. By the same token, a rusty Adriano and Montoya could prove shaky cover for Jordi Alba at left back once his swashbuckling tendencies inevitably get him a hamstring injury.
Home - Barcelona
Last away matches - W-W-D-W-D-W
APOEL Nicosia
With a Cyprus Supercup and two victories in the first two rounds of the Cypriot Championship in the back pocket, APOEL is off to a usual good start. And considering manager Giorgos Donis made off with a league and cup double last season, he certainly knows how to get the better of his opponents.Defensive veteran John Arne-Riise is perhaps the most recognizable name in the Cyprus squad, but his fitness will prevent him from taking the field. Greek central defender Anastasios Papazoglou has just returned from injury and will bolster the back line tasked with marking Barcelona’s pesky strikers.
Away - APOEL Nicosia
Last away matches - W-D-D-W-W-W
Asian Handicap
Home - (-3.00)
Away - (+3.00)
Pick - APOEL Nicosia (+3.00)
Odds - 2.26
Stakes - 10/10
____________________________________________________
UEFA Champions League
9/18/2014
Bayern Munchen
Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich experiment has thus far been largely characterised by a free-flowing, dynamic style that can only be praised. Yet, despite their utter dominance of German domestic football, there can be no mistaking that Champions League glory is the ultimate prize for the Bavarian giants. They seem likely to miss the talismanic figure of Arjen Robben this week due to injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara are also set to miss the action. Javi Martinez is also unavailable, which will almost certainly necessitate the inclusion of Xabi Alonso in the holding role alongside Lahm.
Home - Bayern Munchen
Last away matches - D-W-L-L-W-W
Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be banned from the touchline on Wednesday following comments he made in the wake of their Champions League exit to Barcelona last season. Pablo Zabaleta is also suspended, which will see the vastly experienced figure of Bacary Sagna charged with the unenviable task of marking Franck Ribery. I’m certain that Pellegrini will opt for one striker up front, considering the talent at Munich’s disposal. Fernandinho and Toure will offer a muscular force in midfield, while Pellegrini would be wise to utilise the electrifying pace of Navas on the counterattacks.
Away - Manchester City
Last away matches - D-W-L-W-W-L
Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Bayern Munchen (-1.00)
Odds - 2.16
Stakes - 10/10
Source : UefaChampionsLeague
10/31/2014
Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Home - Newcastle United
Last away matches - W-W-D-L-W-L
Newcastle United are unbeaten in 4 games since the loss to Stoke City that seemed certain to cost Alan Pardew his job as manager and the side have won 3 in a row in all competitions coming into this one. They are unbeaten at home since losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season and Newcastle have won their last game at St James' Park against Leicester City 1-0.Newcastle’s biggest concern is that of Papiss Cisse’s knee injury which has kept him out of the last two matches. The Senegalese international will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for the game but if not, Ayoze Perez is likely to lead the line having grabbed the winning goal against Spurs. De Jong is a long term absentee due to a thigh injury and Davide Santon is likely to make a comeback from his knee problem at the end of next month.
Away - Liverpool
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-L-L
Liverpool had won 2 of 8 games in all competitions before the 2-1 win over Swansea, but they haven't been producing good performances in that time which has built pressure on the team. Before the win over Swansea, the Reds had failed to score in 2 consecutive games and had been taught something of a lesson by Real Madrid in the Champions League. They won their last away game at Queens Park Rangers which ended a run of consecutive away defeats in all competitions.Daniel Sturridge is again out of action for at least another week having injured his calf a fortnight ago. This will mean Balotelli is likely to start the match with Fabio Borini an option as a second striker. Jose Enrique has also been ruled out of their clash against his former club after suffering a slight knee injury. Sakho is missing due it a hip injury until early November with Suso and Flanagan being long term absentees.
Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - Newcastle United (+0.25)
Odds - 2.21
Stakes - 10/10
__________________________________________________
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/31/2014
Arsenal vs Burnley
Home - Arsenal
Last away matches - W-W-L-W-L-D
Arsenal have only lost 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions and they are unbeaten in 3 games since their 2-0 loss to Chelsea including winning back to back games at Anderlecht and Sunderland. They have only won 1 of their last 5 home games in all competitions including a 2- 2 home draw with Hull City in Arsenal's last Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium. Injuries are beginning to clear up a little for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal team which are balancing Champions League and Premier League commitments. With a battle likely to develop for places in the top four over the course of the next few months, games against the likes of Burnley are ones they have to win, especially at the Emirates Stadium. The name on the lips of every Arsenal fan at the moment is Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has been electric since arriving at the Emirates, carrying the team at times. The former Barcelona man has eight goals and three assists in his first 13 games for the North London club. Arsenal’s number 17 has dragged the under performing gunners kicking and screaming to some important results recently, including their 2-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend where Sanchez bagged himself a brace. The skill, technique, work rate, and pure desire of the Chilean has been vital for the squad. The Sunderland game at the weekend epitomized the work rate that the former Udinese man possess with both of his goals coming from his constant pressing. Alexis Sanchez is quite simply world class and, if he shows his class against Burnley, Arsenal should have enough to get the three points.
Away - Burnley
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-W-L
Burnley have failed to win any of 11 games in all competitions going back to the end of April and have lost back to back League games coming into this weekend, including a 1-3 home loss to Everton last Sunday. That game came just a couple of days after Everton played in the Europa League and highlights the difference in quality between Burnley and many in this Division. Burnley drew 2-2 at Leicester City in their last away game in the Premier League. Burnley have lacked goals all season, so their key man is there best goalscorer, Danny Ings. The 22 year old was Burnley’s top scorer in the Championship last season. The English striker finally opened his Premier League account over the weekend with the Bees only goal in a 3-1 loss to Everton. Through nine games, Burnley have only scored five goals, only Villa have scored fewer goals this season. The lack of goals has had an effect on the entire team and seems to have dragged down the team’s moral. The former Bourmouth striker is the team’s best striker and is the player with the class to put the ball in the back of the net consistently. Ings has to be the catalyst up front for Burnley to get anything from this match.
Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.25)
Away - (+1.25)
Pick - Arsenal (-1.25)
Odds - 1.63
Stakes - 8/10
__________________________________________________
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/31/2014
Chelsea vs Queens Park Rangers
Home - Chelsea
Last away matches - W-D-W-W-D-W
Chelsea come into the match having conceded a single goal in each of their previous matches against Manchester United last weekend in a 1-1 draw and in midweek in a 2-1 victory against Shrewsbury in the League Cup. I expect Mourinhio will call on his team to show a bit more defensive stability and keep the clean sheet here in a comfortable win over QPR. Jose Mourinho was incredibly disappointed with a number of his second string players that had come in for the League Cup Fourth Round win at Shrewsbury