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Premier League Predictions

2010-03-25T16:01:00.002-07:00

Saturday, 27 March 2010

Birmingham City v Arsenal, 15:00

Arsenal are in the midst of another title battle and they are returning to the ground where they probably lost the title two seasons ago in a game that featured one of the most horrific injuries football had ever seen; a last gasp Birmingham penalty that never was and a tantrum from then-captain William Gallas. Arsenal look sharper, stronger and more refined in both mind and body than that cold day in Febraury and they have already overcame a similar situation against Stoke and came through the test. Birmingham, however, have been excellent this season and Alex McLeish’s men will be looking to further this against Arsenal where striker Cameron Jerome will pose a considerable threat to the Arsenal goal.

Verdict: 1-2
Result:
Chelsea v Aston Villa, 15:00

Chelsea got back to winning ways in some style with a 5-0 thumping of Portsmouth away from home; we need to remind ourselves though that this was against a desolate and distraught Portsmouth team seemingly restricted to playing well in the F.A. Cup. Martin O’Neill’s side have only lost once in the league since the turn of the year but on the other hand they have only won three times as they furthered a run of draws with a 1-1 against Steve Bruce’s Sunderland in the week. I feel Chelsea will have enough being at home and with Villa’s recent record.

Verdict: 2-0
Result:

Hull City v Fulham, 15:00

Hull were so close, last weekend, to winning their first match under new manager Iain Dowie but Portsmouth once again exhibited that never-say-die attitude that they seem to have against the teams in the lower echelons of the league. Fulham have lost their last two against Spurs in the F.A. Cup and Manchester City last Sunday but Roy Hodgson’s men are just suffering a well-earned hangover following the exploits against the Old Lady in the Europa League. I can’t see anything but an away win here and it will, in my eyes, confirm the Tigers’ relegation.

Verdict: 0-2
Result:

Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth, 15:00

Spurs are looking to take part in the Champions League for the first time and after worrying their closest rivals Arsenal for so long about that fourth place they look likely to replace a different Sky Four side in Liverpool. Harry Redknapp’s men just go from strength to strength and the depth of their squad sets them apart from many teams. When a manager can afford to leave a player on the bench for the majority of the season and then bring him on and watch him completely change the game against a side like Fulham, which David Bentley did in the week, then you know they have a great squad. Portsmouth on the other hand all of a sudden look consigned to the Championship and for the first time, on Wednesday against Chelsea, the players showed this. They will see the game fifteen days later in the F.A. Cup as a far more important fixture.

Verdict: 3-1
Result:

West Ham United v Stoke City, 15:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton, 15:00
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United, 17:30

Sunday, 28 March 2010
Burnley v Blackburn, 12:00
Liverpool v Sunderland, 16:00

Monday, 29 March 2010
Man City v Wigan, 20:00

Villa Slip Up In Race For 4th

2010-03-25T16:01:00.001-07:00

Carroll Hits The Headlines For The Right Reasons

2010-03-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Doncaster Rovers (0) 0

Newcastle United (0) 1

Carroll 59

Att:

Newcastle battled their way to victory against a resilient Doncaster side on a cold night in South Yorkshire.

Premier League Predictions

2010-03-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Man United Champs?

2010-03-22T17:33:00.001-07:00

Newcastle Re-Affirm Title Credentials

2010-03-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Bristol City (2) 2

Nyatanga 10
Maynard 44

Newcastle United (0) 2

Guttierez 71
Carroll 75

Att: 19,144

Newcastle showed their commitment to the promotion cause after coming from two goals down at Ashton Gate to pick up a point. On a day where promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest had beaten opposition in the form of Preston North End and Peterborough United respectively, Newcastle gained this morale-boosting point having looked dead and buried at two nil down with just twenty minutes remaining.

The game started slowly from Newcastle’s point of view with Bristol City in the ascendancy and three minutes in Nicky Maynard played the ball back to former Newcastle trainee Bradley Orr and his cross was glanced towards goal by Danny Haynes only to land on the roof of the net. There were more worries just a minute later for the team from the North-East when Maynard would have been through on goal if his touch hadn’t been as heavy and more poignantly when Haynes cut in from the left-wing and his curling effort was deflected wide for a corner by Newcastle’s big centre-half Fitz Hall. This seemed to awaken Newcastle though and they themselves were in a good position just minutes later as Jonas Guttierez drove forward and passed the ball though to Kevin Nolan who slid the ball into Leon Best but he saw his shot saved and was offside anyway. Best, who was replacing the injured but prolific Peter Lovenkrands, struggled throughout the first half. As we reached the ten minute mark Bristol City’s Paul Hartley whipped a free-kick in only to see it cleared and as Wayne Routledge tried to break he collided with Cole Skuse who went to ground very easily and won his side a very dubious free-kick. Jamie McCallister ran over the ball and Hartley rolled it back to Maynard who struck it hard and low under the wall but Steve Harper could only parry it into the path of Lewis Nyatanga and he gratefully passed into an empty net from all of three yards. Ashton Gate erupted and just days after parting with their manager of four and a half years, Gary Johnson, City were leading against the leaders Newcastle United.

Just two minutes after the restart Newcastle had a good chance to level things up a loose ball was cleared by a City shirt but it deflected off Andy Carroll into the path of Best who instead of shooting first time elected to hold onto the ball and when he eventually did shoot his shot was blocked and the chance was gone. After this the game became quite scrappy with Hartley volleying well over and McCallister being booked for a challenge from behind on Routledge. Newcastle also produced the next clear-cut chance when, after a succession of free-kick’s and corner’s, Guttierez cut in from the left-wing and clipped a good ball to the back post where Carroll could only head wide under huge pressure from Orr. Carroll and Orr clashed again just minutes later and the Gateshead-born striker fell to the ground but the referee didn’t feel there was enough contact to warrant a penalty and it seemed to be the right call. However, City weren’t spending all of this game on the back foot and they almost added to their advantage when a training ground free-kick was worked to Louis Carey at the back post but no-one gambled when he nodded back across goal and Hall cleared it away for Newcastle. The Toon Army were playing some good stuff and the momentum was definitely with them but Nolan curled his shot well wide of Gerken’s upright. Minutes later Nyatanga kicked the ball straight into the path of Nolan, he tried to dink the ball over Nyatanga who scuffed it again and Best was seemingly one-on-one with the goalkeeper but Carey put in a fantastic last ditch block to prevent the equaliser. The game became stretched all of a sudden and there was a chance for Guthrie at one end before Haynes broke at the other end and put an inviting ball into the centre but again the Robins’ players failed to gamble and the ball was cleared to safety.

Newcastle won a free-kick just four minutes later forty-five yards from goal on the left side and Danny Guthrie whipped a delightful ball to the back post where Best nodded a good ball back across goal but Nolan headed it straight at Gerken from five yards out. Newcastle were then made to pay for their missed chances when Maynard cut in from the left side to just inside the corner of the box and he curled a beautiful shot in off the post leaving Harper with no chance. It will definitely be a contender for goal of the season, especially given the way he was isolated on the left wing after his lovely diagonal run kept him onside. There was still a chance for Newcastle to get a goal deep into first half stoppage time when Guthrie and Carroll played a lovely one-two before the former rounded the ‘keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line by Hartley. Bristol City were giving it their all but Newcastle went into half-time knowing that they had enough chances to at the very least be level. Bradley Orr and Danny Haynes were running the show for the Robins, Jonas was looking like a threat and Enrique was very much at ease back in the Newcastle side after injury.

Jamie McCallister was replaced at half-time by Evander Sno and he slotted in to the centre of midfield while Cole Skuse was moved back to left wing-back. This caused a problem in the second half because Orr and McCallister had been making the 5-3-2 work by marauding down their respective touchlines and Skuse was not the type of player who could do this. Fabricio Coloccini was booked for a challenge on Maynard and the free-kick was hit in by Hartley which saw a melee ensue in the box but eventually Newcastle got it away. City were beginning this half the way they began the first and when Orr slipped Haynes down the right wing Chris Hughton must have feared the worst, the ball was slipped back to the edge of the box to Sno who fired a shot into Harper’s body. Hall was replaced by Tamas Kadar after appearing to pull his hamstring and when Kadar picked up the ball on the halfway line Robins’ caretaker manager Keith Millen must have been quite relaxed but he was allowed plenty of space to run forward and from thirty yards he struck the ball low and hard which forced Gerken into a good save. Just before the hour mark everything threatened to boil over when Guthrie was booked for a late challenge on Maynard and Sno was lucky to escape a red card after seeming to elbow Danny Simpson after struggling for the ball with him.

Newcastle were the better side but they weren’t creating enough clear-cut chances and when they did they weren’t taking advantage of them whilst the Robins still looked dangerous on the counter. Guttierez was starting to run the show, he appeared to have a free role and when he slid Leon Best in the ball almost ended up in the back of the net when Best’s cross deceived Gerken who had to take a smart catch at the back post. City were not completely under the cosh though and Evander Sno slipped Danny Haynes through on goal but his shot was wide plus he was offside anyway.

At the other end a Newcastle corner came to Guttierez on the edge of the box and he hit a stinging half-volley at Dean Gerken who managed to fist it away. Bristol City just could not clear the ball though until the ball made its way into the ‘keeper’s gloves, however when he rolled it to his left-back Skuse, Guttierez stole it and rounded the goalkeeper giving Newcastle new found hope. It was a comical situation which Skuse has to shoulder the blame. All of a sudden City were nervy and Newcastle were launching wave after wave of attack. Enrique, one of the Geordies best performers, cut inside the box onto his weaker right-foot but curled his shot over the crossbar. Then Nolan broke down the left-wing and squared the ball but Gerken slid along the floor and just got there before the incoming Carroll to save the day. Seconds later though Routledge broke down the left and he slid the ball across, for Carroll who this time got to the ball and managed to stab it beyond Gerken to level up at 2-2. It was almost a carbon copy of the move that preceded it only with a different end result and it sent the Geordies behind the goal into raptures. Clearly devastated the Robins spent much of the last fifteen minutes after this goal on the back foot but Sno did manage to force a good save from Harper with nine minutes left. Two minutes later though they had their keeper to thank for them not losing the game as he produced a fantastic fingertip save from Leon Best’s header. Newcastle still had chances to win it but Best headed over Danny Guthrie’s free-kick and Jonas Guttierez’s fizzed cross shot was blocked in the dying seconds by City’s captain Louis Carey.

In the end both sides will be disappointed, City because they through away a two goal lead in the last twenty minutes and Newcastle because they had by far and away enough chances to win this match comfortably. It does, however, only add cause to their promotion charge and it was a mark of champions the way they recovered from the two goal deficit.

Bristol City:

Dean Gerken 7
Bradley Orr 8
Christian Riberio 7
Louis Carey 8
Lewis Nyatanga 6
Jamie McCallister 6 - Booked. (Evander Sno 45, 7)
Paul Hartley 7
Cole Skuse 5
Marvin Elliott 7
Danny Haynes 7 (Ivan Sproule 84, 6)
Nicky Maynard 7

Unused Subs: Henderson, Johnson, Clarkson, Akinde, Maierhofer.

Newcastle United:

Steven Harper 6
Danny Simpson 6
Fabricio Coloccini 6 - Booked.
Fitz Hall 7 (Tamas Kadar 51, 7)
Jose Enrique 8
Wayne Routledge 7
Kevin Nolan 5
Danny Guthrie 7 - Booked.
Jonas Guttierez 8* (MOM)
Andy Carroll 8
Leon Best 7

Unused Subs: Krul, R. Taylor, Pancrate, Butt, Ranger, Donaldson.

