The 57-year-old former FC Porto and Benfica coach, who has been in charge of the Greece team since 2010, has opted to include Michalis Sifakis, Kostas Chalkias, and Alexandros Tzorvas.

However, he said: “There were five or six players in with a good chance of making the cut. In the end, I chose the goalkeepers who have had more time with the national squad, who played more matches in qualifying.”

Panathinaikos goalkeeper, Orestis Karnezis, was one shot-stopper to miss out on a place in the squad, with Santos explaining: “He played with us once, in the last friendly, but I believe he is not yet ready, he lacks the experience for such a competition.”

Santos has also opted to include the veteran striker, Nikos Liberopoulos, in his squad.

The 36-year-old, who currently plies his trade with AEK Athens, only featured twice in qualifying but has enjoyed a fine domestic season. He has been chosen instead of PAOK striker, Stefanos Athanasiadis.

Santos will take his players to Austria on 22nd May for a pre-tournament training camp.  Greece will play two friendlies while they are there – against Slovenia, on 26th May, and Armenia, five days later.

When the action gets underway in Poland and Ukraine, Greece will face the joint hosts Poland, the Czech Republic, and Russia in Group A. Gamble on Greece’s group with Euro 2012 Group A Betting.

Alternatively, if your football loyalties lie with Germany, Holland, Portugal, or Denmark, check out the Euro 2012 Group B Betting on Betfair.

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Santos Admits to Tough Decisions

Post from: Keeper Skool

Hodgson Throws a Few Surprises in Euro Squad

Spain captain, Casillas, has long been thought of as the best stopper in the business. However, Manchester City’s Hart has shone again, this season, for both club and country, strengthening his own case as one of the world’s best.

Both Hart and Casillas will be integral to their country’s hopes in this summer’s European Championships; the Spaniard appears more likely than his English rival to taste Euro 2012 glory.

While Spain will be looking to make it three successive major titles, England will go into the tournament on the back of a turbulent few months – with their most optimistic fans doubting that Roy Hodgson’s men have a genuine chance of challenging for this summer’s title.

James believes Spain’s superb record over the past few years has been responsible for elevating Casillas’ reputation, making it clear he believes that Hart has the best all-round game in world football.

“Joe is better than Casillas”, James said. “He [Casillas] is recognised as number one because he’s won the World Cup, European Championship, and has been fortunate to be at one of the biggest clubs in Europe for years.”

“But Joe’s distribution is 10 times better than Casillas. He makes all the saves; he takes all the crosses. He can do much more than Casillas.” Spain are the current favourites to claim the European Championship in the Euro 2012 betting odds.

Keep up with the latest developments ahead of Euro 2012 with Betfred news.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Hart the New #1 – James

The England international was substituted after just 12 minutes, following an awkward tumble in the opening stages. It has since been confirmed that he has injured his hamstring.

Roberto Di Matteo’s defensive options are already limited, ahead of the final, after both John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic picked-up suspensions in the Nou Camp. If fit, Cahill will be guaranteed to start in the final.

“I’m hoping it’s not as bad as we first thought”, he told Sky Sports News. “I just felt a pop in my hamstring. I just pray the scan is all right.”

Chelsea went into the match as severe underdogs in the betting odds; after scraping a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first-leg, it was expected that the Catalan side would play them off the park in the return leg.

Like in the game at Stamford Bridge, the Blues chose to frustrate Pep Guardiola’s men by sitting deep and hitting them on the counter-attack. Despite Terry’s early dismissal, Chelsea stuck to their guns, and ground out a 2-2 draw to seal a place in the final in Munich.

Cahill has praised his side’s performance and admits that he was amazed by how well they defended as a unit. “The lads were absolutely outstanding; the way they stuck together and ground out the result”, he said. “It was amazing. Phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal.”

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Cahill ‘Praying’ for Hamstring Recovery

The Citizens went into the weekend five points behind their city rivals, Manchester United, but, with the Red Devils surprisingly drawing 4-4 at home to Everton, Mancini’s men are now once again in touching distance of the top.

The two meet at the Etihad, next Monday, in a game that could decide the title, and with City currently possessing a better goal difference, victory would make them clear favourites to win their first championship since 1968.

