Will history repeat itself ?

According to the history of the two teams' clashes, Liverpool have never lost a semi-final tie to Chelsea, but in all of those ties the legs were reversed and Chelsea had a different manager.
History also teaches us that Chelsea have never been at the Champions League final before, but Liverpool, in the Rafa Benitez era, haven't scored a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. All this is a bit confusing, won’t you say?

Chelsea's 2-1 win over Manchester United should give them a lot of confidence toward tonight's match. A goalless draw will be enough to send Chelsea to the finals, but using such strategy might prove to be too risky for Avram Grant and his players, considering Fernando Torres prolific goal scoring ability. In order to qualify, Liverpool must go for the win, and it will be interesting to see Rafa Benitez’s lineup for the match.
We shouldn’t oversee that Liverpool can concentrate solely on this match, after promising the 4th place at the league. Chelsea, on the other hand find themselves lurking for Manchester United to lose points, so there is more for them on the line.

BetUknow community is foreseeing this won't end in a draw, as both teams get almost 40% of the votes, with a small advantage to Liverpool. The top predictors suggest that Liverpool will be the team to play Manchester United at Moscow.

Am I the only one who thinks this promising encounter will end in a boring draw?

Champions League Betting Tips

When the referee pointed to the spot in the 2nd minute of the match, it looked like we are about to witness an entertaining match, with a lot of attacking football and scoring chances. Unfortunately, the spectators were the only ones thinking so, as both teams did their best not to score.

To be perfectly honest, the dull match was a result of a deadly combination. On one side, there were Barcelona, who possessed the ball for most of the match, but lacked the quality to create real scoring chances. Barcelona?! Lacking quality?! Well, it seems that big names are not enough when coping with a strong defensive line, such as Manchester United’s. The Spaniards passed the ball, moved it from the left flank to the right, but couldn’t find a way in, as Samuel Eto’o had no impact on the match.

But Barcelona at least tried, while Manchester United put a lot of bodies behind the ball and just preyed for the match to end. They didn’t even take the penalty miss too badly, as their main goal was not conceding rather then scoring.
So Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown placed the barricades and Manchester United defended with 8 players, leaving Barcelona no chance of squeezing a pass in. Obviously, this left Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney frustrated up front.

We can’t see this happening again at Old Trafford on Tuesday. These sides are just too strong and talented to repeat such a lackluster performance. Unfortunately for Barcelona, they are in worst shape than Manchester. The Catalan find it hard to score, not to mention winning, as they are located 3rd in the La Liga. These problems, alongside with the turmoil in the dressing room, make Barcelona a dead team walking.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have to use this match as a way to boost themselves after their last disappointing performances. Backed by their home crowd and with Ronaldo in the starting lineup, they are by far the better team and they will take advantage of Barcelona’s shaky defense. They ought to, as losing this one will probably drag a disappointment in the Premiership as well. Sir Alex made some dreadful mistakes at Stamford Bridge, which cost him the match. We are quite certain he will not make these mistakes again.

BetUknow Predictions

Manchester United are the clear favorites for this match, as both Barcelona and Manchester United’s top predictors put their faith in the Red Devils. The community, however, is not that certain, and although Manchester get more votes, about 30% believe that a draw is in order.

And now for something completely different

Today, more then two months since my first post at the blog, I have decided not to post the regular betting tips. Instead, I wish to hear out my loyal readers, which are you! I will be more than thankful if you will find the time to leave comments regarding my football tips and reviews, so I’ll know whether they’ve helped you or not.
Since I wish to make this blog more interactive, I want you all to be more responsive, not to say critical.
As a part of this, I will start posting polls from time to time. Today's poll is about the most talked-about subject: Chelsea's manger Avram Grant.
Make sure you leave your mark on this issue!

Everton vs. Aston Villa - Betting Tips

As we approach the end of the season we go through a lot of crucial matches, both for the Premiership title, the relegation battle and the fight for UEFA Cup spot.

Today's match at Goodison Park might decide the participant of next season's UEFA cup. A win for Everton will end Villa’s chances and practically cement The Toffees 5th place.
We have to remember that a draw won't necessarily harm Aston Villa, as their remaining two matches see them play Wigan and West ham, while Everton's next fixture is at the Emirates. This is why Aston Villa will not go all out attack.
Since their superior goal difference, a win for Villa will take them into fifth place, on the expense of Everton, and put their faith in their own hands.