Referee: Andy D'Urso 5

(Shots|On Target|Possession|Corners|Fouls)

Bristol City: 11|7|46%|1|13
Newcastle United: 19|12|54%|8|11

Premier League Predictions

2010-03-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

Premier League (Kick off 1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers (1245)

After overcoming a resilient, if inconsistent, Wigan team through the week and the are now just three points behind the last Champions League spot with a game in hand. Wolves on the other hand are just starting to crawl towards safety and last week they took three points away from Burnley with relative ease. I think they will stay up this season, mainly because I can't see any of the bottom three catching anyone else, but Aston Villa are a far different proposition and Martin O'Neill' side should record a comfortable victory here.

Verdict: 3-0
Result: 2-2

Everton v Bolton Wanderers

David Moyes' side will still be smarting after throwing away a two-goal advantage against Birmingham last week and they will want to get back to winning ways against Bolton. The team from Lancashire are a huge anomaly under Owen Coyle at the minute, they are almost as inconsistent as Wigan with a difficult away win at West Ham; a four goal hammering from Sunderland and a comfortable four-nil victory over Roberto Martinez's Wigan side. That being said it is difficult to know what to expect from this game but I think Bolton may sneak a point here.

Verdict: 2-2
Result: 2-0

Portsmouth v Hull City

So Pompey finally suffer the ignominy of being deducted nine points by the Premier League and whilst this sanction was inevitable it only punishes the fans and lets face it, it is the Premier League's failing 'Fit and Proper Person's Test' that has allowed this to happen in the first place. Hopefully, the Portsmouth players will give their fans a reason to cheer throughout the remainder of this season. Hull on the other hand are also in dire straits, what with their lowly position, the sacking of their manager mid-March and his subsequent replacement I cannot see any hope for the Tigers now. They can only hope that Dowie somehow manages to galvanise the team towards the ever nearing finish line.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 3-2

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

This game is a difficult one to predict with both teams excelling this season. Tottenham currently reside in the Champions League spots and if they could hold onto that fourth place then it would be a massive achievement for Harry Redknapp and his team. Stoke on the other hand have only lost once in their last ten and are in the lofty position of eleventh. Stoke are always hard to beat at home and Spurs are always a little bit vulnerable away.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 1-2

Sunderland v Birmingham City

Sunderland will have been devastated after that last minute equaliser from Adam Johnson last weekend and Birmingham's comeback against Everton should give Alex McLeish's side some impetus heading into this fixture. Birmingham have only lost three times in their last twenty Premier League matches a run that started with a victory in the reverse of this fixture. Many people never expected Birmingham to go on a run anywhere near as a good as this but I have a feeling that it is about time Birmingham's form suffered a dip and I'm backing Sunderland to start off that run a well.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 3-1

Wigan Athletic v Burnley

The Burnley chairman came out in the week and said that any rumours of the dismissal of Brian Laws were completely unfounded but I happen to think that if Burnley suffer defeat against the Jekkyl and Hyde side that is Wigan this weekend Burnley will be looking for a new manager come Monday morning. Burnley just look short of ideas and its a shame for Laws as he is a decent manager but he as probably ruined his only chance of ever being a successful manager in England's top flight. Wigan on the other hand look likely to be without their best player in Charles N'Zogbia due to a hip injury and they need to make sure that they have an in-form day.

Verdict: 3-0
Result: 1-0

Arsenal v West Ham United (1730)

West Ham looked to have sorted all their relegation woes out but their recent run of form has seen them defeated three times in the last three games albeit two of these fixtures were against Mancheter United and Chelsea and they are now right back where they started, desperately looking over their shoulder at the likes of Wolves, Burnley and Hull. Arsenal were lucky to beat Hull in the match that cost Phil Brown his job as manager, they did not take their chances yet again and needed a helping hand from the Hull 'keeper to see them to victory. They are now right back in the title race and a good result is needed if they are to win the title this season.

Verdict: 4-2
Result: 2-0

Sunday

Manchester United v Liverpool (1330)

Sir Alex Ferguson has been stirring the drama up again in the lead up to this match suggesting that Steven Gerrard should not be playing in this match after his recent lack of discipline on the field of play and has called the FA "dysfunctional". As much as I happen to agree with Ferguson's comments I think this is another example of his mind-games. However, I don't think he has anything to worry about. Yes, Liverpool have won their last couple of games by three goals but they were against Pompey and Lille, not the most testing of opponents with the latter having an eye on what is a very tight French League. It was only two weeks ago that they were losing to Wigan and with Wayne Rooney on top form, just as he was yet again last week against Fulham, United should run out comfortable winners.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 2-1

Fulham v Manchester City (1500)

Well what a result that was for Fulham on Thursday. No-one would have dared to even dream that Fulham would score four goals in the next eighty-eight minutes after David Trezeguet gave Juventus a 4-1 lead on aggregate after just two minutes at Craven Cottage but Roy Hodgson's men did just that and they deserve every success they can get. I fear that this will really affect Fulham in this game and that Roberto Mancini's men will go away from the Cottage with all three points.

Verdict: 1-3
Result: 1-2

Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea (1600)

Just a few sort weeks ago Blackburn looked like a side destined for relegation but Sam Allardyce has managed to turn things around for Rovers and they are most certainly on the up. Chelsea on the other hand had looked imperious until they lost to Inter in the week and you just have to wonder how that will affect their title challenge.

Verdict: 1-4
Result: 1-1

This week I scored 5 CORRECT RESULTS but 0 PERFECT SCORES.

Back

2010-03-20T04:36:00.001-07:00

I am returning to the blog after my 'break' was extended beyond the two week holiday I had planned to take. We will have a new lok set up this time. Every week I will make the Premier League predictions, do one match report from the weekend and the Newcastle match. This week:

1) Premier League Predo's (Saturday).
2) Bristol City v Newcastle United, Coca-Cola Championship, 1720, Saturday.
3) Manchester United v Liverpool, Premier League, 1330, Sunday.
4) Premier League Predo's (Tuesday).
5) Doncaster Rovers v Newcastle United, Coca-Cola Championship, 1945, Tuesday.
6) Aston Villa v Sunderland, Premier League, 1945, Wednesday.

Championship Prediction's

2009-10-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Scunthorpe United 1-0 Sheffield United 1200

Result: 3-1

Blackpool 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: 2-0

Bristol City 3-0 Peterborough United

Result: 1-1

Cardiff City 1-1 Crystal Palace

Result: 1-1

Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Barnsley

Result: 0-1

Ipswich Town 0-2 Swansea City

Result: 1-1

Leicester City 3-1 Derby County

Result: 0-0

Middlesbrough 0-2 Watford

Result: 0-1

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Preston North End

Result: 4-0

Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Coventry City

Result: 2-0

West Bromwich Albion 4-0 Reading

Result: 3-1

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Newcastle United 1720

Result: 1-0

8 Correct Results with 2 Perfect Scores.

Premier League Prediction's

2009-10-17T04:57:00.001-07:00

Saturday

1500 Unless Stated

Aston Villa v Chelsea 1245

After the international break this is a mouthwatering tie to bring us back into the realms of the Premier League. It was only a couple of seasons ago that we saw three sending's off and eight goals in one game between these two. I doubt that will happen this time though and it should be tight.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 2-1

Arsenal v Birmingham City

Birmingham City hope to be the most recognisable name in Europe in ten years. That would be some achievement, as would be any kind of result against this free-flowing Arsenal side. McLeish has to stop Arshavin, Fabregas & co. And I don't envy him.

Verdict: 4-0
Result: 3-1

Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves became the first team to lose to Portsmouth in the Premier League this season, two weeks ago. However, Mick McCarthy will be hoping that this was simply a blip. Everton have recovered from early season defeats to Arsenal (heavily) and Burnley but the draw at home to Stoke last time out was less than convincing.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 1-1

Manchester United v Bolton Wanderers

The Champions come into this game after being bettered by a well-drilled Sunderland side two weeks ago but should sweep aside this Bolton side. Megson's men just don't look like they will take points off the top teams and are better suited to winning the games against the Stoke's and Birmingham's of this world.

Verdict: 4-1
Result: 2-1

Portsmouth v Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp's return to Portsmouth will most likely be greeted with a chorus of boos. Which seems really odd to me as he is the man who did the impossible by keeping them up and then winning the FA Cup too. Nevertheless his Spurs' side should get a result at Fratton Park, which will give the home crowd a different reason to boo.

Verdict: 1-3
Result: 1-2

Stoke City v West Ham United

West Ham travel to Stoke after a poor start to the season which was almost compounded last time out when only a last gasp Junior Stanislas goal could save them from what would have been a highly embarrasing defeat to ten man Fulham. However, I fancy Zola to pick his troops up and lead them to victory.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 2-1

Sunderland v Liverpool

Liverpool are without the stalwarts of there side, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. This is a big blow and Sunderland will be riding on a high after a fantastic result against Manchester United last time round.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 1-0

Sunday

1500 Unless Stated

Blackburn Rovers v Burnley 1330

Rover's boss spent last weekend bemoaning the decision to not give his side a penalty after a thumping defeat at the hands of Arsenal. I think his side are really rattled at the minute, and the international break could not have come at a better time for them. However, Burnley look so frail on their travels. I'm sure their first away win will come, but a local derby is probably not the best place to look for it.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 3-2

Wigan Athletic v Manchester City 1600

I can't believe the way Wigan swing between good and bad. City still seem to struggle to put teams like Wigan away and I think it will be the same old story at the DW Stadium for Mark Hughes and his men.

Verdict: 0-0
Result: 1-1

Monday

Fulham v Hull City 2000

Fulham performed heroics against West Ham last time out whilst Hull beat an out of sorts Wigan outfit. This is a difficult one to call and I'm gong to sit on the fence on this one.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 2-0

7/10 Correct Results with 1 Perfect Score

Premier League Prediction's

2009-10-03T04:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday

(1500 Unless Stated)

Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Bolton won an important away game at Birmingham last weekend but Tottenham were mightily impressive against Burnley. This game is only going one way. But both teams can look forward to decent seasons.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 2-2

Burnley v Birmingham City

This should be a tight game between the two sides that lost to the teams in the match above. Burnley are making Turf Moor a fortress and you're never quite sure which Birmingham are going to turn up. Burnley should sneak this one.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 2-1

Hull City v Wigan Athletic

These two teams played Liverpool and Chelsea last weekend, with differing fortunes. However, I think this will be a tight match and Hull will take a point from the match. Martinez will ssee it as two points lost rather than a point gained though.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Portsmouth

Wolves were beaten 5-2 by Sunderland last weekend but I wasn't cnvinced they even deserved to be on the losing side, definitley not by that scoreline. But that is the difference in this league. Portsmouth's troubles just seem to get worse and worse and no-one quite knows what is going on. Despite all this, I fancy Pompey to take the win.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 0-1

Manchester United v Sunderland (1730)

Manchester United are in their stride now and there looks no stopping them. Sunderland have been slightly fortunate a few times this season, but you have to earn your victories at Old Trafford.

