Terry discusses Di Matteo future
Posted on | May 10, 2012 | No Comments
John Terry believes that if Chelsea are successful against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final then the board at the club would have to appoint current interim boss Roberto Di Matteo as manager on a full time boss, saying the decision would be “easy”.
Those assessing Euro 2012 Odds note how The England defender will miss the match after being sent off in the second leg of the semi-final against Barcelona.
Di Matteo has turned Chelsea’s season around since taking charge from Andre Villas Boas in March, not only in the Champions League, the Italian also led The Blues to their fourth FA Cup triumph in six years over the weekend.
Terry has been full of praise for his current boss, saying the players have a big say in his future: “It’s a decision the board are going to make and hopefully with this win we can go on and achieve greatness in this club.
He added “We can make it very easy for the board because he’s been exceptional. I think this win can help us win the Champions League with the momentum it gives us.”
The 31-year-old, who will be hoping for a spot in Roy Hodgson’s England’s squad for Euro 2012 this summer, has also come out with praise for Didier Drogba, who’s future at the club is also uncertain.
Even those looking at England Euro 2012 Odds will have been impressed when Drogba became the only man ever to score in four different FA Cup finals when he was on target on Saturday against Liverpool and Terry has stated that the club should do everything they can to keep the Ivory Coast striker.
He said: “It will be such a shame because he’s been incredible for this club, throughout the world, when people look at Chelsea, they think of Didier and Lamps (Frank Lampard) and these kind of players. They are Chelsea.”
The former England captain will be looking to finish the campaign strongly with his side as they look top upset the odds with a top four finish, their two games come at Liverpool and then a home tie against Blackburn. Two wins would give them great confidence for the big one on the 19th May in Munich.
Birmingham v Blackpool Preview
Posted on | May 9, 2012 | No Comments
Following West Ham’s convincing win over Cardiff in the other playoff encounter, Championship followers are eagerly awaiting who will join them in the division’s playoff final. Both of these sides were relegated from the top flight last term but with Blackpool taking a 1-0 lead into the tie, it is certainly the Seasiders who hold the best chance of going to Wembley for now.
After a sticky start to the campaign, Birmingham fans must be simply amazed at the fact their side have reached this stage of the season. The Blues began the year in extremely shaky fashion although in recent months they have been impressive and will be disappointed to be approaching this clash with the disadvantage. With that being said, some could class Chris Hughton’s side as being fairly lucky to be trailing just 1-0, after being thoroughly overrun by their opponents in the first leg. Still, a lot of people are tipping the club to turn the tie around and make another step towards the Premiership. Hughton’s men have possessed an extremely convincing home record all year, having lost just one game at St Andrews throughout the term.
Blackpool have experienced an almost identical year to their opponents, as they also started the season in poor fashion. However, Ian Holloway’s men appear to have ironed out all of the inconsistencies that previously blighted them and have come one of the most feared forces in the Championship. The main reason for that fear is their incredible attacking prowess, with the Bloomfield Road outfit proving on multiple occasions that they can score goals for fun. However, it has to be said that their away form cannot be spoken about as positively, with Blackpool possessing a record that cannot be compared against many of the other clubs in the top six. Ian Holloway’s men have won just seven games on the road all season, while they approach this clash having won just one of their last six away outings.
As for team news, Blackpool are hopeful of handing a start to Ian Evatt even though the former Chesterfield defender suffered a broken nose towards the end of April. However, it’s not all positive for Ian Holloway, with the Seasiders poised to be without Roman Bednar who is still feeling the effects of a knee problem. There is just one piece of news to report for the home side meanwhile, as Colin Doyle prepares to take position between the sticks despite an early scare. Doyle picked up a shoulder injury in the first leg of the tie, but will most likely play through the pain barrier with Birmingham’s goalkeeper options limited.
As for a prediction, we think this clash will go to extra time. Birmingham have a grand home record and we therefore predict a 1-0 win for the Blues in normal time – only for Blackpool to progress to Wembley courtesy of an extra time winner.
