Saturday gave us the first Big 4 encounter as Manchester United welcomed an Arsenal side that is in marauding form. Two of the best sides in England since the Premier League began have always been the recipe of a mouthwatering contest for fans and neutrals alike.
Yet, for the first 40 minutes of the game, it was one midfield playing the other. This apart from Fletcher's effort just under 10 minutes which he blasted wide after being set up by Wayne Rooney, and Arshavin's brilliantly guided ball (on a corner) which missed the post by mere inches.
It was near the 40th minute that the match really took off. Arshavin had the ball in the penalty area and tried to dribble across a diving Darren Fletcher. He got the ball away before Fletcher came crashing into his legs. A blind man would have given this a penalty.
But such is the way football treats you. Luck has rarely shown it's pretty face to Darren Fletcher and he welcomed it with open arms. It was on a similar night last year at the Emirates, that Fletcher had got the ball away from Cesc Fabregas inside the penalty box, but the referee saw otherwise. Cue the yellow card, and Fletcher was out of the CL Final. Clearly a player United sorely missed on that night and the evidence of this argument was provided by Fletcher against Arsenal. He tread on every blade of grass on the Old Trafford pitch, blocked every pass in a radius of 10 meters, strung together great offensive runs and hassled the Arsenal midfield for its possession.
Coming back to the 40th minute of the match. Arsenal were soon in possession and it was the Russian maestro who collected a pass 30 yards out and sent a screamer past Ben Foster to hand Arsenal the lead. Foster should have done better with his save. Stronger hands would have seen the ball sail over the top post, but that strike deserved to rest at the back of the net. The goal sprang United into life and they bombarded the Arsenal goal till Half-Time, but 'that' pass into the final third was missing.
After the restart it was Arsenal who threatened first and Foster made amends of his earlier mistake, saving brilliantly from Van Persie who should have been on the score sheet just on the basis of his display. The two teams exchanged some good moves, but it was at the hour mark that things turned drastically bad for Arsenal. Ryan Giggs put a beautifully weighted through ball in the path of Wayne Rooney who burst through the Arsenal defense and tried to beat the keeper on the dribble but was brought down by Manuel Almunia. The Arsenal stopper could have few complaints about the penalty, clearly tagging Rooney, but maybe should have questioned his decision making. The referee took his own time to allow Rooney to shoot and when he blew his whistle, Rooney sent Almunia the wrong way and leveled the score.
United brought on Ji-Sung Park for the unimpressive Valencia (at 63 minutes) and a minute after the introduction of the Korean, the Red Devils won a free-kick in the middle of the Park. Ryan Giggs stepped up and floated in a beautiful cross in no-man's land only to find an unopposed Abou Diaby in the box who showed some sublime finishing skills to find the back of the net with his header. Too bad it was in his own net. Stretford End had erupted. And with United in the lead, it was going to be very tough for the Gunners to come back on level terms after this fiasco.
The heads had dropped, shoulders clammed up as Arsenal showed the body language of a team that had just conceded their 3rd goal without reply (cue the same CL semi-final from last year). A far cry from their display on the night. Diaby tried to make amends immediately after the restart but his shot just didn't match his run. At the other end United were threatening on the counter attack but showed exactly why they need a better performance from their midfield men. While Fletcher and Carrick control the ball well, they can't even match Giggs for passing. The veteran showing exactly why Sir Alex saves him for the big games.
In the closing stages of the game, both teams spurned brilliant chances - Berbatov, who came on at the 85th minute to replace Giggs, was teed up beautifully by Nani but sent his shot crashing wide, and then Van Persie put the ball in the back of the net only to see the offside flag raised for Gallas.
A very bemused Arsene Wenger was sent off with 30 seconds to go, for kicking a bottle in frustration. And he should have been frustrated. Arsenal got a result they didn't deserve and they only have themselves to blame.
I was talking to my friend, an ardent Gunner, and told him I predicted his team winning 2-1 at Old Trafford. But I also said that if United take the lead, they will not get beaten at home. They rarely do. United showed again that they can do the job on the night without coming within a country mile of their best.
And Arsenal are susceptible to giving it away and their history shows it. They will be brilliant for 85 minutes and then will have a period of 5 crazy minutes where they gift the game to their opponents and teams like United will punish you at such times.
