Football Informer Quiz!

Think you know football? Try this mind-scratching batch of questions for this month...

1. What ground do Ipswich Town play at?

a) Bloomfield Road
b) Portman Road
c) St. Michael's Park

2. What squad number is Darren Fletcher for Man United?

a) 14
b) 8
c) 24

3. Who is the manager of A.S Roma?

a) Jose Mourinho
b) Claudio Ranieri
c) Luciano Spalletti

4. Who is the assistant manager of Liverpool?

a) Sammy Lee
b) Mauricio Pellegrino
c) John McMahon

5. What is Aberystwyth Town's biggest league away win?

a) 6-0
b) 8-0
c) 9-1

Beckham ahoy!

a guest contributor writes...

In the flashy world of American sports one finds many distinctive cultural events. Hotdogs, popcorn, cheerleaders, huge costumed mascots, marching bands, and a very "US" feel.

This also applies to US soccer, as one would imagine. The big teams, which include LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew, the steadily rising Seattle Sounders, and the soon-to-be-admitted-to-MLS Philadelphia Union. It seems to be big business. But is soccer really all that popular?

You may be surprised to hear that football is the most played sport in US schools, and the team sport which is most participated in. While American football and baseball are the big spectator sports, soccer is the People's Game. It is hoped that grassroots fervour around this sport will build it up into an industry to rival that of Europe. And it seems that the 34 year old David Beckham wants to be a part of it.

Beckham's contract with the League and LA Galaxy states that he will be allowed to operate an MLS team. He told the BBC: "I have the right to own an M.L.S. franchise, which I will action immediately after I have stopped playing". In 2010, Philly Union will enter the league's hallowed halls, and in 2011, Portland Timbers and the Canadian Vancouver Whitecaps will step onto the big-money field. Beckham is allowed to start running a team in 2012. One of the teams looking for 2012 entry will be another Canadian club, Montreal.

The owner of Montreal Impact, Joey Saputo, along with other high-profile parties, are dropping hints in the media suggesting Beckham involvement in a deal. Saputo, confirming that potential parters had approached him, stated "I can say yes, we were approached about two months ago, but I can’t say by whom."

Will the worldwide football landscape be affected by David Beckham steering the 19th ship in the Major League Soccer fleet? Only time will tell. But I will say this, American interest in association football is soaring.

Story here.

A replacement for football?

a guest contributor writes...

With the recent scandal concerning Thierry Henry and the Ireland-France playoff, we can see how important football has become to national identities. Even the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach), Brian Cowen has stepped in, demanding a rematch. This seems to have blown the whole thing out of proportion; perhaps it should be accepted that it is a fundamental rule of the game that the referee's decision overrides the fundamental rules of the game.

As someone with close to no knowledge of the game of foot-the-ball, you may find it insulting that I am attempting to comment on the recent events at the playoff match between the teams of the Republics of Ireland and France. I don’t care; I’ll do it anyway.

As I understand it, the player Thierry Henry touched the ball one, nay two times in the Irish penalty area, leading to a goal. This seems to me as wrong; surely there is a rul that forbids non-goalkeeper players from handling the ball. I looked it up in the FA 1981 Book of Rules and Stuff, and apparently there is such a thing as the “hand-ball-rule”, or something. In other areas, players are being bought and sold like commodities, and managers are being mutinied against and thrown out like bottles of sour milk.

Football as a whole seems to have been blown out of proportion. It is no longer the realm of pleasant university matches, leather balls and top-hatted spectators. The commentator with the clearly enunciated Received Pronunciation is also a thing of the past. Perhaps it is time to return to that age, and to start afresh with the core elements of the game, or perhaps it is time to find a replacement.


I feel that an ideal replacement for the noble game of footy would be the ancient South Asian team sport of Kabaddi. It has some very interesting rules which would certainly stop it from becoming part of a serious world full of serious economics and highly-paid-slave-trading. In the game there are two teams in different halves of a field, and they take it in turns to throw members of their own team into the opposite half to writhe and wrestle on the floor with members of the other team, and to "tag" them. Once this strange practise is completed, the player must return to his own half. The players must hold their breaths during all of this. Genious.

