Two And a Half Goals: Back masses of goals at the Bernabeu for Jose's last game in charge

1Jun 2013

Betfair

 

The Inside Man is predicting fireworks in Madrid this weekend, but can't see there being many goals in the Maracana as Brazil entertain England...

 

Saturday

 

Real Madrid v Osasuna

 

Jose will no doubt be on his way after this match. It's been a tumultuous time in the Spanish capital for Mourinho and despite enjoying many successes during his three  year tenure, I'm sure he'll want to fire a significant parting shot.

 

As luck has it, the Special One has been gifted the perfect opportunity to do just that, as his side take on 15th placed Osasuna. Safe from relegation, and with  nothing to play for, they look the perfect cannon-fodder to allow Jose to go out on a high.

 

Osasuna managed a credible 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture. But away from home they are a different creature, and have suffered defeat by three goals or more in almost  a quarter of their road games.

 

Real have scored 23 goals in their last five at home and should have all the motivation in this match. Mourinho is sure to have them fired-up to send a message to fans  and Chairman alike, while the players themselves will be playing for their futures, as they look to impress their new boss.

 

For the first time ever in this column, I'm recommending we break the rules, and back over FOUR AND A HALF GOALS. After all, it's the last day of the season...and it's  the Special One.

 

Recommended Bet

Back Over 4.5 goals @ 1.84

 

 

Real Zaragoza v Atletico Madrid

 

By contrast, there's every reason to expect a tight encounter in Aragon when relegation-threatened Zaragoza go looking for the win they need, against Atletico Madrid.

 

Real must win, but will be wary of being too adventurous against the third best team in the division. Their biggest problem though will be to overcome the stubborn  Madrid defence. With just 18 goals conceded from as many matches, Atletico boast the number one away defence in La Liga.

 

One positive though for Zaragoza fans, is that their lofty opponents have nothing to play for, having already secured their Champions League place. Another, is that  the Madrid side score almost as few goals on their travels as they concede. And a third positive, is that Atletico's by-far most prolific striker, Radamel Falcao, is  unlikely to play a significant part given his pending transfer to Monaco.

 

With two nil-nil draws in their last four matches, there's evidence to suggest Atletico have already packed up for the season, mentally at least. But they should still  have enough about them to make life difficult for a Zaragoza side who rank as the joint-3rd lowest scorers in La Liga, and who are sure to be nervous as they play for  their survival.

 

Recommended Bet

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.16

 

 

Sunday

 

USA v Germany

 

June looks set to be make or break time for Jurgen Klinnsman's USA team, as they enter a phase in which they'll play three World Cup qualifying games in the space of  just 11 days.

 

It's been a nervy start to the World Cup trail for the U.S., who sit just third in their group after three matches. It's created a pressure on Jurgen Klinsmann that's  been tangible of late. But if there is great expectation heading into those upcoming qualifiers, it isn't showing in the build-up. A 4-2 loss to Belgium in midweek  could have been disappointing. But it was seen for exactly what it was meant to be, a chance for Klinsmann to experiment and look at new things. Expect more of the  same when they face Germany.

 

Germany of course, like to win whatever the occasion, and are one of the few international teams you can bank on for goals even when the occasion doesn't matter. A 4-2  win over Ecuador in midweek was preceded by a 2-1 Friendly win over France in February. Goals, and lots of them, are simply how the Germans roll.

 

Recommended Bet

Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.76

 

 

Brazil v England

 

If there's one team you wouldn't want to rely on though for goals, you'd be hard pushed to find a better choice than England.

 

England were much berated for their stale performance against the Republic of Ireland in midweek. Much like they were berated for their stale, and lacklustre, and  unadventurous performances during Euro 2012.

 

In their last 14 matches of any kind, nine have been low-scoring. And it's easy to understand why, with Roy Hodgson's policy of getting as many players behind the ball  as possible whenever his side lose possession. This of courses stymies his side's attacking intentions as well, as they then have to attack from deep.

 

Yes, England did beat Brazil 2-1 back in February, but that was at home. This time they'll be at the Maracana in Rio, where the game is sure to be played at a very  different tempo and produce a very different result. Brazil are certain to be out for revenge, but having not played for a couple of months, might not have the vigour  to go too hard on hapless England. They are though guaranteed to dominate possession and eat up plenty of the clock in the process.

 

Recommended Bet

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.16

 

Bet HERE

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Keywords: Two And a Half Goals, Bernabeu, Real Madrid, Osasuna,

Source: Betfair

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