UNITED MARCH ON

MANCHESTER UNITED   3   ASTON VILLA   1 

                                       (Herrera 43', 90')                         (Benteke 79')

                                       (Rooney 79')    

With Liverpool losing in the early kick off 4-1 to Arsenal this was a chance for United to consolidate their hold on a top four position and they did not disappoint. Much has rightly been made about United’s recent renaissance and praise has been given to players such as Fellaini for finding the type of form that made United fork out 27.5 pounds for his services over a year ago. Today was about another man who last year was widely lambasted from all sides. Ashley Young had for a long time failed to ingratiate himself to the United faithful but today he took some steps towards remedying that with an energetic and effective performance.

Villa, despite catching United with a sucker punch immediately after United's goal, were always second best in this game. They may have one eye on an upcoming FA Cup semifinal against either Liverpool or Blackburn but on this performance they didn't show anything to suggest they are clear of relegation just yet.

This game took but 4 minutes to explode. A beautiful  forward pass by Young was helped on by Fellaini sending Rooney bursting through on goal. Ciaran Clark seemed to wrap his arm around Rooney’s neck in the struggle for the ball and when Rooney went to ground the United fans demanded a penalty but referee, Roger Eastland, was having none of it and waved play on. It looked a clear penalty on first view and it can only be that Rooney was over-theatrical in his reaction to the challenge. United dominated possession after that incident and with them playing a back four Ashley Young was excelling without the shackles of having to track back. Villa had to concentrate hard to deny United making anything of their pressure and Ciaran Clark, who might have been sent off by this stage if the referee had given the penalty, was the main rock on which United’s attacks floundered.

There still were lots of encouraging signs for United fans that their sides recent improvement in consistency was still on the right track. Along with Young other payers were beginning to show a cohesion that was not present, understandably, at the start of the season. Herrera, Fellaini and Mata were finding each other easily and Daly Blind was adding another dimension attacking down the left wing. At this point Villa, with Benteke and Agbonlahor up front, were feeding off scraps.  With half time in sight United moved up a gear. Again it was down the left wing, Ashey Young released Blind on the under-lap and he was able to cut the ball back to Herrera who had time to control the ball and pick his spot.

At the start of the second half it was more of the same with United doing all the pressing and Villa restricted to a half chance where Benteke couldn’t adjust himself properly after some good work by Weiman down Villa’s left wing. While United were not creating clear cut chances they were in complete control of the game and this was what was most impressive, their ability to keep the ball and deny Villa any foothold in the game. After Young and Fellaini had been substituted to generous applause the game suddenly jumped to life again. On 80 minutes, Di Maria, who had come on for Young, showed some good footwork to make space for himself and create a cross into Rooney who with his back to goal was able to bring the ball down with one touch and then turn and hammer the ball home on the half volley. Here was another man who was hitting a vein of fine form. What happened next though was similar to blink and you have missed it. 

Within a minute of kick off Villa had won a corner and in a training ground routine Weimann stepped over a low ball played to the edge of the box allowing Benteke to sweep the ball home under the body of United goalkeeper De Gea who will be disappointed with his efforts to save it. United, however, were determined not to let Villa spoil their party and in injury time they got their third and Herrera’s second. Rooney was first to react to a drop ball and get the ball to Mata who was allowed to get his head up and find Herrera who was again arriving late into the box to deliver a clinical finish and dispatch Aston Villa who will be anxiously looking over their shoulder only three points now outside the relegation zone.  

GERRARD SEES RED AS UNITED MARCH ON

LIVERPOOL   1       MANCHESTER UNITED   2

                                       (Sturridge 69')            (Mata 14' 59')  

Both of these clubs came into the game buoyed after some good recent performances. Liverpool being the most consistent team since the turn of the year and Manchester United with whispers after their good win against Spurs that maybe, at last, they had found their best starting eleven,  interestingly, a starting eleven that did not include the expensively acquired Falcao and Di Maria. For this game United retained the same personnel and shape from  the Spurs game which meant Rooney and Juan Mata were given another chance up front for the Red Devils.    

The first half in this game was very tight, both teams denying the other any space in the attacking third. United had started with a back four but Liverpool continued with a back three and two wing backs.  With the wings backs committed to going forward there can sometimes be space either side of the back three and Manchester United exploited that space for the opening goal of the game after 14 minutes. Herrera picked up the ball just inside the Liverpool half and seeing that Sakho had positioned himself too centrally and Moreno had got caught up field, slotted the ball into the open space for Mata to run onto and he coolly shot past Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

United were just about value for their lead as they were the more pro-active in their approach to the game. Liverpool were very committed but didn’t create a clear cut chance until the 34^th minute. Jordan Henderson played a lovely long ball over the United defence for Sturridge to chase and he played a precise cut back for the on rushing Adam Lallana who unfortunately for Liverpool connected with his shin and skewed the ball wide.

The first half had been a cagey affair but the second half exploded in the first few minutes. Liverpool fans had warmly greeted the introduction of Steven Gerrard but it would only be a matter of minutes before they were waving him down the tunnel after he had been red carded for kicking out at Herrera. Gerrard had obviously come on with fire in his belly as his first action had been to make Juan Mata aware of his arrival on the pitch. Herrera had sought to get some retribution on Gerrard with a late challenge of his own and Gerrard reacted by kicking out at the United midfielder. Referee Martin Atkinson had little option but to send the Liverpool legend off.

United quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority with their second goal after 58 minutes, and it was a similar goal to the first one. Again Sakho had been dragged in too centrally and Moreno was nowhere in sight when a flighted ball by substitute Di Maria found Mata unmarked. He still had a lot to do as the ball was slightly behind him but Mata adjusted himself and produced a textbook scissors kick to find the far corner of the net past the diving Mignolet.

 Juan Mata celebrates scoring the second goal for Manchester United at Liverpool. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

At this stage, with ten men, it seemed all up for Liverpool but they would not let United have it all their own way. On 69 minutes Coutinho got on the ball at the edge of the box and slipped in Sturridge who still had a lot to do from a tight angle but his shot somehow beat De Gea at his near post.  Liverpool did their best to get the equalizer but United with their extra man were able to contain them. It would be United who would have the best chance to score the next goal.

Wayne Rooney before this game had only scored one goal at Anfield, that goal coming way back in 2005, and when the referee awarded Man Utd a penalty in injury time for Can’s foul on Danny Blind Rooney was not going to give the ball to Mata to try for his hat trick. However, there was no joy for Rooney as Mignolet guessed correctly and was able to push away his effort. The game ended on a sour note with Skrtel leaving his leg in on De Gea when reaching for a ball played through. There very well may be some post match repercussions on that one for the Liverpool defender.

