Its the Last weekend of the year, a great year of Football it has been, but only the half way stage for the Premier League season. And there's plenty more in store. The title race is wide open with arguably 5 or 3 teams in it.
Liverpool v Newcastle: 3-1 was the final score in this one, Gerrard marking his long awaited return by scoring the winner. Newcastle took the lead with their goal eventually given as an Agger own goal. But goals from Bellamy either side of half-time gave Liverpool a deserving win. Additionally Martin Skrtel's brilliant goal-line clearance from Demba Ba's effort was key in moving Liverpool level on points with Chelsea in 4th.
Man Utd v Blackburn: A draw for birthday boy Sir Alex's side will see Man United sit top of the league through another year. A draw would be a bit of a party spoiler though, United will have to beat the leagues struggling sides to win the league - Fergie would be the first one to tell you. My Prediction: United win! They have got problems at the back but that didn't matter against Wigan and I think they'll be just as ruthless against Blackburn.
Arsenal v QPR: Thierry Henry isn't available for this match but I'm sure the Arsenal fans will be singing his name. They need to bounce back from their draw to Wolves to keep the pressure up on Chelsea and Liverpool in that fight for the Champions League places. QPR need anything to turn their season back around, they are on a free fall to the relegation zone. Prediction: Arsenal win! And RVP to brake Shearers record with a hat-trick.
Bolton v Wolves: Both sides find themselves in the bottom four and consequently will know they have to beat the sides around them to stay in this division. Prediction: Draw! I can't split these two, both have dodgy defences, both struggle to score goals.
Chelsea v Aston Villa: If its anything like last year it should be a classic! Chelsea will hope not to concede 3 again this year. They seem to have assured their defensive options with the imminent signing of Villa product Gary Cahill, the deal isn't completed and Cahill will play his last game for Bolton today. Prediction: Chelsea win! Three draws on the bounce for the Blues may come to an end today!
Norwich v Fulham: Two mid table sides come face to face, the more direct Norwich versus the mini Spurs, Fulham who attempt to play attractive football but ultimately aren't as good as Spurs. Fulham ought to be safe but Norwich will till have doubts; Blackpool were 4 points ahead of them at the same stage last year with 25 points and still got relegated. Prediction: Fulham. Ruiz and Dempsey are top draw and could be the undoing of Paul Lambert's side.
Stoke v Wigan: Wigan have yet again shocked teams all round the country and will want to do the same to the quality Stoke side that could potentially earn another year in Europe through their league position rather than a cup run. Prediction: Draw! Vital points for Martinez and his men, points in games such as these will surely see them stay up.
Swansea v Spurs: Brendan Rodgers described Bale and Modric as "perfect players" but could they come back to haunt him. A win for Swansea could take them as high as 9th and only 18 points away from the 40 point safety mark. Spurs on the other hand will be up to 41 points and 49 points from 20 games from there on in will take them to Mancini's 90 point mark. Prediction: Spurs! Can't think of many who will be able to stop Spurs and unfortunately Spurs will keep the ball better than Swansea.
West Brom v Everton: These sides kick off the year of Premier League football. They are two of the leagues steady sides come face to face at the Hawthorns. Both should be safe, both mid-table. Prediction: Everton! Sooner or later they will start making that 7th placed push!
Sunderland v Man City: Man City will probably be in second place by the time this match comes along so a three points is imperative to keep themselves in pole position going in to the New Year and the second half of the season. A win for Sunderland and they will be back to mid-table where they belong with the quality they have in their squad. Prediction: Man City win! Need to rack up points against these lower clubs in order to win the league.
Happy New Year everyone! Keep following...
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Monday, 26 December 2011
Boxing Day Preview 26/12/2011
First and foremost, Merry Christmas! But, just cause it's Christmas doesn't mean i'm going to stop blogging. After all these matches are just as, if not more, important that another group of premier league matches. As any manager will tell you that the festive season in late December is crucial to determining their final standing in the league come May. The Boxing Day match especially has thrown up many a surprise over the years and expect some today
Chelsea v Fulham: After beating top of the league, Man City, Chelsea seemed to be back in the title race: two games and two draws later and they are considered big outsiders in the title race. Hence why picking up maximum points in the next 3 games is imperative to maintaining their Premier League challenge. On current form Fulham ought to be an easy game for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea! Not by much though. Despite the Cottagers leaking 5 at home to United on Wednesday the game against Chelsea will be a closer match; derby games are never easy.
