Tuesday, 16^th March

19:45 GMT – Bordeaux V Olympiakos (1-0)

19:45 GMT – Chelsea V Inter Milan (1-2)

Wednesday, 17^th March

19:45 GMT – Barcelona V VFB Stuttgart (1-1)

19:45 GMT – Sevilla V CSKA Moscow (1-1)

Barcelona to score 3 or more goals – 2.00 PaddyPower

Scoring three goals in a knock-out fixture in the Champions League would sound a daunting prospect for some but Barcelona are more than capable of doubling that figure when Stuttgart pay them a visit at the Nou Camp. The German’s haven’t really been conceding an alarming amount in their away games, neither in Bundesliga or Champions League action this season, but they travel to Spain needing to score so will have to abandon any conservative tactics in a bid to get the goal they desperately need. Barcelona, though, regardless of whether Stuttgart sit back or not, have the necessary inventory to unlock the German’s rearguard, with the architect Lionel Messi looking to tie the Stuttgart defence in knots, and Ibrahimovic, a fresh Swede, aiming to pounce on any scrapsthat may come his way.  

We feel a big performance is in the offing here as Barca generally put in a magnificent display along the way and this could be the fixture where once again the footballing world stand up and take notice of the Catalan giants.

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Bordeaux to WIN to NIL – 2.50 Bet365

I don’t like betting on this type of market as one goal spoils the party, but, however, this Bordeaux side are so strong in defence that a clean sheet looks a viable outcome. Moreover, they’re one of the most clinical teams I’ve watched for quite some time, defending stoutly before taking one of a select few chances at the other end. They did this in the first leg in Greece, defending for large parts of the game yet still grabbing a vital away goal. They are model professionals in how to win a game of football in a tidy manner and we fancy them pulling off another tidy display as they enter into the quarter-final draw. After all, they’ve won their last four Champions League games all to NIL.

Moreover, Laurent Blanc rested a few of his more influential players at the weekend, with one of their more high-profiled players, Marouane Chamakh, one of several to play a brief second half part in their 0-0 draw at Monaco. Blanc clearly had this game in mind.

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Chelsea V Inter Milan (Over 2.5 Goals) – 2.00 SkyBet

These sort of games tend to be tetchy, scrappy affairs with clear cut chances few and far between. However, that shouldn’t be the case on Tuesday night as Chelsea will attack a vulnerable Inter defence from the word ‘Go’ in a bid to level the aggregate scoring. Chelsea are one of football’s powerhouse teams and they have the players to roll Inter over by scoring a good few at Stamford Bridge. However, by the same token this Inter side have plenty of goals in them as well, despite a poor recent showing in Serie A. They were far more adventurous in an attacking sense in the first leg at the San Siro, striding forward in numbers whenever possible, and while Inter could decide to rest on their laurels by attempting to defending their one goal aggregate lead, we don’t think their defence is strong enough to keep Chelsea at bay for too long, so Mourinho’s men will need to come out of their shell at some point, which should be sooner rather than later. If so, we should have an open game of football.

Two of Chelsea’s three home encounters in the Group stage of the tournament finished with four goals in each.

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Sevilla V CSKA Moscow (Over 3.5 Goals) – 3.75 Boylesports

We could of played safe and plumped for 3 goals or more but felt this fixture in particular had the makings of a thriller, providing both teams read their respective scripts. What we have here is two sides whom, when presented with an attack minded opponent, like to play counter-attacking football, with the pair both brilliantly at it. CSKA won’t do much from an attacking sense but Sevilla will. The Spanish side will commit men forward in order to kill this tie off and that could be precarious as CSKA counter at an alarming rate, and in numbers. The Russian’s waste no time getting forward and within the blink of an eye there are more CSKA players in Sevilla’s half than that of the Spanish side.

Moreover, the game has a little more spice to it in that CSKA have to score else they go out. Alvaro Negredo’s strike back in Moscow means should this end in a stalemate, Sevilla would go through. The Russian’s need a goal but could find themselves further behind if Sevilla storm out of the blocks like we expect, which, should this be the case, could lead to an entertaining to-and-throe game of football.

Sevilla counter-attacked in a ruthless fasion at Rangers, scoring four at Ibrox, while CSKA scored three at Old Trafford against Manchester United whilst using a counter-attacking style of play during their Group encounters.

Barcelona V VFB Stuttgart

Wednesday, 17^th March – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

First Leg: VFB Stuttgart 1-1 Barcelona

Barcelona, the defending champions of course, went into the first leg as overwhelming favourites to win this two legged affair with VFB Stuttgart – Champions League minnows in many respects. However, if Barca were dominant in the betting market beforehand they certainly weren’t on the pitch as Stuttgart raced out of the starting gates at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and immediately put their more glamorous Spanish opponents under the cosh right from the off, with the Germans roaming forward at ease for the entire length of the first period. Barca were actually being overrun at the back, and rocking, something other European managers will have noted and Stuttgart’s attacking persistence was rewarded when Cacau headed home at the back post to send the Germans into a surprising, yet fully deserving, first leg lead midway through the first half. Stuttgart continued to ask questions of the Barcelona defence, with Carlos Puyol especially woeful and easy to pass down the right, while their defence on the whole was a shambles until the half-time whistle saved their bacon.

The Catalan side were fortunate to go into the break just one goal down and, in a predictable fashion, Barcelona made their German opponents pay for several first half misses when Zlatan Ibrahimovic stuck home his first ever goal in the knock-out stage of the Champions League to level the tie. The Swede’s strike, just seven minutes after the break, revitalised the Barcelona ranks as the Spanish side were the dominant force thereafter, storming past the Stuttgart rearguard just as easy as the Germans were in the first period. Barcelona could have sneaked in front when Ibrahimovic had a shot blocked on the line by what appeared to be the arm of a Stuttgart defender, but that was the last meaningful action of the game as Barcelona passed their way to the final whistle, with the suggestion being the Spanish side are supremely confident of finishing the job back in Spain.

Who will qualify?

It won’t surprise anyone to see Barcelona as strong favourites to qualify for the next round, with every single bookmaker safely assuming that this tie is effectively over before this deciding second leg has even began. The best price you will get on Barcelona going through is currently 1.10 with SkyBet, effectively 1/10 in fractions, while the unlikelihood of Stuttgart shocking the football world with qualification is shown in their odds of 8.00 with WilliamHill, although we would probably rate them a lesser chance than that in fairness.

It’s hard to look past Barcelona for the quarter-finals as they have everything going in their favour. They have the quality to dismantle Stuttgart, with Messi a wizard when playing in front of an entertained Nou Camp crowd, while the combination of having home advantage and an away goal makes the Catalan side alarmingly strong favourites to progress into the next round. We wouldn’t dare oppose the Spanish giants as it would take a miracle of some proportion to see Stuttgart though this tie with some pride still in tact, let alone qualify for the quarter-finals, but still wouldn’t touch them at the current available odds.

Barcelona

Outright Odds: 11/4 totesport

Barcelona are overwhelmingly strong favourites to progress as Stuttgart’s expense but will they justify their ridiculously short price tag of around 1.10 with a comfortable victory at the Nou Camp, or Camp Nou as the locals call it, on Wednesday night in front of the ITV1 cameras?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whom scored Barcelona’s equaliser in Germany, could be the man to watch on the night as he should be fresher than most after being handed the weekend off, or should we say being forced to miss the weekend with a one-match suspension. However, that misdemeanour should work in the Swede’s favour as he should be that touch sharper than everyone else on the pitch and could prove the difference for Barcelona in attack, although that sounds a silly remark when the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta will assist Ibrahimovic in dismantling the Stuttgart defence whilst derailing their quarter-final push in the process. 

