Given the esteemed and almost idiotically ruthless company
in which he keeps, Jose Mourinho may have never had a bigger game in his
Champions League career. Forget the fact he’s won it twice, this is Real
Madrid. The club that decided not to renew Del Bosque's contract in 2003, just
a day after he won the club its 29th League title and a week after the club
signed David Beckham. If it needs any more emphasising about how tricky it is
to keep a job here, look at the sackings of Fabio Capello, (one season, one La
Liga) and Manuel Pellegrini, who broke their points record only to be sacked
once he failed to negotiate the challenge that Lyon provided in the last 16 of
the Champions League.
Indeed, Real Madrid did negotiate that challenge this year,
not without a few troubles both in Paris and Madrid. The most important thing
that comes from that may be breaking the barrier that has seen Madrid fall to Juventus,
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Roma, Liverpool, and Lyon in the last 16 over the
years.
Madrid have only played twice since that win, and yet their
La Liga hopes and manager’s incredible home record are now tarnished after a
shock 1-0 defeat to Sporting Giijon, which effectively narrowed Real's hopes of
a title in 2010-11 to one last resort – Europe, excluding the Copa Del Rey final.
That could have any effect on Los Blancos, although it’s
worth nothing that few teams do revenge quite like Madrid and a team with this
much quality focused on only one target could be lethal, even if those recourse
are under strain.
Tottenham have massive fights on two fronts, and the
pressure may beginning to show. Spurs have drawn their last four games, and
maybe even more worryingly for a team with so much attacking strength, their
last three have been goalless. Of course there are contrasting circumstances.
The 0-0 draw against Milan is the very reason we are watching them tonight. And
they did totally dominate West Ham, getting the woodwork three times, and
finding Rob Green in sensational form.
 |
| The Special One - Lost a 9 year unbeaten home record on Saturday |
Another 0 – 0 draw at Wigan was even less helpful as the
visitors produced an uninspiring display. Jermaine Jenas forced Ali Al Habsi to
save but Wigan had more threat as they had Sebatian Basong’s brilliant block to
thank for leaving with a point. To ram home the
point, Wigan had eight corners to Tottenham’s two. They now lie six
points behind Manchester City in the race for the Champions League next season
following their massive win on Sunday.
Supporters of Tottenham from both an gambling and
footballing point of view should not allow that to get to them; But what may
cause more harm to their chances is their chaotic injury build – up. Several
defenders have been ruled out, leaving Spurs stuck with a back line that will
feature Assou-Ekotto, Michael Dawson, Sebastian Bassong, and Vedran Corluka.
The four have talent in abundance, but the only real defender to be trusted in
this context for many will be Dawson and the knee injury of Alan Hutton is a
massive blow.
As far as attacking force is concerned, Redknapp looks set
to “risk” Gareth Bale, who appears to be edging closer to full fitness after a
hamstring injury ruled him out of Wales' European Championship qualifier
against England, although Steven Pienaar
has been ruled out with a groin issue.
Madrid have their own issues; having only just managed a
substitute appearance following a four month absence, Gonzao Higuain may not
start, while the fitness of world class left back Marcelo, wing starlet Angel
Di Maria, and the world’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo are not
guaranteed. The most crucial omission may be that of a player the Speical one
reportedly didn’t trust earlier in the season; Karim Benzema has scored 12
goals in his last 12 games and 21 in all competitions this season. Xabi Alonso
may be the difference for Madrid also, which tells us how many factors there
are here. Thank god for Mezut Ozil, eh?
Two things that Real Madrid and Tottenham have provided this
season are goals but the absence or unconfirmed fitness of so many players, combined
with the pressure of this game after especially poor results for both sides,
may mean some uncomfortable watching for both sides. 11/10 about under 2.5
goals makes no appeal, while the risk of under 1.5 at only 3/1 also doesn’t
catch the eye. The game is much tighter than the market suggests but Draw –
Real Madrid may be the bet. A tight first half could be likely but Madrid have
won all four home Champions League matches without conceding this season and
may be worth backing to overcome their massive setback at the weekend. Given
that VC Bet will give 14/1 on no goalscorer, maybe a cheeky bet on that may be
the saver.
Advice
1 pt Draw – Real Madrid (3/1 Paddy Power)
0.5 pt No Goalscorer (14/1 VCBet)
No comments:
Post a Comment