When Arshavin scored, Martin Tyler very eloquently described the goal as "From Russia, with Love". I say the United's victory was "From Arsenal, with Love"
The season is still in its infancy and who knows who will have the last laugh. The Gunners have 30th January marked on the calendar as "Revenge Date".
Until Then, Bring in the Beers.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Premier League Preview Round 4
PREDICTIONS------------RESULTS
ARS 6 - 0 POR--------- ARS 4 - 1 POR
BIR 1 - 1 STO----------BIR 0 - 0 STO
HUL 2 - 1 BOL---------HUL 1 - 0 BOL
MANC 2 - 0 WOL------MANC 1 - 0 WOL
SUN 2 - 1 BLA---------SUN 2 - 1 BLA
WIG 0 - 1 MANU------WIG 0 - 5 MANU
WHU 1 - 1 TOT--------WHU 1 - 2 TOT
BUR 1 - 2 EVE---------BUR 1 - 0 EVE
FUL 0 - 2 CHE--------FUL 0 - 2 CHE
LIV 2 - 0 AST---------LIV 1 - 3 AST
I got 7 results CORRECT. 2 PERFECT scores.
Quite frankly, it should have been 8 correct and 3 Perfect scores. No thanks to the brilliance of Carlton Cole at both ends of the pitch, are Tottenham still on top of the Premier League table. On to the coming, and very exciting, weekend.
Chelsea vs Burnley
Kick-Off 12:45
Chelsea 1/7
Draw 7/1
Burnley 20/1
'The Blue Thunder' has been on quite a rampage and is driving fear into the hearts of their opponents. Something Burnley is not accustomed to. They don't fear anyone, that's for sure. But, they are modest and humble and in their managers' mind, they won't stand much of a chance to repeat last seasons' heroics. Chelsea look a well-oiled, well-crafted machine. Whether this will last the season, time will tell. Right now, they do look unbeatable. But then again, Hull at home and Sunderland away are not fixtures you would expect Chelsea to lose. They did well against Fulham as well. Burnley will be Burnt out by this weekend after 3 back - back victories (two impressive ones against Manchester United and Everton, one in mid-week against Hartlepool). But the one against Hartlepoool was won in extra-time and the team will find it tough to recover quick enough for the first game of the weekend. If Burnley prove me wrong, this is the last time I will doubt them.
Chelsea 3 - 0 Burnley
Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United
Kick-Off 15:00
Rovers 6/5
Draw 9/4
Hammers 5/2
The Rovers gave a good account of themselves at the Stadium of Light last weekend but came up short against an inspired performance by Kenwyn Jones. But this game isn't happening away from home, it is at Ewood Park and that will give the Rovers some amount of confidence. Sam Allardyce had made the Reebok a fortress while he was at Bolton and he will has already started that mission at Blackburn. His team is hard to beat but then again, they don't have enough goals in them.
The Hammers had a great showing against a rampant Tottenham side and would feel hard done by the 1 - 2 loss to the Spurs. But they have bounced back since with the highly controversial come from behind victory over arch rivals Milwall in midweek. Through Balls to opposing strikers aside, Carlton Cole has been in good form and only under Gianfranco Zola will he ever be able to strike the ball like he did at the weekend. What a goal, Mr. Cole. This game doesn't have too much in it. Pedersen to score with a spot kick and West Ham to nick one at the end.
Blackburn 1 - 1 West Ham
Bolton vs Liverpool
Kick-Off 15:00
Bolton 6/1
Draw 3/1
Liverpool 8/15
Liverpool will want last weekend's result to look like a blip in their title campaign. But the fact remains they can't seem to cope with life without Alonso. God alone knows why Benitez was planning it last year. Further proof that he is a numpty manager, as far as the League is concerned. Liverpool's midfield plus strikers take the shape of what looks like a car tire. The only problem is, without Alonso threading the attacks together, this tire doesn't seem to be going straight but making donuts at the car park. If any Liverpool fan thinks am off it, please look at the odds being given to your club for a win. It's almost 1/2.