This should be a run-of-the-mill victory for Barcelona as their squad is miles above that of their German adversary’s. However, even so, a professional and respectful performance is needed on a night where Barcelona could stamp their mark on the competition with an emphatic win against a side who must come out of the shell in a bid to score goals. Lionel Messi in particular could be another of Stuttgart’s potential tormentor’s and it was he who single handily took Barcelona back to the top of La Liga with a second half hat-trick against Valencia at the weekend, albeit with the Catalan side ending the weekend in second place. However, that win was huge, as not only was it against an old foe in Valencia but it took their winning run at the Nou Camp to five games, whilst the team led by Pepe Guardiola have yet to taste defeat on their patch this season.

Barcelona will try to avoid being the second Spanish side knocked out at this stage after Real Madrid were sent packing last week. That doesn’t look likely though as Barcelona are so formidable at home it’s unreal. Back in La Liga, the likes of Messi Ibrahimovic, Henry, Xavi, Iniesta and Pedro have run riot in front of goal, scoring 37 goals in just 13 home fixtures. However, despite scoring a decent tally of five at home in this competition thus far, they did suffer the shock of the tournament when losing 2-1 to Rubin Kazan, so that result will provide Stuttgart with proof that Barcelona aren’t quite unbeatable in Spain.

VFB Stuttgart

Outright Odds: 200/1 SportingBet

Stuttgart are left trailing in the tie after the 1-1 draw back home, although they had their chances in the first leg to take a crucial first leg lead over to Spain with them but fluffed their lines. The German side now trail by the away goal scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but will feel safe in the knowledge that they haven’t lost on the road in the Champions League this season, while a high scoring draw at the Nou Camp would send them through so perhaps Stuttgart are still alive in this tie.

They do, though, face an uphill struggle to make the quarter’s as by the same token only a one Rubin Kazan from Russia have beaten Barcelona at the Nou Camp all season, with even some of Spain’s greatest; Real Madrid and Valencia, both succumbing to defeats at the den of the Catalan’s. That just about puts it into perspective for Stuttgart; an almost impossible challenge but one that is achievable, with Rubin Kazan being the proof of such a theory.

Preparations ahead of their trip to Barcelona didn’t exactly go to plan though, losing at FC Schalke over the weekend 2-1. It was, however, just their first away defeat in six back in the German Bundesliga, while they’ve not tasted defeat outside of Germany in the competition thus far, even avoiding defeat in Sevilla nearly five months ago. 1-1 draws with Sevilla and Unirea Urziceni accompanied by a 2-0 success at Rangers give Stuttgart a confidence boosting away record to cling onto, at least for the time being.

Stuttgart are enduring a difficult season in the Bundesliga, with the club situated in ninth position in the table. Their form of late has been impressive mind with Christian Gross, the former manager of an FC Base team which went to Camp Nou and earned a draw last season, guiding Stuttgart to two defeats in twelve Bundesliga games. However, most of those fixtures, especially the away encounters, were against some of the leagues poorest teams, so while their form looks more than reasonable on paper, it’s actually misleading in comparison to the task just over the horizon in Spain.

VFB Stuttgart have, however, managed at least one goal in their three away outings so far, so at least there’s a glimmer of light the Germans can cling onto as they make the daunting trip across Europa and down to Spain were the current tournament holders await them.

Match Verdict: Barcelona to WIN -1.29 Boylesports

Like most, we would love to predict a shock but that just doesn’t look likely of happening. After a sluggish start on Sunday against a slightly understrength Valencia side, Barcelona really did get into their stride with Lionel Messi warming up for this second leg encounter with a three goal haul. However, if that were just where Barcelona’s talents end then Stuttgart would have half-a-chance, but that’s the case and we feel Barca’s sheer dominance in quality will get them through this German tester in comprehensive fashion, while the reigning champions often produce a big win along the way to an impressive run in the competition, and so Stuttgart could the unfortunate side to take the brunt of their attacking wrath.

Match Odds:

Barcelona – 1.29 Boylesports

Draw – 6.00 VCbet

VFB Stuttgart – 13.00 Bet365

Bordeaux V Olympiakos

Wednesday, 17^th March – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

First Leg: Olympiakos 0-1 Bordeaux

One of the least attractive last-sixteen ties on paper proved to be just that in the first leg as Bordeaux, the favourites to progress anyway, earned a valuable, and possibly killer, first leg lead with a 1-0 victory in Greece. However, the French champions, who ended a seven year dominance of Lyon with a league winning campaign last season, were somewhat fortunate to leave Greece with any sort of advantage as Olympiakos were hard done by not to have least taken a draw over to France with them, with some controversial decisions from English ref Howard Webb costing the Greek’s severely.

The first leg’s one and only goal came from the head of a defender when Michael Ciani rose highest to head home a Yoann Gourcuff free-kick, of which the set-play was debatable. However, the French side took full advantage of what was a rare opportunity to score in the first half as it was the Greeks who did most of the pressing in the first period, with Bordeaux rarely troubling Nikopolidis, whom was playing his 100^th European game that night, in the Olmypiakos goal. The second half followed a similar pattern with Olympiakos searching for their first goal of the knock-out stage. They should have gotten their equaliser deep into injury time when Matt Derbyshire, formerly of Blackburn Rovers, headed home from three yards out, although he was adjudged to have impeded his defensive marker whilst doing so.

Who will qualify?

The French champions were efficient in the first leg, even if it didn’t win them many fans with their performance. However, their work is nearly done, with all that’s needed now is a professional display back in France. Bordeaux haven’t lost a home fixture in the Champions League this season, which might be one of the reasons why bookmakers have them as short priced favourites to progress, as well as Bordeaux simply being their better side of the two. Olympiakos have their backs against the walls and it reflects in their odds to win this two legged affair, with the Greek’s a best priced 8.00 with Coral to now qualify. Bordeaux, however, can be found at the rather slim and unattractive odds of 1.11 with BetFred.

It was a difficult defeat to take for the Greek outfit as their performance on the night merited at least a share of the spoils. However, the narrow defeat now leaves them chasing the tie, one which looked to have past them by as they face an uphill struggle getting the win they need back in France. Bordeaux have been immensely strong throughout the competition so far but in particular at home, having won all three of their group A encounters including wins over Bayern Munich and Juventus, so it’s hard to envisage a side of Olympiakos’ calibre producing the win necessary to progress.

Bordeaux

Outright Odds: 24/1 WilliamHill

While Bordeaux currently hold all the aces after that narrow 1-0 victory in Greece, manager Laurent Blanc was clearly not taking this second leg lightly as several of his key players were absent from the Bordeaux starting line up over the weekend. It proved to be a poor decision in the end as Bordeaux drew at Monaco 0-0, although luck is on their side at the moment as no-one else around them capitalised on Bordeaux’s slip up meaning the current French champions remain top of Ligue 1 as they prepare to met the Greek champions on Wednesday. 

