Category Archives: Predictions

Champions League: A Detailed Analysis and Look at the Round of 16

  By O-Posts Team | February 19, 2013 - 17:24 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The Champions League is back! On Tuesday 12th February, the best club competition in the world re-starts with the Round of 16 featuring the greatest clubs and players on the planet. The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich will all be fighting it out to lift the famous trophy.

When the draw for the Champions League Group Stage was made, PowerTableSports created the Champions League PowerTable to predict which teams would qualify for the Knockout Rounds and which would be eliminated from the competition. This prediction is based on our unique ‘tier effectiveness’ system where we calculate how effective different teams are against each other based on 4 tiers. If you’re handy with odds and enjoy the challenge, the Jackpot Capital odds are worth testing your skills on. How did we get on?

 

 

Underachievers

Man City and Chelsea were the big underachievers – PowerTable predicted that they would qualify for the Round of 16 and classed them as Tier 1 teams, however they both failed to qualify.

  • Man City were the biggest underachievers – PowerTable considered them Semi-Finalists but they finished bottom of their group.
  • Chelsea were considered Quarter-Finalists but they finished 3rd and only qualified for the Europa League.

 

Overachievers

Malaga and Celtic were the big overachievers having qualified for the Round of 16 despite being regarded as Tier 4 teams.

  • Malaga were the big overachievers having qualified for the Round of 16 by finishing as Group Winners despite being originally regarded as a Tier 4 team.
  • Celtic were also one of the big overachievers having qualified for the Round of 16 by finishing 2nd in the Group despite being originally regarded as a Tier 4 team.

 

After successfully predicting 75% of the teams who have gone through to the Round of 16, PowerTableSports has yet again used our unique ‘tier effectiveness’ system to calculate which teams will be eliminated and which will progress to the Quarter Finals. Tier 1 and 2 teams are those that we predict will go through, whereas Tier 3 and 4 teams will be those whose European title ambitions are ended for another year.

Galatasaray v Schalke

Schalke are currently on a poor run in the Bundesliga. The signing of experienced duo Sneijder and Drogba will swing the tie in Galatasaray’s favour.

Celtic v Juventus

Celtic have outperformed all expectations, including a fantastic win against Barcelona. Lightening is unlikely to strike twice though and Italian Champions Juventus will go through over both legs.

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

A mouth-watering tie between an inconsistent Arsenal against an unstoppable Bayern in their domestic Leagues. Bayern’s quest to become European Champions will be a step closer.

Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund

Shakhtar and Dortmund both set the competition alight during the group stages. Shakhtar have sold key player Willian though, which puts Dortmund as favourites (just!).

AC Milan v Barcelona

Barcelona are still favourites to lift the title. AC Milan will prove a stern test, but the Italian giants have a relatively inexperienced squad who Barcelona will dispose of over both legs.

Real Madrid v Man Utd

The tie of the round sees Ronaldo face his former club and Ferguson come face to face with Mourinho again. Close game, plenty of excitement but a United away goal should swing it their way.

Valencia v Paris Saint-Germain

Both teams were impressive during the Group Stage. Valencia will fancy themselves in the 1st leg, but PSG and their attacking flair will be too much over both legs.

Porto v Malaga

Malaga remained unbeaten in their Group and their inclusion in the Round of 16 will have surprised a few people. Porto will fancy their chances, but expect Malaga to pull off another surprise over both legs.

 

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Special Feature: Picking The Champions League Round Of 16

  By O-Posts Team | December 26, 2012 - 19:37 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Now that the UEFA Champions League round of 16 parings have been announced, it is time for football fans all to begin debating them. With the ties not set to occur until mid-February, there is ample time for fans and analysts alike to pick them apart and predict the outcomes. And, of course, this is a particularly exciting process for those who will be placing bets.

Online gambling has become increasingly popular in recent years, and while much of the industry is focused on casino sites like partypoker.com, there is also a great deal of focus on sports betting. For fans, this means that once you’ve made up your mind on the round of 16, you can place a few bets, and really have something on the line during the matches. So without further ado, here are brief analyses and picks for each tie.

 

Galatasaray A.S. vs. FC Schalke

While Galatasaray looks like the underdog on paper, they may actually be the safer bet. Schalke is capable and dangerous, but has struggled in Bundesliga as of late, and is also going through a coaching transition (with Jens Keller replacing Huub Stevens).

Galatasaray, on the other hand, just wrapped up group play with a trio of wins, and few are as hot scoring goals as forward Burak Yilmaz. Schalke remains the oddsmakers’ favourite, but this one is tight. Galatasaray is the pick, against the odds.

