News Over-Under

4/11/10

Club Brugge vs Dinamo Preview

Club Brugge coach Adrie Koster has told his players nothing less than a victory will do when they face Dinamo Zagreb.

The Belgian club currently sit bottom of Group D with two points after picking up a goalless draw against the Croatian side last time out.
That result means Brugge are four points adrift of section leaders Villarreal and in desperate need of the three points if they are to have any genuine chance of advancing beyond the group stages.
And Koster knows his side will not only need to claim the three points at the Jan Breydel Stadion on Thursday evening, but they will also need to avoid defeat in their final two group fixtures.
Koster said: "At home we absolutely must win against this team, but elsewhere we have to gather points.
"It is not easy, but it will have to if we want to qualify. I was pleased that Villarreal beat PAOK Salonika in their last game as PAOK and Dinamo now have four points and we have two.
"We are still in this competition, but we must leave absolutely nothing to chance at home."
But Koster knows his side will face a stern test against Vahid Halilhodzic's well-organised visitors.
"We should not underestimate Dinamo," he added. "They have shown on many occasions that they are a team with real footballing ability.
"Sometimes they pass the ball around very efficiently and quickly. They are a difficult team to play against because they can play well on the counter."
Koster's hopes of success will be high with his side unbeaten in five Europa League home matches, and will have been buoyed by the way they performed in their 2-2 Jupiler League draw with Standard Liege at the weekend.
And Halilhodzic, mindful of Brugge's home record, believes a win in Belgium would be a great result for his side and mark a major step in their progression.
"A win would be a great achievement and progress for this team and Dinamo," he said.
"Villarreal have the strongest team in the group, but Brugge has caused us the most problems, we created very few chances in the first game."

Under-1.80
Over-2.00

Bayer Leverkusen vs Aris Preview

Bayer Leverkusen defender Stefan Reinartz has called on his team to produce fireworks on the pitch against Aris Salonika.

The Germans were held to a turgid goalless draw in Greece two weeks ago, which left Bayer a point clear of their opponents in pole position in Group B.
Victory at the BayArena on Thursday would put Jupp Heynckes' side within touching distance of the next round, and Reinartz wants a better attacking display than they offered in the reverse fixture.
"In Salonika there were fireworks before the game but not on the pitch," he said, referring to the atmosphere at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium.
"In Leverkusen, we want to do it the other way around."
Heynckes has called on his team to take the game to the Greeks, who have lost their only away match in the group so far, 2-1 at Rosenborg.
"We have to play with tempo, get the ball out wide and pressure our opponents into making mistakes," he said.
Bayer have been boosted by the return to training of winger Renato Augusto, who returned from Brazil at the weekend where he had been recovering from a knee injury, and Gonzalo Castro, who is back after a hamstring problem. Tomorrow's game is likely to come too early for both, though.
Midfielder Michael Ballack, striker Stefan Kiessling and defender Sami Hyypia remain long-term injury victims.
Aris ended a two-game losing run in the Super League with a 2-0 win over Atromitos last time out.
They have scored just two goals in four away league games so far this term, and a mere five in eight in total. Indeed they have failed to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions, suggesting the Bayer backline is unlikely to be in for an especially busy night.
Leverkusen are themselves, though, without a win in their last two home games, a run which has left them seven points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Under-2.07
Over-1.73

Porto vs Besiktas Preview

Porto coach Andre Villas Boas does not want his team distracted by playing Benfica on Sunday when they meet Besiktas.

A fourth straight win in the Europa League will guarantee a place in the next stage of the competition.
That is all that matters to Villas Boas, who was on Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Chelsea and Inter Milan.
After arriving at Porto in June, he is determined to make a name for himself in management.
Porto have already beaten Besiktas 3-1 in Turkey, with Rapid Vienna and CSKA Sofia occupying third and fourth place in Group L.
Villas Boas said: "The team is confident and has grown in terms of organisation. The impact we can have in qualifying will be extremely beneficial, even for Sunday's game.
"We have two more games to ensure qualification but are in fact standing at the gates to secure it. To throw away that chance against our nearest rivals would be a mistake."
Villas Boas has indicated he may tinker with his team, adding: "Our schedule is tight and we will have little time to rest. In that respect there might be one or two changes to the side."
Guti hopes Besiktas will be far more solid than they were in the first meeting between the clubs.
The Spaniard could play a key role, especially as former Porto midfielder Ricardo Quaresma will miss the game through injury.
Guti said: "We want to keep a clean sheet as that would help our ambition in this competition.
"We went through a bad spell with a lot of injuries. Now the team will have more options. It is important we go back to getting the kind of good results we achieved at the beginning of the season."
Meanwhile, talented defender Ridvan Simsek is facing a spell on the sidelines after a freak accident at home.
He slipped in his bathroom last night and fractured his right hand. According to club doctor Devrim Urgun, the player's hand will be in a cast for about three weeks.