Bolton will be thrilled they are playing Liverpool at this stage. But they won't be over the moon. After being beaten by Hull last weekend, they went on to defeat Tranmere Rovers in their Carling Cup match in midweek. The derby victory will give them confidence but they just don't have anything attractive about them. It's a wonder why Reebok supports this team blindly. Gary Megson will send out a team to frustrate Liverpool and hit them on the counter attack. His only problem is Liverpool can match anything thrown their way by this team.
Bolton 1 - 2 Liverpool
Stoke vs Sunderland
Kick-Off 15:00
Stoke 11/8
Draw 9/4
Sunderland 11/5
Stoke will be thrilled coming back to familiar territory after an unhappy road trip which saw them thrashed at Anfield and return with the first goalless draw of the season at St. Andrews, a game where they should have been targeting all 3 points. They will be tired as well, needing an added half an hour to pull off a 1 - 0 against Leyton Orient in midweek. Tony Pulis will want to get a win against Sunderland at home to get the confidence back at the Britannia.
Standing in his way will be Steve Bruce's Black Cats who are high on confidence having won 3 of their last 4 games. One of the wins was on opening day at the Reebok, a ground similar in ferocity as the Britannia. Kenwyn Jones is in sublime form and is linking up well with new boy Darren Bent. Paulo Da Silva had a great debut midweek against Norwich in the Carling Cup and Andy Reid was also in great touch. Bruce said in his first press conference that his side need to score that vital SECOND goal to seal a game. He organises his teams such that they are hard to beat. And definitely, with a 2 goal deficit against the potters, he will come back smiling.
Stoke 1 - 3 Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Birmingham
Kick-Off 15:00
Spurs 4/11
Draw 15/4
Birmingham 8/1
The Spurs are rampant this season. They have scored 14 goals in 4 competitive games. The latest against being a 5 - 1 hammering of Doncaster. The great thing about the game was that Harry Redknapp was able to field a relatively changed side to emphasize the depth of his Spurs. Although Birmingham will not be the ideal preparation for their next game against Manchester United, the hosts will want to put up a show for their home fans who will be in full voice after the Spurs' London derby win against West Ham.
Birmingham on the other hand couldn't have had a more up and down start to the season. They opened against the Champions, hosted a troubled Pompey and then an unimaginative Stoke and now they are going to London, almost walking toward certain doom and a hiding from a magical spurs team. James McFadden will be happy to work with fellow Scot Barry Ferguson but that partnership needs to blossom fast for Birmingham to have any chance of survival. Sadly, we are not going to see the best of it this weekend.
Tottenham 3 - 1 Birmingham
Wolverhamton Wanderers vs Hull City
Kick-Off 15:00
Wolves 11/10
Draw 9/4
Hull 11/4
Mick McCarthy's new start to life in the Premier League has not been one to forget. Simply because, it was disastrous the last time around. At least they have picked up a crucial win against Wigan and have advanced in the Carling Cup, albeit from penalties over League One side Swindon. Added to that, the injury to star striker Sylvan Ebanks Blake, the Wolves do look to have a topsy turvy ride resulting either in relegation come March, or a fight to the finish on the last day of the season. The Wolves have to realize that home form is crucial for any team to survive in the league, and they just don't look formidable enough at the Molineux, even against team that are likely to end up in the lower half of the table.
Hull City is one of those teams. In fact I would not be surprised if both these teams are relegated. Which is exactly what makes this tie interesting. Hull were great away from home last season, but their nervous end to the season proved why they needed to do just a little more at home games. And with the Wolves wanting to make a great impression in front of their own crowd this can turn out to be a 5 goal thriller, with Phil Brown's men doing just enough. By the way, this is the eternal optimist in me talking, don't be surprised if this game is a cagey donut affair.
Wolves 2 - 3 Hull
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Kick-Off 17:15
Man Utd 11/10
Draw 12/5
Arsenal 13/5
The fact that this game is the late kick-off on a Saturday night shows that the intensity in this once very heated rivalry has gone down among the fans. But not among the players. Arsenal will be hungry to avenge the 1 - 3 hammering at the Emirates in last seasons' CL Semi-Final. They won't be too thrilled about the fact that they couldn't delay the inevitable (United's Premier League Title, 3rd in a row and managed only a goalless draw at OT in their penultimate match of last season) either. And they have good reasons to feel confident. They are in the CL group stage after a masterclass against the Bhoys. They showed Everton how to play football and managed to smash 4 past a listless Pompey defense. They will expect the 3 points at OT - something very few teams will look at when the play the champions this season.