 

Celtic FC vs. Juventus

The leg in Scotland won’t be easy, but Andrea Pirlo and Juventus made it through the group stage in relatively dominant fashion, and look to be among the favourites moving forward. A victory for Celtic would be rather shocking here, and Juventus is the smart pick.

 

Arsenal FC vs. FC Bayern Munchen

Having scored 15 goals in the group stage, Bayern is a true powerhouse in this round of 16. Arsenal is never a pushover, but struggled to some extent on both ends of the field during the group stage, and doesn’t seem to have the firepower to stop Bayern. Last year’s runner up, Bayern, will advance.

 

FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Borussia Dortmund

Shakhtar impressed during the group stage, defeating Chelsea and earning a draw at Juventus. But, perhaps no team was stronger in the group stage than Dortmund. Currently Germany’s best, Dortmund navigated the group of death with near perfection, and is the pick to move forward in what should be a thrilling tie.

 

AC Milan vs. FC Barcelona

Milan managed only 7 goals in the group stage, and finished with the lowest point total of any team to advance. There isn’t much more to say about this tie – Messi and Barcelona will almost certainly be too much for Milan to handle.

 

Real Madrid CF vs. Manchester United FC

A tie between two historic powers looking to return to the top, this is inarguably the most intriguing of the match-ups. Madrid advanced through the group of death, but has been less than emphatic in recent play, and is essentially out of the running in La Liga.

Meanwhile, the forward combination of newcomer Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney has Manchester United looking quite strong of late. This is a near toss-up and should be a thrilling tie. Madrid remains the oddsmakers’ favourite, but given recent play, Manchester is the pick here, against the odds.

 

Valencia CF vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Despite a strong showing – only one loss, at Bayern – in the group stage, Valencia has looked weak of late, and sits at 11th in La Liga standings. Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads a scintillating attack for Paris Saint-Germain – one that should carry them through the round of 16 over the Spanish side.

 

FC Porto vs. Malaga CF

This looks to be a closely contested tie between two teams playing fairly well in recent matches. Having earned the first place spot in Group C, and sitting at 4th place in La Liga, Malaga probably looks just a bit stronger right now, and also gets to play at home for the second league. Because of this, Malaga is the pick – but it’s a near toss-up.

 

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Champions League: Last 16 Draw Analysis

  By O-Posts Team | December 20, 2012 - 21:19 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Europe’s most prestigious club competition’s round of sixteen always produces some intriguing games. However the matches this year’s draw has proven to be more even more exciting than ever with a lot of the top teams pitted against each other.

 

So what are my predictions for these games?

 

Real Madrid vs Manchester United

Arguably the world’s two most famous and recognisable clubs will go one on one in a game that would make a more than worthy final. The number of sub stories surrounding this huge match are a plenty, most notably the fact that the second leg will see Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford for the first time since his £80 million move to Madrid in the summer of 2009.

Jose Mourinho, who is widely tipped to be Manchester United manager when Alex Ferguson eventually steps down will meet up with his old friend Alex.

Manchester United were eliminated by Madrid in the Champions League in the 2002/03 season losing 6-5 on aggregate, after United won an incredible match 4-3 in the second leg. Ferguson will be desperate to avoid a repeat.

Prediction: Real Madrid

Mourinho vs Fergie.... rivalry renewed.

Mourinho vs Fergie…. rivalry renewed.

 

Valencia CF v Paris Saint Germain

Both sides had an impressive group stage, both qualifying with ease, so it shall be interesting to see how PSG can cope against a team of Valencia’s standard. The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Javier Pastore are more than used to such occasions, but so are many of Valencia’s players, which include Roberto Soldado and captain David Albelda.

Prediction: PSG

 

Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund

Excellent, high octane attacking play from both sides have led to many calling them two “dark horses” in winning the Champions League. However, only one of these top quality teams will make the quarter finals, in what should be two dramatic matches.

What makes the match even more exciting is the fact that both clubs are known for having stunning atmospheres in their respective home grounds.

Prediction: two very close games, with Dortmund just edging it.

 

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Arsenal’s failure to win their group has led to them being given an expectedly tough tie against last year’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich. Bayern have looked like a team on a mission so far this season, and they are currently cruising ahead of their rivals in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal haven’t been so impressive, looking shaky and inconsistent. If the situation is the same come February, Arsenal’s Champions League hopes maybe over for another year.

Prediction: Bayern Munich

Arsenal and Bayern... last met in 2005.