Strauss will Overcome Media Scrutiny – Strauss
Posted on | May 9, 2012 | No Comments
England number three, Jonathan Trott, claims the English media love turning on the country’s sportsmen, while backing under-pressure skipper, Andrew Strauss, to come good.
England have risen to the top of the world Test rankings under Strauss but they endured a tough winter, with the captain extending his lean period with the bat. The 35-year-old has scored only one century in his last 50 Test innings, and some experts believe his position in the side is under threat.
Trott, one of the success stories of Strauss’ rein, believes the media would not have much to talk about if every player in the side was performing to his maximum ability.”I think it would be a very boring place for the media if everyone was getting runs. They love turning on people”, the England batsman told BBC Sport.
“There’s much more to write about when the team‘s not doing well, or if someone’s not doing well. When the team‘s not doing well there’ll be three pages; when they’re doing well there will be one column.”
Trott insisted that Strauss has the full backing of his side, and expects the opener to come through his rough patch. “The criticism comes with the territory. We saw what happened with Alastair Cook. He had a bad run and went on to become Test batsman of the year”, added the Warwickshire star.
“I’m not saying Strauss is going to do that, but he might go on to score even more. Who knows what this game has in store for us.”
England begin a busy summer when they take on West Indies in the first Test of a three-match series at Lord’s, starting on May 17. The home team are the current favourites for the win in the cricket betting tips.
Visit Betfair for the latest cricket news.
Liverpool v Chelsea Preview
Posted on | May 8, 2012 | No Comments
There was once a time when this would have been clashed as one of the biggest games of the Premier League schedule, yet now that is certainly not the case. Following disappointing domestic campaigns for both of these sides, Liverpool and Chelsea have very little at stake as they prepare for this midweek clash. In fact, both clubs are probably sick of the sight of each other, considering it was just several days ago that these two took part in an FA Cup final – with Chelsea triumphing on that occasion.
Liverpool’s defeat on Saturday summed up a dreadful season for Kenny Dalglish’s side and the only thing they will take away from this term is a Carling Cup trophy. A lot of Reds supporters were riding on the weekend fixture and Liverpool could have at least taken away two trophies from what has been a miserable, miserable campaign for all concerned at Anfield. Despite appointing the “messiah” in the form of Dalglish, things just haven’t clicked on Merseyside and they are set for their worst position in years as they occupy 9th spot at the time of writing. It would certainly be fair to say that the Anfield outfit approach this clash with some highly inconsistent form behind them as well, with the club currently on a run that has seen them lose three of their last four.
Chelsea’s campaign looked destined to be heading in a similar direction to Liverpool’s at one point, yet following Andre Villas-Boas’ sacking the club have experienced a remarkable revival. Having won the FA Cup on Saturday, the club now have the chance to also claim a top four position as well as a Champions League victory should they overcome Bayern Munich in the near future. Unlike Liverpool, the Blues have put some superb form together over recent weeks having only lost one of their last thirteen. However, considering their Wembley hangover from Saturday and the fact they have to prepare for a Champions League final, it remains to be seen what frame of mind they will be in for this clash.
As for team news, Liverpool have no fresh concerns following Saturday’s fixture although Kenny Dalglish may decide to rest several players. He will certainly not be able to rely on the services of Lucas or Charlie Adam though, with both players on the treatment table for the remainder of the campaign. Chelsea meanwhile are all but certain to rest players following their hectic schedule. Roberto Di Matteo will not be able to select John Obi Mikel or Raul Meireles after the duo picked up injuries in the Cup final, while Gary Cahill and David Luiz are both doubtful.
Even though Chelsea possess far superior form to their opponents, our tip is still going to be a Liverpool win. With the Blues having one eye on the Champions League final, we just don’t think they will be fully focussed for this clash and our prediction is therefore a 1-0 Reds win.