Bolton v Newcastle: Bolton will be encouraged by their victory over Blackburn which gives them a huge boost in the fight for survival! Newcastle however have suffered some poor results of late - coinciding with a few injuries in key places. Prediction: Draw! Will be a good result for both sides who will look to push on for the second half of the season!
Liverpool v Blackburn: Both sides have struggled recently, especially Blackburn, who seem to heading for the drop following defeat to Bolton. Liverpool need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after dropping points to Wigan last Wednesday. Prediction: Liverpool! Not the end of the world for Rovers but they need to start picking points up soon. P.S. Steve Kean does not deserve the abuse he is receiving...
Man United v Wigan: 2 points from 2 games against 2 of the top teams in the Prem. Another point here and Wigan could seriously look towards another year staving off probable relegation. United have, as expected, bounced back strong from their Champions League disappointments! Prediction: Man U! Undoubtedly favourites for this match and ought not to disappoint, and for me United are still favourites for the title! 2 points is nothing...
Sunderland v Everton: Sunderland, like I've said previously, have the quality to score goals but have lacked a player to score the majority of those goals i.e. Darren Bent/Asamoah Gyan. Similar can be said for Everton, the only striker scoring for them is the player they loaned to Blackburn this season; the Yak. Prediction: Sunderland! Not going to be a thriller by any means, O'Neil's men may just knick it.
West Brom v Man City: Mancini has publicly expressed the need to "remain top of the tree" over the Christmas period. Considering in three games time he loses the Toure duo to the African Cup of Nations, they must take advantage of their full strength squad. West Brom have won their last two and Odemwingie is back to form - he's the sort of player who could hurt City. Prediction: Man City! Would stay 2 points clear but lots of games to come!
Stoke v Aston Villa: Stoke have won 4 of their last 5 games but were played off the park by City before Christmas! Marc Albrighton was the 20,000th Premier League goalscorer but Villa couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Nevertheless they dominated the game, possession and shots statistics favoured Villa, who will be encouraged going to the Britannia. Prediction: Villa! Stoke away is one of the hardest games possible, yet Villa are overdue a win and one here would be a huge result.
The Premier League is renowned for its end to end football and consistently brilliant matches throwing up shocks left, right and centre! The festive period itself is renowned for all the same characteristics. So my advice to you neutrals is: sit back and enjoy. My advice to you fans: well there isn't much... just hope it goes your way!
Chelsea v Fulham: After beating top of the league, Man City, Chelsea seemed to be back in the title race: two games and two draws later and they are considered big outsiders in the title race. Hence why picking up maximum points in the next 3 games is imperative to maintaining their Premier League challenge. On current form Fulham ought to be an easy game for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea! Not by much though. Despite the Cottagers leaking 5 at home to United on Wednesday the game against Chelsea will be a closer match; derby games are never easy.
Bolton v Newcastle: Bolton will be encouraged by their victory over Blackburn which gives them a huge boost in the fight for survival! Newcastle however have suffered some poor results of late - coinciding with a few injuries in key places. Prediction: Draw! Will be a good result for both sides who will look to push on for the second half of the season!
Liverpool v Blackburn: Both sides have struggled recently, especially Blackburn, who seem to heading for the drop following defeat to Bolton. Liverpool need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after dropping points to Wigan last Wednesday. Prediction: Liverpool! Not the end of the world for Rovers but they need to start picking points up soon. P.S. Steve Kean does not deserve the abuse he is receiving...
Man United v Wigan: 2 points from 2 games against 2 of the top teams in the Prem. Another point here and Wigan could seriously look towards another year staving off probable relegation. United have, as expected, bounced back strong from their Champions League disappointments! Prediction: Man U! Undoubtedly favourites for this match and ought not to disappoint, and for me United are still favourites for the title! 2 points is nothing...