Bordeaux spent the vast majority of the first leg on the back foot in Greece, but that shouldn’t be the case as they aim to do a role reversal at Stade Chaban Triaud. It’s a venue which has served them well this season, with Bordeaux losing just twice on home soil back in Ligue 1 and not at all in this seasons Champions League, picking up maximum points from their three home group encounters. Even more impressive, however, was that of their two victories over two former European greats in Juventus and Bayern Munich at home earlier in the groups, scoring twice on both occasions.

On the whole Bordeaux have been outstanding at home in all competitions, both this season and the last, even going through the whole of the last campaign without suffering defeat on their home patch. However, a grey area surrounding them was their defeat in their very last appearance at Stade Chaban to Auxerre. That came just before the clubs first meeting with Olympiakos in Greece, with Blanc making several changes in that fixture as well. With Laurent Blanc, a former Manchester United defender, attempting to rotate his squad in an efficient yet ineffective manner, the signs are clear that while Bordeaux’s strongest starting eleven is a match for anyone, their squad isn’t strong enough should one or more key players get injured.

What’s needed from Bordeaux on Wednesday is an efficient display, especially at the back, and you can rest assured that Bordeaux are one of the best in the business at defending. Not only did the French champions finish the group stage of the competition with the best overall record; W:5, D:1, L:0, but their tally of just two goals conceded was the best defensive record out of the 32 teams competing. Moreover, they’ve conceded just one goal at home in the competition thus far, while they’re on a hot streak of six successive wins in the Champions League, whilst their last four have all been to NIL, keeping four successive clean sheets.

Olympiakos

Outright Odds: 500/1 bWin

This mission for Olympiakos looks almost impossible after reading up on Bordeaux’s daunting home statistics but, at the end of the day, all that stands between Olympiakos and the quarter-finals is two goals. However, that’s two HUGE goals if you’re an Olympiakos supporter as the Greek side are not only facing the leanest defence in the competition but also have their dire away run to better of having not scored an away goal in the Champions League this season. 

The omens and statistics are stacked against Olymipakos in a game where they need at least one to take it into extra-time and two to win the tie outright. Even if they were to score twice in France, it’s far from a forgone conclusion that the Greek’s will keep it ship tight at the back, almost impossible in fact. While they’ve kept clean sheets in just under half of their away encounters back in the Greece Super League, they’ve conceded four in three in the Champions League. However, Greek followers can seek inspiration from their last hike, that to Netherlands when they took on AZ Alkmaar. Olympiakos held out for a 0-0 draw on that occasion, with that being their first point of the competition thus far as well as their first away clean sheet. 

There are too many negative points about this Olympiakos team to have us thinking a mini shock could be on the cards. They do well to keep possession, passing it to-and-throe between the midfielders and the defenders until a gap opens up, but they do lack that cutting edge in the forward third of the pitch that can unlock such a water-tight Bordeaux back line. The Greek champions enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first leg but did little with it, yet they’ll have far less of the ball in France and have to do more with it than they’ve done all season in away encounters, and that’s score an away goal.

The Greek side look under nourished to really give Bordeaux a good run for their money on Wednesday, with players were genuine European pedigree absent it would seem. Their only chance of scoring the goals they need to take them through will probably come through set-plays, where the likes of Pavon and Olof Mellberg can stride forward and use their aerial prowess to Olympiakos’ advantage. Even so, despite Nikopolidis best efforts, they’ve hardly been a model of consistency at the back so you’ll be wanting a ruthless display in front of goal as well as a tidy performance from the back – which isn’t going to happen in reality.

Match Verdict: Bordeaux to WIN – 1.57 Bet365 

Bordeaux have been the side to impress me the most this season, even more so when at home having beaten both Juventus and Bayern Munich at Stade Chaban. They are solid and reliable at the back while clinical in the final third – a deadly yet successful ploy for any team. Moreover, the reigning French champions are so consistent that it’s hard to envisage them putting in a poor performance on Wednesday, and that’s just about the only way we can see Olympiakos getting through this terribly difficult looking tie with the aid of a poor display from Bordeaux’s part.

The French side are so difficult to break down, so stubborn and resilient in the centre of the park that a home win, as well as progression into the next round, looks almost assured despite Bordeaux boasting just a one goal lead. Strangers things have happened but Olympiakos lack the fire-power needed to make this any sort of a contest in our honest yet brutal opinion. 

Match Odds:

Bordeaux – 1.57 Bet365

Draw – 3.90 Boylesports

Olympiakos – 7.00 Boylesports

Chelsea V Inter Milan

Tuesday, 16^th March – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 2

First Leg: Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea

In the battle between Chelsea and their former mentor, Jose Mounrinho, it was the latter who came out of the San Siro clash grinning after Inter Milan put one foot in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 first leg victory. In what was supposed to be a tetchy opening, Inter sprinted out of the blocks, and when Diego Milito of Inter Milan swivelled inside the Chelsea penalty area, there was only going to be one outcome as his low yet firm strike inside the near post sent the home crowd into raptures with the opening goal. It was some poor defending to blame though on Chelsea’s part, with John Terry in particular the guilty party. Inter held onto their lead into the interval, although that shouldn’t of been the case when Salomon Kalou was sent tumbling after a rash tackle from behind by Walter Samuel, although the ref clearly felt, or simply didn’t spot the incident to deem it worthy of a penalty.

The second half continued in the same manner the first ended, with Chelsea pressing for a much needed equaliser, and the Blues got their leveller when Salomon Kalou, whom was one of Chelsea’s better players on the night, tried his luck from outside the box only to see his effort sneak inside the far post, albeit with the aid of some lacklustre goalkeeping. Chelsea’s parity was short lived however as Esteban Cambiasso, a holding midfielder by trade, drilled home his effort from just inside the Chelsea box to restore Inter’s one goal advantage, and that’s how the game finished.

Who will qualify?

Despite edging into an aggregate lead, Inter remain as the underdogs, although the bookies do think they have every chance of making the quarter-final draw as the Italians have been slashed in price from 2.70 right down to 2.20 with StanJames, while Chelsea are a general 1.73 shot.

The clincher for most, and perhaps the bookies, is Kalou’s goal at the San Siro, a vital away goal for Chelsea. However, even if Chelsea did get the dream start at Stamford Bridge, Inter wouldn’t be out of the tie until Chelsea put three past the Italians, which, considering most Italian teams are famous for their resolute defending, could take some doing. An early strike for Inter, however, and it would leave Chelsea reeling and feeling the pressure, so the value in our opinion is with the Italians, although they’ve had a knack of disappointing us on English soil before so perhaps we’re expecting a little too much from Mourinho’s charges.

Chelsea

Outright Odds: 5/1 Boylesports

Their opponents, in a vein bid to gain the upper hand, were given an early fixture on Friday, although it worked against the Italians as Inter Milan lost in Catania 3-1. Chelsea, though, despite playing a day later and having a days less of recuperation, were in winning action as they smashed West Ham United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge, with the crowd already being warmed up to some goalscoring action, something Chelsea need to show their fans a lot more of on Tuesday night if they are to progress into the last-eight of the competition.

Chelsea need to score on Tuesday, that’s a given, and it’s difficult to oppose them at least fulfilling that objective. Their goalscoring form at home this season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, has been impeccable, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men yet to have a baron 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge this season, whilst they’ve only lost once at home in all competitions. That was recent, however, when the blues lost in a resounding manner to Man City 4-2. Questions were being asked of the players after that miserable defeat and yet they answered them all in an authoritative manner by winning their following two fixtures, both of which were comfortable scoreline’s: Stoke City 2-0, West Ham 4-1. 

