Tuesday, December 19, 2006

FINAL ROUND UP ...........


I am not going to put up any more bets today, but having seriously considered two other matches, thought it would be worthwhile passing on some thoughts.

Really like the way that the experienced coach Jose Manuel Esnal, has revitalised Athletic Bilbao since taking charge. Performance and confidence levels have improved out of all recognition and tonight they are looking for a 3rd straight win.

They face a Zaragoza side with major ambitions for this season, they currently sit just one point outside the top 4 and a coveted Champions League spot. Frankly I do not think they are at that level yet, but try telling Real. No injury concerns and they are looking to bounce back from a home loss to Valencia on Saturday, a defeat they feel, was rough justice.

However, they usually struggle on their visits to Bilbao, where they have lost the last 4, 6 from 8 and are 1-2-8 on their last 11 trips.

I was leaning towards the home on the level ball asian line, but something just didn't "feel" right
and kept holding me back. Sometimes you just have to go with your instinct, so no bet for me.

Also like the draw in the Vicenza-Albinoleffe Serie B fixture. The visitors are very much draw specialists, finishing level on 11 of 16 starts this season, with just the lone defeat.

Vicenza have hit form and have collected 9 points in an unbeaten 5 match run, having "amassed" just 3 in their opening 11 games ! A point is likely to keep them out of the bottom 3 and continue the run, think that is the most likely outcome and would have been my selection, if we hadn't already got heavily involved today, odds are circa 2.70, a little bigger in places, but again, no bet.

Good Luck.

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