Liverpool will feel deflated after this game. Besides being now 5 points behind fourth placed United the manner of the defeat and the sending off of Gerrard will leave a bad taste in their mouths. Liverpool were never really in the game and with so much riding on the result that will be of disappointment to them. On the other hand, United will be very pleased with another convincing display. Solid at the back, measured in midfield and effective in attack United looked very balanced. With Di Maria back to full fitness again it will be interesting to see Van Gaal’s next team selection. Will he play both Mata and Di Maria as he did in the second half today or will he just opt for one of them?  On current form, Mata is undroppable.  

ARSENAL SHOW RESILIENCE TO HOLD ON

NEWCASTLE   1    ARSENAL   2

                                                      Sissoko 48'              Giroud 24' 28'

   

St James' Park, 21st March 2015

In football there are lots of cliches and this is a game where we can accurately use one of them. This "was a game of two halves" if ever there was one. In the first half, Arsenal were dominant and could have been out of sight. In the second half it was Newcastle's turn to take the wheel but alas for their brilliant fans they could not get that elusive second goal.

It is coming to the point that one can nearly predict Arsenal’s season before it even begins. Always close to the top but never having enough to be Champions; knocked out of the Champion’s league in the last 16; challenging for the League cup or FA cup and putting together a winning run at the end of the season to ensure qualification for the Champion’s League for the next season. By this rationale we are into a winning phase for Arsenal as they continued their recent good run of form in the league with a hard fought victory over a determined Newcastle side at St James’ Park.

It started off very well for the Gunners. In fact, at times it was too easy for them and John Carver would have felt that his side was not doing him any favours in his quest to be the man in charge of the Newcastle team come next August. Sitting in 11^th position with 35 points this is a team whose players might already be  thinking about their summer plans. From the start Arsenal looked bright, passing the ball around with purpose, their players always running and looking for an angle and a return pass. They finally got their reward after 24 minutes when Olivier Giroud was on hand to instinctively guide Welbeck’s header into the Newcastle goal with his knee after a good free kick in from Santi Cazorla. That was Giroud’s ninth goal in his last 11 games and he got his tenth shortly after. On 28 minutes another good ball in by Cazorla, this time from a corner, and in a battle of strength with Mike Williamson, Giroud wins the header and is able to direct it past the Newcastle defender on the post.  

Newcastle pulled one goal back but could not get equaliser.

Newcastle fans demanded a better response in the second half from their team and they got it. Looking for the ball now when in the first half a lot of players went hiding Newcastle soon had pulled a goal back. Remy Cabella made a strong run breaking down the wing and crossed well over the heads of the first defenders to Sissoko who expertly took the shot first time guiding the ball past the diving Ospina into the Arsenal goal. Newcastle were buoyed by that, as were the fans, and were very unlucky not to be level at 2-2 straight after that goal with Ayoze Perez inches from bending a shot into the top corner.

 This was a different game completely now with Newcastle hunting for the equalizer. Arsenal who had been coasting in the first half seemed unprepared for the change in Newcastle attitude. Perez and Cabella were particularly effective in terrorizing the Arsenal backline with their darting runs. Newcastle should have been level after 64 minutes with Williamson heading straight at Ospina from a corner when only a couple of yards out. Arsenal suddenly couldn’t get out of their own half with Newcastle first to every ball and the Gunners had to rely on their defence with some desperate tackles to keep Newcastle at bay. In fact on 82 minutes Newcastle had a strong shout for a penalty as Cabella seemed to beat Koscielny to the ball and the French defender clipping his foot in the follow through. To the chagrin of the Toon Army the referee, Mike Jones, waved their protestations away.  The Magpies could smell salvation but to no avail and Arsenal were able to hang on…just

Both teams will take positives from this game. Newcastle will be happy they were able to fight back from a dreadful start while Arsenal will look at their strong attacking display in the first half but more so their determined defensive display in the second half. If Arsenal are to break this Ground hog day season that their fans feel  their team is stuck in they will  need more of the back bone they showed today.

Sending off allows Manchester City to sleepwalk to victory.

SENDING OFF HELPS CITY TO SLEEPWALK TO VICTORY

MANCHESTER CITY   3   WEST BROM  0

                          Etihad Stadium, Manchester 21st March 2015

                                     (BONY 27 mins)

                                                        (FERNANDO 40 mins)

                                                        (SILVA 77 mins)   

                

 This was a game that City could not really “win” no matter the result. Even this comprehensive victory will only be seen as something that was expected. Nevertheless, after the disappointment of losing out to Barcelona in the Champion’s League midweek and a run of bad form that has seen them fall behind Chelsea in the race for the Premier League crown this was a game that City just had to win, no matter the score.

West Brom were always going to be up against it and they got off to the worst possible start with them being reduced to 10 men after just 2 minutes in the strangest of circumstances . It was to be another case of the referee, in this case Neil Swarbrick, sending off the wrong man.  Wilfried Bony got through between the West Brom centre halfs and seemed to be knocked off the ball illegally by the struggling Craig Dawson. Bony, however, stayed on his feet but was then pulled down by another desperate tackle this time by Gareth McAuley and it was he who was sent off. Straight forward so far right? But wait, Dawson’s tackle was outside the box and McAuley’s was inside the box but the referee awards a free kick for the first offense and off went McAuley despite his and his teammates protestations.

Many would have expected West Brom to capitulate after that but this is a team managed by Tony Pulis and defensive organization is something he drills into his teams. For a long spell after the sending off West Brom contained City to one long range effort from David Silva on 24 minutes which was well palmed away by Boaz Myhill in the West Brom goal. That gave encouragement to City and within three minutes they were ahead, somewhat luckily for them. A weak shot by Fernando was deflected off the misfortunate Dawson wrong footing the rest of the West Brom defence and allowing Bony to bring the ball down and find his spot beyond Myhill for his first goal for the Sky Blues. City were enjoying over 90% possession but West Brom were holding firm and looked to be on their way to getting to the interval only one goal behind but it was not to be. Again West Brom were left feeling aggrieved by the officials. Mangala seemed to have his foot very high in flicking a corner on but what followed was just poor defending from the Baggies. When the ball dropped Olsson and Myhill contrived to get in each others way to allow Fernando to gratefully mop up the spilled ball.

Referee Neil Swarbrick sent off McAuley in error

In the second half, City again dominated possession and peppered the West Brom goal with shots on average one every two minutes but for all their time on the ball and all their shots City seemed very lethargic, just going through the motions and honestly you can’t really blame them for that because as an attacking force, with just ten men, West Brom were non-existent. Until that is the the 72^nd minute, when out of the blue West Brom should have scored. A corner was flicked on well by Olsson and Berahino from 2 yards out could only hit the post. In his defence, the ball came at him very quickly but he will still be disappointed. Unfortunately, for West Brom that only served to awaken City momentarily from their slumber. Gael Clichy cut back a ball for substitute Steven Jovetic to shoot through a crowd of players in which David Silva stuck out a leg to guide the ball into the West Brom net.