To bolster their superior credentials, Chelsea haven’t lost a home encounter in the Champions League in 21 games, subsequently winning 15 of those. That’s a staggering streak for Chelsea and Ancelotti, whom will be facing his former fiercest rivals in Inter Milan after previously being at the helm of AC Milan. Moreover, seven of their eleven goals scored in this competition thus far have come at The Bridge, so Chelsea look immensely strong to at least push Inter’s one goal advantage to the brink on Tuesday.

There are still a few minor concerns where Chelsea are involved, both of which are in defence. Firstly, Chelsea’s defending in recent games hasn’t been satisfactory to say the least, with silly mistakes slipping into their play, although few have cost them up till now. The second point is the absence of both Petr Cech and Hilario in the Chelsea goal, meaning third choice Ross Turnbull, whom played his first ultra competitive game of the season just last Saturday, will start between the sticks for Ancelotti and Chelsea – hardily a confidence booster for wannabe Chelsea backers.

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 11/1 totesport

While Jose Mourinho should be plotting a plan worthy of sending his Inter Milan through to the quarter’s, he is instead having to encourage his troops after a miserable day at the office last Friday. Just four days before the showdown at Stamford Bridge, Inter were out in Catania aiming to go seven points clear of their nearest rivals, AC Milan, with the point of the Friday fixture being to allow the Inter players a days extra rest.. However, they instead suffered just their third defeat of the campaign and have now lost all momentum after previously going twelve games without defeat in Serie A.

Defeat against such an inferior opponent is arguably the worst warm up for the club ahead of ther biggest clash of the season thus far. Not only will the setback in not picking up any points harm the harmony at the club but it was also the manner in which they lost which stunned us the most. It was fair to say that Inter weren’t at the races on Friday night, with perhaps this very clash with Chelsea at the forefront of their thoughts. However, even so, there were no excuses as to why Inter were sloppy with possession and so rash with their tackles, with temperament clearly an issue within the Inter ranks.

There were a few areas which deeply disturbed us in Friday’s performance, one being Inter’s sheer lack of cool. Once Inter relinquished their narrow 1-0 lead they went to pieces, with Sulley Muntari’s rash challenge inside the Inter penalty box the direct result of an Inter capitulation. However, even before this gift of a penalty, their players were beginning to lose their heads, with rash tackles flying in from all quarters and players persistently arguing with the ref whenever a decision went against them. They looked a side very easy to wind up, and in a game where players simply have to keep their cool, perhaps Inter are exposed to several scenario’s, one being an early strike from Chelsea while the other being some poor referring decisions, as Inter’s players have proven on plenty of occasions this season that they can capitulate when both or one arises.

Inter’s record on the road in the group stages wasn’t particularly great (1-1-1), losing at the Nou Camp to Barcelona in their last away encounter in the Champions League. Moreover, the football God’s are against the Italian’s, with Inter exiting this stage of the competition in their previous three seasons, while their previous two have been at the hands of English opponents in Man Utd & Liverpool. Mourinho will also need to guide his Inter team to their first goal on English soil in six years if they are to grab a vital away goal, although you have to stretch back six years for their last victory in England: A 3-0 win over Arsenal.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.62 totesport

Chelsea seem to have brushed their recent blips under the carpet after two successive wins under their belts now. Inter, however, were putting in a less-than-convincing display away at Catania on Friday night, falling to just their third defeat of the season. That defeat will have been a bitter blow to Inter’s preperations head of their biggest game of the season so far, but they do travel to London with the lead and in the knowledge that a solid defensive display could take them through. However, Inter rarely do clean sheets when away from home, having yet to keep on in the Champions League this season, so the task is a daunting one when you consider Inter probably have to score at least once to have any realistic hopes of making the quarter’s.

This looks too big an ask if you ask me, although Inter do look more equipped to handle the Chelsea onslaught than in previous season. Even so, Chelsea look so strong and even warmed up for this encounter in immense fashion, smashing four goals past West Ham at the weekend, leaving the Chelsea players in buoyant mood ahead of their Italian opponents arrival. Carlo Ancelotti has a consistent group of players at his disposal, especially when playing in front of a capacity home crowd and we’re expecting the blues of London to come out on top as Inter drop out at the last-sixteen stage for the fourth year running.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.62 totesport

Draw – 4.00 VCbet

Inter Milan – 6.00 Bet365

Sevilla V CSKA Moscow

Tuesday, 16^th March – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 3

First Leg: CSKA Moscow 1-1 Sevilla

It was honours even in the first leg, although CSKA might feel their best chance of stamping an authoritative mark on this last-sixteen clash has now passed them by after dominating for most part of the first leg yet only ending the home leg with a draw to show for their in vein efforts. While Mark Gonzalez’s stunning hit from 25 yards was the talking point after the game, arguably the goal of the tournament thus far, the pivotal piece of action came just 25 minutes in as Alvaro Negredo, a summer signing for Sevilla, prodded home Sevilla’s opener after a dangerous ball in evaded both defender and goalkeeper to leave Negredo with an open goal, to which he duly obliged.  

However, while the goal could prove pivotal, as it gives Sevilla the edge via the away goals rule, that was as good as it got for the Spanish travellers as Sevilla rarely troubled Akinfeev’s goal thereafter. Instead, CSKA did all of the pressing, although they displayed signs of a lack of cutting edge in the final third, with the Moscow side reduced to long range efforts for most parts. They did, though, have their opportunity right at the end to win the first contest outright, but Tomas Necid spurred the glorious opportunity, one which could prove costly come the end of Tuesday night.

Who will qualify?

With the first leg ending in stalemate, the away goal, combined with home advantage, has led to bookies confirming their favouritism in Sevilla by cutting their price down from 1.40 before the first leg right down to 1.25 (Bet365) now. In fairness, that’s probably spot on, although a Russian shocker does look rather tasty at 4.30 with Coral – the best price we could find by quite some way.

You would have to favour the Spanish side as not only will they have home advantage on their side but they sit in comfort on the away goal they scored back in Moscow, or do they? While you would expect a more livelier display this time around from Sevilla, simply because they now boast home advantage, CSKA have been known to punish sides with a clear attacking intent on the break, so if Sevilla do commit too many forward then CSKA could counter with a quick attack of their own. Even so, Sevilla should have the experience within their ranks to see of their Russian adversary’s, while the class the posses up front should be enough to score a few on the night, and, should they outscore the Russians, would see Sevilla sail through to the next stage of the competition.

Sevilla

Outright Odds: 22/1 bWin

Like most of the eight teams playing this week, Sevilla didn’t get the victory they needed before their crunch second leg encounter with CSKA Moscow at the Ramon Sanchez stadium in the south of Spain. However, the team from Seville have an immaculate record against Russian opponents, having won their previous two knock-out encounters with a side from the East of Europe, so will the omens stack up in their favour as they aim to build upon their first leg advantage, that solely based on their solitary away goal scored back in Russia. 