Sunderland v Everton: Sunderland, like I've said previously, have the quality to score goals but have lacked a player to score the majority of those goals i.e. Darren Bent/Asamoah Gyan. Similar can be said for Everton, the only striker scoring for them is the player they loaned to Blackburn this season; the Yak. Prediction: Sunderland! Not going to be a thriller by any means, O'Neil's men may just knick it.
West Brom v Man City: Mancini has publicly expressed the need to "remain top of the tree" over the Christmas period. Considering in three games time he loses the Toure duo to the African Cup of Nations, they must take advantage of their full strength squad. West Brom have won their last two and Odemwingie is back to form - he's the sort of player who could hurt City. Prediction: Man City! Would stay 2 points clear but lots of games to come!
Stoke v Aston Villa: Stoke have won 4 of their last 5 games but were played off the park by City before Christmas! Marc Albrighton was the 20,000th Premier League goalscorer but Villa couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Nevertheless they dominated the game, possession and shots statistics favoured Villa, who will be encouraged going to the Britannia. Prediction: Villa! Stoke away is one of the hardest games possible, yet Villa are overdue a win and one here would be a huge result.
The Premier League is renowned for its end to end football and consistently brilliant matches throwing up shocks left, right and centre! The festive period itself is renowned for all the same characteristics. So my advice to you neutrals is: sit back and enjoy. My advice to you fans: well there isn't much... just hope it goes your way!
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Premier League preview 20/12/11
What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas is the general trend for Premier League positions, especially regarding the bottom of the table. Only West Brom have been bottom at Christmas and survived so Coyle and Kean know how important their upcoming 'six pointer' is. Similar can be said for the top and fights for the Title and the Champions League places may well be decided in the coming games. The festive period is crucial in every season; four games in the space of 17 days can make or break a season. The first of those games as important as the last, like in a major tournament, it is imperative not to lose your first game.
Wolves v Norwich:
Mick McCarthy's side sit one point and one place above the relegation zone and take on a Norwich side where a win will put them closer to the Champions League places than the bottom three. Norwich find themselves in a similar position to Blackpool did last year but look like a ready made Premier League side. Prediction: Wolves win! But only providing they keep Holt and Morrison quiet - defence will be key to Wolves' success.
Blackburn v Bolton:
The game Owen Coyle described "the whole world will be watching" is one which, as I alluded to earlier, may determine the fate of one of these two clubs. Prediction: Draw! Won't particularly help either club but will mean, as history suggests, Bolton will be relegated and Blackburn could follow suit. Although admittedly a cold Tuesday night in Blackburn doesn't sound great this match, as Sky are describing, has all the ingredients to be somewhat of a 'Christmas Cracker.'
Aston Villa v Arsenal:
Following Super Sunday defeats for both sides the importance of this match immediately increases. Villa Park is an extremely tough place to go, especially for the top clubs, as the fans love the chance of an upset. McLeish will always be under pressure as Villa boss; the fans see him as a "blue nose" when they lose but a hero when they win. He'll be hoping he is seen as a hero over Christmas. Prediction: Draw! Villa are always one to take points off the top teams and expect that trend to continue for years to come.
Man City v Stoke:
Two of the in form sides come face to face at the Etihad on Wednesday, yet use completely contrasting playing styles; the fluent and dominant City versus the long direct Stoke. What they do have in common is their physical presence on the pitch; Huth, Walters and Crouch against Kompany, Yaya Toure and Balotelli should prove to be one of City's biggest threats this season. Prediction: Man City! Just... should be a tight game!
Newcastle v West Brom:
Newcastle have suffered a slight blip of late, and will want to get back to their form from the start of the season. Whereas West Brom will want to keep up the form that has taken them within the top half of the table. Prediction: Newcastle! Coloccini is back from injury and should help Newcastle get back to form.
Swansea v Everton:
Swansea have been passing established Premier League sides off the park since their introduction to the top flight (just ask Wolves) and will look to do similar to one of the most established clubs around! Prediction: Everton! If they do win they will jump above Swansea in the table and look to consolidating a top half finish.