A website has provided me with a list of the skills needed to play Kabaddi like a pro. I'm sure not all football players could pull these off. They include "Taunting" (well...), "Touching with the hand" (fine, OK...), "Raid" (yeah, but...), and "Penetration" (we won't go into that). All in all, a wider portfolio of fun skills, thrills and spills which will enthrall a British and worldwide audience once they are disillusioned with the crazy world of football. So, think about it. Soon football itself could be a thing of the past, replaced by the All-UK Kabaddi League. Of course, that would mean the end of this blog. Sorry.

Now, move along. Go back to watching I'm a Celebrity, or hitting each other, or whatever it is people do these days...

World Cup 2010 - Who's there?

After much hard work and effort from all teams in a brilliant World Cup Qualification term, the following teams have qualified:

UEFA (Europe):
Denmark, France, England, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Slovakia, Serbia, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation):
Japan, Australia, Korea Republic, Korea DPR.
CAF (African Football Confederation):
Cameroon, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria
CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football):
Mexico, U.S.A, Honduras.
CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) :
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay.
OFC (Oceania Football Confederation):
New Zealand

Good Luck to all teams involved. And real sympathy for the Republic of Ireland following their cruel exit in the play-offs following that hand-ball. More to follow on that soon....

Coca Cola Championship + League One - 2009-10

So, after a nice summer holiday for me and for football - it's back. The Coca Cola Championship, League One, League Two and lower leagues return for a brand new season. The Premier League of course starting next week. And with the transfer window still open, it's going to be a very busy August. So, I'm going to have my say on what I think the season will hold for some English teams across the leagues. Firstly, The Championship. Newly-relegated Middlesbrough host Sheffield United tonight as Gareth Southgate looks to bounce back to the Premier League and Kevin Blackwell looks to improve on last season's play off-final defeat. That game just a taster for the opening Saturday. So, who for promotion and who for relegation? I think that West Brom will look good under Di Matteo. They always seem to be up and down and they've managed to keep almost all their players from last season and added to the team with Swindon hit-man Simon Cox and I think they'll definatley be up there again. Ipswich are another team to watch. I think they'll do really well under Roy Keane. I was surprised when he arrived at Portman Road and I think he'll get the best out of the players at Ipswich. He knows what it takes to get promoted. Now, we come to Newcastle. I think their season will be entirely down to who's leading the club, and if Mike Ashley manages to sell. If not, and Newcastle are still going to be changing managers every month, they won't pose much of a threat but if Shearer gets the job and the squad know where they stand, they could come back up again, because despite losing key players like Owen and Martins, Newcastle have still got quality players who are commited to the club. i don't know about Middlesbrough, after Tuncay leaves - which according to Gareth Southgate he will, then they look a bit thin. Not much quality, just a lot of young inexperianced players. So they might stay in mid-table. Again, I think a lot of the clubs we saw challenging last season will be there again. Watford, Preston, Cardiff again and Reading. I also hope that Paulo Sousa can keep Swansea's progress going by doing one better than Martinez and challenging for a play-off place. And I fancy Sheffield United to do very well, especially after missing out so narrowly last season. Ched Evans is a good signing and they'll be glas to get Kyle Walker back on loan from Spurs. Now, Relegation. Very tough one to call. All of the teams have quality about them but I think the clubs that escaped it last season could be there again. Plymouth, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest? You never know, they might prove me wrong. I don't know how far Darren Ferguson can take Peterborough as well and Nigel Adkins' Scunthorpe. Now for League One and I have to admit they get less of my attention, I'm arfraid. I think Leeds might come up to the Championship though, they've got a good mixture of young and experinaced players. And they've also managed to keep Jermaine Beckford so far. Simon Grayson will manage them to a good season. Another two to watch are Norwich and MK Dons. Norwich have just been relegated but I think they've got enough about themselves to get up again if they work hard. MK Dons have lost Di Matteo but Ince is back and I'm sure they'll be delighted as he was such a success last time, and I think he'll continue where he left off last time. Now for the drop. I think Exeter City might find it difficult in League One. And like the Championship, a few of the teams that were hovering above the drop zone might be there again, if they haven't strengthened their weak areas. So, Good Luck to all the teams across the Leagues. And I'm sure the lower English leagues will grow in popularity yet again!