Arsenal and Bayern… last met in 2005.

 

Porto v Malaga

Both these sides have impressed many with very well organized sides. Malaga conceded a mere three goals in six group stage games, and none in the first four games. They’ll have a tough job if they want to stop Jackson Martinez in what will be a very tactically interesting tie.

Prediction: Porto

 

Celtic v Juventus

Fans around the world were shocked when Celtic beat the mighty Barcelona 2-1 at Celtic park in November. Whether they can produce it against Italian champions Juventus remains to be seen, but they will give it a real good go.

Victor Wanyama coped just fine with Xavi and Iniesta, can he do it again with Pirlo, Vidal and Nocerino?

Prediction: Juventus

 

AC Milan v Barcelona

These two masters of European club football have had vastly different seasons so far, Milan not as near the top as normal, while Barcelona have had their best start to a La Liga season ever.

Milan were knocked out by Barcelona last year and Allegri is determined to not let Messi and co. do it for the second year running.

Prediction: Barcelona

AC Milan vs Barca: The Catalans ran out as victors in last season's fixture...... Will it be deja vu for the Rossoneri?

AC Milan vs Barca: The Catalans ran out as victors in last season’s fixture…… Will it be deja vu for the Rossoneri?

 

Galatasaray v Schalke

Turkish champions Galatasaray recovered from a poor start to qualify from a very close group, but the vibrant and confident Schalke will present a very tough challenge.
But if the competition’s joint top scorer Burak Yilmaz is on form, Schalke could face some problems.

Prediction: Schalke, if they remain calm and do not get fazed by the atmosphere in the away game.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

Follow him on Twitter @chelsealad1365

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2012/13 UEFA Champions League: My Predictions

  By O-Posts Team | September 16, 2012 - 16:34 | , ,
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Champions League

The beginning of the 2012/13 UEFA Champions’ League group stage is nearly upon us with many football fans in the world buzzing with excitement. As we head into the match day 1 fixture there are many questions on the lips of football fans across the globe.

Can Chelsea become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy? Which teams will progress from each group? Whose skills will set the football world alight?

In this article, I’ll be giving my thoughts on various aspects of this season’s UEFA Champions League.

Favourites- Real Madrid

Ever since Jose Mourinho became the Real Madrid manager back in the summer of 2010, many pundits and fans have been predicting the Spanish champions to win Europe’s biggest prize.

Now in previous years, I personally haven’t predicted Madrid to win the tournament, but this year I think it’s their time.

After winning La Liga for the first time since the 2006/07 season, last season that winning feeling finally returned to the Spanish capital. Now with a team strengthened by the summer signings of Luka Modric and Michael Essien, plus with the usual stars of Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao and Mesut Özil among others, Real Madrid could well be the side that lifts the trophy at Wembley in May.

 

Whipping boys- FC Nordsjaelland

Although the Champions League features some of the world’s best teams and players, there are always a few teams who are out of their depth. In previous years, we’ve seen the likes of MSK Zilina, Dinamo Zagreb and Otelul Galati struggle to gain even one point and this year, I fear for Nordsjaelland, the Danish champions.

Seeing as the club only came into existence in 2003, this will be Nordsjaellands first venture into European football’s elite competition and in a group that features the Italian champions Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk with star playmaker Willian and the European champions Chelsea, it could be a swift exit for Nordsjaelland.

What won’t help their cause is the fact that they’ll be playing their home games at FC Copenhagen’s Parken stadium, as their own is too small according to UEFA regulations.

 

Dark horses-Galatasaray

After four years without winning the Turkish super Liga, finally Galatasaray won the title in May this year. A lot of this success has been attributed to the work of manager Faith Terim. With their infamous “welcome to hell” banners that greet the opposition upon arrival, their fanatical support and squad which mix youth and experience well, games against Galatasaray will be difficult for any side.

In a group consisting of Manchester United, Braga and CFR Cluj, it won’t be easy for the Turkish champions to progress, but if they do, they could go a long way in this tournament.

Key player: Selcuk Inan

 

Top scorer-Lionel Messi

Although the Argentinian didn’t win the ‘’best player in Europe’’ award for his work last season, Lionel Messi will once again spearhead Barcelona’s attack as they set out to win their third Champions League in five seasons and I believe he’ll do so while scoring more goals than anyone else.

Of course, the likes of Robin Van Persie, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Gomez amongst others will be in the running for the top scorer award but Messi could well have field days against Celtic, Benfica and whoever else Barcelona face on their European campaign.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

Follow him on Twitter @chelsealad1365

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