The Audalusian club also boast a nifty looking record at home thus far, winning their group games with Unirea Urziceni (2-0) and Rangers (1-0) whilst drawing 1-1 with Stuttgart, a team who drew with Barcelona just a few weeks ago. However, the club are going through a sticky patch of form at present after going just over a month without winning at home, drawing their last two home fixtures in La Liga. The last of them was at the weekend, a 1-1 draw with Deportivo, in a game where Manolo Jimenez fielded the strongest possible side, with only Luis Fabiano the only notable absentee from the starting eleven. 

Sevilla are, though, in a prominent position, both back in La Liga and in respect to this tie as their goal in Moscow gave then the narrow lead with the away goal rule. However, they can ill-afford to rest on their laurels as the tie is still evenly balance, although Sevilla will be favourites due to home advantage and their strong record at home this season.

Only two teams have beaten them at home this season, with those being shock defeats to Getafe and Racing Santander. However, both Real Madrid and Valencia have been dispatched by Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez stadium in La Liga, so Sevilla certainly have the credentials to beat their Russian last-sixteen opponents, but will their strong looking CV equate into victory? We would say so as even the best have faltered there this season.

CSKA Moscow

Outright Odds: 200/1 bWin

The team from Moscow in Russia scraped through their group consisting of Man Utd, Besiktas and Wolfsburg to get this far, but has their best chance of making the quarter-finals gone with that draw back in Moscow? The bookies seem to think so as very few rate CSKA’s chances heading to Spain, but, however, the Russian side do have a victorious past in Spain when winning in their only previous visit to the country 18 years ago when beating Barcelona. That was a major upset back then and the defeat of Sevilla on their own patch would rate just as big of a shock.

We think it’s fair to say that CSKA Moscow are the weakest team still left in the competition, which will go without saying in fairness. Not only does their reputation fall several ounces below that of the remaining teams but their squad just looks too ordinary on paper, while their performances in the group stage of the competition were hardly breathtaking. Still, as the old famous saying goes, “You’ve got to be in it, to win it” and CSKA still have their lottery ticket, grasped ever so tightly, but will they relinquish their hold on the last-sixteen with a somewhat expected defeat in Spain?

We can’t see anyway CSKA can beat their Spanish opponents other than some sublime counter-attacking play, which certainly isn’t beyond them. In fact, I remember watching them at Old Trafford during the groups and they tore United to shreds on the break, although that was effectively the Untied reserves at the time. Even so, they displayed enough pace and vigour on the counter to have us thinking they aren’t completely out of this tie just yet, and that CSKA do have goals in them.

We do have the evidence to back up CSKA’s case for goals as they’ve been lethal in their away encounters thus far, whilst remaining fairly tamed at home. The former Russian champions scored ten goals during their six group fixtures, the same amount as group winners Man Utd, but the most interesting fact of them all was that over half (6) were from their away encounters, which just goes to show that when the pressure shackles are released from their heavy ankles, CSKA can come out to play. Plus, with Sevilla looking to take the game to CSKA on the night, the side from Moscow will have plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs with some lightening fast breakaways.

Match Verdict: Draw – 4.00 VCbet

We do like Sevilla, really like them in fact, but my gut keeps telling me that a shock could be on the cards here, and that CSKA Moscow could be the team to deliver us with the goods. While Sevilla will look to ask the questions from the off, CSKA will instead sit back and try to absorb the Sevilla pressure, with the objective for them being to hold back and unleash some lightening fast breakaways. They proved in their three away encounters in the group that they do have the quality to make this counter-attacking tactic work, so we feel a small punt on the Russian’s avoiding defeat in Spain could be worthwhile.  

However, it is also worth remembering that Sevilla do have the better quality of players, with their forwards good enough to get on the starting line up for most teams. They know how to keep the ball for long periods of time, they have bags of patient and can unlock any defence with some quick one-two’s and give-and-goes. Sevilla are a difficult team to keep up with and should at least score a couple on the night in what we feel could be a thrilling encounter.

Match Odds:

Sevilla – 1.57 SkyBet

Draw – 4.00 VCbet

CSKA Moscow – 7.00 VCbet

Liverpool V Portsmouth

Monday, 15^th March – 20:00 GMT

TV Coverage: ESPN

Liverpool

League Position: 6th

Recent Form: WLDWL

Shocking, pathetic, utterly useless, just a few brief description that could sum up Liverpool’s recent display away at Wigan Athletic. Only Liverpool, a team who’ve fallen acres from heaven down to hell since an enjoyable last season, could lose to a Wigan side who had previously not won a league fixture in seven games. Their lousy team performance got what it deserved, a smack in the face with defeat, and that loss has left Liverpool squirming in seventh and al but out of the race for fourth spot in our eyes.

The gap now looks unbridgeable for Rafael Benitez’s lost looking Liverpool side, who after defeat find themselves a point behind the leading contenders, which doesn’t sound at all bad but the rest all have games in hand over the Reds, with Liverpool having played three more than some. They need a miracle in our opinion, as not only would they need to win all their remaining games, and that looks an impossible and unachievable feat, but they would also need those around them, teams who’ve been far more consistent then they have, to lose a large chunks of their remaining fixtures. The term ‘Not a hope in hell’ springs to mind. 

As far as an honest assessment in this fixture goes; you would like to think Liverpool are certainties but you just don’t get that feeling about them any more, even in a fixture such as this against a team rock-bottom of the Premier League. While they’ve been winning the majority of their games of late, their performance have rarely merited all three points while they’ve still yet to really put a strong run of result together, with Liverpool not managing to string together a run of three successive wins since September of last year. Of course, with Liverpool losing on Monday they look assured to win a week to the day later as that’s what Liverpool do, put in an abysmal display one week before returning to winning ways with a fortunate and undeserved win.

While we couldn’t oppose Liverpool, simply because Portsmouth are a team everyone should be beating, we wouldn’t advise anyone to go delving into their ridiculously low price to win in 90 minutes as they just aren’t worth it. Liverpool have not once lived up their odds-on price tag this season, at least as far as I can remember, so why any one would stick Liverpool in this bets against a team which have shown far more hunger and determination then they have in recent weeks is beyond me. The Reds look lacklustre, out-of-sorts and low in confidence. Not only that but Rafa has them playing in such a disciplined manner that they’re dull to even watch, and that’s coming from a Liverpool fan.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LDLWL

Just when things were looking up, Birmingham pay you a visit and give you a firm reality check. Pompey were given a small dose of their own medicine on Tuesday night by the same team they beat to progress into the semi-finals of the FA Cup just last Saturday. A 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham City took Portsmouth losing tally for the season to nineteen and left the club five points adrift of safety, although that gap will extend after a nine point penalty for going into administration is enforced.

Every sliver lining and all that, well, Portsmouth ray of sunshine comes in the form of the FA Cup. Their last remaining chance of glory, although the fans would throw all the cup euphoria away if they could exchange it for Premiership safety. That’s not a possibility though, but the dream of making the finals of the FA Cup for the second time in three years is a reality, although you wouldn’t of put your money on it happening, and probably still won’t if truth be told after drawing either Fulham or Tottenham in the next round, but still, at least the fans have something to cheer about after an horrendous season thus far.

