Gerrard issues semi-final rallying cry
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has warned his side they must perform much better than they did at Bolton on Saturday if they are to make it into the Carling Cup final.
The Reds hold the advantage going into the semi-final second-leg against Manchester City on Wednesday as they are 1-0 up from the first leg thanks to Gerrard’s penalty.
They entertain Roberto Mancini’s men, however, on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday and Gerrard pulled no punches ahead of the second leg over the level of performance needed at Anfield. Those following the best in-play Carling Cup betting should remember this.
“I have been here a long time and experienced days like that and the important thing is to move on from it fast. If we perform like that against Manchester City, there will be no Wembley trip,” Gerrard told the club’s website.
“There is no good time to perform like that when you play for this club. You have to win every game.
“The fans won’t accept it, they don’t deserve it. It’s not allowed. Otherwise you get criticised by your manager, like we have all experienced.”
Dalglish laid into his expensively-assembled squad following the Bolton debacle and has also urged his side to bounce back against City as they look to make it to their first major domestic final since 2006.
The Reds have yet to play at Wembley since it’s redevelopment and do have the upper hand thanks to that first-leg win, but City winger Adam Johnson is confident his side can go to Anfield and overturn the deficit and claim a final spot against Cardiff City, who beat Crystal Palace on Tuesday in the other semi-final.
“No-one is expecting us to go through so the pressure is off for once and we can go there with freedom, play our football and have a go,” Johnson said.
“It won’t be easy but we are quietly confident.”
January 26, 2012
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Stuttgart snap up Ibisevic
Stuttgart have won the race to sign Hoffenheim’s highly-rated striker Vedad Ibisevic, ahead of Premier League interest from Blackburn and Everton. The English clubs had been tracking the Bosnian front-man for a number of months only for Hoffenheim to agree a somewhat surprising 5million Euro deal with Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart.
The 27-year old has scored over 50 goals in his five years at Hoffenheim, scoring five goals in the club’s stuttering 2011/12 campaign. His exit will strike a big blow to the club, especially as it is highly possible that Stuttgart and Hoffenheim could yet end up in a relegation battle together. Those following the Bundesliga betting need to remember this.
The two clubs are separated by just a single point, only five points ahead of the relegation zone as the season heads towards the business half of proceedings. There is a very real possibility that Ibisevic could come back to haunt Hoffenheim and that will be the main worry of the fans.
That’s certainly the biggest issue Hoffenheim investor Dietmar Hopp had about the deal when speaking last week before the transfer was finalised.
“I am against selling Vedad Ibisevic.”
“This would be too big a risk. We need him in our colours in the second phase of the Bundesliga campaign,” added Hopp.
“Letting him go would be a certain weakening of our strength. We are actually too close to the relegation zone.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Hoffenheim will have time to replace Ibisevic before the transfer window closes, and more so as to whether or not any possible replacement could do the same job as the Bosnian and with as much effectiveness. Fans of Betting tips should bear this in mind.
Either way, Stuttgart will be well aware that they have secured a proven goal-scorer, and one which could yet turn their disappointing season around and maintain their place in the Bundesliga.
January 26, 2012
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WBA and Norwich eye fifth round
The First Round in the 131st edition of the FA Cup got underway on the 11th of November 2011. Since then only 32 teams are left and are all fighting for a spot in the Fifth Round of the competition. This article shall be focusing on Premier League sides West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City with regards to their current form and any notable history concerning the FA Cup. This Premiership clash is sure to be an enticing matchup with both teams eager to reach that all-important Fifth Round of the prestigious tournament.
So far this season Roy Hodgson – West Brom’s current manager – has got his team playing some good football. Results-wise it’s not been the best for the Baggies and with just 25-points it leaves them in a mediocre 15th position, just ahead of the dreaded drop zone by a mere 7-points. Hodgson will want to improve his side’s performances if he is to assure WBA’s survival in the Premier League. In the up-and-coming matchup against Norwich, the Baggie’s star individuals Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long will have to be on form to quash the likes of Norwich. Those placing FA Cup bets should bear this in mind.
The Canaries have surprised the neutrals, and possibly even their own fans, when it comes to how well they’ve performed in the Premier League. Paul Lambert – Norwich City’s reigning manager – has assembled a great team alongside some nifty tactics, which has ensured them 9th position in the Premiership. In the Fourth Round tie against the Baggies, the Canaries will be relying on their key striker Grant Holt to supply them with the goals needed to qualify for the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. Anyone looking at promotions FA Cup should remember this.
My match prediction for this particular matchup would have to be a win for the Canaries. Norwich have been impressing in the Premiership as of late and with Hodgson’s side struggling away from home I can see the score being a 1-2 away victory to Lambert’s team.
January 25, 2012
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