Midweek Round 36 - Race for the Champions League

By Joe, bettingexpert.com | Published 01:42 30.04.2012

Torres Chelsea

There is a Champions League spot for next to fight for, three teams are up for the run, Chelsea will be taking on Newcastle with Fernando Torres hitting good form, Tottenham sitting firmly on the fourth spot will be traveling to Bolton as all the action will happen on Wednesday. Liverpool wil host Fulham on Tuesday, more likely a warm up for the Reds just before the FA Cup final.

Liverpool vs. Fulham

One eye on the prize but another eye needs to find ways to improve their Premiership run. Everything is coming to an end at Anfield and they know in the Premiership Liverpool have underperformed. The usual draw and the occasion defeat at Anfield have seen a bit of grumble but it is the cup competitions, Carling Cup and the FA Cup, are saving their season. Liverpool dominates their home game with chances after chances, but the goals are coming and that was seen in the WBA home 1-0 defeat a fortnight ago, but it’s their away games that has keep them alive. Their 3-0 away win over Norwich City showed just what they can do when their put their mind into the cause. Liverpool has been missing a finisher but if Luis Suarez can show what he did last weekend, then even the FA Cup should be in reach. Hattrick hero Suarez should be on his way back but once again, it’s a few days before the FA Cup final so what are the chances that Liverpool will not start with Suarez, Carragher and Suarez, surely Jonjo Shelvey, Jay Spearing and a few youngsters will get the nod.

From one Liverpool side to the other, just four days ago, Fulham experience a dreadful 4-0 defeat to Everton last Saturday. They now travel across Stanley Park to take on Liverpool and anything should be better than their last result. The static 4-4-2 just didn’t work out against a in-form Everton team but against Liverpool, there is a chance that Fulham can bounce back. This means that they need Pogrebniak, Duff, Dempsey and Hangeland needs to be on top of their game. Both former Liverpool players, John Arne Riise and Danny Murphy will step up to his former employers and fans.

Verdict:

Going with the current flow, this one looks like one for the punters, once again. Liverpool aren’t able to convert in front of goal and there is a possible that Tuesday will see that frustration again. Fulham are a well solid side who can defend when required, Manager Martin Jol will be asking his team to bounce back and against Liverpool they can. A draw will be suitable for this situation.

Chelsea vs. Newcastle

Wednesday will see Chelsea once again in action with some important games coming up, caretaker Di Matteo needs to think what players are able to pick up the three points for him on the day. He has to comtemplate that both Gary Cahill and David Luiz are injuried, but good news is that Branislav Ivonovic will return from his suspension. The magnitude of this game is for a place in the champions league next season and Chelsea is showing great signs of a late run being rewarding. Their 6-1 weekend win saw both Sturridge and Fernando Torres getting their name on their scoresheet. Confidence are on the way up for Torres, he is hitting form and most importantly, enjoying playing football once again.

All that hard work this season will be rewarded in the last few games in the premiership for Newcastle. Their 4-0 away slip up in the weekend to Wigan denies Newcastle to overtake Tottenham on fourth place by just a better goal difference. What more is that if they lose territory then Chelsea will be the one taking advantage of the situation by climbing above the Geordies. The team had an off day against Wigan, however that was only defensive as they failed to defend while the team was still able to create a lot of chance, but Cisse miss firing in front of girl. They will have to bounce back and it is a big ask as they are on the travels once again.

Verdict:

Chelsea’s form has just been immense and everybody has come to together under Di Matteo. They need to peak and they are doing that at the right time. However, they are facing Newcastle who has doing well to this season. Both draws fighting for a spot for the fourth place and a draw would be ideal.

Bolton vs. Tottenham

This game was postponed due to the Fabrice Muamba’s incident at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup and pour out onto the premiership fixture. Bolton has a huge task infront of them and winning is the only option to save themselves from the drop. They are living on the edge after drawing 2-2 away to Sunderland and hitting just under the relegation line with 34 points. They are levelled with QPR but the five goals difference is making things tough for the Bolton. Striker Kevin Davis scored two goals against Sudnerland and hope is still there for the home team to survive the drop.

Tottenham aren’t looking to pity Bolton’s situation as they need the three points to keep that fourth place which will give a champions league berth next season. Their 2-0 win over Blackburn threw one of relegation strugglers into reality check that they could be playing football in the Championship, while the midweek could see Tottenham sinking yet another team into the lower league. Spurs have found their mojo after a bit of questionable tactics of manager Harry Redknapp. Maybe it is because the FA have announced that they haven’t spoken to Redknapp which has given the players a boost over the future of the club, however, if they don’t win then players like Luca Modaric leave the club. Winning is the only option and goals from Van der Vaart and Adebayor could save the season.

Verdict:

Bolton will fight for their lives while Tottenham will want to leave from the Reebok Stadium with at least a point. A draw will not help either club achieve their goal so to go with a winner, the Spurs have the ability and the winning mentality could be back.

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