However, Mancini still believes their rivals are in pole position, even if they beat them on Monday, and says he would be surprised if his side won the league.

“Only one team can win this title”, he said. “I’ve never bet in my life, but if you were to ask, I would say put your money on United, 100 per cent.” Take advantage of the odds on United, with online sports betting.

“I don’t have a message for Sir Alex. If I did it would only be ‘Congratulations for your season and for this title!’”
City led the title race for much of the season, but have fallen away in the last few months, while United have built their momentum, and appear to have once again peaked at the perfect moment.

Mancini believes his team’s slide has been down to their lack of experience, and says United’s familiarity with the pressure of the title race will help see them through.

“I don’t think they have pressure because they are used to it every year. For us, it is different, because it is the first time. At the moment, we don’t have any pressure, because we are not expected to win”, he added.

Post from: Keeper Skool

City Still Underdogs – Mancini

“He’s unattached at the moment”, Tisdale explained. “In the process [of training with us], he’s putting himself on show.” The football coach added that Exeter do not rule out the possibility of working with Ricketts on a more permanent basis.

Ricketts has played for eleven different teams in the past decade. His most notable escapades include spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, Toronto FC, and at German outfit, SV Wilhelmshaven. People looking at the League One betting will know he has a long track record.

The 29-year-old has also played in the Hungarian and Moldovan leagues, with Diosgyori VTK and Dacia Chisinau, respectively. Ricketts’ most recent club, Shamrock Rovers, released him in 2011, after just ten appearances.

Ricketts intimated – via Twitter – that Exeter fans had been supportive of his potential move into League One. “Thanks for all the kind words from #ECFC fans. I just want to get into a red and white shirt now.”

If he signs for the Grecians, Ricketts will join Lauri Dalla Valle, formerly of Fulham, and Southend exile, Pat Baldwin, as the new boys on Exeter’s books. Baldwin, a defender, will be especially welcome in Devon, given that Exeter face an injury crisis at centre-back. Those searching for betting tips football need to bear this in mind.

The absence of existing defenders, Richard Duffy (groin), Scott Bennett (hamstring), and Danny Coles (spine), have made survival in League One difficult for the embattled club, who stand 23rd (of 24) in the table.

Exeter will play Wycombe Wanderers later today in something of a relegation ‘six-pointer’. A victory could take the Grecians to safety, depending on the results of other matches contested this evening, while a defeat will leave them floundering in the drop zone.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Exeter Watching Ricketts

Ten goals were scored at Elland Road on Tuesday evening, as Leeds succumbed to a 3-7 defeat to the visiting Forest. The result was the first time in history that United have conceded seven at home, with their highest away loss standing at 8-1 to Stoke in 1934. Those looking at the Championship betting will have been astonished.

Leeds no longer look particularly dangerous with regard to grabbing a play-off spot, standing in tenth position, four points adrift of Hull City in ninth, and five points short of the nearest play-off place.

Add in the fact that Leeds have played one more game than six of the teams above them in the Championship, and United have a hill to climb if they hope to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds took the lead courtesy of an early penalty from Robert Snodgrass, but Forest’s resident Frenchman, Adlene Guedioura, soon cancelled the advantage, collecting Notts’ first after eight minutes of play.

Garath McCleary added Forest’s second just before half-time. The score at the break was a balmy 2-1 in Notts’ favour.

Whatever Steve Cotterill said to the Tricky Trees at half-time galvanised Forest to “unbelievable”, to quote the manager himself, performance in the second half. Notts’ Dexter Blackstock opening the scoring shortly after the whistle.

Goals from United’s Luciano Becchio and Michael Brown gave the home team hope as the hour mark approached, dragging the tie to 3-3. McCleary then scored an incredible three in 15 minutes, to shut Leeds out of the fixture. It was a major upset of the Championship betting odds.

Blackstock added to Leeds’ misery by scoring his second, and Forest’s seventh, nine minutes from the end of regulation time.

