Saturday, October 17, 2009 Soccer

Sunderland vs. Liverpool (1-0)

Sunderland come into this game having won 4 out of 5 in their home turf (only lost to Chelsea) plus they have deservedly managed a draw at the Old Trafford two weeks ago, so I give S. Bruce's side a decent chance of picking something up from this match. The Black Cats is has acquired Boudewjin Zenden on a free transfer. With George McCartney (foot) in doubt, Kieran Richardson suspended and Paolo da Silva returning late from international duty, the Dutchman could line up at left-back against his former club - assuming his move is cleared in time.There is also concern over the fitness of Kenwyne Jones, whose commitments with Trinidad & Tobago mean he won't land on Wearside until Friday afternoon. Should the striker not feature, Fraizer Campbell will step in.
On the other hand, superstar duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will miss the trip to Wearside and Gerrard's absence could prove particularly troublesome, as midfielders Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano - along with Emiliano Insua - could be short on fitness upon their return from South America. It can only be worse for Benitez, with centre-back Sotiris Kyrgiakos facing at least five weeks out after damaging his knee in Greece's clash with Luxembourg. Daniel Agger, however, is ready to make his long-awaited return in defence, while Dirk Kuyt is reported to have shrugged off the ankle injury sustained in Australia.
And based on the given odds, its definitely Sunderland @ +0.25 AHC for me

Stoke vs. West Ham United (2-1)

Stoke's strategy to stay in the EPL if anyone have noticed is to try win all home games and tie all away games. And no doubt, they have one of the best defence in the league by having some of the most hardworking & physical home players. Abdoulaye Faye will be unavailable as the defender is nursing a back injury. Mamady Sidibe and Diego Arismendi are both suffering from knee problems, although the former may face a late check-up to assess his fitness and Glenn Whelan is rated 50/50.
The Hammers are missing quartet, Kieron Dyer / Dan Gabbidon / Dean Ashton / Luis Boa Morte through injuries and Scott Parker will be suspended after picking up five yellow cards. I cannot be any optimistic for this West Ham side to get anything from this game in regard with their current form and squad.
Ok, Stoke @ -0.25 AHC is the obvious choice.

Juventus vs. Fiorentina (1-1)

Juventus injury situation has improved with Cannavaro and Sissoko ready to play some part again as well as F Melo and Diego. Alessandro Del Piero has returned to training. His adductor injury seems to have healed, but he is unlikely to play. Tiago is also unavailable, as is Hasan Salihamidzic and Marchisio after his knee operation.
Fiorentina have a fully fit squad for this top clash. Jovetic will probably be preferred to Mutu, supporting the hot Gilardino. Fourth place or better is the objective for Prandelli's side this term. They are currently joint second with Saturday's opponents, therefore mistakes will not be easy to digest in the Tuscan capital.
International games always prove to be a problem for Juventus as most of the players in the Italian squad were from Juventus. With high stakes on all fronts, Fiorentiona is likely settle for a draw here, so Fiorentina @ +0.5 AHC for me then

Genoa vs. Inter (0-5)

Despite selling a few big-name players like Thiago Motta and Diego Milito last summer, Genoa have continued where they left off last term. After badly injuring his left knee during a friendly against the youth team, midfielder Houssine Kharja will be out for around six months. Ivan Juric is a doubt for this one, while Bosko Jankovic, Domenico Criscito, Giuseppe Biava and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are also unavailable. Finally, Giandomenico Mesto is suspended.
Injured Inter ace D Milito will not be able to play against his former club and Eto'o is a major doubt, so Balotelli is the only certainty to be in Inter's front line, supported by Sneijder. Could be that Suazo will earn a rare starting role, should Eto'o not recover.
With Genoa's form and squad, I actually expect them to be the favourite for this game. Fishy odds makes me lean towards Inter @ -0.25 AHC since choosing the more dangerous odds is always my betting policy.

Valencia vs. Barcelona (0-0)

Not to worry about Valencia's financial problem, a big question for Unai Emery is whether or not David Villa plays (haha and sell eventually). If not, Nikola Zigic should come in. Ever Banega is likely to play instead of Carlos Marchena, who is out for a month in the centre of midfield. Joaquin is also expected to miss out.
In their last four league meetings with Valencia, Barcelona have scored 15 goals and conceded just two. Against a leaky Valencia defence that figure could grow this weekend. And they called this a REAL TEST? Xavi caused a stir when pulling out of Spain's tie with Bosnia on Wednesday but should recover to resume his midfield role. Dmytro Chygrynskiy is back in training but is unlikely to feature. Bojan Krkic is likely to replace Thierry Henry, but from the bench.
IMO, Xavi, Iniesta & Messi should tear the Valencia's defence apart for this game, so Barcelona @ -0.75 AHC is my bet.