Under-2.20
Over-1.65

PSV vs Debrecen Preview

PSV Eindhoven coach Fred Rutten wants a victory over Debrecen as they strive to top their Europa League group.

The Dutch club would move onto 10 points with another win, and that should be enough to see them go through.
"It is important that we get the three points and move onto 10," Rutten said. "It does not guarantee you go through, which is our objective, but it moves you a long way in that direction. Winning is all that counts."
PSV won 2-1 away to Debrecen in their last Europa League outing and will be strong favourites on home turf.
But Rutten expects Debrecen to come out fighting as they seek their first points of the campaign.
"I cannot imagine their coach will be thinking they should come out just to avoid a defeat," he said. "Their only chance is to win. They still have some hope if they are to win their remaining three games."
Atiba Hutchinson is set to make his 50th appearance in Europe in the match, but the 27-year-old is not interested in personal milestones.
"It is an important game and we must focus on playing our own game," he said. "They will want to gamble on the counter attack."
Hutchinson has seen plenty of playing time at right-back of late, moving out of his usual midfield berth, but the change has not phased him.
"I've played there for a while now, and you get used to it and get better, so hopefully that carries on," he said.
"We have already talked about it, I might even move somewhere else, but I will know what to expect."
Rutten will be without the services of Jagos Vukovic, having taken the decision to suspend him for the match following his sending off against FC Twente last week.
Vukovic is facing a four-match ban in the league following a clumsy challenge on Bryan Ruiz late in the 1-0 loss, but Rutten believes the 22-year-old deserves further punishment.
"This kind of action we cannot accept," he said.
Debrecen have more serious injury problems, with Peter Kabat, Balazs Farkas, Tamas Kulcsar and Istvan Szucs all failing to make the trip.

Under-3.20
Over-1.32

AEK Athens vs Anderlecht Preview

Anderlecht will be keen to strengthen their grip on second place in Europa League Group G when they travel to AEK Athens.

However, general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck does not expect to see a repeat of the 3-0 scoreline his players produced when the teams met a fortnight ago.
Anderlecht claimed their first win in the pool with an impressive display in Brussels against their Greek opponents.
That moved the Belgian side into the top two, above AEK and Hajduk Split on goal difference, with the three clubs seemingly fighting it out for the second qualifying spot behind runaway leaders Zenit St Petersburg.
Anderlecht would do their chances of progressing to the last 32 a world of good if they can complete the double over AEK in Athens tomorrow.
But Van Holsbeeck has warned the Greeks will put up a much-improved performance on home soil.
"The race (for second) is wide open, but we will be taking a huge step in the right direction with a good result against Athens," he told club website, www.rsca.be.
"We proved two weeks ago we can handle AEK. The question is whether they are really as weak as we saw then. We'll soon find out on Thursday.
"This is a home game for them and I think they will show they can do much better. They also know full well that they, Hajduk and ourselves have a chance of finishing second in the group.
"We just have to make sure we don't lose. A point would be good."
Defeat to Anderlecht last time out has left AEK bottom of the group.
Their preparations for Europe were not helped either by a surprise 1-0 defeat at lowly Panionios in the domestic Super League, which has left them trailing leaders Olympiacos by five points.
Coach Manuel Jimenez has demanded his side improve on that performance.
"We made too many mistakes," he said. "The defence was too deep, the midfield was completely cut off and far from aggressive.
"We made no attempt to attack and were too predictable.
"We can not afford to let any opponent control our game. We have to move the ball and put pressure on defenders."
Gregory Makos sat out training today because of a virus but has been included in Jimenez's 17-man squad for the visit of Anderlecht.
However, Papa Boupa Diop and Nathan Burns are sidelined by injuries

Under-1.80
Over-2.00

3/11/10

Shakhtar vs Arsenal Preview

Coach Mircea Lucescu says Europe will see the real Shakhtar Donetsk when they try to avenge their 5-1 trashing at Arsenal.