Aston Villa find themselves in great form, having scored fifteen goals in their last 3 matches, in opposite to Everton which stumbled on their last two matches, earning only one point out of 6. Michael Arteta and Leon Osman are doubtful for the match, while Martin O’neill has no such problem, as Aston Villa’s squad is fully fit for the match.
Everton didn’t beat Villa in the last couple of seasons, neither home nor away. Still, the bookies have made Everton favorites in this game, with 11/8 odds, according to BETFRED.

Both teams’ top predictors go with the team they know best of. Looking at the rest of the community show Aston Villa are the favorites, with about 50% believing they will win. 30% of the community suggests a draw, leaving only 20% to go with Everton. This totally contradicts the top predictors.

A tough one indeed….

The title battle

Chelsea make a strange phenomenon. While being under heavy criticism throughout the season, The Blues find themselves just 3 points behind highly respected Manchester United. It seems that all the noise surrounding Avram Grant made us forget that Chelsea have one of the most talented squad in the Premiership. This alone makes Chelsea a prime contender for the League title.

The most surprising thing about Chelsea is the fact they are in reach of the Premiership title despite the fact they are playing poorly, using their skilled players to complete a lot of defensive tasks, while leaving no room for flair and creativity. The result is a set of boring matches, which often end in a 1-0 result in favor of the more talented squad of Chelsea FC.

That is the reason that the Chelsea supporters chant “You Don’t Have a Clue” towards their manager, and as time passes by, it sure looks like Grant is in a problem. In more than one case Chelsea looked as a group of players who met for the first time a couple of minutes before kickoff. There are no planned moves, no strategy, no special free kicks. All that we see is an extremely talented group of players getting the most out of their talent, which is just enough to bring them those 1-0 wins.

This strange tactics will surely not work when Chelsea will face Manchester United on Saturday. United come very confident, knowing that even a defeat will not be enough to pip them from the top of the table, but more than that – United is a very good team, being led by the best manager in England. Sir Alex’s wits will help him to get his players ready to the Chelsea style of play, and when such strong squads collide – the side who will play as a team will be better than the collection of individuals.

This brings us to believe that Manchester United will not fall before Chelsea. Since Sir Alex knows that a draw will be more than enough to ensure United’s title (unless some catastrophe will happen in the next 2 matches), this is exactly what he’ll aim for. Manchester will take their advantage and use it to earn the all needed one point. Let the celebrations – Begin.

More then 50% of BetUknow community thinks that Manchester United will win this match, leaving only 18% to go with Avram Grant's team. Both teams' top predictors put their money on a draw.

It's all about the strikers

Ten points advantage at the top of the Bundesliga and winning the DFB Pokal Cup made this season a fantastic one for Bayern Munich. Considering their might, and adding Luca Toni's great form, it should be enough to go through Zenit St. Petersburg and qualify to the UEFA Cup final.

Despite all this, Bayern Munich shouldn’t belittle the UEFA Cup surprise package from Russia. Bayer Leverkusen is the perfect example for that, going 1-4 down in their home match with Zenit. Almost 60% of the community put their faith in the German giants, including Zenit's top predictors. Most of these think that Bayern will win in a margin larger than one goal, to end Zenit’s grand campaign. Surprisingly enough, Bayern Munich’s top predictors choose not to go with Bayern, and feel this will end in a draw. You might want to listen to them, as they managed to hit on the 2 draws against Getafe, which were hard to predict.

The second semi-final brings together Fiorentina and Glasgow Rangers. Rangers last matches saw them finishing in a 3-3 draw versus Dundee United and a defeat to Celtic that damaged their chances of winning the SPL.
In addition, they are also the lowest scoring team left in the tournament, and Ibrox doesn’t seem much as a stronghold anymore. Their life will not be easy, as their opponents are Fiorentina, which currently sit in 4th place at the Seria A with only 4 games to go.

Similar to Bayern's Luca Tony, Fiorentina also have a prolific goal scorer: Adrian Mutu. Mutu is enjoying a great season at Fiorentina and supposed to be a big threat to the Scottish defense.
Betuknow community is quite divided in its opinions, while both teams’ top predictors bet on Fiorentina to win.

Football is all about scoring goals and it seems like the strikers will determine who will advance to the final. In that case we are talking of Toni and Mutu who are bound to make the difference.

A league and European Cup double?

There are two teams starting this week with a real chance of winning a prestigious double: the local league title and the Champions League. Manchester United and Chelsea travel to Barcelona and Liverpool respectively for the 1st legs of the Champions League Semi Finals, just a few days before their title clash at Stamford Bridge. What a week!