Manchester United on the other hand will be thanking their stars that Vidic is back... no, no... Owen scored... no, no... United put away chances... no, no...somebody can take free-kicks in the post-Ronaldo era. Well, United have a lot to thank for the 0 - 5 beating they handed the Latics. But confidence in this camp might not match the high of the Gunners. Determination, yes - confidence, not so much. There is no doubt that United will create chances, and their defense looks as solid as ever. They will play a 4-4-2 with a midfield in mind to disrupt the Arsenal play more than to create ones of their own. Park, Fletcher and Giggs will definitely start. This game seems to have come too early in the season for the Champions. If this game was at the Emirates, I doubt United would have looked at it very differently (get 1 point and be happy). They can expect the OT crowd to be in full voice and only if they manage the first goal, will they have a chance at getting all 3 points.
Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal
Sunday
Portsmouth vs Manchester City
Kick-Off 13:30
Pompey 11/2
Draw 14/5
City 4/7
Shaikh vs. Shaikh Round 1. The long drawn takeover saga at Portsmouth is finally over and the smiles would have returned to the players faces... not Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson who chose to leave the club, but the current crop at Fratton Park who will keep their banks busy over the next few months as they join Britain's top tax payers. Al Fahim was involved in the takeover at City, so he knows a thing or two about how to turn a team that is rubbish into a European contender by buying the lesser stars of the premier league. But when it comes down to Paul Hart's men and their football, I don't think they have what it takes against Sparky's City.
The Sky Blues are off to a solid start with 2 wins in 2 games and a friendly victory over the reserves of Barcelona + Ibrahimovic. Adebayor already has 2 impressive goals to his name and his link up play with Carlos Tevez was great against the Wolves. Stephen Ireland just continues to impress but it is when the other team is running at them that City don't look all that impressive. Lescott has been added to the ranks as has Sylvhino, but the back 4 will take a few games to gel. Still, David Nugent and Kanu don't really seem to be the strike pair that drive fear into the heart of defenses. Maybe the takeover will inspire a euphoric response by the 11 men Paul Hart fields. Beyond that, there can only be 1 result and that is a City victory. But I would be lying if I wouldn't stick to my optimism.
Pompey 1 - 1 Man City
Everton vs Wigan
Kick-Off 15:00
Everton 8/11
Draw 13/5
Wigan 17/4
It seems like a funny coincidence that so many teams playing each other this weekend are separated by just a few spots in the table (United vs Arsenal is 4 vs 3, Wolves vs Hull is 14 vs 15 and Stoke vs Sunderland is 9 vs 6). It's no wonder than that we have Wigan taking on Everton in a relegation battle (bet you my life savings, which isn't much, that neither of these teams will be involved in this battle by March). Everton have had a pathetic start to the season to be kind to them. One can't blame the team though, look at Tottenham and how they started last year when Berbatov wanted to leave. Now with Lescott gone and the Latics going to Goodison Park, David Moyes should expect his side to catapult upward from Position 20 to at least take Wigan's 16th place.
For Wigan to avoid that, they have to try and make sure they lose by lesser than a 2 goal margin. And that should be a good return for Roberto Martinez's men, innit? NOT! Wigan have played some great football this season and had that Rodallega header gone in against United, it would have been 1 - 1 and a different headline for both sides. But since, Wigan have got embarrassed by championship side Blackpool by 4 goals to their solitary effort. What a story! First they smash Aston Villa at Villa Park, then they lose to Wolves, they put on a great show against United to take a 0 - 0 at half time to return with a 0 - 5 at 90+. How will they do against Everton? I hate predicting!
Everton 2 - 0 Wigan
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Kick-Off 16:00
Villa 8/11
Draw 13/5
Fulham 17/4
Any other weekend, this game would have been the pick of the draw. Wait a minute, Manchester vs London will be over, there are no real derbies this weekend and this is the last game before the 2 week timeout for the Premier League. Well, well, Aston Villa vs Fulham should turn out to be a cracker. Villa will be the wounded animal waiting to attack. After a stellar showing at Anfield, they did well to put 2 goals past Rapid Vienna, but frankly deserved to lose over the two legs. This will be the perfect platform to show that the opening weekend result was just a blip.