Verdict: 3-1
Result: 2-2

Sunday

(1500 Unless Stated)

Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers 1330

Wenger's boys are starting to turn into men and the frustration shown in the past was replaced by persistence in the week as they unlocked the Olympiakos defence and finally beat their 'keeper. Blackburn are doing better than I thought they would this season, but they are still less than convincing and Arsenal are too good a team to miss out.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 6-2

Everton v Stoke City

This is a difficul one to predict. It should be a home victory but Stoke always present a challenge and this will be no different. I still feel that Moyes will have his lads up for this, though.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 1-1

West Ham United v Fulham

This season has been difficult so far for Gianfranco Zola's side but they are a good team with a manager who has a great future they'll be fine this season. Fulham will be comfortable too, Roy Hodgson is a great man to have in charge of the team and Fulham will still cause a problem to many teams this season.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 2-2

Chelsea v Liverpool 1600

A few games into the season people were saying Chelsea were unbeatable and Liverpool were already out of he title race, fast forward to last weekend and Chelsea had just suffered their first defeat whilst Liverpool had thumped Hull City by six goals to one. Then Liverpool lose comfortably to a decent Fiorentina side midweek. Chelsea weren't convincing in Cyprus either. It just goes to show how unpredictable this game is but I think Chelsea will want to avenge their defeat here last year that ended that long unbeaten run.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 2-0

Monday

(2000 Unless Stated)

Aston Villa v Manchester City

These sides are evenly matched in terms of how well they will play in this match, but I think City have that cutting edge, that winning mentality and that ruthless agression. They should win this one.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 1-1

4/10 Correct Results with 1 Perfect Score

Champions League Predictions

2009-10-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Group E

Debrecini 0-2 Lyon

Result: 0-4

Fiorentina 2-1 Liverpool

Result: 2-0

Group F

Barcelona 2-0 Dynamo Kiev

Result: 2-0

Rubin Kazan 1-0 Inter Milan

Result: 1-1

Group G

Rangers 0-2 Sevilla

Result: 1-4

Unirea Urziceni 0-2 Stuttgart

Result: 1-1

Group H

Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos

Result: 2-0

AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Standard Liege

Result: 1-1

Wednesday

Group A

Bayern Munich 2-1 Juventus

Result: 0-0

Bordeaux 3-0 Maccabi Haifa

Result: 1-0

Group B

CSKA Moscow 1-1 Besiktas

Result: 2-1

Manchester United 4-2 Wolfsburg

Result: 2-1

Group C

AC Milan 1-0 FC Zurich

Result: 0-1

Real Madrid 3-0 Marseille

Result: 3-0

Group D

APOEL Nicosia 0-2 Chelsea

Result: 0-1

FC Porto 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Result: 2-0

10/16 Correct Results with 2 Perfect Scores

Championship Prediction's

2009-10-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Barnsley 0-1 West Bromwich Albion

Result: 3-1

Bristol City 1-1 Blackpool

Result: 2-0

Cardiff City 3-1 Derby County

Result: 6-1

Crystal Palace 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Result: 0-0

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Swansea City

Result: 0-0

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leicester City

Result: 0-1

Peterborough United 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: 1-2

Preston North End 2-0 Reading

Result: 1-2

Sheffield United 0-0 Ipswich Town

Result: 3-3

Watford 1-2 Coventry City

Result: 2-3

Wednesday

Newcastle United 1-1 Queens Park Rangers

Result: 1-1

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Scunthorpe United

Result: 2-0

7/12 Correct Results with 3 Perfect Scores

Premier League Prediction's

2009-09-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Porstmouth v Everton 1245

Both teams had a good midweek win in the Carling Cup but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish. Everton have recovered from their heavy defeat to Arsenal at the start of the season whereas Portsmouth just seem to get worse and worse. However, they seem to perform well at home, even wthout the results and having beaten Carlisle will have some confidence. Tight game.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 0-1

Birmingham City v Bolton Wanderers 1500

Both sides have struggled early on in this campaign and there have been more calls for unpopular manager Gary Megson's head, I have time and again backed Megson but I see it only as a matter of time before the fans get their own way. Hopefully Phil Gartside will see sense and give him more time. Another tough game to call and Birmingham will eventually turn those decent performances into decent results, I just don't think it will be here, not in one of the most physical games of the season.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 1-2

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa 1500

Villa have recovered from their early season wobble but Blackburn find themselves in the relegation zone. I have repeatedly said that Sam Allardyce is not the man to take Blackburn Rovers forward, they only avoided a more embarrassing defeat to Everton last week because of a in-form Paul Robinson. However, I think Allardyce's tactics will help Blackburn to a share of the spoils today.

Verdict: 0-0
Result: 2-1

Liverpool v Hull City 1500

Phil Brown is under some serious pressure at the minute and he doesn't seem to be dealing with it too well. For Hull's sake I hope he is doing a betterjob of relieving the pressure on his players. Liverpool have been very lucky so far this season but they will improve and this should be a mauling.

Verdict: 5-0
Result: 6-1

Stoke City v Manchester United 1500

Have you heard? Ryan Giggs has just made it 5-3 to Manchester United. I am sick of hearing that joke. Yes, it did seem that the referee allowed more time than neccessary but we have to remember that added on time is there for both teams, it just happens to be that United took advantage of it. I can understand City fans feeling aggreived but thats football I'm afraid. As for this game whilst Stoke are proving to be a more difficult proposition this season than I previously thought, United are too strong.

Verdict: 0-4
Result: 0-2

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley 1500

Spurs were systematically picked apart by Chelsea last weekend despite their promising start but I can't see this happening here. Burnley enjoyed yet another home win against Sunderland last Saturday but they are yet to pik up a point away from home.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 5-0

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea 1500

Wigan are yet to come good, they will though. This is just not going to happen today. Ancelotti's men are in magnificent form and will make it eight wins out of eight regardless of whether or not Didier Drogba is fit.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 3-1

Fulham v Arsenal 1730

Fulham outplayed Arsenal at Craven Cottage last year but I cannot see that happening again this time round. Wenger's boys should enjoy a comfortable win against Hodgson's misfiring men.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 0-1

Sunday

Sunderland v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1600

Sunderland suffered a defeat to Burnley last Saturday but they are still a good team and at home have looked really good all season. Wolves have been very hit and miss but last weekend was very hit with a very good win over Fulham. So I think they'll be a miss in this game.

Verdict: 3-1
Result: 5-2

Monday

Manchester City v West Ham United 2000

This is an interesting one. The thing that has been lost amongst the controversy surrounding City's defeat in the derby is how well they played and how close they pushed United. Everyone thought a United win would show how far City still have to come, it did the opposite for me, I think they are really going to challenge this season. Possibly more than Liverpool or Arsenal. As for West Ham, they aren't pushing on as much as I thought they would this season. However, Zola is still doing a cracking job and West Ham will be comfortably mid-table come the end of the season.

Verdict: 2-0
Result:

Championship Prediction's

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

(Kick Off 1500 Unless Stated)

Saturday

Blackpool 2-1 Peterbrough United

Result: 2-0

Coventry City 1-1 Middlesbrough

Result: 2-2

Derby County 0-2 Bristol City

Result: 1-0

Ipswich Town 1-3 Newcastle United 1730

Result: 0-4

Leicester City 1-1 Preston North End

Result: 1-2

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Barnsley

Result: 5-2

Reading 1-1 Watford

Result: 1-1

Scunthorpe United 2-2 Doncaster Rovers 1200

Result: 2-2

Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Cardiff City

Result: 3-1

Swansea City 0-1 Sheffield United

Result: 2-1

West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Crystal Palace

Result: 0-1

Sunday

Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Nottingham Forest 1315

Result: 0-1

8/12 Correct Results with 2 Perfect Scores

Premier League Prediction's

2009-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Burnley v Sunderland 1245

Burnley have suffered two heavy defeats and they are finally going to have to face up to that. Sunderland have enjoyed a great start under new boss Steve Bruce, and I can see no reason why that cannot continue with this game. Comfortable win for the Black Cats.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 3-1

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic 1500

I think Arsenal's comeback against Liege on Wednesday says a lot about them as a team, how much they have grown and matured over the last two years. I still think Arsene sold the wrong centre-back over the summer, Toure and Vermaelen would have been brilliant at the back for Arsenal. They have been unlucky in the two Manchester matches and probably deserved four points rather than zero. Wigan surprised many people against West Ham but Martinez is a fantastic manager, I still don't think he has sorted everything out yet, but give him time it will come and Wigan will be the better for it.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 4-0

Aston Villa v Portsmouth 1500

Portsmouth look all at sea at the minute, if they could have won against Bolton they may have started to look up but even this early in the season they seem to be preparing for next season's Championship. Villa's season has not been problem less, with disciplinary issues meaning Reo-Coker won't play today, they should still win though.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 2-0

Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City 1500

This is a battle of the big boys, in the sense of both of these teams have a lot of tall players and good headers of the ball. This allows them to play the way thy do, although Megson has been trying to implement some nice, passing football of late. Stoke still seem to be able to surprise some teams which I find odd. They will just have too much for Wanderers today.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 1-1

Hull City v Birmingham City 1500

It's a team that has conceded twelve goals (Hull) already this season against a team who has scored just one goal from open play in the Premier League (Birmingham). I think Hull will do okay this season though and should pick up a comfortable victory over McLeish's men. Benitez and Phillips are key for Birmingham in my opinion and neither look close to starting.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 0-1

West Ham United v Liverpool 1730

Both sides have had indifferent performances at the start of the season but Liverpool have done what all top teams do and won or at least got something from most of them indifferent performances. I think they will all start to believe if they in today that they are still in the title race.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 2-3

Sunday

Manchester United v Manchester City 1330

There is no question that Manchester United will win this match for me. They had an indifferent start to the season performance wise but have only lost one game and now look nigh on unstoppable, plus Manchester City are missing two key players, Adebayor and Robinho. Tevez is back and City have confidence. Should be a high-scoring win for United.

Verdict: 3-2
Result: 4-3

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham 1400

This ought to be a tight game and one which could go either way. I think that Fulham have played to many matches already for their small squad and they will leave Molinuex pointless.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 2-1

Everton v Blackburn Rovers 1500

Everton have had a mixed start to this season, including some disastrous results, but their Europa League game midweek will have filled them with confidence. Blackburn have performed well this season without, seemingly getting the results they deserve but I forsee a hard-fought but comfortable victory for Everton here.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 3-0

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur 1600

An interesting encounter this one and Chelsea should follow Manchester United' example and dispatch this Spurs' outfit. However, Tottenham were unlucky in large parts of their game against Manchester United contrary to media over-exaggeration. I think it will be close but Ancelotti's men will have enough to see Tottenham off.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 3-0

7/10 Correct Results with 1 Perfect Score

Championship Prediction's

2009-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Friday

Sheffield United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Result: 3-2

Saturday

Barnsley 1-1 Swansea City

Result: 0-0

Bristol City 2-1 Scunthorpe United

Result: 1-1

Cardiff City 1-0 Queens Park Rangers

Result: 0-2

Crystal Palace 0-0 Derby County

Result: 1-0

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Ipswich Town

Result: 3-3

Middlesbrough 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

Result: 0-5

Newcastle United 3-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: 3-1

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Blackpool

Result: 0-1

Peterborough United 2-1 Reading

Result: 3-2

Preston North End 2-0 Coventry City

Result: 3-2

Watford 0-0 Leicester City

Result: 3-3

8/12 Correct Results with 1 Perfect Score

Seaside Disaster

2009-09-16T14:22:00.001-07:00

Blackpool (1) 2
Ormerod 45+ 2
Euell 65

Newcastle United (1) 1
Carroll 40

Att: 9647

Blackpool Ratings: Rachubka 6, Crainey 8*, Eardley 6, Evatt 6, Baptiste 7, Southern 7, Vaughan 6, Bouazza 7, Adam 7, Ormerod 7, Euell 7.

Newcastle Ratings: Harper 8, Simpson 7, S. Taylor 6, Coloccini 6, Enrique 6, R. Taylor 7 (Geremi 66, 6), Guthrie 6 (Lovenkrands 66, 5), Nolan 5, Butt 5, Barton 6 (Ranger 83), Carroll 8.

Champions League Predictions

2009-09-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

First of the season!

