While the League Cup semi-finals are going to dominate this week, there’s plenty of football worth following during the week. The fact that there’s only two games from the League Cup has meant others will have the spotlight shone on them, like the host of Championship games on Tuesday night. On top of that, there’s also cup action from around Europe.
That includes a game arguably bigger than either of our two League Cup games, as Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid. Here, we have previews for that game, plus one of the midweek Championship clashes, and the Chelsea v Liverpool and Sheffield United v Tottenham League Cup semi-final second legs, with a betting tip for each. While there isn’t too much football on, hopefully there’ll be some value to be had.
Tuesday 27th January 2015
Chelsea v Liverpool (19:45) – Both teams to score (8/11 with Coral)
After a fantastic first leg between these two sides, neutrals will be hoping for more of the same in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Chelsea are favourites, after scoring an away goal and having the second leg at home, but they will have the title clash with Manchester City on their minds, given that it come just a few days after this game. Will we see a full strength team, or will Mourinho prioritise? With the potential for 120 minutes to be played here, we might see a bit of rotation in the Chelsea ranks, which helps Liverpool’s cause.
Of course, Liverpool know well what a rotated Chelsea team can do, as Mourinho’s second string beat them 2-0 at Anfield last year to dash their title hopes. The Reds will be confident after their recent upturn in form, and their manager is on the hunt for his first trophy with the club. This might not be the biggest competition, but neither side wants to lose out at this stage against this opposition. With all that in mind, this is likely to be another fiery, high tempo tie. That makes it hard to predict, but it’s perfect for backing both teams to score.
Sheffield Wednesday v Birmingham (19:45) – Birmingham to win (21/10 with Boylesports)
While this is far from the standout game from the Championship this week, it looks to be the one with the best value. Sheffield Wednesday come into this game on an awful run of form at Hillsborough, having won just two of their last nine fixtures there. They may be two points above Birmingham as things stand, but given the form the Blues are in of late, it’s likely they’ll be overtaking them quite soon.
Gary Rowett has done a fantastic job since leaving Burton Albion to take up the reigns at St Andrews. His side went from relegation scrappers to mid table, and it looks like the only way is up for them at the minute. The Championship is a tough place to string together a good run of form, but they’ve won seven of their last 10 games and are currently unbeaten in four. They head to Sheffield Wednesday at huge odds of 21/10, but they should be favourites here. They are a great bet to win, or even on the double chance or draw no bet markets if you want to play it a little safer.
Wednesday 28th January 2015
Sheffield United v Tottenham (19:45) – Both teams to score (10/11 with Betfred)
While their local rivals may be a division above, Sheffield United are having the bigger week this week, as they welcome Spurs to Bramall Lane in their League Cup semi-final second leg. The visitors shaded the first leg, but the performance from the Blades was promising, and they’re a difficult team to go to in the cup, as recent performances have shown. They’re far from out of this game yet, despite being behind coming in here. They’ll be confident of yet another cup shock, and that should worry Spurs.
Tottenham only have to look to the last round to see what Sheffield United are capable of at home. They knocked out Southampton, and they could well spring another cup shock. Spurs have come in to this on a good run of league form, and they’ll want to add a Wembley cup final appearance to that. They’re heavy favourites to win here and to progress, but the way this game is set up that’s too tight to call right now. A better option is to look at the goals markets. Tottenham know an away goal gives them an advantage, while Sheffield United need to score to get back into this one. There should be goals in this game, so the both teams to score market is the best way to go.
Atletico Madrid v Barcelona (19:45) – Both team to score (10/11 with Betfair)
The first leg of this tie finished 1-0 to Barcelona last week, with Lionel Messi scoring the only goal of the game. Expect the return leg in Madrid to have a little more action than that, as Atletico look to claw their way back in to this game. Atletico are a little like Sheffield United here, a phrase that’s probably rarely written. They’re 1-0 down but they’re a scary prospect at home, so they’ll be confident they can get back into this game. With just one defeat in their last 27 home games, they’re a tough side to go to.
Barcelona were beaten here in the Champions League last year, but they know a draw is all they need to go through. It’s unlikely to see Barca go full Chelsea and play for a 0-0, they’ll come here to attack and put this one to bed early. Atletico need to go for this too, and if Barca give away chances on the counter attack, they’ll suffer. With both sides coming here to attack, both teams to score seems the best option once again.