 This was an important victory for City and one they badly needed to help them lay some ground work for what they will need to be a strong finish to the season. Some will say that even if City win every game from now until the end of the season, If Chelsea are crowned champions then Pellegrini will be shown the door. West Brom , for their part, will point to what they will perceive as poor refereeing as a main reason for their down fall in this game but they will not dwell too much on it. With 33 points and 8 games to go they will be confident of insuring another season in the Premier League and a lot of their players will be thinking about making plans for their summer holidays.

Monaco 0 - Arsenal 2; 17th March 2015

Monaco 0  Arsenal 2

Monaco win on away goals (3-3)

17^th March 2015

Champion’s League, Last 16

It is typical of Arsenal that we were going into this away match, last 16 in the Champion’s League being already 1-3 down from the 1^st leg and all the talk before the game was how close would Arsenal get to over-turning the deficit. Everyone knew they had the potential to do it if they played their A game and this is what makes the manner of that 1^st leg home defeat more frustrating.  They threw that game away, so unprofessionally. There was a sense that they had to win the tie in the 1^st leg by two or three goals. Being conservative and keeping the game alive was out of the question. How different this tie could have been if they had not been so naïve in the first leg. 

Another issue with the pre talk press in England was that no one gave any credit to Monaco. They were written off as an easy touch when the draw was made and it was assumed that Arsenal would beat them tonight. Here was a team that had only lost two of their last 22 games, conceding just seven goals in the process and had not conceded a goal in three home games at the qualifying stage, a team that had shown, in contrast to Arsenal, some great professionalism at the Emirates in the first match. While revealing some limitations over the course of tonight’s 90 minutes they showed enough over the two legs to merit their place in the quarter finals.  

In the first half of tonight’s game Arsenal were very professional. They didn’t bomb forward seeking an early goal at the expense of their defence. They were patient, probing gently, seeking a measure of their opponents and they got their reward with a very strong finish to the half and that very important first goal. Giroud who had been held up as villain number 1 in the first leg seemed determined to make amends, on the end of most good Arsenal attacks he finally got his reward for his perseverance with an excellent finish high into the net with two Monaco players standing on the line. In fact, Arsenal should have had a second before the break with Welbeck having a driving effort blocked by Abdennour, who was lying prostrate on the ground, and Giroud shooting straight at Subasic in the Monaco goal with an instinctive flick.

Arsenal knocked out at the last 16 stage for the 5th year in a row.

Arsenal, began the second half on the front foot and after some early intense pressure Monaco began to drop off. Long balls sent forward found no Monaco player in the Arsenal half. However, as the game wore on Monaco began to get more a grip on the game, retaining possession and as a consequence setting up some good attacking plays. This pattern continued until the 79^th minute when Arsenal got their 2^nd goal. Walcott smacked the ball against the foot of the post with a controlled shot before a terrible clearance by Kurzawa allowed substitute Ramsey to gather and drill home from just inside the box. After that it was all hands to the pumps but even with 5 minutes of added time Arsenal couldn’t fashion a clear cut chance. In the end, it was a case of so near and yet so far again from Arsenal. As against Bayern Munich in past seasons they had given themselves too much to do from the first match.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Manchester United 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0 15th March 2015

Tottenham had won their last two matches against United at Old Trafford and there was good cause for optimism in them making it a hat trick of victories. In United's defeat to Arsenal in the FA cup during the week they looked disjointed, bereft of ideas, confused as to what their game plan was. It is no coincidence that guessing what a United starting line up will look like is an attempt in futility. Tottenham on the other hand had responded well to their defeat to Chelsea in the League Cup and to Fiorentina in the Europa League with  victories over QPR and Swansea. A Tottenham victory would put them level on points with United in the hunt for a top four finish and in Harry Kane Spurs have the England national teams new Messiah. So put the house on a Spurs win right? This is why I don't bet on football any more. United came out and played as if Alex Ferguson was once again sitting in the dug out. We have not seen the play like this since the opening few games of the season, they played like a team. Suddenly, everyone wanted the ball, Fellaini and Young looked confident, Rooney looked dangerous. This was what the United fans at Old Trafford had been waiting for.

It didn't start so well for United with some nervous touches by Phil Jones one of which a back pass to De Gea that had the United goalie scrambling to prevent an early goal for Tottenham. All those nerves were dispersed, however, when United took the lead. Michael Carrick found himself in lots of space and had time to slip Fellaini through on goal who showed rare composure to slot past Lloris in the Tottenham goal. Suddenly United were a new team, as were Tottenham who now seemed to not want to be in the game. Fellaini was involved in everything good for United and Rooney seemed a new man after finally been released of his midfield shackles to lead the line in a position where he was born to play.
After 19 minutes United were 2-0 up. A corner from the left was kept alive by Fellaini and finally the ball came to Carrick who again had space to head impressively past the despairing dive of Lloris.

It was on the left wing that United were getting most joy and shortly after their 2nd goal winger Andros Townsend was substituted by Tottenham manager Pochettino in favour of the more steely Moussa Dembele in an attempt to stem the United flow. However, things were shortly to get worse for Spurs. Nabil Bentaleb inexplicably gifting the ball to Rooney who then waltzed past some statuesque defending from the Spurs centre halfs to finish clinically past the helpless Lloris. This was the Rooney of old. United were on fire and Spurs were on the ropes and grateful for the half time bell.
The second half was more or less uneventful with United content to play a little more conservatively and let Tottenham commit their men forward. As Tottenham were not able to raise their game United were happy to play the ball around. Mata, Rooney and Fellaini were particulary involved in most of United's good play. In fact, it was not until the last minute of normal time that Spurs and Kane had a clear chance with De Gea grateful to smother the ball under his diving body. Spurs were as happy as the United fans to hear the final whistle. Both sets of fans will leave with plenty food for thought.

For United it will be on whether they have finally found a working and winning formation. When you have huge investments like Falcao and Di Maria the powers that be will be keen that they get game time. On this evidence, for the time being, United looked better without them. Mata especially took his opportunity, eager for the ball and driving at the Spurs defence given the opportunity. There was no doubting what the United fans opinion was, giving Mata a rousing round of applause as he left the field to be replaced by debutant 19 year old Andreas Pereira. Rooney as well seemed re-invigorated, running the channels left and right. It was obvious that this is where he wants to play full time. United are now a point behind 3rd placed Arsenal and 2 behind second placed Manchester City and this when all would largely agree that they have been playing within their potential. If this is the start of something more consistent then United fans have cause for optimism as they enter a period in which they have some challenging games.
Those who feel, like me, that Spurs are not quite ready to threaten the top four placings will have received more ammunition from this game. From the moment Fellaini put United ahead Tottenham looked like they were not up for the game. How much did they miss the guile of Erikson in linking the play from midfield to attack. On this evidence a lot. The good news for Tottenham fans is that this should just be a blip for them in what has been a very encouraging season so far. If they can keep hold of their best young players i.e. Harry Kane and add some quality in the summer then there is no reason that they can't make the breakthrough next season.  