Tuesday

Group A

Juventus 2-1 Bordeaux

Result: 1-1

Maccabi Haifa 0-2 Bayern Munich

Result: 0-3

Group B

Besiktas 0-2 Manchester United

Result: 0-1

Wolfsburg 1-2 CSKA Moscow

Result: 3-1

Group C

FC Zurich 0-3 Real Madrid

Result: 2-5

Marseille 2-0 AC Milan

Result: 1-2

Group D

Atletico Madrid 4-0 APOEL Nicosia

Result: 0-0

Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto

Result: 1-0

Wednesday

Group E

Liverpool 5-0 Debrecen

Result: 1-0

Lyon 2-1 Fiorentina

Result: 1-0

Group F

Dynamo Kiev 3-0 Rubin Kazan

Result: 3-1

Inter Milan 2-1 Barcelona

Result: 0-0

Group G

Sevilla 2-0 Unirea Urziceni

Result: 2-0

VFB Stuttgart 1-1 Rangers

Result: 1-1

Group H

Olympiakos 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

Result: 1-0

Standard Liege 0-2 Arsenal

Result: 2-3

11/16 Correct Results with 4 Perfect Scores.

Championship Prediction's

2009-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Coventry City 1-2 Sheffield United

Result: 3-2

Derby County 1-0 Barnsley

Result: 2-3

Ipswich Town 2-2 Nottingham Forest

Result: 1-1

Leicester City 2-0 Peterborough United

Result: 1-1

Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Watford

Result: 0-1

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Postponed

Scunthorpe United 1-2 Preston North End

Result: 3-1

Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Middlesbrough

Result: 1-3

Swansea City 0-1 Bristol City

Result: 0-0

West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Doncaster Rovers

Result: 3-1

Wednesday

Blackpool 0-0 Newcastle United

Result: 2-1

Reading 0-1 Cardiff City

Result: 0-1

5/11 Correct Results with 1 Perfect Score.

Premier League Prediction's

2009-09-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1500

Blackburn have been unlucky so far this season and Wolves have shared similar disatisfaction from their results so far too. However, I expect Wolves to be able to deal with the presence and physicality of Rovers following their spell in the Championship and they could just nick it here.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 3-1

Liverpool v Burnley 1500

Burnley were dealt a harsh dosage of reality a couple of weeks ago against Chelsea, but they went there and played football and I expect them to do the same at Anfield. Liverpool are not the same title-challenging outfit they were last season despite the departure of few players and some quality signings and with their suspect defence I expect them to concede but come through thanks to some inspiration from Captain Fantastic.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 4-0

Manchester City v Arsenal 1500

Arsenal were desperately unlucky against Manchester United, the match they deserved to win and they lost to a penalty and an own goal. Today funnily enough, in my view, is the first test for both teams. Manchester City have yet to play a really good side this season, but Arsenal are and it will be an easier judgement after this match. As for Arsenal, it is the first test of their character, can they pick themselves up after being so harshly done to? It will be an interesting one, but I'm sitting on the fence.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 4-2

Portsmouth v Bolton Wanderers 1500

Portsmouth are in dire straits here, they have signed Championship players and it is hard to see them staying up this season. I was seriously worried about Bolton, but their performanc against Liverpool was an encouraging one. They now have to hope that their new signing Klasnic can produce the goods because they need a goalscorer.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 2-3

Stoke City v Chelsea 1500

I've been even more impressed by Pulis' Stoke this season than last. However, Chelsea look supreme and I am backing them to continue their fantastic run comfortably.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 1-2

Sunderland v Hull City 1500

Phil Brown visits his boyhood heroes and will be up against a Geordie in terms of manager head-to-head. It will make for an interesting battle but Hull are yet to gel as a team and Sunderland will have too much quality for the Tigers on this occasion.

Verdict: 3-0
Result: 4-1

Wigan Athletic v West Ham United 1500

I am backing Wigan to cause an upset and record a slender win. There have been question marks over Roberto Martinez's job already but if Wigan were to sack him, it would be a downright stupid decision. West Ham are blowing a bit hot and cold this season. I see them being cold in the north-west.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 1-0

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United 1730

Tottenham have impressed so far this season whilst Manchester United have been extremely lucky in six of the nine points they have gained. I felt a draw against Birmingham and a defeat against Arsenal would have been fair refletions so far. Aaron Lennon put in a fantastic performance for England against Croatia adding to his great performances for Spurs. Difficult game to predict because you can never rule Manchester United out but I'm going with a Spurs victory.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 1-3

Sunday

Birmingham City v Aston Villa 1200

Birmingham have been poor this season and after a difficult start against Wigan, Villa have been the opposite. But derby's are ridiculously difficult to predict and this one should be no different. However, I think Villa have more quality and steel which should see them through.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 0-1

Fulham v Everton 1615

Fulham look really unlikely to achieve what they did last season and Everton are starting to find their feet, so it should be a pretty simpple prediction. However, football is anything but simple. I still feel Everton will take the three points though.

Verdict: 0-1
Result: 2-1

This week I got 6 Correct Results and 1 Perfect Score

Championship Prediction's

2009-09-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Coventry City 1-2 Bristol City

Result: 1-1

Crystal Palace 2-0 Scunthorpe United

Result: 0-4

Derby County 0-2 Sheffield United

Result: 0-1

Leicester City 1-1 Blackpool

Result: 2-1

Middlesbrough 2-0 Ipswich Town

Result: 3-1

Preston North End 2-1 Swansea City

Result: 2-0

Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Peterborough United

Result: 1-1

Reading 1-0 Doncaster Rovers

Result: 0-0

Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Result: 1-1

Watford 1-1 Barnsley

Result: 1-0

West Bromwich Albion 4-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: 3-1

Sunday

Cardiff City 2-1 Newcastle United

Result: 0-1

Poor week. 4/12 Correct Results with 0 Perfect Scores.

Harps Provides The Sparks As Toon Win Again

2009-09-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Newcastle United (0) 1
Guthrie 52

Leicester City (0) 0

Att: 38813

Newcastle went top of the Championship after a Danny Guthrie strike and stunning performances from Steven Harper, Alan Smith and youngster Nile Ranger. Newcastle were the first to threaten as an early attack finished off with a ball being played just behind Kevin Nolan who could not generate enough power into his shot. The Toon Army were having a good spell of pressure and Leicester avoided three penalty shouts when Ryan Taylor's cross firstly hit Paul Gallagher's arm, a certain penalty - not given, then another Leicester handball, this one unintentional - not given, and finally, the nost obvious of them all Wayne Brown controlled the ball with his arm. After this Newcastle's pressure subsided and Leicester were on top. A corner midway through the first half illustrated this when Matt Oakley's corner was met by the towering Steve Howard but Steve Harper produced a stunning stop to keep it out. He was called into action again when a Paul Gallagher free-kick from thirty yards was smashed goalwards. Another good save and the teams went in level at half-time. Nile Ranger had put in a steady if unspectacular first half performance but this all changed in the second half. His hold-up play was magnificent as he terrorised the Leicester defence setting up many opportunities for the team, his only failing in the end was his lack of greediness. In terms of the match however, Danny Guthrie was eventually the match winner when he struck not long after half-time, after good build-up play involving Ranger, eventually released the ball into Guthrie's path and he smashed the ball home.

Newcastle Ratings: Harper 8, Enrique 6, Simpson 6, S. Taylor 7, R. Taylor 6, Barton 5 (Kadar 89), Guthrie 7 (Donaldson 85), Smith (C) 8, Geremi 5, Nolan 7, Ranger 9* (Vuckic 85).

Leicester Ratings: Weale 6, Neilson 7, Brown 5, Berner 6, Hobbs 6, Oakley 7, Wellens 7, N'Guessan 8 (Adams 90), Gallagher 6 (Dyer 60, 6), Howard 8, Fryatt 5 (Waghorn 69, 5).

Premier League Predictions

2009-08-29T07:56:00.001-07:00

Saturday

Chelsea v Burnley (1245)

Both sides have ejoyed strong starts to the campaign but it is Chelsea who will keep that going in a comfortable victory over Burnley. Owen Coyle's men will stay up this season for my money, but Coyle will know that these are not the games he will need to mark down as must win.

Verdict: 3-0
Result: 3-0

Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United

West Ham and Blackburn will both be looking to spring back from the defeats against Tottenham and Sunderland respectively. Blackburn still look one or two players short for me and West Ham look like a good unit who are going to continue adding to their squad.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 0-0

Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool

I was shocked by Liverpool's defeat at the hands of Aston Villa on Monday but I expect them to bounce back against a poor-looking Bolton Wanderers side. Bolton need a goalscorer sesperately after last weekend's showing against Hull.

Verdict: 1-2
Result: 2-3

Stoke City v Sunderland

I think both of these sides will be expecting to take three points from this match and usually that would make for a good, competitive encounter but I think Sunderland may underestimate Stoke slightly and Pulis' men could pull out a good victory.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 1-0

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City

I can see nothing but a comfortable Spurs victory here. Birmingham have failed to impress me since their game against an under-performing Manchester United on the opening weekend. Tottenham, however, look good for a top six charge and perhaps even a top four push if they keep playing the way they are.

Verdict: 3-1
Result: 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Hull City

I think this gaem is unusually sifficult to predict so in the end I decided on a home win. I think Wolves might just sneak it, both teams look likely to survive this season. Ghilas and Altidore already look like tremendous signings for Hull, and providing they can hold onto their stalwart Michael Turner they shopul do well thi season and improve on last season's final position.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 1-1

Manchester United v Arsenal (1715)

I think Arsenal will desperately miss Cesc Fabregas in this match and will be hoping he is back as quick as possible. Manchester United always have bad starts to the season and always come good and I can see that happening again this season. There is no question it is too early for a title-decider, but come March I think both teams will be richly involved in a three-way title fight with Chelsea.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 2-1

Sunday

Portsmouth v Manchester City (1330)

Portsmouth fans will be delighted that their takeover saga has finally been resolved and that they are now starting to briong in players. They have lost Sylvain Distin though and they need to replace him. Manchester City will be too strong for them in this match but Portsmouth should survive now that they haev sorted the ownership out early enough for some signings to be made.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 0-1

Everton v Wigan Athletic (1500)

These two sides have had horrible starts to the season but now that the Lescott saga is over and they have brought Sylvain Distin in, I think Everton can really look to climb the table. David Mouyes is a fantastic manager and talk that they might be relegated following their two Premier League defeats were nonsensical. Roberto Martinez is another great manager but Wigan's players look thoroughly disinterested and to an extent arrogant, its up to Martinez to deflate a few egos and throw the odd hairdryer in to sort things out.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 2-1

Aston Villa v Fulham (1600)

I can see this being a draw. Aston Villa pleasantly surprised me with their win against Liverpool on Monday but Fulham are not to be underestimated. I think this will be a hard-fought, interesting draw, then both teams can concentrate on a top half, and possibly a European, push this season.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 2-0

7/10 Correct Results & 1 Perfect Score.