“I’m quite embarrassed about the result”, Warnock said. “I’ve learnt probably more tonight than I have in the other games.” The manager added that Notts’ fourth strike was “terrible – it was a Sunday League goal”.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Leeds Lost in the Woods, as Forest Score Seven

Swansea’s Championship play-off victory at Wembley last season ensured they would return to the highest level of English football for the first time since 1983.

The Welsh club have surprised many this season, playing an attractive brand of football and getting the better of established Premier League sides.

Rodgers’ men have all-but secured a second term at the top level. They sit 11th in the table, 14 points clear of the relegation zone with ten games remaining and anyone looking at the odds on www.Betvictor.com will have been impressed.

The Swansea boss admitted he has met with chairman Huw Jenkins and wants to bring in ‘three or four’ new signings in the summer as he looks to establish the club in the Premier League.

“The chairman understands that we have got to invest. If we are going to retain our status at this level in the long term, we have got to recruit well,” said Rodgers.

“We are not going to go crazy, but we will be looking to add three or four players who can make a difference if we stay in the Premier League, and that means we will have to make some sort of investment.”

Rodgers believes the way Swansea have performed during their first season back will help attract quality signings. Those looking at Victor Chandler will be wondering if they can push on.

“We were relatively unknown last summer, but the Premier League is a global brand and I think we have opened up more doors now,” added Rodgers.

“People are seeing not only that we are a competitive team, but we play like a big team.”

History suggests Swansea will find it tougher next season. But the club’s ambition and football philosophy could see them become a Premier League mainstay.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Swansea planning for next season

At the start of the season, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Manchester City would easily win the title. They played the best football, gained some outstanding results, and even embarrassed bitter rivals Manchester United by winning 6-1 at Old Trafford. However, it almost looks like Mancini’s team has peaked too soon with a string of fatigue-ridden displays leading them into the latter stages of the 2011-2012 campaign.

Reigning champions Manchester United are only just beginning to ease into their groove, however, and that is not good news at all for title challenging Manchester City. Unlike their rivals, Manchester United have a lot of depth in their squad and it’s really starting to show. The Premier League betting makes them strong favourites now.

Manchester United are not playing the most beautiful football in the league at the moment. I don’t think anyone could ever prise that title off Arsenal, if we approach the subject realistically. However, what Manchester United epitomise is the ability to win without playing well. Their efficiency is simply unmatched in the Premier League and the experience of their squad is really beginning to show and the Premiership betting reflects this.

Manchester United should have enough to win the title now, in my opinion. The only players that are unlikely to feature against this season due to injury are Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic so Sir Alex Ferguson has a big squad to choose from in the games that remain whereas Roberto Mancini is struggling to name players in his squad that aren’t playing well below their best due to tiredness. Given the difficulty of Manchester City’s remaining games in comparison to Manchester United’s, you have to feel that another historic Premier League title is looming large for Manchester United.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Who will win the title race?

Spurs were widely tipped to challenge for the title only two months ago. Harry Redknapp’s side were two points off the top and looked well set for a late-season push.

Since January, the wheels have come off for Spurs and they face a battle to remain in the Champions League places. The north London outfit have won just two of their last eight games, losing their last three and those looking at www.betvictor.com will know their hopes are slipping.

Chelsea have closed the gap to four points and Cech believes Chelsea’s big-match experience will see them secure a spot in next year’s premier European competition at the expense of Spurs.

“I think yes. We have been together through so many situations in eight years and a lot of people here remember those, so we have the benefit of the experience of that,” said Cech.

“We seem to cope with the difficult situations quite well so, hopefully, this experience we’ve got throughout the years will help us reach our targets.”

Chelsea have been regular title and European challengers in recent years, while Tottenham have only once made it through to the Champions League.

The Blues travel to Etihad Stadium to face title-chasing Manchester City before entertaining Spurs on Saturday in what the Bet Victor odds show will be a close game.

Chelsea are full of confidence after four straight victories under caretaker boss Roberto di Matteo and Cech admitted confidence in the camp is sky high.

“We are approaching these next two games with confidence now. In football everything changes with positive results,” added Cech.

Since Di Matteo stepped into the breach left by Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea’s season has turned around. They have made big strides both domestically and on the continent and show no signs of letting up. Tottenham beware.

Post from: Keeper Skool

Cech eyes Chelsea push