Michael Owen - Worth the gamble?

I'm sure every avid football fan had to refresh their web pages and look at the T.V closely after hearing of Michael Owen's move to Manchester United. I know I did. I have to be honest and say out of all the clubs in the world United would be the club I'd think he'd go to last. I'm a passionate Liverpool fan, I won't hide that, so for me it's a real shame he's gone to Man United. Some would call it betrayal, I wouldn't go as far as to say that, but nevertheless you have to take into consideration football rivalries. I'll be honest again - I dislike Man United. It's something I can't explain. I do however respect their success, players and manager but as a committed Liverpool fan I like nothing less than to see them get beat. But to get back to the point. Michael Owen came from the Liverpool academy, he was raised on Kopite territory and for me I always thought he was Liverpool through and through. There's no doubt in my mind that he can be called a Liverpool legend. For a man who's scored 158 goals for the club you have to call him a legend. Growing up a Liverpool fan, he was my idol. A real goal poacher and not to forget a brilliant international player. But let's forget about personal feelings, to Owen the football is important. And I can imagine his delight to be wanted by a club like Man United, since his most likely destination was looking like Hull or Stoke. For me, Owen is a very strange signing for United. Not because he's an ex-Liverpool favourite but because I can't see where he fits in Sir Alex's picture. With Berbatov, Rooney and Valencia plus rising stars like Welbeck and Macheda, and even talks of a new signing like Huntelaar and Ribery, Owen just looks like a spair part - which maybe he is for them. I can't imagine him in a United shirt for long, not for more than 3 seasons anyway. When he's 100% fit Owen is an unstoppable goalscorer, but when he's carrying niggly injuries he's practically useless. Whether he'll be a bench warmer, a small game player or a leading front man we'll have to see next season....

Summer Window 09 - So far

It's the 2nd of July and already some transfers have been all but sealed up. No doubts that the biggest story of the window is Real Madrid's mass spending spree, or to by more specific the signings of Kaka for £56m and Cristiano Ronaldo's switch for a mega £80m, smashing the world record transfer fee twice in the space of a few weeks.

Back in Britain, Manchester United lost Carlos Tevez as well as Ronaldo, the Argentine rejecting a contract at Old Trafford and could be set to join rivals City. United however did manage to win the signature of Wigan's Ecuadorian winger Luis Antonio Valencia, but look set to miss out on French ace Karim Benzema who is set for Real Madrid for around £30m.

Man City have splashed the cash already as they signed long-term target - Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, along with Villa captain Gareth Barry for £12m. Samuel Eto'o and Tevez could also be on their way to Eastlands. Cash-strapped Liverpool won the race to sign England right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for around £17m.

The Premier League newcomers have also been busy in the window so far. Wolves signed Irish ace Kevin Doyle from Reading to bolster their attack along with Serbian midfielder Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade and Marcus Hannemann after he was released from Reading as well.
Birmingham snapped up striker Cristian Benitez along with defenders Giovanny Espinoza and Scott Dann. Man City keeper Joe Hart also joined in a season-long loan.

Transfer News will return at the end of July. Happy Shopping!

Premier League Football Awards 08-09

It's been a brilliant 2008-09 Premier League season, with some mouth-watering signings in the summer, pulsating matches and all-round brilliance! And as the summer break is here, It's time to take a look at the highs and lows. To start, here's my awards for the players and managers who have impressed.

GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON:

Jussi Jaaskelainen

The faithful Finn has been in the Premier League since 1997. And he's kept Bolton safe for many a year with his brilliant, athletic shot-stopping. He impressed again this season for me, keeping Bolton firmly safe, including a wonderful save late on this season. A big well done also go to Mark Schwarzer, Brad Friedel and Shay Given.

DEFENDER OF THE SEASON:

Brede Hangeland

The big dane made a big impression this season, with consistent performances and strong leadership qualities. He was integral to Fulham's march to Europe and it will be no surprise if he attracts the attention of some top clubs. Jose Bosingwa, Glen Johnson and Nemanja Vidic have also impressed me.

MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON:

Stephen Ireland

An odd choice perhaps, but nevertheless a right one I think. Ireland has put in some top-class performances this season, and despite Man City being linked with every superstar under the sun, Ireland has got his head down and got on with it, scoring some important goals. Thumbs up go to Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ashley Young and Tim Cahill.

STRIKER OF THE SEASON:

Nicolas Anelka

A really tough one to call. But I've gone for Anelka despite a dip in performances in the second half of the season. However, finishing off as the league's top scorer he's scored some great goals and star of the show for Chelsea in some parts. Fernando Torres comes close, and so do Wayne Rooney, Robinho and Robin Van Persie.

MANAGER OF THE SEASON:

Roy Hodgson

Despite Fergie's triple trophy season and Hiddink's miracle, I've gone for Roy Hodgson who's quietly built his Fulham side into top-half winners. He's done very well since coming in, as well as some intelligent signings. Congratulations also go to Tony Pulis, Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.

FUTURE STAR OF THE SEASON:

Rafael da Silva

The Brazilian has done well to come in to the side because of Gary Neville's injury and has been important in some occasions. The eighteen year old will defiantly feature in Fergie's plans next season. Praise also goes to Jack Collison, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling.

BEST ELEVEN (4-4-2):

GK: Jaaskelainen

RB: G. Johnson

CB: Hangeland

CB: Vidic

LB: Evra

RM: A. Young

CM: Gerrard

CM: Ireland

LM: Ronaldo

ST: Anelka

ST: Torres

Taking a break

I will be taking a break from posting for a few weeks due to education commitments. Thanks!

"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the world. But I was in the top one" Brian Clough

Thanks Guus

So as we say goodbye to the 2008-09 Premier League season, there is one man Chelsea will thank twenty times over. Guus Hiddink's time at Chelsea is over, as he returns to his post as Russia boss and he will be sorely missed by Chelsea fans. Personally, speaking as a football fan I thought what Guus did over that short space of time was incredible. When he took over Chelsea were a team of confused, down-hearted, selfish players. Now, after what he's done Chelsea are a changed team and they have an F.A. Cup to prove it. We now know that it will be Ancelotti who will take his place. But can he fill Guus's shoes? He has said he wants to return to English football one day. I think that's something I and a lot of other football would want. Cheers and Good Luck Guus.

Champions League Final Preview

So here we are. The Champions League Final 2009. And I think it's fair to say it's being contested by the two best teams in the world right now, despite what Chelsea fans might think. Champions of Spain - Barcelona and Champions of England - Manchester United. Are we all set up for one of the greatest finals of all time? Let's hope so. But In my opinion I think the better team is Man United, despite me being a commited Liverpool and personally disliking them. However, I have to admire the way they play, the calibre of players and of course their manager Sir Alex Ferguson. To compare with Barca, they are the better team. For one thing they have the best defence. Even if Abidal and Alves were able to play in the match tonight I would still rate Man U's defence better. Barca's looks vulnerable. I can see Rooney and Ronaldo terrorising Puyol and Pique. Which brings me onto the front lines. Barca's is impecable. Messi, Eto'o and Henry. Three of the best players in the world. And I know that everyone rates them so highly. Yet they have failed to shine against English opposition. Messi has never scored against an English team. It also explains why he was non-existant in the two legs against Chelsea. I think though Man United can match Barca's frontline just about. Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov and Tevez are all brilliant players. Plus Man United have much more experiance than Barca with the likes of Giggs, Scholes and Neville. Either way, It's a game everyone's looking forward too.

MY PREDICTION:
Manchester United 2-1 FC Barcelona

MY PREDICTED TEAMS:
FC Barcelona: Valdes, Pique, Puyol, Toure, Keita, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o, Henry.
Man United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Park, Giggs, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov.