Championship Predictions

2009-08-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Derby County (1300)

Result: 3-2

Barnsley 2-3 Reading

Result: 1-3

Blackpool 0-2 Coventry City

Result: 3-0

Bristol City 0-1 Middlesbrough

Result: 2-1

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Cardiff City

Result: 2-0

Ipswich Town 1-2 Preston North End

Result: 1-1

Plymouth Argyle 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday

Result: 1-3

Scunthorpe United 0-2 Queens Park Rangers

Result: 0-1

Sheffield United 1-1 West Bromwich Albion

Result: 2-2

Swansea City 1-0 Watford

Result: 1-1

Monday

Peterborough United 1-2 Crystal Palace (1715)

Result: 1-1

Newcastle United 0-0 Leicester City (1945)

Result: 1-0

6 Correct Results BUT No Perfect Score.

Carling Cup Thriller

2009-08-29T07:22:00.001-07:00

Newcastle United (1) 4

Guthrie 36
Geremi 48
Ameobi 64 (pen)
Nolan 84

Huddersfield Town (2) 3

Robinson 37, 39 (pen)
Rhodes 47

Att: 23815

Almost 25000 were treated to an entertaining game of football between Newcastle United, who fielded a slightly weakened team, and an in-form Huddersfield outfit. It was a relatively mundane game which was meandering towards half-time until Danny Guthrie put Newcastle ahead after 36 minutes. It was a good goal after several mistakes in midfield by both sides and Guthrie struck the ball confidently home from the edge of the 18-yard box. Huddersfield were level a minute later though as a simple long-ball was completely missed by two Newcastle defenders and Tim Krul was stranded in no mans land allowing Theo Robinson to tap the ball home. It would be a night to forget for young 'keeper Krul who would then give away a penalty less than two minutes later, although it was a contentious decision to award the penalty after Robinson appeared to feign contact with the young Dutchman. Krul was lucky not to be dismissed after his furious protests against the decision. Nevertheless, Robinson picked himself up and slotted the ball past a despairing Krul who guessed the right corner but could not prevent the goal. Just two minutes into the second half another long ball against caught out Krul and the Newcastle defence but it was still a fabulous finish from Jordan Rhodes from the tightest of angles. Just a minute later and Newcastle had reduced the deficit. A lovely fluent move involving Jose Enrique, Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan and Geremi finished up in the Cameroonian international slotting a left-footed shot calmly past the on-rushing Terriers 'keeper Alex Smithies. Shola Ameobi levelled proceedings just after the hour mark with a penalty after he had been brought down by Andy Butler although there was a debate over where the contact occured, the referee decided it was inside the box and substitute Ameobi sent Smithies the wrong way. Ameobi was involved in every goal since his introduction just after half-time and he was to have a big part to play in the fourth goal. A free-kick was whipped in from 35 yards out and Ameobi rose highest of anyone to knock the ball back across the face of the goal for Nolan to tap the ball into an empty net from two yards out. There was some bad news for the Toon to deal with though as Ameobi and Jonas Guttierez were both injured in the closing stages of the match. Guttierez with a suspected pulled hamstring and Ameobi said he felt a pop in his leg which led to fears that he could be out for over a month. These fears look to have subsided though, but he looks unlikely to take his place in the starting line-up against Leicester City on Bank Holiday Monday, leavin Newcastle with no fit senior strikers and a likely makeshift patnership of youngster Nile Ranger and Kevin Nolan.

Palace Under Attack

2009-08-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Crystal Palace (0) 0

Newcastle United (2) 2
Nolan 2
R. Taylor 21

Att: 20643

Newcastle extended their unbeaten run in this lively encounter at Selhurst Park. United took the lead early in the game when Shola Ameobi ducked underneath Jonas Guttierez's dinked cross to allow Kevin Nolan to ghost in at the far post and slot the ball home. Both sides' defences looked woefully incompetent in this match and its is a small wonder that more goals weren't scored. This was highlighted just minutes after Nolan's goal when Clint Hill found himself one of three unmarked Palce players in the Newcastle box but he couldn't nod the corner home. Ryan Taylor then got himself involved in the game as his low free-kick was palmed away by Darryl Flahavan but the ball was not cleared properley by the Palace defence as it bounced like a pinball off several defenders. Darren Ambrose was playing against his former club and he had two half-chances to equalise for Palace he gfailed to take them though and looked lost for the rest of the game. Taylor did get his first goal in Newcastle colours though and it was a stunning goal as well. Guttierez played a simple pass to Taylor who was 25 yards out as he curled a beautiful shot into Flahavan's top right hand corner. Alan Lee was looking Palace's most threatening player in a poor second-half but he failed to captalise on a good, late chance and the Toon Army took the three points back to Tyneside with them.

The Sho Goes On

2009-08-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here is my belated Newcastle - Sheffield Wednesday report which for some reason didn't post a couple of days ago.

Newcastle United (1) 1

Ameobi 15

Sheffield Wednesday (0) 0

Att: 43904

Shola Ameobi scored his fourth goal in two games as Newcastle extended their unbeaten start to the season. It wasn't easy though as chances came few and far between in a hard fought encounter. Newcastle dominated the early goings and took the lead when Ameobi controlled in the box before finishing with aplomb past Wednesday keeper Lee Grant. Wednesday were playing some good stuff of therir own but struggling to make an impact in the final third. Newcastle had another opportunity late in the first half but Grant made a comfortablt save from Ameobi's shot. The second half was again devoid of many chances but Ryan Taylor almost beat Grant with a beautiful free-kick less than ten minutes into the second half. Michael Gray then tested Steve Harper just past the hour mark with a free-kick of his own. Neither side looked set to add to the goals only game until late on but Francis Jeffers was prevented from shooting by Steve Harper. In the end Newcastle took a well-earned victory and the Toon Army faithful will be happy with that.

Championship Predictions

2009-08-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Coventry City 1-1 Swansea City

Result: 0-1

Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle United

Result: 0-2

Derby County 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: 2-1

Leicester City 3-1 Barnsley

Result: 1-0

Middlesbrough 0-0 Doncaster Rovers

Result: 2-0

Preston North End 2-0 Peterborough United

Result: 2-0

Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Nottingham Forest

Result: 1-1

Reading 1-1 Sheffield United

Result: 1-3

Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Scunthorpe United

Result: 4-0

Watford 2-0 Blackpool

Result: 2-2

West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Ipswich Town

Result: 2-0

Sunday

Cardiff City 2-1 Bristol City

Result: 3-0

7/12 Correct Results & 2 Perfect Scores

Premier League Predictions

2009-08-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Fabregas & co will stroll to a comfortable victory without breaking sweat against this troubled Portsmouth outfit. Pompey need this owner situation sorted and quickly, or they could be serious relegation candidates come the end of the season.

Verdict: 4-0
Result: 4-1

Birmingham City v Stoke City

Although they won on Wednesday, Birmingham were far from impressive and I can see problems for the Midlands outfit if they do not make St Andrews a fortress. However, Stoke will also be in the mix down the bottom if they don't bring in some quality. Signings like Tuncay and Wheater are rumoured, and if true could help Stoke no end, especially if Shawcross departs.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 0-0

Hull City v Bolton Wanderers

I was shocked when Hull were beaten 5-1 by Spurs on Wednesday. I felt after their performance against Chelsea that they could get something out of the game. However, Tottenham will be challenging the top six and possibly the top four this season so Phil Brown shouldn't be too downbeat. As for Bolton as much as I like Megson, unless he brings some quality in before the transfer window closes his team will be in the dreaded relegation battle.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 1-0

Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves were very impressive against a decent Wigan outfit on Tuesday. However, Manchester City are a different proposition and I really think City can make serious inroads this. They still need a defender or two, especially if Richard Dunne departs for Aston Villa.

Verdict: 4-2
Result: 1-0

Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers

Sunderland look good for the campaign ahead and I think they will just sneak into the top half. Rovers on the other hand will probably see themselves safe if they bring two or three more faces in.

Verdict: 2-0
Result: 2-1

Wigan Athletic v Manchester United

United were shocking against Burnley and Wigan were disappointing against Wolves so neither come into this game in good spirits. I think in years gone by this would have been the worst time to play Manchester United, but with this squad I can see it being a great opportunity for Wigan. I don't think they'll take all three points as I can see a second-half fightback from United.

Verdict: 2-2
Result: 0-5

Sunday

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (1330)

Tottenham look good this season but never underestimate the side Gianfranco Zola has put together. West Ham will sneak all three points on the day and watch out for Carlton Cole, he might just be the hero of the match from West Ham's point of view.

Verdict: 2-1
Result: 1-2

Burnley v Everton (1500)

Burnley will be riding into this match on a high after their shock win against Man United midweek, Everton will not after their terrible start at Arsenal last weekend. I see this being a tight, even game and a draw will be the right result in the end.

Verdict: 1-1
Score: 1-0

Fulham v Chelsea

Chelsea should win comfortably here but you can never be sure when it comes to local derby's. Even so Ancelotti's men will march onwards and upwards.

Verdict: 0-2
Score: 0-2

Monday

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Both sides look set to struggle compared to last season. However, Liverpool are good enough to pull a victory out against ths Villa line-up.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 1-3

5/10 Correct Results & 2 Perfect Scores

Championship Prediction's

2009-08-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Barnsley 0-2 Preston North End

Result: 0-3

Blackpool 0-1 Derby County

Result: 0-0

Bristol City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Result: 1-0

Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Coventry City

Result: 0-0

Ipswich Town 3-1 Crystal Palace

Result: 1-3

Nottingham Forest 2-1 Watford

Result: 2-4

Peterborough United 0-1 West Bromwich Albion

Result: 2-3

Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Cardiff City

Result: 1-3

Scunthorpe United 1-1 Middlesbrough

Result: 0-2

Sheffield United 1-0 Leicester City

Result: 1-1

Swansea City 1-1 Reading

Result: 0-0

Wednesday

Newcastle United 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Result: 1-0

5/12 Correct Results BUT 0 Perfect Scores.

Premier League Predictions

2009-08-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Sunderland v Chelsea

Ancelotti's Chelsea impressed me last week, they won without being particularly good which is a sign of a good team. There were also bright spots within their performance, specifically Didier Drogba's will to work. I thought Sunderland dominated most of the game at Bolton before shutting up shop towards the end. They did both very well but I can't see anything except a comfortable Chelsea win here.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 1-3

Wigan Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Martinez's side won with some style at the weekend and they were superb in all aspects of their game. Wolves looked a bit overawed against West Ham and have been plagued by injuries. Wigan will be very happy with their start and another win.

Verdict: 3-1
Result: 0-1

Wednesday

Birmingham City v Portsmouth

Birmingham performed above and beyond all expectations on Sunday, really giving Manchester United cause for concern. They will win against a constantly troubled Pompey outfit.

Verdict: 1-0
Result: 1-0

Burnley v Manchester United

Manchester United were below par against Birmingham but Burnley didn't look any great shakes either, but United will stroll to victory at Turf Moor, it's going to be a long, hard season for Owen Coyle's men.

Verdict: 0-2
Result: 1-0

Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur

I can see Hull getting a draw against Spurs. Both sides will have been pleased with their excellent performances against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Even if Hull did lose. I liked the look of new signing Ghilas and we've seen before what Stephen Hunt can do. Tottenham will be disappointed with a draw but that is all they will get in my opinion.

Verdict: 1-1
Result: 1-5

Liverpool v Stoke City

I think Stoke will struggle this season. As, by their own standards, will Liverpool. This has got a draw written all over it. Stoke will park the bus.