On the other hand, Liverpool want a third European Cup final appearance in four years. To be honest, they usually make it when they come as underdogs, but this time it's not sure who the underdog is, as they face troubled Chelsea.

In Barcelona, the local derby last weekend ended with a draw that ended Barcelona's dreams of winning the league title. Barcelona had a troublesome season, with a lot of noise surrounding both Ronaldinho and Rijkaard, while Leo Messi spent half the season injured. Despite all this, Barcelona is still one of the best teams in the world this talented team has only one thing to fight for: The Champions League title.

BetUknow community thinks that Liverpool will beat Chelsea by one goal, which will give them a minor advantage for the second leg. At the second match the opinions are split: 42% of the community believes that Manchester United will win at Camp Nou. This contradicts the bookies that see Barcelona as favorites with, giving them nice odds of 3/2. If that's not enough Barcelona top predictors put their faith in Barcelona, while the United’s top predictors go with the draw. This is a match where the bookies will be happy with any result.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea face a huge week that can make this season a one to remember. According to the community only the 2nd legs will decide how these teams will define this season.

Last Chance Chelsea, Everton and Avram.

People say that the title race was concluded last Monday as Heskey’s shot hit the back of Peter Cech’s net. Now Avram Grant isn't being criticized only by the media and fans, but also by his own players including his Israeli counterpart Tal Ben-Haim. There is no doubt that the pressure on him is increasing.

Tomorrow's match is a huge obstacle for Grant's team. Everton are going through a great season and are still dreaming of stealing the Champions League final spot from Liverpool. Still, they have to be aware of not losing their UEFA cup spot, as Portsmouth are breathing down their neck. Obviously, this match is extremely important for David Moyes’s lads.

Since both teams have no other choice than winning, BetUknow's community suggests that a draw is a perfect solution. 40% of them bet on Chelsea, 33% on a draw and the rest put their faith in Everton, so it's quite even. Everton’s top predictors also think the teams will share the spoils while Chelsea's top predictors think that resting their star players in the match versus Wigan will pay off, as Chelsea will emerge as winners.
A draw seems most likely, even though it will not serve either of the teams.

We should not forget that there is more than a Championship on the line, as this match sees a manager fighting for his career. Bare that in mind, as this might be the thing which will give Chelsea the edge..

Last Chance Arsenal - Betting Tips

Everyone is talking of Arsenal's fantastic season, but, with all due respect, their ambitious youngsters and the woeful injuries, can’t justify their drop of form. Unless they win today such a great season will come to an end with Arsene’s pockets empty. It might be unfair to challenge them to win the Red Devils in order to get their pride back, but, losing a five-point lead at the top of the table and failing to win in any of their three consecutive Liverpool encounters brought them to the point where there is only one option: winning at Old Trafford.
More then 50% of BetUknow community thinks that Manchester United will win this match, leaving only 18% to go with Arsene Wenger's team. Can Wenger complete the impossible? Not if we ask Arsenal's top predictors, who bet that today will mark the end of the season for The Gunners.

UEFA Cup Quarter Finals 2nd legs - Betting Tips

UEFA cup Quarter Finals 1st legs brought us some very interesting results. Zenit stunned Bayer Leverkusen and brave Getafe left the Allianz arena with both a smile and a real chance of progressing to the Semi- Finals. We can’t leave Sporting Lisbon, Rangers, Fiorentina and PSV aside, as their encounters were just as tight.

This Thursday sees the 2nd legs taking place and the community's top predictors think Zenit will easily beat Bayer Leverkusen. This comes as a contrast to the rest of the community, which splits evenly between a win for either Zenit or Leverkusen.

In the Getafe – Bayern Munich match, 50% of BetUknow's community thinks that favorite Bayern will win the match by a margin of one goal. It’s quite surprising to see that Bayern’s top predictors think the match will end in a draw. To add to that, Getafe's top predictors think that Getafe will emerge as winners. Not many put their faith in Bayern…

In the other couple of matches, the community goes with the home sides.

Bye Bye Germans??

Low Expectation Shoot Chelsea High

What a strange phenomenon Chelsea are. In contrast to the other two title contenders, Chelsea are not known for their attractive style. Their style of play is extremely effective, practically boring the opposition into submission. Neither Mourinho nor Grant, found the key to mould great individuals into a great team.

This puts Chelsea in a difficult position. When the neutral football fan sees Arsenal or Manchester United play, they are full of appreciation in the level of football they are watching. When United and Arsenal are in top form, they look practically invincible. Who can put a stop Ronaldo’s run when he is full flight, and is there a team who can come up with a solution to Arsenal’s fluid passing game when they are on top form?