The Portsmouth players really did rise to the occasions on Saturday, with the fans right behind them as they battled their hardest for a place in the Semi-Finals of the oldest domestic club competition in the world. Their determination and sheer doggedness to resist going down without a fight earned them a memorable 2-0 win on Saturday, although they returned to their Jekyll & Hyde ways when losing in a miserable manner to the very same side they put out of the cup just seven days ago. We would love to say this typifies Portsmouth’s season thus far as it doesn’t, that would actually be an over exaggeration in what has been a dire campaign for a club destined to slide down the leagues it would seem. 

It certainly doesn’t get any easier mind as they prepare to make the long trip up north to face Liverpool at Anfield. Funnily enough, one of Pompey’s five wins this season season did come against Liverpool back at Fratton Park, but that shouldn’t count for anything as their away form this season, and of late for that matter, has been abysmal, with just two away wins to their name after fourteen outings, although they did win on their very last venture away from the South Coast in a 2-1 win at Burnley.

Match Verdict: Liverpool to WIN – 1.25 BetFred

I think if this was any team other than Portsmouth heading up to Anfield then Liverpool wouldn’t be the selection. However, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable opposing Liverpool, that makes me chuckle considering it’s usually the right option nowadays, against a team rock-bottom of the Premiership and are just mere days from being walloped with a nine point penalty, one which will effectually rip them of their Premiership. status. Moreover, after enduring defeat at the hands of struggling Wigan Athletic during the week, this is now a fixture just have to win, literally, as anything but would definitely rule them out of the running for fourth spot in our eyes, that if they aren’t already out of contention already after that Latics defeat. The Reds need a win, a convincing one to give the morale a camp in a big boost, and they may just get it at the expense of a demoralised Portsmouth.

Match Odds:

Liverpool – 1.25 BetFred

Draw – 5.50 Bet365

Portsmouth – 15.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Fernando Torres FGS – 3/1 Coral

Manchester United V Fulham

Sunday 14^th March – 13:30 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WDLWW

We aren’t quite sure how the United ranks will be feeling after their emphatic and humiliating victory over one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, AC Milan. Probably the same as before kick-off, just a run-of-the-mill win for Fergie as United go from strength to strength under the spearhead of arguably the greatest forward in the game at present in Wayne Rooney. While this is debatable, we think it’s not, although I’m going to be biased for England’s sake, but there is no doubting just how important Rooney has become to United, almost a one-man team dare I say it, and the lethal frontman, whom has now scored five in his last six competitive fixtures, could be the man who single handily decimates another team this Sunday, only this time an English one.

Revenge will be on the minds of the Red Devil’s this Sunday as lingering memories of their 3-0 humbling at Craven Cottage still hurt. United were made to look like right muppets that day, with Fulham turning the champions of England into an ordinary outfit within 90 minutes, but Alex Ferguson will pinpoint a reversal of fortunes on Sunday and who would back against them not only achieving that, but doing it with authority. After all, Man Utd have won the previous five encounters at Old Trafford with Fulham, so the omens are in their favour, not that they should need them. 

Whereas Fulham’s form is patchy, a compliment if you glance at their away form this season, United’s is near enough immaculate, at least at home anyway. In fourteen home fixtures thus far, United have lost only once, that famous 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. While that bitter defeat didn’t go down too well with the locals at the time, United gave the response of true champions, not only winning their very next encounter at Old Trafford but going on to boast a 100% record there ever since, with United winning their last six home games. However, do you want to know what the scary part is? – United haven’t conceded a single goal during this sublime winning run of theirs, with the United goal not being breached in over 540 minutes of home action – Incredible!

United just look too strong on paper for us, on the pitch as well if they somehow replicate their performance at home to AC Milan last Tuesday in which they never looked like losing. There were a few glimmers of bad defending mind, although that was to be expected with Rio Ferdinand still gelling back into the United defence, but there were positives to take from that game, especially in the first 45 minutes, if you’re an opposing manager, more over a Mr. Roy Hodgeson or even a Mr. Rafael Benitez, whom takes his Liverpool side to Manchester next week. However, a home fixture with Fulham is the ideal time to iron out any exposed defensive flaws so by the time Liverpool pay them a visit, a team who beat them 4-1 at Old Trafford last season, United could be in immaculate form.

Fulham

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: WDWWD

While Fulham maybe enjoying their fair bit of success back at Craven Cottage, their away fortunes have taken a big hit ever since their opening day victory at Portsmouth. 15^th August, 2009 the last time Fulham were seen winning an away encounter in the Premiership, although we had to double check as even we didn’t believe they had done so, nearly half-a-year ago and thirteen away games later without a win. It’s drastic form to say the least, atrocious if you like, so surely they are classed in the category of ‘no-hopers’ this weekend as they travel up northwards to take on Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams.

If it wasn’t for all these draws, six in all, Fulham’s away record for the season would be up there with the very worst in the league. Fortunately, though, their hard-working qualities has still got them through some sticky encounters, although these many draws do little to hide Fulham apparent away flaws, having lost exactly half of their away fixtures up until this point. They are, however, unbeaten in their last two after draws at Bolton and Sunderland, but the concern now is more about their luck in front of goal, or severe lack of it, with both those draws being 0-0 and Fulham now having gone 420 minutes without an away goal – Shocking stuff! 

I feel like a boxer in this moment in time, jabbing away at Fulham’s lack of credentials heading up to Old Trafford. However, I’m about to go for the killer blow and say Fulham won’t have a chance as they would need a side fit, fresh and raring to go just to stand a chance in Manchester – Something they won’t have the luxury of unfortunately. On Thursday night, Fulham will have been involved in some Europa League action, as to which we have no idea how they got on as this a Thursday morning we’re writing on, but we’ll give you a brief idea of how they’ll be feeling on Sunday – Groggy, perhaps a tad tetchy and blooming knackered after 90 minutes in Italy against a former Italian giant. Juventus.

If Fulham could somehow snatch a result in Turin then perhaps the confidence they would get from that would cancel out their lack of fitness, or at least sharpness. However, that’s still a pretty big ask, although not impossible by any stretch of the imagination, but the question still remains as to what shape Fulham will arrive back in England in. If it’s anything less than 100% conditioning then Roy Hodgeson has a problem as his Fulham players, for whatever reason, just don’t do away games.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.25 Boylesports

While Fulham boast a 3-0 win back at Craven Cottage, United could quite easily reverse that scoreline and then some on Sunday as they are the in form team right now, as opposed to Fulham who are just plain awful on the road. We wouldn’t have a whole lot of confidence in some of England’s fines halting the United express at this moment in time after their euphoric victory over Milan in midweek, so we don’t rate Fulham’s chances of doing so in the slightest, and believe me, we so wanted to. Straightforward will probably ring around the pundit boards by the time MOTD2 arrives on our doorsteps at something like 22:20 on a Sunday night.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.25 Boylesports

Draw – 6.00 Bet365

Fulham – 16.00 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Manchester United to WIN to NIL – 1.80 888sport

Sunderland V Manchester City

Sunday, 14^th March – 16:00 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Sunderland

League Position: 13th

Recent Form: DDLDW

Sunderland fans, players and staff were all breathing a collective sigh of relief as the club finally ended their baron run of fourteen games without a win with victory over Bolton. Their opponents maybe struggling right now with their relegation problems, but the win was so craved that it does not matter how the win came about or even who against, just that this morale sapping winless run of theirs is over. Steve Bruce can now start plotting a serious charge away from the drop zone after that elusive victory, but will his players fall back into their familiar slumber or will they respond positively with another vital win?