Verdict: 0-0
Result: 4-0

2 Correct Results & 1 Perfect Score

It’s Oh Sho Good

2009-08-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

Newcastle United (1) 3
Ameobi (38, 61, 75 pen)

Reading (0) 0

Att: 36944

Yet more turmoil disrupted the build-up to Newcastle’s first home game of the campaign. News that first O’Leary was taking charge, then Kinnear and Ashley isn’t selling, apparently. Then it appears that Damien Duff did not take part in this match because he is finalising terms on a contract with Roy Hodgson’s Fulham. Newcastle’s already thin squad is getting thinner and after his lengthy stay on the pitch, applauding and waving after the match had finished it looks like Steven Taylor could be another one leaving Tyneside with Everton mooted to be interested. They will spend around £8 million on the London-born adopted Geordie and judging by their collapse against Arsenal today, they may need him. There were positives for Newcastle though, Sol Campbell was in the crowd amid rumours he is to sign for Newcastle in the next few days, Barry Moat was in the director’s box too and that surely means he is trying his very best to take the club off Ashley’s hands, oh and the team won too. First we bore witness to another well-held minute’s applause which saw emotions truly displayed in the crowd as they remembered one of their own, a true legend. Then as the game got underway we saw a positive start for the Toon Army with Smith again marshalling the midfield and Jonas Guttierez and Jose Enrique linking up well. The first real chance fell to the Argentinean winger as an exquisite Kevin Nolan ball found its way through. Guttierez made a bursting run and broke into the Reading box but he managed to squander what looked like a certain goal before squaring it to the on-rushing Joey Barton who had the ball taken off his toes by none other than Andy Carroll. A frustrating period for Newcastle, and it showed. A rash challenge by captain Alan Smith saw the first yellow card of the day before he was again involved in a late tackle. This time the referee saw discretion was the better part of valour and he let Smith off with a warning. He got both decisions right. However, this did not deter Smith’s ferocious attitude and his tackle’s kept flying in. Not long after these incidents Jose Enrique delivered an amazing ball which Shola Ameobi headed into the ground before it looped over Royals ‘keeper Adam Federici. In all honesty, Ameobi’s header equated to a scuffed shot in that he was a tad lucky it went in, but it did and United lead at the break. Newcastle came out second half and looked as though they meant business, again. Things weren’t all rosy though and Fabricio Coloccini in particular had looked less than competent at the back whilst Ryan Taylor’s play had been at best sloppy. As we neared the hour mark, an Andy Carroll header seem to be rolling harmlessly out for play, Alex Pearce had certainly gave up on the ball and Kevin Nolan appeared to do the same, turning to shout at Carroll before realising the ball was going to stay in play. He beat a couple of Reading shirts to the ball near the corner flag before knocking the ball back to Ryan Taylor who looped a magnificent ball to the back post for Ameobi to head home his second. Newcastle almost conceded moments later as a poor Nolan backpass allowed Robson-Kanu to get a shot towards Steve Harper’s goal but he blazed it over. Newcastle were a shoe-lace away from extending their lead when another great delivery first evaded the head of Kevin Nolan and then a boot of a sliding-in Andy Carroll. It wasn’t long before Newcastle did make it 3-0 though, as Shane Long handled the ball inside his box. He insisted there was no intent but his arms were raised and it hit one of them so the referee had no choice. There was no question of anyone else taking it and Ameobi dispatched the kick into the back of the net, sending Federici the wrong way for good measure. This was a good result for Newcastle but it was sobering for the Newcastle supporters to see Steven Taylor extending his stay on the pitch to wave and applaud the fans perhaps signalling the end of his stay at the club he most dearly loves. As for Newcastle, we need to sort out the manager and owner positions, stop selling players and keep our feet on the ground and we might do okay this season.

Newcastle: Harper 7, R. Taylor 6, S. Taylor 7, Coloccini 4, Enrique 8, Barton 7 (Lua Lua 6), Smith 7, Nolan 9, Jonas 7, Ameobi 9*, Carroll 7.

Reading: Federici 7, Rosenior 6, Pearce 6, Cisse 5, Bertrand 5, Kebe 5 (Hunt 6), Tabb 5 (Harper 5), Karacan 7, Davies 7, Church 6 (Robson-Kanu 7), Long 5.

England Cricket

2009-08-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

It is time to indulge this blog in another of my favourite sports, cricket. I am sure every England fan will admit that watching the two and a half days play at Headingley was nothing short of horrific, I mean, it was truly awful to watch. Numbers three, four and five combined in two innings to score sixteen runs between them. That is 16-6, from three of the supposedly top batsmen this country has to offer. Thanks to that and some pretty unspectacular bowling England were comprehensively beaten by a no better than average Australian outfit. Changes need to be made for the final Ashes test and since it’s a one-off I think England need to head to The Oval with this line-up:

Strauss (C)
Cook
Key
Trott
Collingwood
Prior (W)
Flintoff
Broad
Swann
Harmison
Anderson

However it is much more likely the ECB will make another huge mistake and we will lose the Ashes with this team:

Strauss (C)
Cook
Bell
Trott
Collingwood
Prior (W)
Flintoff
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Onions

My team is a short-term answer though. We have to look at restructuring the way the county system is run and how players are brought through, we have to take reports such as the Schofield report seriously otherwise we might as well give any hope of ever regaining the Ashes away now.

I think the squads for the tour of South Africa should reflect this and this are the squads I would champion:

Test

Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire, Captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Paul Collingwood (Durham), Alastair Cook (Essex), Joe Denly (Kent), James Foster (Essex), Stephen Harmison (Durham), James Hildreth (Somerset), Graham Onions (Durham), Matthew Prior (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), Andrew Strauss (Middlesex), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire) and Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire).

ODI’s

Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire, captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Paul Collingwood (Durham), Joe Denly (Kent), Andrew Flintoff (Lancashire), James Foster (Essex), Stephen Harmison (Durham), James Hildreth (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Middlesex), Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Matthew Prior (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire) and Luke Wright (Sussex).

Coach: Graham Ford/Tom Moody.

Yes, there are some drastic changes but the core of the side is kept the same. I respect Andrew Strauss so much as a batsmen and he just seems to get better with age but he just isn’t captain material for me, just as Andy Flower cannot be left as coach of this national side. If we can bring either of the two I’ve mentioned above England are in very safe hands, I’d like to get rid of the selectors too but that’s never going to happen. I would re-install Pietersen as captain and give him a chance to finish what he started and I think he will be the best man to get something out of Harmison away from England. I’d bring James’ Foster and Hildreth into the squad along with young Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid and Ryan Sidebottom. This would, I think give us a great chance of victory in South Africa. The ODI squad is a bit different but it sees one-day specialists given their chance. The inclusion of Dawid Malan and Chris Woakes might surprise people but I believe that England have to be bold and these are two good cricketers. James Harris just missed out in favour of Woakes but I am sure he will eventually force his way in. Graham Napier also just missed out in favour of Malan but should form change I would be willing to revise my choices. Obviously I’d have to see how from developed but going into the 1st test and ODI these are the teams I would pick:

1st Test XI

1. Andrew Strauss
2. Alastair Cook
3. Jonathan Trott
4. Kevin Pietersen (C)
5. Paul Collingwood
6. Matthew Prior (W)
7. Stuart Broad
8. Graeme Swann
9. James Anderson
10. Stephen Harmison
11. Ryan Sidebottom

1st ODI XI

1. Joe Denly
2. James Hildreth
3. Kevin Pietersen (C)
4. Andrew Flintoff
5. Paul Collingwood
6. Luke Wright
7. James Foster (W)
8. Adil Rashid
9. Stuart Broad
10. James Anderson
11. Stephen Harmison

It’s the future, now I’ve waffled enough and it’s the early hours of the morning, only seven hours until the announcement for the squad. So let's have our fingers crossed for the 5th and final Ashes test.

Championship Prediction's

2009-08-14T11:13:00.001-07:00

Predictions

Barnsley 2-1 Coventry City
SCORE: 0-2

Blackpool 0-0 Cardiff City
SCORE: 1-1

Bristol City 3-1 Crystal Palace
SCORE: 1-0

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Preston North End
SCORE: 1-1

Ipswich Town 1-1 Leicester City
SCORE: 0-0

Newcastle United 0-0 Reading
SCORE: 3-0

Nottingham Forest 1-2 West Bromwich Albion
SCORE: 0-1

Peterborough United 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday
SCORE: 1-1

Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Queens Park Rangers
SCORE: 1-1

Scunthorpe United 1-2 Derby County
SCORE: 3-2

Sheffield United 2-0 Watford
SCORE: 2-0

Swansea City 0-0 Middlesbrough
SCORE: 0-3

6 Correct Scores
1 Perfect Score

Premier League Predictions

2009-08-14T10:44:00.001-07:00

So tomorrow the best league in the world starts again, it won’t be my main focus this season as Newcastle are in the Championship. However, here are my predictions for how everyone will do at the end of the season

Arsenal – Wenger hasn’t brought as many players as many would have hoped over the summer. Nevertheless this is a good side and I think Arshavin will be top scorer this season. This should see them push Chelsea all the way. Verdict: 2nd.

Aston Villa – I don’t see Villa progressing this season, but they are still a good side and if they can get good delivery from the Young’s, Milner and Beye I think this side will score a lot of goals. Having lost talismanic Gareth Barry, though, I think overall they will struggle to match last season’s finish. Verdict: 7th.

Birmingham City – Alex McLeish has made a lot of signings this summer but most lack Premier League experience, this is always a gamble because we have seen some of the worlds best players fail in this division eg Shevchenko, Morientes etc. I don’t think this is a gamble that will pay off for the Blues. Verdict: 19th.

Blackburn Rovers – I can see Rovers suffering badly this season. I just don’t think Allardyce has brought in the right faces and I think their team is completely out of balance. They will start well but be struggling around December time and I can see Allardyce being sacked and the new manager boost just seeing Blackburn safe. Verdict: 17th.

Bolton Wanderers – I really think Gary Megson has done a good job thus far and his signings, in the main, have been good. However, I can see that there are a lot of decent and improving teams in this league and I can’t see much of an improvement in terms of league position from the Trotters, in fact I think it will be a case of status quo. Verdict: 13th.

Burnley – Owen Coyle has done a miraculous job at Burnley and I can see him replicating his miracle work at Turf Moor again this season. I think they will fly initially but suffer a mid-season lull. However, I think Coyle will raise his troops in the latter stages of the season and they will eventually survive. Verdict: 15th.

Chelsea - I’m backing Ancelotti to deliver Chelsea their first league title in four years. His football will be more down the Mourinho route rather than Scolari’s. The key to winning the title for them will be keeping the engine of the team fit. Michael Essien is the most important player in Chelsea’s line-up and a firing Essien will see Chelsea do very well indeed. Verdict: 1st.

Everton – The lack of funds will eventually catch up with Everton this season. There is no denying that Moyes has done a wonderful job at Goodison Park but I can see them being surpassed by City, Spurs and probably even Villa. Still a good season for the Merseyside club though. Verdict: 8th.

Fulham – For me Roy Hodgson just pipped Tony Pulis and David Moyes as manager of the season last time round and I feel he’ll do an even better job this time round because this squad is definitely relegation material but Hodgson has enough about him to prevent such an occurrence. Verdict: 11th.

Hull City – Hull suffered badly towards the back end of last season and it was only my beloved Newcastle’s inability to capatalise on their woeful form that saw them safe. West Brom and Boro's failings too. I don’t go along with the opinion that Hull will go down bottom of the pack this season though. In fact I see them guaranteeing safety with a few weeks of the season to go. Not brilliant but relatively comfortable and living to fight another season. Verdict: 16th.

Liverpool – Many, including Alan Hansen, are saying yet again that this is Liverpool’s year, but I don’t see it. Yes Torres will score goals and Gerrard will be his usual Captain Fantastic-self but I think lack of attacking play at home and the loss of key player Xabi Alonso will see them suffer too many draws and shock defeats. They will slip out of the top four but on a positive note I see this being the last straw for Hicks and Gillet and they will sell Liverpool, finally. Verdict: 5th.

Manchester City – Well, where to start? What a summer of activity over at Eastlands, Tevez, Adebayor and Toure join the Middle-Eastern revolution and I think despite Moyes’ protests Lescott will soon join them. I think they’ll struggle at the bginning of the campaign and languish in mid-table, the key then will be whether or not the owners stick with Sparky, I think they will and I think they will reap the rewards. They’ll run their rivals close. Verdict: 4th.

Manchester United – You can never doubt Manchester United but this season I do. Ronaldo and Tevez will be bigger losses than the United fans realise. I think, when he returns from injury, Nani will be a huge player for them. United will lose their grip on the title in early April leaving Arsenal and Chelsea to have a straight fight for the title. Sir Alex won’t let City get the better of him though. Verdict: 3rd.

Portsmouth – Pompey will struggle this season. They’ve lost too many players haven’t brought in enough, this takeover has derailed the club’s preparations and Paul Hart isn’t good enough to be a top-flight manager. I can see them being so far adrift come the New Year that their relegation maybe confirmed as early as the beginning of March. Watch out Derby your record tally is under threat. Verdict: 20th.