The Gunners chalked up a record 14 goals from their opening three Group H games, with Shakhtar going the same way as Braga and Partizan Belgrade as Arsene Wenger's side took control of Group H.
Another positive result for Arsenal, who will be without skipper Cesc Fabregas because of a hamstring problem, and the Barclays Premier League club could secure their place in the last 16 of Europe's elite once again.
However, since the thrashing in north London, Shakhtar have won all three of their domestic matches, without conceding a goal.
Arsenal have yet to record a victory in Ukraine, and with the Minors boasting an impressive record of only two defeats of their last 30 matches in all competitions, Lucescu believes his men can head into tomorrow's return fixture at Donbass Arena with some confidence.
"After analysing all the technical and tactical actions, I can say that the teams had about the same of the ball, 51% to 49%, and the passing also were about the same level," the Romanian said.
"We hope to show to our fans and the whole of Europe that now it will be a quite different Shakhtar.
"We have analysed the game that was in London to draw attention to the mistakes."
Lucescu added: "Not in any way do I think that Arsenal is stronger than Shakhtar. We will try tomorrow to demonstrate that on the field."
Arsenal never looked back after being gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov.
However, Lucescu continues to lament a number of decisions by Swedish referee Svein Moen which he felt went in favour of the home side.
Swiss official Massimo Busacca, who took charge of the 2009 Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, will be the man in the middle tomorrow night.
"I hope that tomorrow will be valid and neutral refereeing, which will help football in general. We will try to fulfil their responsibilities on the field," said Lucescu.
"The mistakes of the referee in favour of Arsenal were clearly visible.
"The third goal was not a penalty, the players pulled shirts together - and it should have been a red card for a hard [Jack] Wilshere reception against [Tomas] Hubschman.
"After three games, Arsenal has one card, while the rest of the teams have seven or eight. That says something.
"Therefore, we should double or triple our efforts to be at the level of this team or even higher."
Arsenal boss Wenger, meanwhile, is expecting a stern examination tomorrow night.
"I expect Shakhtar Donetsk to have a reaction of course and a response from that heavy defeat," he said.
"They are a better side than what they have shown at the Emirates. For me they are one of the best European sides.
"On the other hand we have a good opportunity to qualify straight away and finish top of the group and you want to take that chance.
"I believe as well we want to confirm that we are stepping up a gear from game to game and that we are capable of being consistent and that is what is at stake for us."
Wenger added: "I will remind the players Shakhtar is a strong side that we perhaps caught on a good day for us at Emirates.
"They will have been hurt by what happened, and at home, they will be a completely different team.
"If you let them get into a flow, they can cause you many problems. We will make sure we are well aware of that."

Under-1.90
Over-1.90

Milan vs Real Preview

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri wants his players to forget their Juventus loss against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Italians go into the game at the San Siro on Wednesday evening on the back of Saturday's 2-1 loss, which saw them drop five points behind Serie A leaders Lazio. The result marked Milan's first league defeat at home in 10 months.
"I am disappointed by the result as we didn't deserve to lose," said Allegri.
"We played well and created many goalscoring opportunities.
"We must put this defeat behind us and bounce back immediately in order to prepare well for the game against Real Madrid."
The Rossoneri host the Spanish giants sitting second in Group G, five points behind leaders Real and level on four points with Ajax.
The Dutch side visit Stade Abbe-Deschamps to meet bottom side Auxerre, who have yet to clinch a point in the competition.
AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho knows his team cannot be complacent in the early stages of the match.
The Rossoneri lost 2-0 at Real last month after giving away two goals in the opening 14 minutes.
"To concede twice early on made life difficult for us," said Ronaldinho. "We must be focused from start to finish.
"This is a very important game for us and we must only think of doing what the coach asks us to do in order to clinch three points."
Milan will be without injured pair Massimo Oddo and Daniele Bonera.
Massimo Ambrosini, Gianluca Zambrotta and Ronaldinho have all recovered from their respective injuries and are available for selection.
Allegri is hoping to have Thiago Silva available with the Brazilian defender fighting against the clock to recover from an ankle problem.
Madrid make the trip to the San Siro looking to continue their superb start to life under Jose Mourinho and knowing a win will see them qualify for the last 16.
Since Mourinho took charge this summer, Madrid are yet to be beaten and have picked up 10 wins from 13 games in all competitions.
Their dangerman is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 11 goals in his last six appearances.
With Ronaldo and his fellow forwards in such good form, Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira believes if his side can keep it tight at the back then the victory will be theirs tomorrow night.
"If we keep a clean sheet we will win the match. The big teams in Europe who manage to go far are almost always the ones who concede the fewest goals. That's the key to success. A good defence wins titles," said Khedira, whose team have conceded just five goals under Mourinho.
The German international knows it will not be easy, though, as seven-times European champions Milan can ill afford to drop more points.
"It will be a difficult match. (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, (Alexandre) Pato, Ronaldinho, Robinho, also (Clarence) Seedorf, (Kevin-Prince) Boateng...they are all exceptional players and even more so when you allow them to play their own game," Khedira said.
"(Gennaro) Gattuso and (Andrea) Pirlo are also very dangerous. If you don't take them seriously they can have you up against the ropes."
He added: "Our objective is to get the three points to get through to the last 16.
"We played an almost perfect game against them at the Bernabeu, defending very well against their strong attack.
"We are in good condition to overcome a very strong team like Milan away from home and get this win."

