Wednesdays Soccer Predictions

Copa del Rey
Real Madrid – Barcelona 2.71 – 2.75
I got burnt last time around. Quite cocky I suggested that Real would be too good for Barcelona. I am referring to the league game between these two giants played at the Bernabeu Stadium in October or was it November? After one minute of the game Real were in the lead and I felt even cockier. Barcelona won the match 3-1 and deservedly so. I learnt one thing. As long as Ronaldo is having this huge complex facing Barcelona I cannot make a case for the Real win.

Real will not be able to call on Di Maria again. He was sorely missed against Mallorca and he has not recovered. Arbeloa and Khedira will also and Pepe, key defender, is considered a major injury doubt. D Villa, Pedro, Afellay and Keita are out for Barcelona.

No Pepe for Real? Well, they can call on S Ramos, Coentrao, Albiol and Marcelo, Varane as well so it’s not the end of the world. I think that Pepe will play, but maybe on the midfield.

Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic have one thing in common, they rarely play their best football against top opponents. I hate to criticize Ronaldo, he is such a fantastic goal scorer, but he has to deliver against teams like Barcelona. He missed two excellent scoring opportunities against Barca in the league, confirming the complex theory. Real are playing the best football this season, but their talisman has to deliver tomorrow. Sorry, no bet.

Wolves play at home to Birmingham, it is a cup replay and the odds on the home win are 2.13. Is not the home win overpriced? There was not much between the two sides in the first leg (0-0), but the Birmingham keeper saved his team late in the game on at least two occasions. Both teams fielded alternative sides and they will do so again tomorrow. Birmingham have played so many games this season due to their Europa League campaign and now, when they are starting to advance in the Championship table, they do no not need more cup games. They never say it openly, but that is the way it is. Not that Wolves need cup success either, but they have a bigger squad at their disposal. Home win will be my call.