Both teams have secured passage to the next round with one caveat: Tottenham still have the slimmest of hope that the Russians lose this evening in Athens and they win by 6 goals.
PAOK v Ruban Kazan DRAW (+135)
Both teams need to secure a point for selfish reasons. PAOK need a point to finish at the top of the group and RK (who have really been unimpressive IMHO) need a point to guarantee passage as well. Neither team will risk giving up too much in this match.
What amazes me here is that we have DRAW odds posted at +135. This is very unusual and it’s quite obvious that the books are expecting the same result and the odds may be even money by kick-off.
Both teams will be happy to draw and knock out the English side. If by chance PAOK risk it all by pushing for a win (a very stupid decision); the Greek side have the fire power to shut RK down.
The message has been sent by Coach Berdyv yesterday, “I congratulate PAOK for qualifying to the knock out stage. We are not as fortunate and only need one point to ensure safe passage.” He basically said that he is conceding first place in Group A to PAOK. I am certain that this statement has affected the Draw Odds.
:toast:
PAOK v Ruban Kazan DRAW (+135)
Both teams need to secure a point for selfish reasons. PAOK need a point to finish at the top of the group and RK (who have really been unimpressive IMHO) need a point to guarantee passage as well. Neither team will risk giving up too much in this match.
What amazes me here is that we have DRAW odds posted at +135. This is very unusual and it’s quite obvious that the books are expecting the same result and the odds may be even money by kick-off.
Both teams will be happy to draw and knock out the English side. If by chance PAOK risk it all by pushing for a win (a very stupid decision); the Greek side have the fire power to shut RK down.
The message has been sent by Coach Berdyv yesterday, “I congratulate PAOK for qualifying to the knock out stage. We are not as fortunate and only need one point to ensure safe passage.” He basically said that he is conceding first place in Group A to PAOK. I am certain that this statement has affected the Draw Odds.
:toast:
I took the OVER in the Shamrock v RK match on Dec 1, 2012 and I am inclined to do that today as well.
Shamrock Rovers v Tottenham Hotspurs OVER 3 (-103)
Shamrock has played three matches in the last six weeks. Their season ended just before Halloween. They are not, by any stretch of the imagination in match form and have been eliminated from the competition. Rovers have been training for nothing other than to stay in shape. This lack of competition affected them in the 4-1 loss to RK December 1. They weren’t sharp and certainly not motivated.
Tottenham have not lived up to expectations on the road in this group stage. They drew 0-0 at PAOK and lost 1-0 at Ruban Kazan. In any case, they have a sliver of hope that PAOK get greedy and push for a win to guarantee first place in the Group and a favourable match up in the knock out stage.
I just finished saying that Rovers are playing for nothing; however, they are hosting tonight and will want to impress. Spurs will push for goals and Rovers will make every effort to score a couple for the home side faithful and have a nice sending off for manager Michael O’Neill.
I don’t see either team lying back since neither neighbor will want to lose to the other for sake of pride. Plus, 7 of the last 9 home matches have gone over 2.5 at Rovers including 5 of the last 6 home or away matches. This team isn’t shy when it comes to goals.
:toast:
Shamrock Rovers v Tottenham Hotspurs OVER 3 (-103)
Shamrock has played three matches in the last six weeks. Their season ended just before Halloween. They are not, by any stretch of the imagination in match form and have been eliminated from the competition. Rovers have been training for nothing other than to stay in shape. This lack of competition affected them in the 4-1 loss to RK December 1. They weren’t sharp and certainly not motivated.
Tottenham have not lived up to expectations on the road in this group stage. They drew 0-0 at PAOK and lost 1-0 at Ruban Kazan. In any case, they have a sliver of hope that PAOK get greedy and push for a win to guarantee first place in the Group and a favourable match up in the knock out stage.
I just finished saying that Rovers are playing for nothing; however, they are hosting tonight and will want to impress. Spurs will push for goals and Rovers will make every effort to score a couple for the home side faithful and have a nice sending off for manager Michael O’Neill.
I don’t see either team lying back since neither neighbor will want to lose to the other for sake of pride. Plus, 7 of the last 9 home matches have gone over 2.5 at Rovers including 5 of the last 6 home or away matches. This team isn’t shy when it comes to goals.
:toast:
I would be careful with that tottenham total, their lineup looks real poor today.
23C. Cudicini 4Y. Kaboul 32B. Assou-Ekotto 21N. Kranjčar 40S. Pienaar 25D. Rose 29J. Livermore 30Sandro 31A. Townsend 18J. Defoe 17G. dos Santos
23C. Cudicini 4Y. Kaboul 32B. Assou-Ekotto 21N. Kranjčar 40S. Pienaar 25D. Rose 29J. Livermore 30Sandro 31A. Townsend 18J. Defoe 17G. dos Santos
I considered that when I read The Independant this morning.
"Spurs have taken only 15 players to Dublin. Scott Parker, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kyle Walker have been left in London."
But lets face it: if you were a pro benchwarmer or pro substitute; don't you think you would want to play hard to impress or even keep your spot on the A squad?
My answer is YES.
Now in support of the Rovers, the Irish rags are indicating that this is like a Tryout for Rovers; they are hoping to put on a show for the English scouts watching the match. The Irish league is doomed and the lads want out and England is a wonderful destination for a footballer. Look for the starting 11 at Rovers to make a point and that should result in a goal or two.
Thanks for your input it's quite valid.
I am excited to see PAOK up 1 at the half it will mean that Spurs will push for a 4th and 5th goal. (At worst we have a push. LOL)
However, I think that Ruban Kazan (even though they are down to 10 men) will tie it up in Athens at the end. At least I hope so! LOL
I am not making any plays in the second session. Do you have any strong opinions on any matches?
I was looking at Group G and H but didn't pull the trigger.
Group G
I did look at the Austria Vienna v Malmo match and liked the Over 3 Goals.
Typically Austria and Malmo play attacking football and neglect their defense. In fact, both teams can score and Group G has been the highest scoring group in the competition.
Austria conceded at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches in all competitions and 11 goals in their 5 Group G matches so far.
Malmo conceded even more at - 13 goals in those five games.
I did look at the Austria Vienna v Malmo match and liked the Over 3 Goals.
Typically Austria and Malmo play attacking football and neglect their defense. In fact, both teams can score and Group G has been the highest scoring group in the competition.
Austria conceded at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches in all competitions and 11 goals in their 5 Group G matches so far.
Malmo conceded even more at - 13 goals in those five games.