Under-1.90
Over-1.90

Auxerre vs Ajax Preview

Ajax go into the clash with Auxerre hoping to steal a march on AC Milan in the race to qualify along with Real Madrid.

The Rossoneri are level with Ajax on four points, both five adrift of leaders Madrid, and Ajax know that if results go their way they could stand second by the end of the night.
The Amsterdam club have a well-placed mole in their ranks ahead of the game too, with midfielder Teemu Tainio having spent eight years with Auxerre before moving to England with Tottenham, Birmingham and Sunderland and then on to Ajax.
"Auxerre are very strong, especially in home games," the 30-year-old said.
"I spent seven-and-a-half years with them and this is the first time I will meet them as an opponent. Furthermore, this is a Champions League game. That makes it doubly special."
Ajax are known worldwide for their ability to develop young players, and Finland international Tainio believes Auxerre deserve credit for their academy too, having witnessed the work they do at close quarters.
"They are the little brother of Ajax," he added. "They put energy into the development of young players they then might sell."
Experienced Ajax striker Mido will miss the clash so Florian Jozefzoon comes into the squad.
Demy de Zeeuw (leg) missed the 4-1 win against Heracles at the weekend and is a fitness concern, while Oleguer has not played since breaking his nose against Auxerre two weeks ago.
Nicolas Lodeiro and Kenneth Vermeer are long-term injury casualties and defender Andre Ooijer is suspended.
Auxerre have yet to win a game in this season's competition and are rooted to the foot of the group without a point to their name.
They have only scored one goal so far too, with Valter Birsa netting a free-kick in the 2-1 defeat to Ajax last time out in Europe.
Dennis Oliech and Jean-Pascal Mignot were both sent off in that defeat and will miss out through suspension, while Anthony Le Tallec (ankle), Steeven Langil (ankle) and Ireneusz Jelen (knee) are injured.

Under-1.80
Over-2.10

Partizan vs Braga Preview

Partizan Belgrade goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic has not given up hope of reaching the knockout stages.

This, despite his side remaining pointless after three games.
The Serbian champions host Braga on Wednesday night knowing that anything other than victory is likely to be terminal to their bid to reach the knockout phase.
Partizan are six points behind second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk, who face a tough task to take anything from their home match against runaway Group H leaders Arsenal.
As a result, tomorrow's game looms as the perfect opportunity for both Partizan and Braga to make up ground for the second qualification place.
Braga are best-placed to do that after their 2-0 win over Partizan in Portugal a fortnight ago - their only points of the campaign - and Serbia goalkeeper Stojkovic admits that means his side face a must-win situation.
"I will be satisfied only if we win," said Stojkovic, who made nine appearances for Braga three seasons ago before being loaned to Partizan.
"It does not matter whether we win by the slimmest of margins and it is not important if I concede. All we care about is winning the three points to extend our European dream.
"We do not feel any extra pressure because of the poor start we have made, there is still 270 minutes left."
With Shakhtar also set to make the trip to Belgrade next, Stojkovic has set his team a target of four points from those two home games in order to qualify, or at least sew up a Europa League place as the third-ranked team.
"We will seek in the next two rounds at home to win at least four points," he said.
"Maybe that momentum could take us into the next round of the Champions League.
"Even if none of that happens will will still have had a great experience that we must then implement in our Super League matches.
"We need to win our domestic title again and give ourselves the chance to compete with the best again."
Partizan will be favourites to claim their first ever Champions League win after their 3-0 win over Jagodina at the weekend moved them top of the Serbian league.
By contrast Braga suffered a 2-0 reverse against bottom club Rio Ave to slip down to sixth in the Portuguese Liga.
Despite that Partizan defender Mladen Krstajic is wary after goals from Lima and Matheus consigned his side to defeat in Portugal last time out.
"They have quick strikers and are strong on the counter," Krstajic told www.uefa.com.
"If we lose the ball in midfield, three or four players can be in on goal in a moment. We need to stay tight on them. Braga have a fantastic team."
Braga welcome Hugo Viana and Elton back into their squad from the team that lost at Rio Ave although midfielder Custodio will miss out.