You got fourteen league games without winning then BAM, you go and smash Bolton Wanderers 4-0 at The Stadium of Light. Come the end, Sunderland were emphatic and could of scored more. However, despite Frazier Campbell opening the scoring after just a minute, Sunderland made a shaky start to proceedings, one so bad that Bolton have a good two or three decent chances to equalise. For once though, luck was on Sunderland’s side as they whether the mini Bolton onslaughts only to reap the rewards later on with three second half goals, Sunderland’s first four goal haul in over five months.

A big performance from Sunderland was well overdue after a superb start to the season which had fans and pundits alike predicting a possible European finish. However, perhaps some arrogance, or even inexperience, kicked in as Sunderland started to race downhill from about October onwards, with their spiral of disappointing results leaving them in such a precarious position that relegation was, and still is, a genuine possibility, although that much needed win over Bolton on Tuesday did help their cause greatly, with the Black Cats enforcing a a healthy six point gap between them and the relegation zone.

Sunderland may have won the battle but the the war isn’t over as the fans never anticipated their campaign ending in a relegation avoiding push. Far from it in fact, so it’s now down to the management and playing staff to continue where they left off on Tuesday, winning games whilst actually scoring. A mid-table finish is the least the Sunderland fans expect after seeing millions shelled out during the summer, but that winning result is still just a drop in the ocean in comparison to the long list of terrible results gone before it, so this making up act of theirs to the fans is still ongoing.

Manchester City

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: LWDDW

Man City’s hopes of ending the season in that elusive fourth spot were boosted by the defeat of Liverpool in midweek, with this race for fourth now looking a three horse race between themselves, Aston Villa and Tottenham, although the bookies have made City the favourites to clinch fourth position, with Champions League football the reward for the winner. However, for City to justify the favouritism shown in them by bookmakers around the country, they would need to start winning games on a more consistent basis. Their sensational 4-2 win at Chelsea is certainly an ideal platform to build from, but City have been known to nod off after important wins, so will they fall into a familiar slumber when they travel to The Stadium of Light on Sunday? 

With City not in action over the weekend due to it being FA Cup week, and City no longer involved in that competition, although not without the want of trying, Mancini’s men should be the fresher of the two sets of players especially as their opponents, Sunderland, were involved in Premiership action only last Tuesday. After a stunning victory at Stamford Bridge, the City players probably needed a good week or so off just to digest what they had actually achieved against Chelsea; becoming the first team in something like 36 games to dethrone Chelsea on their own patch… emphatically, it has to be said.

While the final result was extremely pleasing, and the manner in which they finished Chelsea off was ruthless, City didn’t start the clash at all well, barely spending any time on the ball let alone troubling an exposed Hilario in the Chelsea goal. However, some resolute play and determination from Tevez, who else, changed the complex of the game as his scruffy opener just before the break turned the game completely on it’s head, and in City’s favour. City were domineering in the second period, whilst clinical on the break, especially with Bellamy’s pace down the left. However, the difference for us was Carlos Tevez as his hunger and drive at Stamford Bridge was second to none, and it was his somewhat controversial antics which geed up the rest of the City team, much to the annoyance of the Chelsea fans and players.

For us, Carlos Tevez is now at a similar level to that of Wayne Rooney or a Steven Gerrard in that without a Carlos Tevez in the starting line up, City look toothless and deprived of ideas. There is no doubting the fact City have a host of quality players but very few would stand out in a crowd when times are rough, and we couldn’t pinpoint a single one whom would continue to fight on for the City cause regardless of the current score, and City now have that in Tevez, and even Bellamy as well in some respect. When these two play, and they haven’t been doing so of late for whatever reason, City are a more dangerous outfit, with Bellamy’s pace and persistence down the flank and Tevez’s reluctance to stop running and being an ever present pest. The pair make City what they are at present; a dangerous opponent with a lethal cutting edge to them, while the last time Sunderland clashed with the pair of them was back at The City of Manchester Stadium last December, when both Tevez and Bellamy got on the score sheet. Deja vu, perhaps?

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.40 Bet365

This fixture is so difficult to weigh up after Sunderland’s recent revival act at home to Bolton. Had Sunderland continued in their winless rut then City would have been almost a shoo-in in our eyes, although perhaps their inconsistent away past could come into affect now that we need to start looking for negatives for both sides, instead of a quickie punt on Man City to win. That win for Sunderland over Bolton does throw a spanner ij the words as it should breathe some confidence into the players after some previously lacklustre efforts in their league games. City, though, make the relatively short trip top Tyneside off the back of a morale boosting win at Stamford Bridge and will surely be on top of the world in the knowledge that they can beat absolutely anyone on their day, plus Liverpool lost on Monday so it’s been the perfect two week spell for the blues from Manchester.

These two played out a thriller in the reverse meeting at The City of Manchester, with City edging that entertaining encounter 4-3. That game focused on two lousy defences, but that really shouldn’t be the case the second time around, at least from City’s perspective as while their back four is far from impenetrable, it has improved since they conceded three at home to Steve Bruce’s Black Cats. Then again, all four of the previous clashes at The Stadium of Light have ended with three or more goals in them, so don’t listen to us and get on the goals.

Match Odds:

Sunderland – 3.75 Boylesports

Draw – 3.40 Bet365

Manchester City – 2.20 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Both teams to score (YES) – 1.91 WilliamHill

Hull City V Arsenal

Saturday, 13^th March – 17:30 GMT

TV Coverage: ESPN

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: DWLLL 

Not the ideal fixture to be taking three points out of but one the Tigers will do their utmost in to at least ensure it’s a competitive affair as they welcome title chasing Arsenal to the KC Stadium. With Hull occupying one of three relegation spots, any points would be handy in their cause to avoid the drop, but the Gunners not only beat them 3-1 in their last visit to Humberside but also stuck three pas them back at The Emirates just four months ago, with Hull failing to even reply in that clash. So, will Phil Brown have his Tigers fired up for the second encounter with the Gunners this season, or will they prove a toothless bunch once more?

Well, if their recent form of three successive defeats is anything at all to go by then the answer would be toothless. However, in Hull’s defence, all three were away fixtures; losing at Blackburn (1-0), West Ham (3-0) and more recently Everton (5-1), with the latter the most emphatic of the lot and coming at just the wrong time, just before they welcome an Arsenal team who scored five past Portuguese giants FC Porto in midweek. 

Right, with the ugly facts out of the way, we turn towards the prettier parts, much like Beauty & the Beast, with Hull clearly the beast I’m afraid, despite their recent vein of form back at home. In Hull’s defence, and they would need a strong lawyer to battle their case for three points this weekend, they are unbeaten in their last three at home, but, more importantly, they beat a Man City side 2-1 in their most recent home appearance – A City team who later went on to beat the current league leaders Chelsea in emphatic fashion.

Funnily enough, Hull have been partial to a bit of home resistance this season as back in October they went on a month long run without losing at home, going six games unbeaten at the KC. After avoiding defeat to Wolves (2-2), Chelsea (1-1) and Man City (2-1), Hull have not only gone three unbeaten at home and boosted their survival claims significantly, but they’ve also put together some surprisingly strong home form, with both Chelsea & Man City failing to beat Hull at the KC this month, so perhaps Hull are capable of adding another high-profile team to their shocker list.