Stoke City – I’m not buying that Stoke won’t suffer from second-season syndrome because they are prime candidates to do so. They surprised everyone last season and most teams will have wised-up this season. They will go down, with a fight, and struggle to return. Verdict: 18th.

Sunderland – I’ve been begrudgingly impressed with Bruce’s summer signings and I can see him taking the Mackems into the top half of the table this season. Darren Bent will be reborn and Sunderland will make good strides forward. Verdict: 10th.

Tottenham Hotspur – Harry is an excellent manager and Spurs will make strides forward this season. I can see them troubling the top four at some stage in the future, but not quite this season. Nevertheless, a very solid season and one which will have Liverpool looking nervously over their shoulder. Verdict: 6th.

West Ham United – Gianfranco Zola had an impressive first season as West Ham boss and I expect him to continue in that vain. He is a very clever young manager and will manage one of the top four and his country in the future, he is that good. This season will see him equal last season’s standings and considering the improvements by Manchester City and Tottenham et al this is more than respectable. Verdict: 9th.

Wigan Athletic – Many are questioning Roberto Martinez’s ability to step into Steve Bruce’s shoes but let me assure you, he is more than capable. He took a distinctly average Swansea outfit to 8th in the championship last year, whilst playing some really good football too. This impressed me greatly and I think he is a manager for the future. Wigan will do well to hold onto him after a couple of years. Solid season this time round though. Verdict: 12th.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Mick McCarthy doesn’t have the most impressive Premier League record taking Sunderland most of the way to their (at the time) record lowest points tally in Premier League history. However, they have a more than decent side. Kightly and Doyle are very good players and I can see them staying up comfortably and playing some nice football along the way. Verdict: 14th.

1 Chelsea C
2 Arsenal CL
3 Manchester United CL
4 Manchester City CL
5 Liverpool EL
6 Tottenham Hotspur EL
7 Aston Villa
8 Everton
9 West Ham United
10 Sunderland
11 Fulham
12 Wigan Athletic
13 Bolton Wanderers
14 Wolverhampton Wanderers
15 Burnley
16 Hull City
17 Blackburn Rovers
18 Stoke City R
19 Birmingham City R
20 Portsmouth R

C = Champions
CL = Champions League
EL = Europa League
R = Relegated

Even Stevens At The Hawthorns

2009-08-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

West Bromwich Albion (1) 1
Martis (39)

Newcastle United (0) 1
Duff (55)

Att: 23,502

Newcastle United can make their way back to the north-east with their heads held high. They also take back with them a very respectable point after a hard fought draw in the black country. The game started with a rapturous minute’s applause in the memory of the late, great Sir Bobby Robson who served both clubs so well. Newcastle signalled their intent to attack in the opening minutes and dominated the early exchanges but it was West Brom who were to have the first great chance. Jonathan Greening drifted in a beautiful free-kick and Newcastle just didn't defend, Shelton Martis lost Fabricio Coloccini and somehow headed wide of a gaping goal. It was a centre back's finish but an early warning sign for Newcastle. The travelling fans were in good voice and almost saw their team take the lead when a Jonas Guttierez cross was diverted into the path of Damien Duff but the Irish winger could only blast the ball wide of the target. Both teams were playing football that was lovely to watch. However, Newcastle were getting a stranglehold on the game and West Brom were struggling to get possession. While their build up was good, Newcastle were guilty of wasting many opportunities in the final third. Their quality of crossing and shooting was woeful. Guttierez was a stand out example of this, his running was getting him into great positions, but his crossing was poor and decision making even worse. If Newcastle's final product was questionable their defending was nothing sort of laughable. Ryan Taylor consistently gave the ball away and Fabricio Coloccini looked out of his depth again, how he is an international, and an Argentinean one at that, is beyond me. Jose Enrique was a bit Jekyll and Hyde in his performance showing glimpses of brilliance which would make you question if it was the same player when just seconds later he would make a mistake a schoolboy would be embarrassed of. Chris Brunt was looking the most likely man to produce anything for West Brom but for the most part Guttierez and Enrique kept him under wraps. Chris Wood, the young Kiwi who started up front for West Brom was also impressing but he wasted some good possession late on in the first half and that somewhat disrupted his confidence. Several promising West Brom attacks were broken down by the Newcastle captain, Alan Smith was like a man possessed as he made crunching tackle after crunching tackle. He epitomised everything that was lacking at Newcastle last season, commitment, heart and toughness. However, despite all his hard work Newcastle would go into half-time behind and it all came from a Newcastle free-kick. Ryan Taylor wasted a free-kick just inside the Albion half and it left him on the wrong side of the pitch with Damien Duff having to fill in at left back. Duff conceded the free-kick with Newcastle in trouble and struggling to get bodies back. The free-kick should have allowed them to regroup but instead it seemed to cause mass panic. Coloccini again lost his man and this time Martis made him pay. The free-kick was drifted in, Steve Harper flapped at the ball rather unconvincingly and a West Brom player got in the way of his own team mate’s shot before Martis slid in ahead of Harper to make it 1-0. Harper was struck in the face by Shola Ameobi’s boot as both tried to clear the ball and for some time there were concerns about a broken cheekbone. However, Harper soldiered on till half-time when Tim Krul replaced him, Harper had a concussion. This was the only change at half-time and both teams were evenly matched in the early second half moments. However, the best passing manoeuvre of the game saw Newcastle equalise. The crisp passage of play eventually saw Kevin Nolan set Duff into the clear and he struck the ball into the corner of the net with some venom past Scott Carson and under some intense pressure from Robert Koren. At this point it seemed like Newcastle were favourites as they had all the momentum but they nearly conceded straight away but New Zealander Chris Wood fired over from just outside the box. Krul played his part, looking uncertain at times but pulling off four decent saves. His save to prevent Luke Moore from scoring a goal as he turned Coloccini inside out was probably the best of them. The standard of refereeing throughout the game was below par and Newcastle were generally the hard done by party, this was illustrated in stoppage time when a ball bounced up and stuck Guttierez on the arm. He had no chance of getting out of the way but Mike Dean saw fit to award the free-kick. Greening’s set piece again caused problems and Jonas Olsson rose higher than anyone to nod home. Luckily for Dean his blushes were spared by his lineman who, correctly, flagged for offside. This was a decent performance by west Brom and I think they will be delighted with the point they have earned even though they had the majority of the chances. Newcastle can also hold their heads high, especially stand in captain Alan Smith who showed exactly what he can do, hopefully he can reproduce more of that. The one thing I found particularly disheartening about the match was the biased commentary provided by the BBC. Mark Lawrenson and his fellow commentator showed nothing but contempt for Newcastle United, and such was their focus on their own personal hatred of the Toon Army, West Brom were barely mentioned, which is unfair on them. A corporation such as the BBC are expected to produce fair and unbiased coverage of sporting events but never have I heard such biased commentary, not even in an England match. Nevertheless it was an exciting start to the season from both sides and hopefully both will enjoy a successful one.

New Season

2009-08-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well the start of this season comes on two sad notes. Firstly, it will be my first season that my blog will be mainly discussing the Championship. Secondly, and much more seriously, Sir Bobby Robson has passed away. I never met the man but saw he always conducted himself in a great manner. They just don't make them like him anymore and the world will be a poorer place without him. Now onto the new season. Its going to be an interesting one and here are my Championship predictions for the first week of this season.

Friday

Middlesbrough v Sheffield United

This is an intriguing opening game. Both of these will be competing for the top six come the end of the season of that I have no doubt, how far up there they will be I wouldn't care to venture a guess. This is the first game of the season and I may be wrong but I think Middlesborough will have recovered from the disappointment of relegation better than United have from their play-off heartache. I see this being an untidy, Middlesbrough victory.

VERDICT: 1-0
SCORE: 0-0

Saturday

Cardiff City v Scunthorpe United

I see Scunthorpe struggling this season. They will know this better than most and I am sure Nigel Adkins is drilling into his players just how much of an uphill task they have of staying this division. However, I see them surprising Cardiff on the first day. I think Cardiff will reach the play-offs this season but will not quite have enough to beat this Scunthorpe side.

VERDICT: 1-2
SCORE: 4-0

Crystal Palace v Plymouth Argyle

With a bit of luck both of these sides could be play-off contenders at the end of the season. However, I think they will both settle for comfortable mid-table finishes, and this is what they will get. As for this game, I see an open game with plenty of goals. I like Plymouth's front line and I see this being a score draw.

VERDICT: 2-2
SCORE: 1-1

Derby County v Peterborough United

Clough v Ferguson, what a mouthwatering thought. And although it is not quite as good as it sounds it ought to be an interesting encounter. I see both teams doing very well this season. But I see Clough getting one over on Ferguson here, a trend that should continue throughout the season.

VERDICT: 2-0
SCORE: 2-1

Leicester City v Swansea City

Nigel Pearson did exactly what was expected of him last season delivering the League One title and goals aplenty. However, this season we will see what he is made of. Swansea, I feel, are in very capable hands under the new stewardship of Pablo Sousa and I can see the Welsh outfit doing well this year. However, first game nerves and lack of competitive mach practice will see a bore draw.

VERDICT: 0-0
SCORE: 2-1

Preston North End v Bristol City

I think both these sides have generally good sides which play football that is very easy on the eye. However, both have lost players that I believe to be. McKenna has left Preston and McIndoe has swapped his red shirt for a sky blue one. This, I believe, leaves both sides a little light and struggling to grab them all important play-off places. This game will see a draw I feel.

VERDICT: 1-1
SCORE: 2-2

Queens Park Rangers v Blackpool

I see the tangerines struggling this season with QPR having a fair old tilt at the play-off places. This game would usually show the gulf between the two sides, but with it being the first game of the season I see an unspectacular QPR victory.

VERDICT: 2-0
SCORE: 1-1

Reading v Nottingham Forest

Reading have lost some players this season in their attempts to trim the wage bill. However, I really rate Brendan Rodgers and I can see him taking Reading to the upper echelons of this division, how far, its too early to say. Billy Davies has made some really shrewd signings this summer and I see Forest being a real force in this division. Reading to just edge this early season encounter.

VERDICT: 2-1
SCORE: 0-0

Sheffield Wednesday v Barnsley

I think Barnsley will once again struggle but I think they will be out of the woods with games to spare this season. Sheffield Wednesday on the other hand are bound for a top half finish at the very least. They have again made some excellent signings whilst holding onto their key players. As for this game. Comfortable win early on in the season.

VERDICT: 4-2
SCORE: 2-2

Watford v Doncaster Rovers

I think its difficult to predict how these two will fare. It could be anywhere from top 6 to bottom 6. I was really impressed by Doncaster's second half of the season last year and fancy them to take this first game then who knows where they'll end up.

VERDICT: 0-1
SCORE: 1-1

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

Newcastle in turmoil, old news, current news and future news. We just can't get ourselves sorted. West Brom on the other hand, have held onto their good players, brought in an ambitious manger to replace Mowbray and are a stable club. They are my pick for the title. Back-to-back relegations for Newcastle anyone? I don't think that will happen, but I can see them being bottom half come the end of the season. I also think they'll be on the end of a thrashing here at the hands of West Brom.

VERDICT: 4-0
SCORE: 1-1

Sunday

Coventry City v Ipswich Town

Roy Keane will take this Ipswich Town team to second, that is my gut feeling. Coventry, will be looking to escape relegation. This result should reflect that.

VERDICT: 1-3
SCORE: 2-1

Well that should sort us for this week. Look out for the Newcastle match report and other blogs throughout this week.

Goin Down With The 'Boro...