Fulham v Man United:
United travel to West London for the second time in four days, and will want to pick up their second win keeping up the pressure on Man City. Fulham, however, will also hope for a second win on the bounce, and that Bryan Ruiz can continue his good form and score another high quality 'lob.' Ruiz looks a real talent and if the flair continues expect a big club like Man United to be in for him. Prediction: Draw! And maybe even a Ruiz special?
QPR v Sunderland:
Martin O'Neil's Sunderland are still struggling for goals and are still making a lot of chances. Even with a managerial change you can't create a proven goalscorer without the transfer window - Pavlyuchenko, the man who consigned them to defeat on Sunday, would be an unbelievable yet realistic signing. Thankfully for O'Neil the window is not far away, and nor, if reports are to be believed, is Gyan from returning from loan. QPR will too be delving in to the transfer market but will hope some good results over the festive period will help attract some big names. Prediction: Sunderland win! They have looked good all season but maybe someone can step up and score for the Black Cats
Wigan v Liverpool:
Wigan have had some surprising results in recent weeks and despite having a squad which would struggle to make the top half in the Championship, Roberto Martinez has continued to keep Wigan alive and kicking in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have hit the woodwork the most times this season and will hope it doesn't prove to be their undoing in what may be an uncomfortable night in the North West. Prediction: Liverpool! Grit and determination needed, ought to be installed in the players with a Scot in charge.
Spurs v Chelsea:
A crunch game to say the least, people forget that this is a derby, after Arsenal v Spurs, the biggest London derby possible. Like most derbies, Religion has its role to play but it will be even bigger if both these teams continue to succeed... I barely need to tell you what a win can do for these two - 'Title' springs to mind. Prediction: Chelsea! I went draw when they played City, and was wrong so I've got to back the blues this time - big game players may be the difference
We will know who is almost certain to go down after this week of games but also we will know who is to join the list of Brian Deane, Chris Sutton, Les Ferdinand and Moritz Volz. These names make up the list of 1st, 5,000th, 10,000th and 15,000th goal scorer respectively in the Premier League. And soon we will know who is to join the list by scoring the 20,000th Premier League goal!
Wolves v Norwich:
Mick McCarthy's side sit one point and one place above the relegation zone and take on a Norwich side where a win will put them closer to the Champions League places than the bottom three. Norwich find themselves in a similar position to Blackpool did last year but look like a ready made Premier League side. Prediction: Wolves win! But only providing they keep Holt and Morrison quiet - defence will be key to Wolves' success.
Blackburn v Bolton:
The game Owen Coyle described "the whole world will be watching" is one which, as I alluded to earlier, may determine the fate of one of these two clubs. Prediction: Draw! Won't particularly help either club but will mean, as history suggests, Bolton will be relegated and Blackburn could follow suit. Although admittedly a cold Tuesday night in Blackburn doesn't sound great this match, as Sky are describing, has all the ingredients to be somewhat of a 'Christmas Cracker.'
Aston Villa v Arsenal:
Following Super Sunday defeats for both sides the importance of this match immediately increases. Villa Park is an extremely tough place to go, especially for the top clubs, as the fans love the chance of an upset. McLeish will always be under pressure as Villa boss; the fans see him as a "blue nose" when they lose but a hero when they win. He'll be hoping he is seen as a hero over Christmas. Prediction: Draw! Villa are always one to take points off the top teams and expect that trend to continue for years to come.
Man City v Stoke:
Two of the in form sides come face to face at the Etihad on Wednesday, yet use completely contrasting playing styles; the fluent and dominant City versus the long direct Stoke. What they do have in common is their physical presence on the pitch; Huth, Walters and Crouch against Kompany, Yaya Toure and Balotelli should prove to be one of City's biggest threats this season. Prediction: Man City! Just... should be a tight game!
Newcastle v West Brom:
Newcastle have suffered a slight blip of late, and will want to get back to their form from the start of the season. Whereas West Brom will want to keep up the form that has taken them within the top half of the table. Prediction: Newcastle! Coloccini is back from injury and should help Newcastle get back to form.