Premier League - Final Day

So here we are. The Final Day of the Premier League. All 20 teams playing on one Sunday at one time. With the title already decided and the first relegated club being West Brom, 2 clubs out of Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sunderland and Hull need to go down. Hull's season had a terrific start in the season, finding themselves in 6th place early on, and managed to get a magnificent result at Arsenal, thanks to Geovanni's free-kick, and by Christmas everybody had put strong bets on them staying up. But in the New year Hull slipped and slipped until they found themselves right in the mix with the rest. Middlesbrough's season never really got going, neither did Newcastle's, so it's not surprising they are down there. Sunderland found themselves in a fairly comfortable position for most of the season but as the season went on, they found it more difficult to get results, and also last the chance to secure safety on Monday by losing 3-1 to Portsmouth. Elsewhere, only pride is at stake. Arsenal face Stoke at the Emirates, Man City welcome Bolton. Blackburn play West Brom, Wigan play against Portsmouth, Fulham can claim a Europa League spot against Everton while Liverpool take on Spurs. Here's my predictions:

Arsenal 3-0 Stoke
Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle
Blackburn 2-0 West Brom
Fulham 1-1 Everton
Hull 1-0 Man United
Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
Man City 1-0 Bolton
Sunderland 0-2 Chelsea
West Ham 1-0 Middlesbrough
Wigan 2-2 Portsmouth

MY FINAL TABLE:
Pld Pts
1. Manchester United 38-87
2. Liverpool 38-86
3. Chelsea 38-83
4. Arsenal 38-72
--------------------------------------
5. Everton 38-61
6. Aston Villa 38-59
7. Fulham 38-54
--------------------------------------
8. Tottenham 38-51
9. West Ham 38-51
10. Man City 38-50
11. Stoke City 38-45
12. Wigan 38-43
13. Blackburn 38-43
14. Portsmouth 38-42
15. Bolton 38-41
16. Hull 38-38
17. Newcastle 38-37
--------------------------------------
18. Sunderland 38-36
19. Middlesbrough 38-32
20. West Brom 38-31


So for me, Middlesbrough are going down. I just can't see where they are going to get the goals from, there is just no quality in the side except for Tuncay and Downing. I do think however, Newcastle will stay up, with a narrow win at Villa. Newcastle have got more passion than the others, and more belief that they can do it. I think Hull will stay up, especially as they are playing what will probably be a Man United youth side. Sunderland will go aswell, I can't see them winning at Chelsea really.

I would also just like to spare a moment, to thank Sami Hyypia, for a wonderful 10 years at Liverpool. I wish him luck at his new club Bayer Leverkusen next season. Cheers Sami.

Premier League roundup - 16/05/09-18/05/09

As the final day of the Premier League draws nearer. Last weekend we found out who won the Barclays Premier League Title for 2008-09. A 0-0 draw with Arsenal was enough for Manchester United to snatch the title from Liverpool. Celebrations were beginning at Old Trafford, but a long wave from Carlos Tevez to the fans as he was substituted seemed like a wave goodbye to Man U. Elsewhere West Brom were finally relegated after putting up a real fight, after they were beaten 2-0 by a Liverpool side who realized that 2nd place was their destiny this season. After it seemed there was a light at the end of the tunnel for Newcastle United they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham, despite having a Mark Viduka goal disallowed. Middlesbrough gave themselves a bit more hope with a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, but the odds are still firmly stacked against them. Hull missed the chance to save themselves despite being so colse to taking the game from Bolton, who had Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank. Everton triumphed 3-1 over West Ham. There was a part atmosphere at the Britannia after Stoke won 2-0 against Wigan. While a Robbie Keane penalty helped Spurs to a 2-1 victory over Man City.



On Sunday, as I mentioned West Brom were relegated by Liverpool, and Chelsea won comfortably 2-0 over Blackburn in a laid-back game. Florent Malouda getting the pick of the goals with a powerful header. On Monday, Sunderland failed to cement a place in the Premier League next year after losing 3-1 against Portsmouth, putting them very much in the mix for relegation next weekend.