Under-1.70
Over-2.10

2/11/10

Valencia vs Rangers Preview

Valencia midfielder Joaquin has warned Rangers they will treat their Champions League clash like a cup final.

With Manchester United expected to top Group C and Bursaspor rooted to the bottom without a single point, it looks like being a straight fight between Valencia and Rangers for second place and a spot in the last 16.
The teams battled out a 1-1 draw at Ibrox in their last European outing a couple of weeks ago, in a match the Scots were disappointed not to win, and Joaquin is not surprised by how well Walter Smith's men, sitting a point above the Spaniards, have done so far.
"Rangers have always been a threat in this competition and still are," he said.
"There are many points still to play for and Valencia have to depend on themselves. So we are going to take tomorrow's game as a final as it's a very important game.
"This is a very open competition so to get the three points tomorrow is very important for us."
Rangers boss Walter Smith insists they are relishing the pressure they now find themselves under as expectations of a last-16 place in the Champions League begin to grow.
The Scottish champions were all but written off when the draw was made and they found themselves in a section which also includes Manchester United, Valencia and Turkish champions Bursaspor.
Rangers finished bottom of their group without a single win in the competition last year but have already garnered five points at the halfway stage this time.
He said: "There is no doubt there is pressure on us to get a result tomorrow night, it's not just Valencia who want to do well in the tournament.
"We have started well and we welcome the extra pressure that's on us at the present moment. To see if we can try to remain in the tournament after Christmas is a pressure that's welcome.
"Last season, we were never in this position and we are quite pleased to be in it at the moment."
However, Smith claims Valencia are still favourites to progress from Group C, along with Manchester United, despite some less than impressive results domestically, as well as drawing at Ibrox in their last European outing.
He said: "Valencia would have started as anyone's favourite at the start of the campaign.
"Manchester United and Valencia were the two favoured teams to remain in the Champions League. I still think that's the case.
"You mention Valencia's last two results but when you lose the players they lost in the close-season, it always takes a bit of time to find your feet.
"They did so exceptionally well in the early part but there were always going to be one or two problems.
"For the last few seasons, David Villa has been their top goalscorer and, when there was a little bit of a problem, he would do something special to win a game.
"Maybe in the last couple of games they haven't had that but overall they are still an extremely strong team and still the favoured team to go through in this competition."

Under-1.95
Over-1.85

Werder Bremen vs FC Twente Preview

Werder Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs has admitted the clash at home to FC Twente is a must-win.

Bremen have taken two points from their opening three games in Champions League Group A and with clashes against Tottenham and Inter Milan to follow, Allofs realises victory against Dutch champions Twente is vital if they are to secure a top-two finish.
He said: "We must win. The potential is there, the team can do it."
Germany midfielder Marko Marin echoed those sentiments and called for the players to raise their game at the Weser Stadion.
He said: "It will definitely be much more difficult if we don't triumph.
"But we can't think about that, because we're playing in front of our own fans - a definite advantage - and we have the quality to beat Twente here."
Coach Thomas Schaaf has to contend with a lengthy injury list, however.
Tim Borowski, Naldo and Sebastian Boenisch are definitely out while goalkeeper Tim Wiese, Clemens Fritz and Petri Pasanen all missed training today and are considered doubtful.
While Bremen's domestic form has been patchy - they lost their most recent Bundesliga game at home to Nurnberg at the weekend - FC Twente have been flying in Holland.
Michel Preud'homme's men have won their last five Eredivisie games, the latest of which saw them triumph 1-0 at title rivals PSV Eindhoven to establish a one-point advantage at the summit.
Things have not been as straightforward in Europe as they, like tomorrow's opponents, have mustered two points from their opening three games and are need of a win in Germany.
Goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov told www.uefa.com: "We have to play a little bit better, both offensively and defensively.
"We are going to try to score goals and we're going there to get some points, maybe one or maybe three."
Reflecting on the draw between the sides last month, Mihaylov said: "It was disappointing because they scored in the 80th minute.
"It was partly down to a small mistake from ourselves that they equalised, but still they had a couple of chances. We also had a few chances so, in the end, it was the right result."

Under-2.35
Over-1.57