Swansea v Everton:
Swansea have been passing established Premier League sides off the park since their introduction to the top flight (just ask Wolves) and will look to do similar to one of the most established clubs around! Prediction: Everton! If they do win they will jump above Swansea in the table and look to consolidating a top half finish.
Fulham v Man United:
United travel to West London for the second time in four days, and will want to pick up their second win keeping up the pressure on Man City. Fulham, however, will also hope for a second win on the bounce, and that Bryan Ruiz can continue his good form and score another high quality 'lob.' Ruiz looks a real talent and if the flair continues expect a big club like Man United to be in for him. Prediction: Draw! And maybe even a Ruiz special?
QPR v Sunderland:
Martin O'Neil's Sunderland are still struggling for goals and are still making a lot of chances. Even with a managerial change you can't create a proven goalscorer without the transfer window - Pavlyuchenko, the man who consigned them to defeat on Sunday, would be an unbelievable yet realistic signing. Thankfully for O'Neil the window is not far away, and nor, if reports are to be believed, is Gyan from returning from loan. QPR will too be delving in to the transfer market but will hope some good results over the festive period will help attract some big names. Prediction: Sunderland win! They have looked good all season but maybe someone can step up and score for the Black Cats
Wigan v Liverpool:
Wigan have had some surprising results in recent weeks and despite having a squad which would struggle to make the top half in the Championship, Roberto Martinez has continued to keep Wigan alive and kicking in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have hit the woodwork the most times this season and will hope it doesn't prove to be their undoing in what may be an uncomfortable night in the North West. Prediction: Liverpool! Grit and determination needed, ought to be installed in the players with a Scot in charge.
Spurs v Chelsea:
A crunch game to say the least, people forget that this is a derby, after Arsenal v Spurs, the biggest London derby possible. Like most derbies, Religion has its role to play but it will be even bigger if both these teams continue to succeed... I barely need to tell you what a win can do for these two - 'Title' springs to mind. Prediction: Chelsea! I went draw when they played City, and was wrong so I've got to back the blues this time - big game players may be the difference
We will know who is almost certain to go down after this week of games but also we will know who is to join the list of Brian Deane, Chris Sutton, Les Ferdinand and Moritz Volz. These names make up the list of 1st, 5,000th, 10,000th and 15,000th goal scorer respectively in the Premier League. And soon we will know who is to join the list by scoring the 20,000th Premier League goal!
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Champions League: Last 16 Draw
Two of the bookies favourites for the Champions League who also are the top two in the Premier League had to wait until past midday for their European Knock-out stage draw. Following elimination from the Champions League group stages Manchester City and Manchester United will have to get passed Porto and Ajax respectively, two other big names dropping out of 'Elite' in to 'Average.' The Premier League's only two group stage survivors face risk of elimination after drawing tough 'Italian Jobs' in the Last 16. Both Chelsea and Arsenal won their respective groups but nevertheless in the first leg Chelsea have to travel to Napoli and Arsenal to AC Milan. Both English clubs will be wary of their Italian counterparts yet will still consider themselves favourites; Arsenal have an incredible record against Italian clubs and beat Milan, at the San Siro, 2-0 in 2008, Chelsea's record versus Italian clubs is not so great but with the strength of their side they will fancy their chances.
Elsewhere defending champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen and despite the loss of David Villa, Barca ought to walk in to the Quarter Finals. Arguably their biggest threat this season, for both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid face CSKA Moscow who too will expect to reach the Last 8. Although the Russians flaunt some dangerous attacking threats in Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia. Russia is well represented in this years knockout stage with Zenit St. Petersburg facing Benfica in their first appearance at this stage. Similarly Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia are making their knock-out stage debut and have been the surprise side of the tournament so far, they face French giants Lyon. Basel, who knocked out Manchester United in the Group Stage, face third favourites Bayern Munich. Marseille, who got through in dramatic fashion, face Inter Milan in the final match of the Last 16. That rounds up the draw, which has produced some mouth watering matches. Games to be played 14/15 of Feb and 21/22 of Feb.