MY PREDICTIONS:
I GOT TWO RESULTS RIGHT AND ONE PREFECT SCORE

The Newcastle United Manager-go-round

I think it's fair to say it's been a season to forget for Newcastle United. With their Premier League position still not secure with the final day looming, it could get even worse for them. But whether or not Newcastle get relegated they will want to make a fresh start next season. To start from the summer, Kevin Keegan was the man in charge. Having finished 12th last season, I'm sure Newcastle thought that they could make a real fight for a place in Europe, and with signings from abroad like Jonas Gutierrez, Sebastian Bassong and Fabricio Coloccini, the squad was filled with experienced and quality players - despite James Milner being sold to Aston Villa and Emre to Fernerbache. But as the season began, things started to turn sour. First off, on September 2nd 2008, there were incredible rumours surfacing that Kevin Keegan had resigned or had been sacked by the Newcastle board, however the club later denied these reports. But then two days later it was confirmed that Kevin Keegan had resigned following several days of negotiations with the board. This shocked Newcastle supporters, who were distraught and angry at what had happened. They blamed the board, but mainly Mike Ashley, the club's controversial owner who loved to fit in with the Newcastle faithful by sitting with the fans drinking beer and wearing his Newcastle shirt. But now he was the villain of the piece. The fans protested outside the ground chanting and displaying flags and some even boycotted home games as they wanted Keegan back, and soon Ashley started to feel the pressure.

On the 14th of September, he announced his intention to sell the club, because of the opposition the fans had to his running of the club, 3 days later he was rumored to have rejected a £200m bid from a consortium from Dubai, wanting £481m instead. As an eventful September drew to a close Joe Kinnear was surprisingly named the interim manager of Newcastle, despite being out of work since 2004. Things didn't improve for Newcastle however, as the results didn't go their way. Defeats to the likes of West Ham, Blackburn, Tottenham and to rivals Sunderland meant that Newcastle saw themselves slipping lower and lower down the table as the New Year approached. On the 28th of November Kinnear was named as the manager for the rest of the season. Newcastle still weren't winning enough games but the fans settled with Kinnear, hoping that he could turn the season around by the new year. As well as this Mike Ashley called the sale of the club off for the time being, and it almost seemed that Newcastle were just trying to scrape through the 08-09 season, before having time to make radical changes in the summer. The January window gave Kinnear a chance to refresh the squad with Bolton captain Kevin Nolan joining up, with ex-Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands and Ryan Taylor from Wigan with Charles N'Zogbia going in the other direction. But another down point for Newcastle was when they lost star keeper Shay Given to Man City, after he'd fianally had enough. In mid-February, just as Newcastle seemed to be looking to get their season back on track Joe Kinnear underwent a triple heart bypass operation, it would keep Kinnear out of the managerial seat at St. James' for the rest of the season. This meant that Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood took temporary charge, with Newcastle fans thinking what - What next?

But as Toon Army supporters woke up on April Fools' Day, of all days they couldn't believe the headlines. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer had agreed to take charge of them until the end of the season. Many people thought the stories were false because of the date on the calendar, but the reports were confirmed by Shearer which put to bed all doubt. But could Shearer save Newcastle from relegation? We still don't know, but more defeats and draws meant that all wasn't bright despite a spirited 3-1 win over Middlesbrough which got people believing again. But as I said Newcastle aren't safe, far from it. They face a dog-fight with Hull, Sunderland and Boro, as two of the three teams will go down this Sunday. So, why are Newcastle in such a massive mess and can't get the goals the need? The players are all there - Martins, Viduka, Owen, Duff. But still not many goals were found, although injury plagued a bit of Martins, Owen and Viduka's seasons. But I think mainly it's because of the managerial changes. 5 managers in a whole season, all with different ideas and policies with the team, not to mention the turmoil behind the scenes. All is not helped either by Joey Barton's ridiculous conduct on and off the pitch. Newcastle need a miracle against Aston Villa, and I think they'll make it despite the hitches they have experienced. Next season, it could be all change, if Alan Shearer decides not to extend his stay and Joe Kinnear feels he can't come back to management. Of course, we are yet to see if one of the biggest football clubs in England, will remain in the Premier League....

