Stand by for sparks in Manchester clash

Stand by for sparks

in Manchester clash

SIX TAB SOCCER POOLS GET A R1-MILLION CASH BOOST

By Nick Said

Here comes another action-packed weekend for soccer fans. TAB is giving six soccer pools a R1-million boost and the soccer menu includes the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals and the blockbuster Premiership clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.

Three sides from outside the DStv Premiership are in the cup quarter-finals, but upsets look unlikely. Mamelodi Sundowns are under no threat, and on paper the clash between second-tier TTM and SuperSport United looks a mismatch.

But don’t count TTM out yet. No trip to Thohoyandou is welcomed by opposition teams and while it seems SuperSport will be spared the heat, it is not a journey they will undertake with any relish.

TTM are struggling in the second tier this season, but have been strong at home. SuperSport have also found it a battle on the road in the last 14 months, winning just four of their 25 away games in all competitions.

After losing in the PSL on Wednesday, Marumo Gallants and Baroka FC will limp into Saturday’s cup clash, which is included in cash-added Soccer 6 and 10 pools.

Baroka seem to be running out of the good fortune that has kept them in the top flight. Recent defeats include a 5-1 loss to Cape Town City, a 4-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United and a 3-0 hammering by Gallants in early March.

On Sunday Royal AM and University of Pretoria go into their quarter-final with near identical records in their last nine games, albeit that they are in different divisions. Royal AM have seven wins and two draws, while AmaTuks have six wins and three draws.

Royal AM continue to grind out wins and draws, especially at home where they are unbeaten in their last 12 games. AmaTuks are on a promotion push and in a first Nedbank Cup quarter-final since 2010.

Internationally, the focus is on Manchester City on Sunday, when Pep Guardiola’s side host Liverpool in what could prove a decisive game in the Premier League race.

Both sides will be happy with their respective Champions League quarter-final first legs on Tuesday. City beat Atletico Madrid by a single goal at home and Liverpool won 3-1 away against Benfica.

Jurgen Klopp’s team selection for Liverpool will be interesting. The Liverpool manager’s biggest decision comes up front as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have displayed tired legs over the past few weeks and both came off on the hour mark against Benfica.