Elsewhere defending champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen and despite the loss of David Villa, Barca ought to walk in to the Quarter Finals. Arguably their biggest threat this season, for both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid face CSKA Moscow who too will expect to reach the Last 8. Although the Russians flaunt some dangerous attacking threats in Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia. Russia is well represented in this years knockout stage with Zenit St. Petersburg facing Benfica in their first appearance at this stage. Similarly Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia are making their knock-out stage debut and have been the surprise side of the tournament so far, they face French giants Lyon. Basel, who knocked out Manchester United in the Group Stage, face third favourites Bayern Munich. Marseille, who got through in dramatic fashion, face Inter Milan in the final match of the Last 16. That rounds up the draw, which has produced some mouth watering matches. Games to be played 14/15 of Feb and 21/22 of Feb.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Weekend Preview (09/12/2011)
After an extraordinary Matchday 6 in the Champions League, both Manchester clubs will look forward to getting back to the routine of Premier League. Although United and City will soon have a different routine to get used to; Thursday to Sunday. Similarly the fans will have to get used to watching Channel 5 Europa League coverage on a followed by watching MOTD2 late on a Sunday. They join Stoke in the next round of the cup, whereas Spurs, Fulham, Birmingham and Celtic all face uphill tasks to meet the 'Champions League losers.' Chelsea and Arsenal are England's only representatives in Europe's elite competition and go in to next Friday's draw still both dreaming of winning their first Champions League trophy. The biggest game of the weekend features one of those in the Champions League and one in the Europa League.
Chelsea v Man City: Chelsea will look to take their unstable momentum in to arguably the biggest game of the season so far. Villas Boas believes that with failure on Monday City will "have one less contender" in the Premier League title race. Despite Stamford Bridge being less of a fortress in recent times Chelsea will still believe they are favourites against the Premier Leagues only unbeaten side. My prediction: Draw! With the hurt of Wednesday still prominent in the minds of the City players I think a point will be much appreciated away at Chelsea
Arsenal v Everton: Think back a couple of months and Arsenal are the most unlikely of the bare two Premier League representatives still in the Champions League. And if it wasn't for some, what at the time seemed like panic buys, the Arsenal side may not have even made the Europa League. One of these crucial, deadline day signings was Arteta who plays his former club for the first time since his arrival. My prediction: Arsenal win! The form of Arsenal and in particular Van Persie should prove too much for an Everton side in transition.
Bolton v Aston Villa: Bolton have been struggling of late as a result of some unfortunate decisions. They will look to beat a Villa side who themselves are yet to set the league alight. My Prediction: Draw. Bolton know a win will take them outside of the relegation zone but will settle for a draw as they look to get their season back on track.
Liverpool v QPR: Following Liverpool's disappointing result on Monday night, they look to get their challenge for 4th spot back on track. Whereas QPR know with a win they will be all but half way to the ellusive 40 point mark of survival. My prediction: Liverpool win! Liverpool seem overdue a win at Anfield this season and the quality of the side should overcome an experienced QPR side.
Man Utd v Wolves: United's week went from bad to worse with the news Vidic will be out for the rest of the season, I expect Jonny Evans to replace him as Jones continues in Midfield. I think if United want to succeed this season only a Ferdinand-Jones partnership could see that happening. Wolves travel on the back of a good win last Sunday. My Prediction: United win! But only just as United to scrape the 3 points.
Norwich v Newcastle: Newcastle travel to Carrow Road following a controversial defeat to Chelsea last weekend. They risk facing back-to-back defeats as Norwich have been looking dangerous recently and in Steve Morison they have guaranteed goals. My Prediction: Norwich win! With the injuries suffered last week Newcastle will look for somebody to fill in at centre back.
Swansea v Fulham: This may be the surprise match of the weekend as both sides play with attacking flair and like to keep the ball on the ground. Dyer, Sinclair, Graham, Routledge take on Ruiz, Dembele, Duff and Zamora in the battle of some threatening front 4s. My Prediction: Draw! It will suit both sides as they will look to build on their mid-table positions as the crucial festive period gets closer.