Chelsea 1 Southampton 1 15th March 2015

CHELSEA 1    SOUTHAMPTON  1

15th March 2015

Stamford Bridge

After the defeat by PSG in the Champion's League mid-week and the controversy that came with the Chelsea players reaction to Ibrahimovic's sending off this game was always going to be about how Chelsea would react. With Manchester City wilting as possible title challengers with a home defeat at Burnley the incentive was there for Chelsea to take a big step towards claiming their fourth Premier League title. After this game we can say that Chelsea have lost their mojo, at least temporarily. That extra piece of magic that can turn a draw into a win. Oscar was anonymous for long spells and Fabregas struggled to find his passing game. With a little bit more composure and class Southampton could have taken advantage and claimed all three points. 

It didn't start off so bad for Chelsea with them taking the lead after just10 minutes. Hazard showed some great tenacity to make the opportunity for Ivanovic who crossed for the unmarked Costa to head home from close range. That was about as much as Chelsea could muster for the half as from then on it was Southampton who made all the running. In fact, it was not long before Southampton were level. First Courtois saved well when Mane was well placed to finish and then after 18 minutes Southampton won a penalty that their industrious play deserved. Mane again was the thorn, bursting through into the penalty box before being pulled down by a combination of Matic and Ivanovic. Tadic stepped forward to take what was only the second penalty Southampton have been awarded this season. Tadic had missed that one other penalty but this time he scored electing to shoot straight down the middle with Courtois just missing the shot with his out-stretched leg.

Southampton were getting a lot of joy down their left wing where Ivanovic was time after time left out numbered as Willian disappointed in getting back to support. Chances for Shane Long near post and for the impressive Mane all came from inter-changes on that side. Chelsea were happy to get to the break and we expected better things from them in the second half.

                                                                                 Chelsea players lament a missed opportunity during their 1-1 Premier League draw against Southampton. – Reuters pic,

It almost started disastrously for them as Matic, who had already been yellow carded for the foul on Mane that led to the penalty, escaped punishment when again involved in an altercation with the same player. From the resulting free kick Toby Alderweireld had a rasping drive tipped over the bar acrobatically by Courtois. From then on Chelsea began to threaten more; a combination of Southampton sitting back and Chelsea finally beginning to put some offensive passes together. At this stage Southampton would gladly have taken the point. 

 Chelsea's increased pressure was beginning to tell but it was more from attrition rather than intricate passing. First Costa hit the post on 57 mins after a reflexive reaction to a wild shot from Willian. Then after 72 minutes a Willian cross was met by the head of Oscar who headed straight at Forster in the Southampton goal and from the rebound he had to save again when Hazard tried to drill home from an acute angle. This chance encouraged Chelsea as they went for the winner and there were chances for Oscar and the substitute Cuadrado after 76 and 86 minutes respectively.  Southampton though looked to have done enough when Chelsea had their best chance of the match. A corner in stoppage time resulted in ping pong in the box with John Terry finally shooting wide when well placed.

At the end Southampton were good value for their point having taken the game to Chelsea, especially in the first half. It will give them encouragement in their fight for a top four finish. Chelsea were not at their creative best and had to rely on their discipline and experience to get them through. Being knocked out of Europe was no doubt a big blow to their confidence and it is natural that there would be some consequences. Chelsea will no doubt recover and with no obvious challenger should have enough to claim the Premier League trophy in May.

11th November 2014

I have been reading a very good book and it has inspired me to take 'up my pen' once more. Not that  it matters much but the name of the book is 'Shantaram'. The story is set in India and this brought back rich memories for me as I spent the a golden period of my life there what is now 3 years ago. It made me remember that life can be amazing if we choose it to be. That every day is unique and worth recalling. I had to think about it for a while but it doesn't have to be on a life changing trip to India it can be in the hum drum routine world of any of our lives. So I guess this blog is about that - about trying to find something worth commenting on in every day.

I wrote the above paragraph in the early afternoon an it is now midnight. I have not been staring at my computer all this time but at the same time I struggle to think of any outstanding moment. I am going to be positive and say that I am out of practice in recognising what to see. In remains to be seen but I have a feeling if daily posts do continue they will read more like a diary than a blog. Here are some points on today:

-Today I had a lot of free time but had that feeling that no matter what I did with that time it would not be accepted by myself as being fruitful to me.
-I came across once again the short lived influence of movies and books in our lives. When we put down the book we are reading or leave the cinema hall we are still under the influence of its ideals which can temporarily affect our outlook but as always we soon return to ourselves.
- Love. Or lack of and sacrificing yourself to a relationship for what you believe is the benefit of others that you do love. If one tells oneself that you are strong enough in your self for it not to hurt you too much is it OK to maintain the status quo? I guess it comes down to whether it is really of benefit to the ones that we do love.

Saturday 15th December 2012

A good run of predictions see us currently on +3 for the season. A quick look at this weekends fixtures makes me feel if we still have +3 at the end we will have done well. A lot of the games this week I think are hard to call.

Newcastle vrs Man City:

Newcastle have been going through a bad patch recently with one win in ten in the league. A home game against the Champions is a perfect opportunity to try and focus the team on the present and trying to win this game instead of dwelling what has been a bad few months for the Toon army seeing them just two points above the relegation zone. There are different opinions as to why Newcastle have not been able to continue last season's fine form. I feel that it is in attack the answer can be found. Injuries to key players and the loss of form of their two main strikers. News that Ben Arfa will probably not be fit for Saturday will seem like familair news. The strain on the squad from their participation in the Europa League can also not be helping. Even with Newcastle making use of a big squad at the very least it has acted as a disruption to their normal routine.
For Man City, they will be determined to get back to winning ways after the late blow to losing to Man Utd at the weekend. A worrying trend for them is the fact that they have not won any of their four games so far this month. There is no doubt that there is some problems in the camp and some friction between players and manger and this I feel has stopped Man City from really hitting top gear in their performances. Questions remain as to why Tevez is not starting with Aquero and there is always of course the hot potato that is Balotelli to manage. A positive for the Citizens is that they have not conceded in their last 3 away games. So while not being at their best City have not been losing games. They have so much talent that even at their worst they can get a result but it is one thing being able to avoid defeat it is another to be able to win.
While Newcastle might not be expecting much from the game they will be boosted by the news that Kompany picked up an injury against Man Utd and may not be ready in time to line up.


Prediction: Man City win

Tuesday 11th December 2012

Got the Fulham Newcastle game spot on yesterday so hoping for the good form to continue in tonight's game and build on our +3 score for the season.