2009-06-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

Well it’s confirmed, Newcastle United will be a Coca-Cola Championship team next season. It’s the first time the club has been in the second tier for sixteen years. Their stay in the Premier League is over with more of a whimper than a roar. Aston Villa put pay to any Newcastle dreams of survival with a goal late in the first half. Ironically it was a Newcastle boot that struck the killer blow, in this match at least. But its time to face facts, we have been horrible all year and we deserve to go down. It was neither the unlucky goal in this match nor Howard Webb's error in the match against Fulham that lead to our demise. It was the mis-management, the lack of effort, the lack of heart, the lack of pace and overall the lack of quality. It seems ridiculous that a club with so many big names on big wages with big transfer fees should take such a hard fall. But make no mistake, I am not claiming that Newcastle deserved to survive because the fact that we gained just thirty-four points from thirty-eight matches tells its own story. Where did it all go wrong? Well it all started with the short-sighted board back in 1997. They decided to cash in and break the best strike force the Premiership had seen, destroying the chance of seeing it become the best strike force ever. Ferdinand and Shearer gelled so well, they loved teaming up together but this was the start of Newcastle's problems. Mis-management was, is and for my lifetime always has been the problem at Newcastle. We always sold players at the wrong time, brought in and sack managers at the wrong time, paid ridiculously inflated fees for poor players and generally made poor business and footballing decisions. This problem was masked by the success of Keegan and Robson but it was still there. It became more noticeable this season and lead to far bigger consequences than previously imaginable. The appointment of Dennis Wise, lets face it, over Keegan’s head were the first sign of the car crash that awaited. However, the season started off well enough. A 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and victory at home to Bolton were followed by an extra-time Carling Cup victory over Coventry. Then there was an even bigger sign of the trouble ahead, just a day after starring in that Carling Cup victory, James Milner handed in a transfer request. The rest of this story is subject to rumour and hear say but only the people involved know exactly what went on. Keegan saw his team lose to an exciting Arsenal side and days later resigned from his post as manager citing board interference as his reason for leaving. Who is to blame here, the fans, me included, still don’t know but what we do know is that the problem was Mike Ashley’s now and that something had to be done about it but nothing ever was. The side’s next game at home to Hull for me epitomised our season. A 2-1 defeat which showed no heart or passion for the shirt on their backs was only over shadowed by Danny Guthrie’s horror tackle which broke Craig Fagan’s leg and he rightly saw red for. Joe Kinnear came in, in mid-October and his appointment prompted a short-lived revival as Newcastle went on a six match unbeaten run which saw them rise as high as 12th in the league. After this though we generally saw a decline in results and subsequently slipped down the table. Kinnear suffered a heart-attack the day before we were due to play West Brom and this spelled an end to his reign as Newcastle manager, for this season at least. Newcastle won that game but it was a long time before they would win another. Alan Shearer was brought in on, aptly enough, April 1st. His first game was a daunting task, home to Chelsea. We lost and results didn’t improve, draws away at Stoke and at home to Portsmouth our only points with three games of the season left. Then came the big one, Middlesbrough at home. This game was touted by many as the be all and end all, win and stay up, lose or draw and go down. The game started poorly for Newcastle, an own goal put them behind within the first few minutes. However, Alan Shearer was finally able to taste victory as a manager as Newcastle came from a goal down to win 3-1. Fulham at home was next and despite having a perfectly good goal disallowed, Newcastle ended the match beaten and with only ten men. So, back in the relegation mire thanks to that defeat at home and Hull’s point away at Bolton, Newcastle headed to Villa Park knowing that if they lost they would go down, even a win might not have been good enough on the day. The rest is history. Newcastle were relegated. This season has been a catastrophe and has seen Newcastle consigned to at least one season in the Coca-Cola Championship, probably many.

Play-Off Finals (Part I)

2009-05-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well the Gills take on the Shrews tomorrow then. Interesting final as ever. Gillingham won through by virtue of a victory against the perrenial almost team in Rochdale but nevertheless it was an extremely impressive victory. Shrewsbury beat Bury on penalties and have their on loan West Brom 'keeper Luke Daniels to thank for that. Shrewsbury never deserved to win that match but it is that bit of luck that every team needs during a Play-Off campaign. Shrewsbury beat Gillingham in their home fixture 7-0. A resounding victory yes but that was way back in September, the reverse fixture saw Shrewsbury come from two goals down to snatch a draw. So you may think that Paul Simpson has the edge over his Gillingham counter-part Mark Stimson. But this will count for nothing once the two teams cross that white line. Paul Simpson is an underrated manager. Things didn't work out for him at Preston granted but he pulled Carlisle from the non-league wilderness to the heady heights of League One, with a play-off victory included when wining promotion from the Conference. So Simpson knows what it takes to record a succesful Play-Off campaign but he has never won at Wembley. All appearances there were as a player and at the old Wembley so this hardly signifies much. This is something which Stimson has never had problems with leading his old side Stevenage Borough to an FA Trophy Final win at Wembley. Shrewsbury are reliant that Grant Holt is ready to add to his impressive goal scoring tally this term. Gillingham will be looking for performances from club captain, and newly discovered housewife, Ben Davies and the returning Adam Miller who missed both Rochdale games with an ankle problem. Sky Bet cannot split these and I must admit its a difficult one.

VERDICT: Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Gillingham

24/05/09 Predo's

2009-05-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well, here are my predictions for the last day of the season. I must improve on last week where I only got three correct results and no perfects! I hope to go out with a bang (although there is a few I hope to have got wrong):

Arsenal 1-1 Stoke City

Stoke have been a revelation this season and I can see them taking a point from the Emirates this Sunday. Tony Pulis has pulled a real rabbit out of the hat this season and I am sure he will already be looking ahead to next season and planning. As long as he brings in a couple of quality signings in the transfer window then I am sure he can turn Stoke into an established Premier League side. Arsenal’s season can only be described as quite yo-yo like, in December it looked like they were not competitive in anything and they didn’t look like claiming fourth place. However, come March they were in fourth place and still in the FA Cup and Champions League. Now they have lost both semi-finals and although fourth place is definitely their own the season has stuttered to an anti-climax. Wenger needs to stop feeling like he “killed someone” and sign some quality, proven players in the summer. Arsenal’s side doesn’t need much tweaking but 3 or 4 new signings could see them really push Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool next season.

FINAL SCORE: 4-1

Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle United

Unfortunately I just can’t see Newcastle taking anything from Villa Park on Sunday. As a Newcastle fan I would desperately love to see that but it seems very unlikely. For me Newcastle must hold on to Alan Shearer and install him as permanent manager, not because he is “God” or “another Messiah” but because he can bring both stability to the club whilst appeasing the fans. Shearer, being a Geordie, can empathise with the fans and this gives him an unrivalled connection with them. With him in charge Newcastle can set about trimming the ludicrously large wage bill, ship out the deadwood and start to run the club sensibly. Villa have impressed me for the majority of this season. Martin O’Neill has created a real good feel about the place and established a very young, exciting team. However, I think the retiring Martin Laursen will be a huge loss. O’Neill needs to bring in a few players in the summer if he wishes to break the monopoly of the Big Four.

FINAL SCORE: 1-0

Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

I really have enjoyed watching Albion this season, they have played some good stuff and have some good players in their ranks. I am sure they will come straight back up and to survive in the Premier League they don’t really need to change much. If, and this is a big if, they can keep the majority of this squad together then I believe a couple of defenders and a new striker will see Premiership quality emanating from them. Blackburn have undergone somewhat of a resurgence under “Big Sam” and he has lead them comfortably to survival. I still believe Pual Ince had it in him to turn things round at Ewood Park but I guess that’s something we will never find out. I still think Blackburn have a lot to do to recover from the departure of Mark Hughes and if they lose Roque Santa Cruz in the summer than they will have to bring another striker in. Pavel Pogrebnyak looks like he would be a good signing and I am sure Rovers fans would welcome such a signing.

FINAL SCORE: 0-0

Fulham 2-1 Everton

I like the look of this Fulham outfit, Roy Hodgson has done an amazing job their and I think they will claim that final Europa League spot. Whether that will be good or bad for the club who knows. But I think they will have too much for an Everton team coasting to the FA Cup Final. David Moyes is another one of the managers whom I truly admire. I think this one will be a bridge too far. I think Everton will only improve next season and cause a few teams problems in Europe. They’ll need a bit of luck in the FA Cup Final, but lets hope they do it. It would be a just reward for a extremely exciting team and a great manager. Their biggest challenge close season will be holding onto that midfield maestro Mikel Arteta.

FINAL SCORE: 0-2

Hull City 0-2 Manchester United

Its not in Sir Alex Ferguson’s nature to accept defeat and although this will be a drastically changed side I still believe they will have enough to overcome Hull. Whilst I believe Hull have enough to stay up this season, I think they will struggle to avoid the wooden spoon unless things are changed a lot in the summer. Ferguson has once again built an amazing outfit and one which will be the team to beat next season. Obviously we will have to wait and see the comings and goings in the transfer window but I think Ferguson will be on for yet another title. I believe Barca will beat Manchester United in Rome but who knows, Ferguson has taken pretty much every other accolade, why not the first manager to win the Champions League two seasons running?

FINAL SCORE: 0-1

Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

The future is bright for these two teams. Harry Redknapp has what it takes to really take Spurs places and as long as Benitez shuts up and concentrates on his own team I believe that Liverpool have what it takes to win the Premier League. These two teams should put on a show of good, attacking football but I think things will end up as a draw at Anfield.

FINAL SCORE: 3-1

Manchester City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

The chairman of City has said they won’t splash the cash in the summer. I think in his view this is true but I still expect City to buy 50 or 60 million pound worth of players in the summer. A top 6 place is realistic for Mark Hughes’ side and I think they will succeed. Bolton have exceeded all of my expectations this season and although many fans still have reservations about Gary Megson’s appointment I think Bolton will just go from strength to strength under his stewardship. As for this game I don’t think many of the players will take it to seriously and therefore it will probably fizzle out into a narrow City win.

FINAL SCORE: 1-0

Sunderland 0-2 Chelsea

Sunderland are safe before the game’s even kick off for me. There is just no way Hull and Newcastle will BOTH win their respective matches. Therefore this game is a bit of a non-event. I can’t see Chelsea being really up for this. But I just think Chelsea’s quality will shine through in this match. Ancelotti is likely to be appointed as manager in the close season and I think this is a good move by Abramovich providing he backs his new man in the transfer market and gives him at least a season to get things working. Sunderland on the other hand look prime candidates for the drop if they don’t drastically alter things in the summer. Maybe bringing in Steven Fletcher to partner Kenwyne Jones up front as well as a few more creative midfielders and better defenders. So really a fairly big overhaul is needed.

FINAL SCORE: 2-3

West Ham United 1-2 Middlesborugh

I don’t think West Ham will be too bothered for this game. They know that they have performed well this season and I think they are a really exciting prospect for next season providing they sort the ownership out as that is still a big worry. I fear Middlesbrough are already condemned to the drop but only because I can’t see a five goal swing coming from anywhere. Middlesbrough will be in the Championship from next season but they should bounce straight back because I don’t think they will lose many players, Tuncay and Downing being the exceptions. I also think that Steve Gibson will have a contingency plan in place and as long as they don’t have a knee jerk reaction and fire Gareth Southgate then things should turn around for them.

FINAL SCORE: 2-1

Wigan Athletic 0-0 Portsmouth

Its simple this one, neither side will turn up. Steve Bruce still has many things to sort out at Wigan, things looked rosy mid season as they approached the safety net that is the forty point mark but since then they seem to have been coasting. As for Portsmouth I think Steve Coppell will be appointed manager there at the beginning of July and that can only be good news for Portsmouth fans. A couple of decent signings and they can start to climb the Premier League table again.

FINAL SCORE: 1-0

THIS WEEK ADAM GOT:

4 CORRECT RESULTS and

1 PERFECT SCORE