West Brom v Wigan: Come the end of the season this may well have been seen as a bit of a six pointer, but I expect Wigan to go down and West Brom to stay up. The difference in the two sides being goal scorers - Long and Odemwingie will always score goals in this division, Di Santo and Rodallega not so certain. My Prediction: Draw! Wigan surely cannot lose again...
Sunderland v Blackburn: Martin O'Neil has never managed his first game at home, he has only ever got 3 points in his first match in charge. Sunderland fans will hope 3 more points goes O'Neil's way. Blackburn know a win will take them above Sunderland and out of the relegation zone. My Prediction: Sunderland win! If they can stop Blackburn "feeding the Yak" then they have the quality to beat Blackburn but need to score themselves from somewhere.
Stoke v Spurs: Many people have said if they could have a season ticket anywhere they would have it at White Hart Lane. But Spurs' real test will come away from home, especially at places like Stoke, where their true title credentials will be shown. My Prediction: Spurs win! If they keep on winning people will have to take notice of them as they are capable of being mounting a title challenge.
Norwich v Newcastle: Newcastle travel to Carrow Road following a controversial defeat to Chelsea last weekend. They risk facing back-to-back defeats as Norwich have been looking dangerous recently and in Steve Morison they have guaranteed goals. My Prediction: Norwich win! With the injuries suffered last week Newcastle will look for somebody to fill in at centre back.
Swansea v Fulham: This may be the surprise match of the weekend as both sides play with attacking flair and like to keep the ball on the ground. Dyer, Sinclair, Graham, Routledge take on Ruiz, Dembele, Duff and Zamora in the battle of some threatening front 4s. My Prediction: Draw! It will suit both sides as they will look to build on their mid-table positions as the crucial festive period gets closer.
West Brom v Wigan: Come the end of the season this may well have been seen as a bit of a six pointer, but I expect Wigan to go down and West Brom to stay up. The difference in the two sides being goal scorers - Long and Odemwingie will always score goals in this division, Di Santo and Rodallega not so certain. My Prediction: Draw! Wigan surely cannot lose again...
Sunderland v Blackburn: Martin O'Neil has never managed his first game at home, he has only ever got 3 points in his first match in charge. Sunderland fans will hope 3 more points goes O'Neil's way. Blackburn know a win will take them above Sunderland and out of the relegation zone. My Prediction: Sunderland win! If they can stop Blackburn "feeding the Yak" then they have the quality to beat Blackburn but need to score themselves from somewhere.
Stoke v Spurs: Many people have said if they could have a season ticket anywhere they would have it at White Hart Lane. But Spurs' real test will come away from home, especially at places like Stoke, where their true title credentials will be shown. My Prediction: Spurs win! If they keep on winning people will have to take notice of them as they are capable of being mounting a title challenge.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Monthly Round-Up (November 2011)
The travesty of Gary Speed's unexpected death has put everything in to perspective for football fans across the world. Just like the saying "it only takes a second to score a goal" the same can be said for the event which occurred early on Sunday morning, the 27/11/11 is a date few will forget. Not only has a great footballer been lost, not only has a potentially astonishing coach been lost but an unbelievable man has been lost. Our thoughts are with the Speed family and all the people that knew of Gary.
The tributes have rolled in for Speed and he more than anyone would want the football to continue... and that it did with some great games on display. The last game of the month was Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory, after extra time, at Old Trafford and now face Cardiff City in the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup. Cardiff united after an emotional few days to knock Premier League strugglers Blackburn out. Meaning one Championship side will be facing a tough task in the final against either Manchester City or Liverpool, two top Premier League sides.
Man City sent out a star quality side to make sure of victory versus Arsenal, Aguero getting the only goal at the Emirates. Whereas Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge for the second time in 9 days winning on both occasions. Another nasty November for Chelsea looks to ruin another season, starting with defeat on Halloween weekend to arch rivals Arsenal the month didn't get any better, a late snatch and grab from Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League summing up their indifferent month. Many have called for the head of AVB, some wonder why the head of a Carlo Ancelotti is nowhere to be called.