 No change to the overall score for the season at +3



Sunderland vrs Reading:

This is a very big game for 2 teams that on current form are relegation certainties. Reading just don't have the players to compete consistently while Sunderland have the players but they have failed to deliver anywhere near the form that they should be capable of. A victory for Sunderland will take them out of the relegation and as high as 15th in table while a victory for Reading will take them to 12 points, 1 point behind Sunderland and 5 ahead of bottom placed QPR.
Sunderland could be without their main striker Fletcher through injury and if he doesn't play then you wonder where the goals will come from. Adam Johnson has not hit any sort of form and it appears he is still sulking from having to return from Man City. Playing at home at the Stadium of Light has not been a comfort for Sunderland as they have won only one league game there this season.
Reading have yet to win an away game but you get the feeling that if they are to win one it has to be in games like this against teams around them at the bottom. They have lost the last 4 games and have Arsenal and Man City to play after this one so their manager McDermott will be sending them out stressing the importance of getting 3 points tonight.
I feel the difference in this game could be the fact that Reading have been giving 100% but have just not been good enough. Sunderland have been underperforming, not giving 100% and I don't seem them changing in this regard. It could be this difference in commitment that will see Reading picking up their first away win.
The easy bet is for a 0-0 draw. The stats point towards there not being many goals in this game as both teams have struggled to score and with so much at stake it could be that the fear of losing will be too great for either team but I have a feeling that with difficult games coming up this will be a game that both teams will be determined to win.

Prediction: Reading & over 2.5

Actual: Sunderland 3-0 & over 2.5 (0)
Well we got it half right. I thought that Reading would be the team showing the most desire to win but it was Sunderland. Got the over 2.5 correct so nothing lost overall.

Monday 10th December 2012

Fulham vrs Newcastle is the only game today and it will be a difficult one to predict. We are +1 for the season after scoring -1 yesterday.



Spot on with the predictions giving us +2 for the day and +3 for the season!!

Fulham vrs Newcastle:

Fulham started the season very well and were especially hard to beat at home. They have now gone 7 games in the league without a win and have not scored a goal in the last 5 hours of football that they have played. In defensive terms they will be buoyed by the return of Hangeland from suspension. He has been one of their star players this season. Martin Jol and the Fulham fans will be hoping Berbatov can rediscover his goal scoring form in advance of the busy Xmas period that is fast approaching. Fulham are in desperate need of a good performance as they are in danger of slipping into a season of mid table mediocracy even before Xmas when a few weeks ago there were hopes of European qualification.
Newcastle were tipped to push on from last season but have failed to deliver. They have failed to find the form of last year winning only 2 of the last 10. A lot of this is the relevant loss of form of their 2 Senegalese strikers Ba and Cisse. Last season they couldn't stop scoring but this year they are struggling. People will also point to the injuries of key players throughout the season. A positive for Newcastle is that they won their last match out with a 3-0 win over Wigan and will be hoping that that they can build from that. They will also be encouraged by the return of Ben Arfa to the squad from injury. He has been their best player this season from an attacking point of view.
In terms of goals scored I am expecting there to be some tonight. There has been an average of 3 per game this season and I expect both teams to for the win as anything else is of no value to them.
Looking at recent games between the two sides at Craven Cottage Fulham have the edge winning the last 3.

Prediction: Fulham win & Over 2.5

Actual: Fulham win & over 2.5 (+2)
A hard fought game won by the team with more cohesion from an attacking point of view.  

Sunday 9th December 2012

We had a good day yesterday hitting 5/7 correct predictions giving us a +2 for the season but today's games I feel are more open and it will be more difficult to predict. We are going to need some luck to get these results correct.

In game comments:

Post game comments: I had predicted that these games would be hard to call. We finish with 1/3 giving us a (-1) for the day and +1 for the season.
We were seconds from getting the draw in Manchester and were really fortunate to get the point in the Everton game as they scored 2 to win in injury time. We were looking good in the West Ham game but somehow Liverpool contrived to score 3 away goals without Suarez to win. Football is a funny old game. See you again soon.
 
Man City Vrs Man Utd.

The striking stat that stands out for this game is that Man Utd's 7 victories coming from behind is already a Premier League record! Some people are saying that Utd. are psychologically now waiting to fall behind but anyone who has played football would disregard that. No team goes out to wait to fall behind. This trend speaks of a lack of application by the staff and players. The great Liverpool teams of old would just tick along until December, keeping within touching distance and then becoming fully focused on treating every game as if it was a cup final until the league and whatever else was available was won. United have been doing the same for the last 20 years. There was a time when Chelsea and Arsenal were at their peak that you had to focus from August as you could not afford to lose more than 2/3 games in a season. Standards have slipped a bit again so cruising along is OK again. The fact that United have been able to turn it on as required is ominous for the rest of the league.
Man City can also claim to have been picking up points without having played anywhere near top form. There is a lot to say for a team that might not currently have enough desire to win every game but that will most certainly not lose that game. They know that they are good enough to not allow that to happen. Neither team will want to lose this game and I think both would settle for a draw at this stage of the season. Both teams have the confidence to come back from falling a goal behind so I am going for a scoring draw in this game, probably 1-1.

Prediction : Draw

City started with all the possession but Utd and Rooney have caught them twice with a suckerpunch. 2-0 to United. City have also lost their inspirational captain Kompany and I blame Toure, who has replaced him, for the 2nd goal. 
Half time and 2-0 it remains. I still won't write off the draw. City will surely come out all guns blazing in the 2nd half and if they score 1 goal then anything could happen. Having said that we know Utd will be hoping to hit them on the break again. One more goal from Utd you feel would be game over.
Just after Utd had a goal incorrectly disallowed City go up the other end a pull one back through Yaya Toure 2-1. 35 minutes to go and our prediction of a draw is still on. 
The game has really heated up. Full of passion and commitment. The referee is also finding it hard to keep up making some very poor decisions against both teams. 
City's pressure finally paying off. 2-2! Zabaletta firing in from a cleared corner. Hold your horses now boys. Take it easy! 
United looking nervous now. Can City snatch a winner? 
No they can't because Utd go ahead 3-2! Van Persie from a deflection off Nasri. So close to our prediction...but no cigar. This was always going to be a game that was going to be hard to predict.

Actual: Man Utd win 3-2 (-1)

Everton vrs Tottenham;

This is a very interesting game where anything could happen. Both teams are capable of winning the game comfortably.
Everton's great start has been tempered somewhat by a drawing streak. 7 out of the last 9 league games have been draws. Mirallas and Coleman could be fit to play and if Mirallas especially makes it it will be good news for the Toffees as he adds another dimension from the right side to a team that predominantly attacks from the left side. In Fellaini Everton have a free scoring midfielder and it is his partnership with Piennar and Baines that has been their prime source of goals.
The big news for Spurs is that their man in form, Bale, is out injured. This will be a big blow to their attacking threat as he has been the reason they have won 4 on the bounce. Another issue is that Spurs played in midweek in the Europa League so Everton can expect to be that much fresher. On the plus side Dembele is back in their midfield and he will always cause problems with his direct style. His return has also seen Dempsey strike some form. The American seems to enjoy playing with the Belgian. The big worry for Spurs is their defence who are the 5th worst in the league and are especially prone to losing games in the final 10 minutes. On balance it seems to be more plusses for Everton.

