Wednesday night football

Im back with two picks.

Panionios V Bordeaux

I'm going for the home win here for a few reasons, first off Panionios really need the win as only 3 points can guarantee them going through to the next round. Bordeaux have already qualified and word is that they have travelled to Greece with a second string squad. At the weekend they were involved in a titanic struggle with Marseille where they came from 2 - 0 down to snatch a 2 - 2 draw. Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc, whose side have won all three of their group games so far has named a 15-man squad that includes a group of inexperienced youngsters.
Only three players in the travelling squad, experienced defender David Jemmali and attacking pair Jussie and Fernando Cavenaghi, can be classed as regular contenders for a first-team spot on a weekly basis.

Panionios face possibly one of the most important game in their history as they bid for qualification. Their president has promised all players involved a special bonus as incentive for progression to the next round. If the home outfit fail in their bid to get all 3 points then it looks like Galatasary will go through at Panionios's expense and that is something that the Greek side wont want to happen. At the weekend they also had an excellent morale boosting 1 - 0 win over Panathinaikos.

I think that the home side have all the motivation to win here. Greece is a very hard place to go and get a result as many teams have shown in the past. Nothing less than 3 points will do the home team whereas the away side are facing into a winter break from Ligue 1. They are also through to the next round and its hard to see them putting in a 100% committed display, especially if the crowd get on their back. The odds on the home win have dropped very fast since team news was announced. I think that the home side are more than capable of winning by more than 1 goal so il try them -1 on the asian handicap.



Chelsea V Liverpool
Chelsea and Liverpool have played out some entertaining games in recent years. The two sides over the recent years have built up quite a rivalry and now square off at Stamford Bridge looking to go all the way and win the competition.Both took serious blows to their premiership campaigns after defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Chelsea have just reached 50 games unbeaten at home in all competitions but its hard to see Liverpool breaking that sequence. In the past Chelsea has always taken the Carling Cup seriously and Wednesday’s game will be no different. They are likely to rotate the team but have lots of talent and experience on the bench anyhow so its not exactly a bad thing Both took serious blows to their premiership campaigns after defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively. Here's the deal, Drogba is out and Chelsea without him are fairly shot shy and up against a tough Liverpool defence can expect no loose change. As against Arsenal last week most of the pressure will be on Frank Lampard to try and deliver the goods but he is not in the best of form at the moment and Chelsea need him to play well.

Liverpool have played all the top 3 teams at home and have taken only 2 points, with the way things are going domestically and in Europe, Liverpool go into this Carling Cup Quarter Final knowing it may be their only chance of a trophy this season.
Liverpool so far have beaten Cardiff at home 2-1 and Reading. Both games Liverpool looked comfortable but this game will obviously be much more difficult. Team news is that Benitez is likely to make one or two changes to the side that lost to United at the weekend.

Liverpool against Chelsea is always a tight cagey affair. In the league clash at Anfield this year Chelsea held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw.. At the Bridge, Liverpool have a poor record and I don’t think they will be improving this record on Wednesday, although if they do go down it wont be without a struggle and they certainly wont be hammered

Recent meetings between the two

2006/2007 Community Shield = Chelsea - Liverpool 1:2
2006/2007 English Premier = Chelsea - Liverpool 1:0
2006/2007 Champions League = Chelsea - Liverpool 1:0
2005/2006 English Premier = Chelsea - Liverpool 2:0
2005/2006 FA Cup = Chelsea - Liverpool 1:2
2005/2006 Champions League = Chelsea - Liverpool 0:0
2004/2005 Champions League = Chelsea - Liverpool 0:0
2004/2005 English Premier = Chelsea - Liverpool 1:0
2003/2004 English Premier = Chelsea - Liverpool 0:1

I don't think we will be in for a goal fest here, in fact i think we we'll be lucky if we even see one! But as this is a cup game stakes should be kept low. Unders is the call.

PICK
Panionios -1 asian hdcp (2.10 @ mansion) 4 points

Chelsea V Liverpool under 2.5 (1.7 @ betsense) 5 points