Motherwell v Panathinaikos - Champs League Qual‏

Motherwell v Panathinaikos



Motherwell


Injuries - Saunders
Doubtful - Page
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Ramsden, Hutchinson, Cummins, Page, Lasley, Law, Carswell, Humphrey, Daley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon, McHugh, Murray, Hollis

Probable XI : Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison,  Ramsden, Hammell, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Hidgon (4-4-2)


Prediction : Motherwell 1-1 Panathinaikos


Motherwell have had a slow start to their preseason friendlies with a 4-0 loss at Ayr Utd, followed by a 1-1 draw away to Raith Rovers but then they put in a promising 1-1 draw at home to a decent Everton squad and finished off by beating Hamilton Accies 4-0.

Both Hutchison and Page have been struggling with injuries and of the two I reckon Hutchison will be risked as they need him after strabgely letting Clancy go at the end of last season.

I've got to admit I am not an expert on Greek football but do keep a general eye on it and obviously Panathinaikos have been badly effected by the countries economic shambles which have not be helped by their fans behaviour with fines being ocurred not helping their financial situation. Players have had to be released and sold but they have made 6 new signings for the season with the most recent being Bruno Fornaroli rom Sampdoria. Central defenders José Manuel Velasquez and André Pinto, defensive midfielder Pape Habib Sow, winger Ibrahim Sissoko and forward Kostas Barbaroussis have also joined and there is no doubt the club will be looking to progress to help relief their money worries (probably the same for Motherwell then....)

I genuinely think though Motherwell deserve more respect than the 4/1 some books are offering on this match because out of the Scottish teams in Europe, for me, Motherwell may just be the one to surprise people (At home anyway)

I will probably not get involved in this game as I just don't know Panathinaikos well enough but I certainly think Motherwell with 10,000 at Fir Park can take something from this game as they have at least a goal in them with key players like Murphy, Law, Ojamaa and Higdon playing. Tempted to LAY Panathinaikos @ 1.81 (betfair) but NO BET


FT result : Motherwell 0-2Panathinaikos

St Johnstone v Eskisehirspor - Europa League Qual 2nd leg

St Johnstone v Eskisehirspor (0-2 agg)

Not much to report here as all the lazy bastard journalist/web page updaters seem more interested in the olympic bollocks!



St Johnstone

Injuries - Mackay (doubt he'll make this game)

Probable XI :Mannus, Davidson, Wright,  McCracken, Miller, Clegg, Millar, Davidson, Craig, Hasselbaink, Tade (4-4-2)

Prediction : St Johnstone 1-1 Eskisehirspor

On reflection last week St Johnstone were only actually beaten by 2 deflected goals. I watched it and they were pretty much out played in the first half but were much better in the 2nd half and ended up a bit unlucky to be 2 goals down in the tie. They badly missed anything upfront so I reckon they will risk Tade for this game even if he is not fully fit. I don't really see any miracles happening but I saw an interview with Lomas where he said his game plan will be not to rush things and try and stay in the game then attack more in the later stages if they have a chance. I think a score draw may well be on the cards.

UNDER 2.5 @ 1.87 (Bet Victor) appeals to me


FT Result : St Johnstone 1-1 Eskisehirspor

Europa League - Eskisehirspor v St Johnstone Team News

Europa League, second qualifying round, first leg KO 6pm

Eskisehirspor v St Johnstone






St Johnstone

Available Squad : Mannus, C. Davidson, Wright, Anderson, Miller, Scobbie, Maybury, McCraken, M. Davidson, Craig, Cregg, Moon, Millar, Robertson, Higgins, Adams, May, Hasselbaink, Tuffey

Injuries : Tade, Mackay


Probable XI : Mannus, C.Davidson, Wright, Anderson, McCraken, M.Davidson, Craig, Moon, Millar, Robertson, Hasselbaink (4-5-1)




Prediction - Eskisehirspor 2-0 St Johnstone

I am a little worried about St Johnstone's chances here especially because of the injuries to new striker signed from Inverness Tade and captain Mackay. Tade was brought in to replace top goal scorer and best player Sandaza, but St Johnstone have also lost a host of players who made them so effective last season. Gone are Sandaza, Sheridan, Riordan, Haber, Fannigan, Croft, Oyenuga and Jody Morris. So not only is their decent strike partnership gone but also Croft (who I thought was a good midfielder) and the experienced Morris. These are big misses and I'm not sure they will be able to cope with, lets face it, a very decent Turkish team that have players of superior class.


Eskisehirspor coach Yanal has be busy building a team since he moved from Trabzonspor and I note they have made numerous new signings including keeper Boffin, Cetin from Galatasaray, Guven, Budak from Freiburg and Senturk from Besiktas. Granted they have lost a few players but having a little look at the players that Eskisehirspor already had last season and it really doesn't look good for St Johnstone in what will probably be the most hostile atmosphere many of the inexperienced players will have played in. Lets face it St Johnstone's usual furtherest away game is up to Inverness!!!! The Turks have some real experience in their ranks with players that have played for Brazil, Borussia Dortmund, Genoa, Inter Milan and Porto.......Jeez oh


Good luck St Johnstone.............




I fear for St Johnstone and can only really see them trying to stave off a heavy defeat, toothless upfront I cant see them scoring. Eskisehirspor to beat the -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 (BETVICTOR) appeals to me I'm afraid!


FT Result :  Eskisehirspor 2-0 St Johnstone  (WIN)