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
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5. Everton 38-61
6. Aston Villa 38-59
7. Fulham 38-54
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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
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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.