And while those two show their magic, Chelsea come up with yet another lacklustre1-0 win, thanks to their opponents bad luck in hitting the bar, or just bowing to the might of Chelsea’s incredibly talented midfield.

This puts Chelsea in a rather good position. Despite being only three points behind Manchester United, everyone still seems focused on Grant’s inadequacy to manage such a prestigious club, or talking about yet another injury to Petr Cech. This takes a lot of pressure off the shoulders of the players, and while Arsenal crumble under the weight of the expectations, Chelsea are looking as the major candidates to pip United in the chase for the Premiership title.

Champions League Quarter Finals Second Leg - Betting Tips

Chelsea have already been knocked out of two cup competitions in the last couple of months and they will try to avoid a third one. On the other hand "Fenerbahce have never been in a quarter-final and they have nothing to lose and that makes them very dangerous" as Michael Ballack says. 60% of BetUknow community put their money on the Blues, but, Chelsea's top predictors are predicting a draw. More then that -Fenerbahce's top predictors bet on a win for the Turks! We wonder whether it’s the high odds or pure belief...

Manchester United and Barcelona are clear favorites in their matches and the community, including the top predictors, put their money on these teams with no second thoughts. Looks like a sure win.

This week is going to be an important one for Arsene Wenger. A week that can end a fantastic season for Arsenal with nothing at hands.
Their first hurdle is Liverpool at anfield. Wenger believes his team can win the Champions League title, but, the community thinks otherwise… More then 50% of the community thinks Liverpool will win this match and this includes both teams' top predictors. Good luck Wenger.

The Premier League Title - Betting Tips

Yesterday matches made the title-run a bit more clearer, after Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils. At this point it seems like that only threat on United are Chelsea who continued their great run with an emphatic 2-0 away win over Manchester City.
The Red Devils still have two points lead at the top with a match in hand, and if the situation continues, that clash between the sides, on April 26th, will probably determine the identity of this years’ Premiership winners.


Until now, United looks just too strong. Some people think they are not going to lose any point till the end of the season… Others think that next week match against Arsenal will be their final obstacle. Still, Manchester United top predictors think that today, at the Riverside Stadium, they are about to lose a couple of precious points.

Almost 70% of BetUknow community bet on Man Utd to win this encounter, scoring more then one goal. This is a hue amount of bettors, but strange enough – this does not include those who predict Manchester Untied the best.

Chelsea's Manager Avram Grant said yesterday "I do not think they will win until the end of the season". Was he thinking of today??

UEFA Cup Quarter Finals first leg - Betting Tips

At the First Legs of the UEFA Cup Quarter Finals, there is a clear advantage for the home teams. According to BetUknow community, both Fiorentina and Rangers should record easy victories, and it will be even easier for the two German sides. Bayern Munich are clear favorites in the match with Getafe, due to their superior squad. Due to this, Getafe must show something special in order to have any chance of surprising the German giants at the Allianz-Arena. Surprisingly enough, the top predictors of both these sides see this surprise happening, as both of them recommend of Getafe to win (Beware!).

The richest club in Russia wants to go on with its great European campaign. Zenit will try to cement their place as one of Europe’s strongest sides but their next obstacle is strong Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen is by far the better team and the fact the season in Russia has just begun should help Leverkusen even more. Still, that's exactly what Marseille thought Ahead of their match with Zenit in the previous round… The community predicts an easy win for Leverkusen, but, Leverkusen's top predictors think this will end in a draw. (and that “Beware” number 2).

Football Betting Tips - Champions League Quarter Finals

The Quarter Finals of the Champions League bring out a lot of tension and uncertainty, but, when it comes to the predictions of BetUknow community, they sure seem very confident in their thoughts.
To me, the AS Roma – Manchester Utd match seems quite even, but 60% of the community, including both team's best predictors, bet on the Red Devils to win, leaving AS Roma with only 11% of the community who believe they will win.
In the 2nd match of the day, Schalke 04 host Barcelona. Despite their recent form almost 70% of the community thinks Barcelona will enjoy a comfortable win.

When Fenerbahce meet Chelsea, summing up the opinions of the majority and the team's top predictors, brings us to realize that a draw is in order. Some might think this to be a surprise, considering Chelsea’s superiority, but the Turks play exceptionally well at home.
The only match BetUknow community has no clear prediction of is the clash of Arsenal and Liverpool. The opinions split evenly and the only sure thing is that everyone agrees this match will end with only one goal differentiating the teams. No doubt – it’s going to be a tight one all the way to the final whistle.