Andy's Wednesday tips - Spurs to triumph
Tottenham and Inter both have it all to do after crushing first-leg defeats, however I can see both teams scoring a couple tonight...
Tottenham v Real Madrid
I feel for Peter Crouch, I really do. He's not a remotely dirty player yet in one of the biggest matches of his life he made two rash tackles and was off before he even had so much as a couple of touches.
These things happen in football and I was delighted to see him score a couple in his very next match against Stoke, but unfortunately Tottenham's chances went with him. It's difficult enough playing against Real Madrid with 11 men, it's practically impossible to do so with ten.
Teams recover from a four-goal deficit in the second leg about once every lifetime and when it happens, it's unlikely to be against Real Madrid. That said, there's no reason for Spurs fans to be too downhearted about this return leg.
For starters, hosting Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final should be reason for celebration whatever the circumstances. Secondly, there are good reasons to think Spurs can actually go out with a bang and win the match, if not the tie.
Jose Mourinho knows perfectly well that it would take a minor miracle for this lead to be overturned and may be tempted to rest a few of his key players, especially those who are a booking away from a suspension in the next round. And he may even give a breather to those who aren't treading a tightrope, with the Copa del Rey Final and big league matches coming up.
Spurs have been excellent in this competition at home and will want to go out on a high note given that they're not sure when they'll next be playing in the Champions League.
Ever the pragmatist, Mourinho wouldn't be too worried about actually losing the match as long as Real went through and injuries and suspensions were avoided. It will end up being in vain but I can see Spurs' last match in his thrilling campaign ending in a positive way.
Recommended Bets:
Back Tottenham to win at [2.94]
Back Tottenham to win 2-1 at [12.0]
Schalke v Inter
Those who watched the first leg live tell me this tie is far from over. I know that sounds ridiculous when Inter need to score at least four goals to go through but Schalke's defending was so ordinary in the first leg that it's not inconceivable.
Especially when you consider that Inter have the firepower in the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Diego Milito and Samuel Eto'o to score four goals past anyone.
I like these open matches where one side has no choice but to really go for it and this should be pretty entertaining stuff, but Schalke have such a big lead that I can't see Inter quite pulling it off.
Recommended Bets:
Back Inter to win at [2.7]
Back Inter to win 3-1 at [28.0]
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Published: 13 Apr 2011
Roy Singh (April 13, 2011 9:17 AM) said:
My instincts tell me that Crouch's absence will be supplemented by Bale, Lennon & Modric. Their playmaking will be assisted by our other midfielders. The team is standing in togetherness on this one & you will not see Bale toiling individually(like against Inter 1st leg).He will be assisted to boost his one/two combinations with the spread of the midfielders around him. As for Lennon, he will be at his highest in vengeance for missing the first leg. I expect him to bang in at least 2. The other 3 coming from Bale, VDV, Modric or Daws.
Tornike (April 13, 2011 4:02 PM) said:
I think the other way around as it was anticipated by Mr. Andy. Today Real seems to win. Since even playing with the second team, in terms of its class and motivation of the footballers to prove they deserve the place in the best 11, they are having higher chances than Londoners.
Whereas on Schalke, I bet on Germans to win. This will be very open game, but on counter attacks Schalke proved to play fairly good. Inter has to play all-out, this give the chance to the quick German players to use their chances. So my bets are on Real to win, and Schalke to win.
Anonymous (April 13, 2011 5:53 PM) said:
All absolutely clueless.... Tottenham may try but will leave huge gaps at the back and will lose once again!!!