Prediction: Everton win

Everton have been on top and have had the better chances but it is their same old failing. They need 3/4 chances to score 1. Will Spurs make them pay in the 2nd half?
Everton continue to be wasteful. Tottenham will be happier with the draw if it stays like this. 
It is one of those games you feel that Everton could play until tomorrow and wouldn't score! Let's call it 0-0 and go home and save us all some time..and money :(
That Leon Osman made it into the England squad recently just shows how poor the pool of players to choose from is. 
I hoped I was tempting fate but not in this way! Tottenham 1-0 up. 
Forget about Everton's early season form as it is offially finished. I hinted in previous posts that they could be doing the reverse in what they do normally by starting well and finishing badly. Themselves and West Brom are two teams I will not be seeing as winners in their next few games no matter who they are playing. 
There is a stat that Tottenham would be top of the table if games were to finish after only 80 mins and it will continue for another week as Everton are now 2-1 ahead with 2 goals in injury time! Great news for us and our predictions. I never had a doubt really :)

Actual: Everton win 2-1 (+1)
 

West Ham vrs Liverpool:

West Ham could go as high as 6th today with a win. Who would have believed that at the start of the season? Big Sam has got a team who are strong of spirit and will give 100% commitment. In this age of sensitive millionaires playing football that is worth a few points. You don't beat West Ham unless you really want to. The question is how much will Liverpool fancy going head to head, literally, with the Hammers on West Ham's own patch, especially as they have only one away win to their name? I think not much. If Liverpool win, however, they could move above West Ham so there is incentive for both teams. Some of Liverpool's players will have played mid week against Udinese so West Ham should be that bit fresher. Also West ham will be buoyed by the absence of Suarez through suspension. Liverpool fans will be asking the question who can score goals in his absence? Who can Liverpool even call upon to replace him? The enforced absence of Andy Carroll from West ham's squad as part of his loan agreement will not trouble Liverpool fans too much as he has not been as prolific as West Ham fans hoped he would be. Big Sam also loves upsetting the big names to bolster his own belief that he is good enough to manage a top four side so he will have his charges fired up. Everything really points to a home win. Liverpool without Suarez will not I feel score more than 1 if even that. I fancy West Ham to get at the Liverpool defence and cause them and Reina, who has not been at his best, some aerial problems. Kevin Nolan, a Scouser himself, has been the engine of the Hammers team and he will be especially eager to make his presence felt.

Prediction: West Ham win

Liverpool take the lead 1-0. Glen Johnson with a cracker by all accounts. West Ham were a goal down against Chelsea at half time last week and came back to win so hope is not lost yet. 
Some good news at last. Mark Noble converts a penalty for West Ham 1-1.
And things get even brighter. An own goal from Gerrard puts West Ham 2-1 ahead. 
Liverpool have been so poor that West Ham must have lost concentration at the back because Joe Cole has equalised 2-2. You would think it has been a great game but it hasn't...up until now anyway.  
And the drama goes on. It is now 3-2 Liverpool with Shelvey scoring. What has caused Liverpool's comeback? Was it the loss of Diame for West Ham or the introduction of Henderson for Liverpool? Ten minutes ago I was feeling very smug with my predictions as we were heading for 2/3. Looking more like 1/3 now.

Actual: Liverpool win 3-2 (-1) 

Friday 7th December 2012

We did well last week scoring a 6/10 meaning we are just -1 for the season. Another good weekend and we should be back in + figures.

Live in game updates:
At half time we are 4/7 which we would take now at full time if it was offered us. Still some twists and turns to come I feel. 

Final Score: A good day in terms of the predictions 5/7 +3 for the day giving us a +2 for the season. Lets hope tomorrow we can continue the trend.

 

Arsenal vrs West Brom:

Both sets of fans have had cause for worry in the last few weeks. Arsenal have just taken 6 points from the last 6 games contributing towards their worst points tally for this time of the year in the Wenger era. West Brom have had a reality check to their new found high position in the league with back to back defeats. Both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. The Baggies have already exceeded their own expectations and there should be no pressure on them preventing them from going for a win here. That could fall into Arsenal's hands as they should be really up for this game after the criticism they and their manager have taken recently. The truth is they can't not afford not to.

Prediction: Arsenal win

A controversial penalty puts Arsenal 1-0 up. Was there conatct on Cazorla? It looks like there wasn't. Arsenal have been on top but have not killed the game off. Could they regret that in te 2nd half?

Actual -Arsenal win (2-0) +1
This was more a case of West Brom being very poor than Arsenal doing anything different but they will be happy to get 3 points. The penalty was a big decision and will no doubt dominate discussions on the game.  

Aston Villa vrs Stoke:

This game does not shout goals. Both teams have found scoring goals hard to come by and they have also been mean in giving away goals. Stoke have been doing very well recently winning 4 of their last 5 games although 3 of those have been at home. They will be confident going into the game but Pulis has a rigid way of playing that means that Stoke don't usually play better or worse in any game.
Villa have been picking up points since playing the 2 Manchester teams recently. 2 draws and a win over Reading have seen them ticking over. Lambert has been brave since taking over in putting together a new young team from the same squad that he inherited from McLeish. It was always going to be a phase of transition and avoiding relegation will be a success for the club this year. Lambert can then slowly start bringing in his own players so it will be interesting to see if they wil bel active in the transfer window.
In this game I think both teams will be conservative and both will be happy with a draw.

Prediction: Draw & Under 2.5 goals
This game is going as we had predicted, so far. A draw and a shortage of goals.

Actual: Draw (0-0) and Under 2.5 (+2)
This game went to script. No surprises here.
 

Southampton vrs Reading:

My tip last week that Southampton would be overawed by their trip to Anfield was confirmed by Lallana's comments after the game. At home this weekend they should be a different proposition. Anyone who has read previous posts (tumbleweed and the sound of wind blowing) will know that I like the Saints. They have some really exciting young and commited players who I enjoy watching. Something else that could influence this game is that Southampton don't play again for two weeks while Reading must play again in 3 days on 11th December against another relegation struggler Sundeland. Nigel Adkins will be demanding 100% effort knowing that they have 2 weeks to recover.
When I look at the Reading team there is not one player whose name sticks out as me as a game changer. They are certainties for relegation in my book as I don't see them getting anything from this game.

Prediction: Southampton win
There have been chances for both teams to be ahead in this game but it is still all square. It has been an open game and I still expect there to be goals in the 2nd half. And Southampton duly oblige. It is their live wire Putcheon who puts the Saints 1-0 up.

Actual: Southampton win (1-0) (+1)
This game could have gone either way and Southampton will feel relieved that it went their way.  

