Thursday, April 16, 2009

UEFA CUP ..............


MANCHESTER CITY- HAMBURG

Only an inspired display from Shay Given kept City in this tie in the first leg and on what the home side are calling their "biggest european night in 30 years", they desperately need a result to not only progress, but to keep their long suffering fans happy.

The performance at home to Fulham at the weekend was too much for some and supporters were voicing their displeasure long before the final whistle. All that has been forgotten for the time being and the City of Manchchester stadium is a 47,000 sell out for tonight and the club are doing what they can, to make the atmosphere as "hot" as possible.

After starting on the bench on Sunday, Robinho will lead the line tonight and the word is that he will be given a completely free role, with no defensive responsibilities at all, which will be a relief to everyone. Several players reported knocks after the Fulham game, but all are expected to be passed fit and the weekend debacle aside, let's be sure about one thing, City at home and City on the road, are too vastly different teams. At the COM , they have won over 62% of all starts and 33% by two or more goals, which trailing 3-1, is what they are looking for. I think they might just do it, but much prefer the straight win odds.

The bonus with this bet is that Hamburg, who are without two key defensive players and have a vital league game on Sunday, where they are battling for a Bundesliga title and Champions League spot, plus a domestic cup semi-final next midweek, will be "happy" to lose by a single goal. I really like the odds, home win for me.

6.5 points Manchester City -1/2 ball 2.08 + asian line.

Good Luck.

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