Villas-Boas is yet to "goas" as the Sun recently described the possibility of his departure. Although, Steve Bruce has become the first Premier Division manager to get the axe this season being sacked 3 days before the 'Black Cats' face a possible "six pointer" against fellow felines Wolves. Incidentally Ancellotti is one of the contenders to take over at The Stadium of Light. Nevertheless Martin O'Neil or Mark Hughes seem more likely.
AVB is under much scrutiny largely due to Chelsea's form in the Champions League and like many other English clubs, are finding the group stages of European football a tough task. Only Arsenal seem secure, and have turned their season around in the past month. Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke are unsure of places in the knock-out stage. The 'chicken and egg' conundrum springs to mind when pondering the reasons for England's poor form in Europe; is it the tough and straining and such high quality football suffered each week in the EPL taking it out of the teams and hindering them in Europe or otherwise is the lack of quality in the Premier League resulting in clubs not having the quality to cope against some of Europe's top names. In my opinion, and I very much hope, its the former as so many clubs are "tough places to go" and "a real threat" that the effort put in on a Saturday disadvantages those on a Wednesday. Despite this I am confident the majority of English clubs will qualify as most still have it in their hands entering 'Matchday 6'
Despite what a thrilling month November has been for Football fans the overriding memory will be that of the Gary Speed tragedy. Hopefully December will avoid the bitter taste this saddening event has caused the world of Football. The fans will be able celebrate the festive period with all the football they need. I for one get excited when I see the Sky Sports Christmas advert at the start of December and those Sky Sports snowmen scoring diving headers left, right and centre signifying that there is a LOT of Football on the way.
The tributes have rolled in for Speed and he more than anyone would want the football to continue... and that it did with some great games on display. The last game of the month was Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory, after extra time, at Old Trafford and now face Cardiff City in the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup. Cardiff united after an emotional few days to knock Premier League strugglers Blackburn out. Meaning one Championship side will be facing a tough task in the final against either Manchester City or Liverpool, two top Premier League sides.
Man City sent out a star quality side to make sure of victory versus Arsenal, Aguero getting the only goal at the Emirates. Whereas Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge for the second time in 9 days winning on both occasions. Another nasty November for Chelsea looks to ruin another season, starting with defeat on Halloween weekend to arch rivals Arsenal the month didn't get any better, a late snatch and grab from Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League summing up their indifferent month. Many have called for the head of AVB, some wonder why the head of a Carlo Ancelotti is nowhere to be called.
Villas-Boas is yet to "goas" as the Sun recently described the possibility of his departure. Although, Steve Bruce has become the first Premier Division manager to get the axe this season being sacked 3 days before the 'Black Cats' face a possible "six pointer" against fellow felines Wolves. Incidentally Ancellotti is one of the contenders to take over at The Stadium of Light. Nevertheless Martin O'Neil or Mark Hughes seem more likely.
AVB is under much scrutiny largely due to Chelsea's form in the Champions League and like many other English clubs, are finding the group stages of European football a tough task. Only Arsenal seem secure, and have turned their season around in the past month. Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke are unsure of places in the knock-out stage. The 'chicken and egg' conundrum springs to mind when pondering the reasons for England's poor form in Europe; is it the tough and straining and such high quality football suffered each week in the EPL taking it out of the teams and hindering them in Europe or otherwise is the lack of quality in the Premier League resulting in clubs not having the quality to cope against some of Europe's top names. In my opinion, and I very much hope, its the former as so many clubs are "tough places to go" and "a real threat" that the effort put in on a Saturday disadvantages those on a Wednesday. Despite this I am confident the majority of English clubs will qualify as most still have it in their hands entering 'Matchday 6'
Despite what a thrilling month November has been for Football fans the overriding memory will be that of the Gary Speed tragedy. Hopefully December will avoid the bitter taste this saddening event has caused the world of Football. The fans will be able celebrate the festive period with all the football they need. I for one get excited when I see the Sky Sports Christmas advert at the start of December and those Sky Sports snowmen scoring diving headers left, right and centre signifying that there is a LOT of Football on the way.
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