Sunderland vrs Chelsea:

This is a very interesting game. On paper it is a no brainer - relegation candidates against the European Champions, 17th vrs 3rd in the league. However, these are troubled times behind the scenes for Chelsea. They have stumbled from one nightmare PR event to another and there appointment of Benitez as interim manager is not conducive to stability. It is obvious to all that Chelsea want Guardiolla but why would he want them? By all accounts the ex Barcelona coach is not someone motivated purely by money but that remains to be seen. Whatever will happen in the future the whole thing stinks now. Chelsea will be looking for a win before they head off for the World Club Championship.
And what about Sunderland? Well the stats are not good  -  losing 14 of the last 15 meetings and they have not beaten them at home for 12 years. This season they have won 1 of their last 9 and look relegation fodder at present. Steven Fletcher started his Sunderland career impressively but due to poor suuply that rich vein has dried up. Martin O'Neill is old school. A fan of the declining 4-4-2 formation. He is not the same motivator he was 10 years ago and it will be a close run thing this season if Sunderland are to stay up. Sunderland will make it difficult for Chelsea and try to frustrate them. If they can stop Chelsea from scoring in the first 30 minutes Chelsea might start to get frustrated. In that regard Chelsea will be happy to be playing away from their restless home support.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Chelsea take the lead and it is Torres who gets it! Following up his mid week brace with the opener here. Could this be the start of some form? Everyone at Chelsea will be hoping that it is. 
Torres again! This time from a penalty 2-0. Looks like Benitez did know how to get the best out of him.  
Mata makes it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half and Chelsea can start thinking of World Club Football in Japan. 
Oh Yeah Adam Johnson, now you come alive when you were losing. He scores to make the score 3-1. That could only serve to make Chelsea want to score more. 

Actual: Chelsea win (3-1) (+1)
This could have been a banana skin for Chelsea but with Torres regaining some form of confidence today they were able to naviagate it safely. Benitez will be relieved and Abramovich will be able to sleep happy dreams tonight in his pram.  

Swansea vrs Norwich:

This game matches two teams in form. Swansea are undefeated in 7, Norwich in 9. Norwich though are not so hot in their travels as they are yet to record an away win in the league scoring only 5 goals for their efforts. I feel Norwich are over performing at present while I feel there is more to come from Swansea. Going forward they are very dangerous and the four attackers of Routledge, Dyer, Hernandez and Michu are imroving as they play more together. Hernandez, however, is still out injured for this one. After 4 straight wins, if Norwich were ever to get an away win it would be sometime soon however I feel at home Swansea should edge this one.

Prediction: Swansea win

OOps! Norwich have been doing the early running and their pressure has paid off. Norwich 1-0 ahead- Only their 6th away goal this season.
This is why you shouldn't put money on football games. Norwich have now scored their 7th away goal of the season 2-0 to the Canaries. 
Looks like Norwich are on their way to doubling their away goals tally for the season. They are now 3-0 ahead and the Swans are shellshocked. 
My man Michu does it again (1-3) Swansea pull a goal back after 51 mins. Could they pull this one out of the fire? 
They are making a good fist of it. It is now 3-2! The momentum is with the Swans now. 
Swansea had a goal disallowed but in their efforts to get the equaliser they have been caught with a suckerpunch. 4-2 to Norwich. 
Swansea still not giving up in what is the game of the day. Michu strikes again 4-3.  

Actual: Norwich win (4-3) (-1)
I think everything that needs to be said has been said above. Credit to Norwich who keep bucking the trend.   

Wigan vrs QPR:

Harry Redknapp did not get his big win last weekend and that will have deflated a little bit of his motivational powers . Wigan have only one of their last 5 league games and have conceded more goals at home than any other team in the Premier League (15). You never know what to expect with Wigan but recently they have started to set a trend of being poor. The problem for QPR is that they can't score goals with only 11 scored this season in the league. You never know what magic Harry can wield but if QPR are to start winning you would expect it to be at home. Wigan are weakened by injury and suspension but I think they will have just enough offensively to edge this one.

Prediction: Wigan win

Not looking good for Harry and QPR. 1-0 already. Are Wigan going to show their good side today? 
QPR have been working really hard and their efforts have paid off 1-1. Thats the way it stands at half time. Will the managers settle for a draw now after both have drawn blood?
It defies logic but QPR have taken the lead against Wigan. Now do you appreciate how diificult this prediction game is? 
Well, that is more like it. Wigan strike straight back 1-1. They will settle for a draw now, won't they?

Actual: Draw (2-2) -1
Finally they settle for a draw. I should have seen this coming really in hindsight. Not really what QPR need as they create the unwanted Premier League record of 16 games without a win from the start of the season.  

Friday 30th November 2012

Well, I well and truly got creamed in my predictions during the week (2/8 correct) so I really need to get back on track this weekend. Here is what I think will happen.
It is half time at the 3pm games so let us see where we are. If things were to finish now we would have 5/9. The predictions most in danger are my over 2.5 with Fulham & Tottenham and my under 2.5 with QPR and Villa.
After 90 minutes in the 3pm games it is 5/9 giving us a score of +1
This gives us an overall score of -2 with the United game still to come and cause for optimism that this score can improve. United winning in that crazy 4-3 win means 6/10 and a score of +2 for the day and -1 as our overall score for the season.
West Ham vrs Chelsea:

This is a hard game to call. West Ham are good at home and Chelsea have been rocked by the recent changes in management. I don't think they will have got themselves in order well enough to get all 3 points so it will be a Hammers win or a draw. Torres has become a figure of riducule recently. Abramovich has brought in Benitez purely for the reason to try and get him firing but it is a futile effort. Abramovich demands return from his 50m man but Torres looks so uncomfortable on the pitch now that I seriously worry for the Spaniard's mental health. Then there are the 3 amigoes who started the season so well but could never be expected to keep the same standards over a whole Premier League season. Now it is the English winter they are showing signs that they would rather be somewhere else. I am expecting a dour low scoring game as West Ham will be happy to just contain Chelsea and try to hurt them with set pieces and long balls over the top. Benitez has tightened up Chelsea's defence but West Ham's offence is much more direct and comes down to physicality. I am expecting a lot of bookings in this game possibly even a red card.

Prediction: West Ham win
Doesn't look good. Chelsea 1-0 up. The best I would expect from here is a draw. West Ham look tired after their weekend exploits against Man Utd. I should have thought of that :(
Into the 2nd half and the Hammers look good for an equaliser. 1-1 Game on. It could go either way now. Two glourious chances for West Ham with 10 minutes to go. First Jarvis one on one with Cech and then Collins with a header off the line by Cole. 2-1 West Ham!! Diame blasts it in with 5 minutes to go. West Ham are good value for it but can they hold on?Chelsea fall to pieces at the back and it is now 3-1 West Ham!! I never really had a doubt :) Benitez for the sack in the morning!?And that is the final score. Not as physical a game as I was expecting with only 3 cards. Good start to the day. Hopefully will have as much look with the 3pm kick offs. Will keep you updated.
Actual 3-1 (+1)
Arsenal vrs Swansea:

Swansea were amazing during the week when, in the first half especially, they tore West Brom apart. The key to this was Laudrup's decision to play Routledge, Dyer and Pablo together in the same line-up where previously it was 2 of 3. He also returned the attacking midfielder Michu to the strikers role and these changes paid dividend. It will not be possible to repeat this formation this weekend as Pablo is out with a thigh strain. This should see De Guzman or Shechter being recalled.
Arsenal are still floundering and will start the game short on confidence and attacking direction. They look like a team that are not united in the dressing room. Walcott's contract saga and his comments along with Podolski's in that they want to play through the centre speak of disharmony. However, as Arsenal are playing at home i am going to opt for a draw in this game.