Premier League preview 16/05/09-18/05/09

After Manchester United won against Wigan in mid-week, after a tough and wet encounter for the Red Devils, they can clinch the title at Old Trafford against Arsenal - before Liverpool even play the following day. More important matches are also being played, Middlesbrough face Aston Villa at The Riverside, and a defeat for Gareth Southgate's side will almost seal their fate. Newcastle also face a key game against Fulham. While West Brom face a near impossible task against Liverpool. Elsewhere there are some interesting games such as Everton vs West Ham and Tottenham vs Man City. I do however think that Manchester United will be crowned Champions on Saturday. Here are my predictions:


Bolton 2-1 Hull City
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Man United 3-2 Arsenal
Middlesbrough 0-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle United 2-0 Fulham
Stoke City 0-0 Wigan
Tottenham 2-2 Man City

SUNDAY:
Liverpool 4-1 West Brom
Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers


MONDAY:
Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

MY GAME OF THE WEEKEND:
Man United (1st) vs Arsenal (4th)

With this game Man United can win it, in fact they only need a point. And I think they will win it, but Arsenal will put up a real fight, and I'm expecting a really pacy, competitive match. The crowd will be behind United and Fergie will want to win it at Old Trafford, and before Liverpool have even played.

Aston Villa - Where did it all go wrong?

Prior to the 2008-09 season, noöne expected Aston Villa to be comfortably sitting in the top 4 of the Premier League by the end of December. One of Villa's highlights was a 2-0 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates; add that to victories over the likes of Sunderland, Tottenham and Blackburn, plus the outstanding form from the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and John Carew and Martin O'Neill was treated like a God by the claret and blue-half of Brimingham, and so too by the rest of the country. And the reason why we were praising them? The fact that they displayed so many English players. It sounds stupid, but in this modern game it is near impossible for a Premier League team to field a fully-English side and win a game deservedly. But Aston Villa could do this. Not just with Young and Agbonlahor but with Sidwell, Milner, Curtis Davies, Barry and Knight; players that were performing well week-in week-out. Very few foreign players were seen in the starting line-up, with the exception of American Brad Friedel, Dane Martin Laursen and Norweigan big man John Carew. And secretly a lot of us were hoping that they did break into the top 4 and emerge next year in the UEFA Champions League - everyone besides Arsenal and Everton fans perhaps. Yes, everything seemed to be going swimmingly. O'Neill had even sent out a weaker, young side to face CSKA Moscow - which showed that O'Neill had no interest to progressfurther into the UEFA Cup, and instead wanted to focus on cementing a place in the Champions League for 2009-10, which seemed to be a very smart idea. This run of good results lasted well, until we got to March; Villa lost ground to Stoke at home with a 2-2 draw, and then a string of defeats to Man City, Spurs and a 5-0 whooping by in-form Liverpool. Suddenly, everything had turned dark for Martin O'Neill's men. And to make matters worse, Arsenal had closed in, with some good results after regaining injured players and the signing of the wonderful Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin. Moving into April, and Villa still couldn't win. Draws with Bolton, West Ham and Everton weren't good enough, as Agbonlahor lost his scoring touch and Young failed to flourish. Now, as we arrive at the end of the season Villa find themselves fighting for fifth, but are guaranteed a place in the newly revamped Europa League.

So, why did Villa fall near the final hurdle? I think a major part of it is inexperience. Villa hadn't been in a very good position for decades, as managers like John Gregory, Graham Taylor and David O'Leary had failed to create a good squad harmony. Martin O'Neill managed it though. But I think that Arsenal, who won the league a few years ago and are used to winning trophies and being placed in the top 4 of the League, had more experience of how to grind out results and finish off games, especially with the experienced Wenger in charge. But for Villa, they just couldn't quite get there, which is slightly disappointing. But I think, next year they'll be back up there contesting, and the more times they are up there fighting every year, the more experience they'll get. I don't think there is need for Martin O'Neill to revamp his squad or spend big, just a little signing here and that will give them more of an edge. One thing for certain, I am really looking forward to seeing them next season.

Premier League roundup - 09/05/09-11/05/09

It was another eventful and interesting week-end in the Premier League. On Saturday, Liverpool kept up the pressure on Man United with a comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park. Steven Gerrard netting a brace in the process. West Brom gave themselves some hope of staying up with a 3-1 win over Wigan, while Hull put themselves in more danger after losing 2-1 at home to Stoke. Fulham's quest for Europe continued as they won 3-1 against fighting Aston Villa. Blackburn won 2-0 against Portsmouth, to almost guarantee a place in the Premier League next season, but Portsmouth remain nervy. Everton and Tottenham drawed 0-0 in an evenly matched encounter, and Bolton and Sunderland drew a no score draw too.

