Chelsea-Everton: Tuesday 8th January
The FA Cup proved a major let down for David Moyes and his admittedly weakened Everton squad. Their early exit was most definitely not part of that club's plans, and losing out to Oldham 1-0?!... most, most, most definitely NOT part of the plan. Everton were not the only Premiership side to suffer an early exit, but they were the biggest name. Poor displays were seen all over the country and indeed this was probably one of the poorest 3rd Round performances by EPL sides in many a year.
With only three days to recover and get the minds of his players straightened out for this Carling Cup semi-final vs Chelsea, the question is whether he/they can do it.
A big blow is that Stephen Pienaar won't be available due to his being called up by the South African national side. He's played a big part in the recent surge in the Goodison Park squad's form. Very quick feet and excellent movement in the build ups he's involved in, make for a key element that you really don't want to have to replace at this stage. With Arteta suspended and Osman out injured Moyes will be looking for Cahill to be 110%, despite the knock he's been carrying. Yobo and Yakubu will play in this 1st leg, as their national side (Nigeria) allowed them to stay on, but all African players will be away for the 2nd Leg on Jan 23rd, so you'd think Moyes will be wanting to really make a move here.
Chelsea really stumbled past a very competitive QPR side in the FA Cup, and 1-0 meant it was nervy all the way to the whistle. I find myself continually backing for a Chelsea bombshell performance, and even though betting against them on the Asian Handicap was again a good source of profit, I just feel that a 90min defeat is not far away....however, they keep proving me wrong on that last count.
Facing an Everton side that will have bruised egos, and a lot of club pride to recover, should be a tough match, but with the Toffeemen having won only twice in 22 meetings with the London club, it doesn't bode well for a third here.
They met in the Cup before back in season 2005/06 with the 1st leg a 1-1 draw followed by a resounding 4-1 win for Chelsea in the 2nd. Moyes will recall his rested 1st team players, so we should expect a solid performance. Avram Grant has stated that he sees Drogba being called up by his country, but not Mikel John Obi, who's starting if Everton's Yobo and Yakubu are for Moyes.
Everton will know how important it will be to get a solid result here with Goodsion waiting for the return on Jan 23rd. Chelsea took a draw back to Stamford Bridge back in '05/06 , and I think Moyes will be very happy with that for his side.
Everton +0.50 @ 2.13 canbet / Draw 1-1 @ 7.00 bluesq / T.Cahill to score with a Header @ 15.00 ladbrokes
Arsenal-Tottenham Hotspur: Wednesday 9th January
At least Arsenal managed to enter the draw for the next round of the FA Cup as winners, unlike Spurs who will have to meet Reading again. Considering that Steve Coppell sent out his usual '2nd team for the Cup matches!' it was a bit of surprise to see them force a full-strength Spurs into a replay.
Berbatov did his job and scored two, while the same couldn't be said of Robbie Keane: he had a rotten time. Poor finishing on clear-cut chances cost his side dear.
A below-par performance from keeper Paul Robinson again provided many with an after match topic for debate.
Now they head to The Emirates to contest this semi-final against another 2nd team, so will this be preying on their minds? Wouldn't surprise me.
Ramos needs a good Cup run to make this season more memorable than just a few 'high scoring-suicidal defending' matches. Progress has been a case of slow slow quick quick slow, but with a golden opportunity to push his players into a Cup Final after such a dismal opening run of games... well, that has to be a grabbed with both hands. Just hope it's not Paul Robinson's.
Arsenal's so called 'young guns' should really be seen for what they are...a true Premiership side. There is no 2nd string about this lot. You have quality all across the pitch, and with Wenger clearly happy with their play, you are guaranteed they'll be kept together as a team, allowing better consistency and understanding to develop. The average age of the FA Cup side was 23...what a future.
Paper talk is about Ramos looking to lure Chelsea's Ben Haim over to White Hart Lane....madness! That's not going to solve anything for Spurs. He's got less pace than a snail going backwards. That defence needs true quality to shore it up, real experience, and not just for the short term but for the future hopes of the club. No point in spending $10-15m on a player that patently can't cope at a bigger club than yours!
Got to feel this will be a make or break semi-final for Spurs...they get to the final and a season can be salvaged, but lose out and their efforts to get here will be forgotten quicker than Chelsea cashing Ben Haim's transfer cheque.
Both sides possess top quality strikers , but only one has a true and tested defence. Home advantage is a big factor when Arsenal are playing, while Spurs may feel a bit under pressure after a disappointing FA Cup result.
Youth vs Desperation?......Penalty!!
Red Card @ 4.70 betfair / Berbatov score 2+ @ 17.00 paddypower / Berbatov anytime scorer @ 3.50 boylesport / Spurs 3-2 @ 41.00 bet365
8/9th Jan: Carling Cup Semi's
TOTW/F/M Award(s): 2