Prediction: Draw
Glad to see Jenkinson starting ahead of Sagna. I hear the Frenchman is on the way out of the club. Similar to Alex Song - good riddance! Not much to comment on in the first half here in a pretty uneventful affair greeted by boos from the home fans. What has happened to Oxlade Chamberlin? Have not heard anything about him for a long time. Looking very much like a draw here with 5 minutes to go. And then Swansea pull Arsenal's pants down with 2 late Michu goals! Not that Arsenal deserve anything for their lacklustre performance. They are a team of Kittens! Close with the prediction but no cigar.
Actual 0-2 (-1)
Fulham vrs Tottenham:

Fulham are currently going through a sticky patch as they have not won their last 6 Premier League games. They are always good at home though and I am expecting goals in this game. There are some side stories to this game as well with Jol, Dembele and Dempsey all returning to their former clubs and will be eager to make an impression. Spurs have won their last 2 and that has been down to the return to lethal form of Bale and the return from injury of Dembele. I feel both sides will go at each other hammer and thongs and it should make for an exciting game of football.


Prediction: Draw & over 2.5 goals
0-0 at half time to what has been an entertaining 45 minutes. The draw looks still on but will there be 3+ goals in the second half?
And we are off and running. Sandro puts Spurs 1-0 up. Is there 2 more goals in this game? Big blow to our objective as Bale has gone off with a pulled hamstring (not good for my fantasy team). Defoe makes it 2-0 to Tottenham. No chance of a draw now it seems but still on for over 2.5. Defoe obliges 3-0 to Tottenham. This is a good win away from home in the battle for Champions League positions. Compare this to Arsenal at Swansea. All this done without Bale.
Actual: 0-3 (-)

Liverpool vrs Southampton:

Going to Anfield used to be a day out for the visiting team and fans. A chance to savour the hallow halls of The Reds. One did not expect to get much else from the game. That has all changed now. This year alone there has only been 4 wins for the Anfield faithfull out of a possible 16. Visiting this week are the rejuvinated Saints who have rediscovered their own faith. They have really impressed me over the last couple of weeks and if they get at Liverpool today I think they can cause problems. Liverpool will be boosted by the news that Lucas Leiva is available for the first time since August. Brendan Rodgers will be eager to get him back as it will allow Joe Allen to push further up the field into the position that he was originally bought for.Southampton's goalkeeper is bound to make his weekly mistake so I fancy Liverpool to score as Southampton's defence has a very soft core. Southampton were around when the Reds were invincible and I have a feeling that it could be just like those early days in the eighties for the Saints players and fans today.


Prediction: Liverpool win
Looking good, Agger puts Liverpool in front. And that is the way it stays.
Actual (+1)

Manchester City vrs Everton:


If the 'good' Everton turns up at the Etihad today then we could be in for a great game. A lot will depend on the fitness of Baines who from left back has been the sides playmaker. So much of Everton's play is link up between Baines, Piennar and Fellaini down the left side. What makes this game even more interesting is that Everton have been Mancini's bogeyteam. Everton have won 5 of the last 6 meetings! I don't think that Everton will win this one though. Their form has dipped since their great start.They have now won only once in their last 8 league games. It could be that their small squad is starting to feel the toil of the Premier League. They will get no respite from City and I am going for a home win.


Prediction: Man City win
The Everton hoodoo strikes again! Fellaini puts the Toffees ahead just after the half hour. Back on track for our predictiction with Tevez converting a penalty (that is also good for my fantasy team). Nothing of interest in the 2nd half and 1-1 it ends.
Actual 1-1 (-1)

QPR Vrs Aston Villa:

Enter Harry the Wizard! Does he still have the magic charm to turn sulking overpaid footballers into winners? If anyone can 'Arry can. This is a week that Harry will have revelled in. The winless QPR looking to stem the tide of their inexorable descent into the Championship. He has nothing to lose as noone expects the R's to turn around so quickly but if they win then well...let's just say Harry has been daydreaming of himself basking in the glory of the Sunday headlines proclaiming the second coming of the Messiah! Both these teams have found it hard to score goals. QPR have only scored 10 goals in 13 matches while Villa have not been exactly prolifigate. Neither manager will want to lose this game. Victory will be a bonus. I am going for a low scoring draw.


Prediction: Under 2.5 goals & Draw
Oh  no Harry! Villa 1-0 up. Not the start you were looking for. Then again we were not expecting Green to be in goal. Is there anyone with less confidence than this man...besides Torres of course? 1-1 Mackie strikes back. Harry has opted in his last 2 games for more of the players that got QPR promotion. Looking for more honesty in performance. I hope the 2 teams calm down a bit as my under 2.5 is looking very vulnerable. 15 minutes to go and no change from half time. Still on course for a double in this game. Famous last words?
Actual: (1-1) +2

West Brom vrs Stoke:

West Brom have been flying this season and it was a surprise to even them I feel that they were beaten by Swansea mid week. At home today though I don't see any slip ups. man City are the only team to have won at the Hawthorns this season. People are still expecting the Baggie's bubble to burst but I believe that it will continue til at least the New Year then I can see them fading as the exertions take their toll on a small squad. Stoke will be without their Target man Crouch so Kenwyne Jones should deputise. He has not hit the same type of form that we were used to seeing every week when he was at Sunderland so he will have a big point to prove today. However, Olsson and McAuley should have enough to keep him and Stoke quiet. Stoke have claimed 10 of the last 12 available points but have not won away from home in their last 16 attempts! I don't see that record ending today especially without Crouch.

Prediction: West Brom win
0-0 at half time in a 45 minutes that has been largely uneventful. Still a good chance that West Brom can win this. Not looking good now though with Dean Whitehead putting the Potters ahead with 20 mins to go.And that is the way it stays. Is this the baggie's bubble burst? I thought they would last longer..at home especially.
Actual (0-1)-1
Reading vrs Man Utd.

A frightening stat is that Man Utd have only lost 6 games in the last decade over the month of December winning 77% of the games! It is a testimony that they know what it takes to win the league. Prior to December the goal is to stay in touch with the leaders and ensure Champion's league progression. With that assured the next goal is to blitz the league over the winter months to maximise points and put them in as comfortable a position  as possible come the business end of the season when important games come thick and fast. Ferguson will be aware what month it is now and he will be passing this message to his players. Now is the time to move up the gears. Reading will have winced when they saw the fixture list back in August. Reading are unbeaten in the last 4 but I see this as a mild surge of effort before they slip back into results that are in line with their destiny this season i.e to be relagated.

Prediction: Man Utd win
Actual: 3-4 (+1)