On Sunday, It was very much a 'Big Game Sunday'. In the earliest game Manchester United won comfortably against Mark Hughes' helpless Man City, as United look to be on course for another title. Later, Chelsea triumphed 4-1 against a hard-working Arsenal. Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka getting on the scoresheet.

One game on Monday, and a major one. Newcastle United came out on top after emerging as the better side against a very troubled Boro side. A Habib Beye own goal gave Boro the lead, but goals from Steven Taylor, Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands gave Newcastle hope that they can survive the drop. Middlesbrough need a real miracle to avoid the drop.

MY PREDICTIONS (08/05/09) REAL RESULTS:
Blackburn 0-0 Portsmouth Blackburn 2-0 Portsmouth
Bolton 2-1 Sunderland - Bolton 0-0 Sunderland
Everton 2-2 Tottenham - Everton 0-0 Tottenham
Fulham 1-1 Aston Villa - Fulham 3-1 Aston Villa
Hull 0-1 Stoke - Hull 1-2 Stoke
West Brom 0-2 Wigan - West Brom 3-1 Wigan
West Ham 1-3 Liverpool - West Ham 0-3 Liverpool

Man United 2-1 Man City - Man United 2-0 Man City
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea - Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea

Newcastle 2-1 Middlesbrough - Newcastle 3-1 Middlesbrough

5 RESULTS CORRECT, NO PERFECT SCORES

Premier League preview: 09/05/09 - 11/05/09

As the Premier League finale draws closer, it's nail-biting time for everyone involved - from the top of the table with Manchester United and Liverpool, to the bottom where Boro, Newcastle and West Brom are fighting. Here's my predictions:

Balckburn 0-0 Portsmouth

Bolton 2-1 Sunderland
Everton 2-2 Tottenham

Fulham 1-1 Aston Villa

Hull 0-1 Stoke

West Brom 0-2 Wigan

West Ham 1-3 Liverpool

SUNDAY:

Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea

MONDAY:

Newcastle United 2-1 Middlesbrough

MY GAME OF THE WEEKEND:

Newcastle United (18th) vs Middlesbrough (19th)

Two sides that are really in trouble at the moment and can't seem to get three points at all. For Newcastle, Shearer will see this as the chance to snatch three points, as the fixtures don't get any easier for the remaining games, but if they do lose I think that it could signal their relegation. With Middlesbrough, they don't have easy fixtures either and look doomed if they don't get anything soon so Southgate will really want to get at least a point here. It will be really close but I predict Newcastle will snatch it late on, since it being St. James' Park as well.

Didier Drogba - Bad behaviour?

After watching the Champions League Semi-Final between Chelsea and Barcelona I was intrigued to see how the Chelsea players would react after the final whistle after Andres Iniesta's late equalizer sent them out of the competition. What I saw didn't surprise me. Chelsea players such as John Terry, Alex and Florent Malouda confronting referee Tom Henning Overbo and his assistants as they complained and questioned their judgement. Then of course Didier Drogba stormed onto the pitch - having been substituted earlier in the game. He reacted more angrily, viciously pointing the finger at Overbo and flapping his arms about in front of his face. But as Overbo was beeing ushered off the pitch by stewards, the Ivory Coast international turned to the nearest T.V camera, and said "If's a f****** disgrace". This sort of behaviour I believe is unacceptable, swearing straight at the camera broadcasting the came world-wide is something Drogba knows is wrong, but the anger boiled over. However, I can fully understand the furstration of the Chelsea players, having been so close and then conceded a goal in the 92nd minute after stopping Barca getting a shot on target for all of the game is sickening. I believe 100% that the refereeing desicions were nothing short of disgraceful. No less than four penalties could have been given, including a handball by Pique that was as clear as day. I don't think that Drogba should be judged too badly after his confrontation with Overbo. I do believe however, he should be punished more for swearing, and with little kids watching it certainly isn't the best example. I do think we should respect him for apologising afterwards too, But again the furstration and dissapointment of the Chelsea players can be surely excused after recieving such a cruel, frustrating blow after an emotional Wednesday night.