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: LWWWW

The Arsenal camp will be in buoyant mood after they surprised us all with their stunning efforts in the Champions League last-sixteen on Tuesday. Cesc Fabregas was ruled out of even featuring for the Gunners in midweek so to win in such an emphatic and domineering manner was sensational, and a credit to all involved in preparing the side for that big clash. Arsenal ran out more than comfortable winners in a 5-0 romp at the Emirates, becoming the very first English side to go into the draw for the quarter’s.

It’s back to the real business now though as Arsenal set their sights on another crucial victory on Saturday, this time the reward will be three huge points. Arsenal’s recent rich vein of form; winning their last four league games, has resulted in the Gunners being thrown straight back into this title equation, with Arenal now just two points off the pace set by Manchester United. In fact, victory on Saturday, what would be their fifth on the spin, could send the Gunners top of the league should Chelsea’s come a cropper against their London rivals, West Ham. That doesn’t look likely though, so Arsenal might merely have to settle for a win that would keep the pressure firmly on Chelsea and Man Utd.

Arsene Wenger will be supremely confident of his teams chances as they have a good record against Hull of late, having won their last two clashes with the Tigers. Moreover, while Hull have been struggling in front of goal, Arsenal have been creating chances a plenty, even if they haven’t exactly been as clinical as one might hope. They proved on Tuesday night though that this Arsenal side had goals in them so Hull could be their unlucky victim which they unleash their wrath on this weekend. Arsenal last couple of games have been more about battling qualities rather than outright skill and technical ability, with the Gunners having to win in an unfamiliar untidy manner of late. That should have been different however had they put away the majority of their chances, especially on Saturday against Burnley.

Arsenal were a team waiting to erupt after weeks of spurring chance after chance and only managing the odd few goals in games, which would be good for some but not for an Arsenal side who pride themselves on their forward prowess and ability to score goals. Porto were the side they unleashed their fury on but have they used it all up on the Portuguese side?

Match Verdict: Arsenal to WIN – 1.44 Boylesports

We’re going with the form book here, although that’s a bit misleading considering Hull haven’t lost at home in their previous three visits. Even so, Arsenal looked far too tasty to oppose after Tuesday’s demolition job of Porto. Moreover, Arsenal have been used to battling their way to results of late and should be battle hardened for their trip to Hull. The Tigers aren’t the most physical of sides but they do get in your face and close you down with some sharp tackles. However, Hull are also a team which get deflated pretty fast so a quick strike for the Gunners could be a huge blow as Hull aren’t renowned for their scintillating comebacks.

Arsenal for us as they aim to complete a hat-trick of wins against the Tigers, one that would keep them in the hunt for the Premier League crown and pile more pressure onto Manchester United who play 24 hours later.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 9.00 WilliamHill

Draw – 4.80 VCbet

Arsenal – 1.44 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Nicklas Bendtner anytime scorer – 2.38 StanJames

Chelsea V West Ham United

Saturday, 13^th March – 15:00 GMT

Chelsea

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: DWLWL 

Chelsea avoided their third defeat on the spin in all competitions when beating Stoke City at the weekend in the FA Cup. A victory which was welcomed in by a collective sigh of relief around Stamford Bridge after some nervy and unconvincing displays beforehand. Goals from Frank Lampard & John Terry, fittingly two players blue through-and-through, led to a routine, if not entirely convincing, 2-0 win and it now sets up an exciting semi-final clash with Aston Villa at Wembley. That exciting encounter isn’t for a good few weeks yet so Chelsea’s attention reverts back to the league and regaining their position at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League table with victory at home to a West Ham side which held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Upton Park earlier in the season.

To Chelsea’s credit, they handled the physical side of Stoke’s play magnificently well, with John Terry back as Chelsea’s rock at the heart of what has been a shaky defence for Chelsea in recent weeks. It was about time the Chelsea skipper came through with a solid performance, one which should set an example for the rest of the defence as his displays, as well as the rest of the Chelsea back line of late, haven’t been up to scratch. He was immense on Sunday though, powerful in the air; both in his own box and in Stoke’s, scoring Chelsea’s second and eventual winner with a bullet header. He dedicated his goal to the fans and he will hope his and the clubs loyal followers will get right behind his side once again as they welcome one of their many London rivals to Stamford Bridge this coming weekend.

While Chelsea’s year-long record without losing at Stamford Bridge has diminished after that memorable 4-2 defeat at the hands of Man City in their very last appearance at the Bridge, that intimidating feeling you get when walking onto the Chelsea pitch still remains, the one you get when you know you’re in a real game. The aim on Saturday though will be to restore the infallible factor back to Stamford Bridge by returning to winning ways instantly and against a West Ham side which lost at the weekend, that looks a good bet.

After relinquishing their grasp on top spot after defeat to Man City, the players should be extra motivated to go out and make amends for their poor showing that infamous afternoon. We don’t see anything other than a comfortable home win ourselves, after all, Chelsea have been formidable at home this season, dropping points on just two rare occasions, while their goal difference of +29 (41-12) is insanely good, so good that even the very best get intimidated. Chelsea need a big victory after a miserable last outing in the league and they have the ideal chance to register one at West Ham’s expense.

West Ham United

League Position: 16th

Recent Form: LWWLL

Hammers fans endured a miserable weekend after watching their team, one which appeared rejuvenated after a recent influx of wins, go on to record a 2-1 defeat at home to struggling Bolton Wanderers last Saturday. That unexpected defeat leaves the club hovering just above the drop zone now, just three points separating them from the bottom three teams in fact, so another defeat this weekend, what would be their second in quick succession, could see them fall back into the bottom three after only just getting back on track.

West Ham have now lost twice on the spin following defeats to both Manchester United & Bolton Wanderers. Those bitter loses came after their first set of back-to-back wins in the league, so are the team back to their miserable, losing selves? Well, only time will tell we suppose, although the Hammers haven’t lost three games in a row since the middle of December, so they’ll be eager to avoid falling into a similar rut on Saturday, although defeat does look inevitable if you ask most neutral punters and punfits.

Like many teams near the bottom of the league, West Ham’s away record isn’t the best, although it’s far from being the worst. Gianfranco Zola has seen his team win just one of their fourteen away fixtures this season, while you could safely rule out them winning at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Draws have occurred on five occasions but the majority of their away games, 57% in fact, have ended in defeat, which doesn’t bode well for the travelling Hammers as they enter into one of their toughest fixtures of the season, one which is also a local derby for their fans.

On the injury front, Benni McCarthy could play some part after missing West Ham’s last couple of games, although he’s still a doubt, while Mark Noble could return in a lightweight protective cast for his fractured arm, although that doesn’t seem worth it in a game West Ham don’t stand much hope in if truth be told. Stanislas is also being assessed, while Danny Gabbidon should be fit to start at the back for Zola’s Hammers.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.25 Expekt

This should be Straight forward for Chelsea as they aim to get right back to winning games after defeat in their last league outing. West Ham were hopeless last Saturday, second best for the majority of their game with Bolton, while Chelsea were showing us all their combative qualities, working extremely hard to etch out a win at home to Stoke in the FA Cup. That big win over Stoke will have raised the morale of the Chelsea camp and that should rise further after an expected victory at home to West Ham United this weekend.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.25 Expekt

Draw – 6.00 SkyBet

West Ham United – 15.00 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Chelsea to WIN to NIL – 2.00 BlueSquare