The cottagers on the other hand showed how much they missed Andy Johnson last weekend. They were fantastic against Chelsea in the first half and had enough chances to put one away and ask a few questions of the Chelsea 'character'. Alas they only have Bobby Zamora and Erik Nevland in attack. That is the problem for Fulham, their lack of depth, especially right up front. The quality of the strikers apart from Andy Johnson, is not quite there. They won a lot of 1 nils last year but most of those wins were at Craven Cottage. Villa Park, no chance.
Aston Villa 3 - 0 Fulham
All times are BST. All bets are from www.bet365.com.
ARS 6 - 0 POR--------- ARS 4 - 1 POR
BIR 1 - 1 STO----------BIR 0 - 0 STO
HUL 2 - 1 BOL---------HUL 1 - 0 BOL
MANC 2 - 0 WOL------MANC 1 - 0 WOL
SUN 2 - 1 BLA---------SUN 2 - 1 BLA
WIG 0 - 1 MANU------WIG 0 - 5 MANU
WHU 1 - 1 TOT--------WHU 1 - 2 TOT
BUR 1 - 2 EVE---------BUR 1 - 0 EVE
FUL 0 - 2 CHE--------FUL 0 - 2 CHE
LIV 2 - 0 AST---------LIV 1 - 3 AST
I got 7 results CORRECT. 2 PERFECT scores.
Quite frankly, it should have been 8 correct and 3 Perfect scores. No thanks to the brilliance of Carlton Cole at both ends of the pitch, are Tottenham still on top of the Premier League table. On to the coming, and very exciting, weekend.
Chelsea vs Burnley
Kick-Off 12:45
Chelsea 1/7
Draw 7/1
Burnley 20/1
'The Blue Thunder' has been on quite a rampage and is driving fear into the hearts of their opponents. Something Burnley is not accustomed to. They don't fear anyone, that's for sure. But, they are modest and humble and in their managers' mind, they won't stand much of a chance to repeat last seasons' heroics. Chelsea look a well-oiled, well-crafted machine. Whether this will last the season, time will tell. Right now, they do look unbeatable. But then again, Hull at home and Sunderland away are not fixtures you would expect Chelsea to lose. They did well against Fulham as well. Burnley will be Burnt out by this weekend after 3 back - back victories (two impressive ones against Manchester United and Everton, one in mid-week against Hartlepool). But the one against Hartlepoool was won in extra-time and the team will find it tough to recover quick enough for the first game of the weekend. If Burnley prove me wrong, this is the last time I will doubt them.
Chelsea 3 - 0 Burnley
Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United
Kick-Off 15:00
Rovers 6/5
Draw 9/4
Hammers 5/2
The Rovers gave a good account of themselves at the Stadium of Light last weekend but came up short against an inspired performance by Kenwyn Jones. But this game isn't happening away from home, it is at Ewood Park and that will give the Rovers some amount of confidence. Sam Allardyce had made the Reebok a fortress while he was at Bolton and he will has already started that mission at Blackburn. His team is hard to beat but then again, they don't have enough goals in them.
The Hammers had a great showing against a rampant Tottenham side and would feel hard done by the 1 - 2 loss to the Spurs. But they have bounced back since with the highly controversial come from behind victory over arch rivals Milwall in midweek. Through Balls to opposing strikers aside, Carlton Cole has been in good form and only under Gianfranco Zola will he ever be able to strike the ball like he did at the weekend. What a goal, Mr. Cole. This game doesn't have too much in it. Pedersen to score with a spot kick and West Ham to nick one at the end.
Blackburn 1 - 1 West Ham
Bolton vs Liverpool
Kick-Off 15:00
Bolton 6/1
Draw 3/1
Liverpool 8/15
Liverpool will want last weekend's result to look like a blip in their title campaign. But the fact remains they can't seem to cope with life without Alonso. God alone knows why Benitez was planning it last year. Further proof that he is a numpty manager, as far as the League is concerned. Liverpool's midfield plus strikers take the shape of what looks like a car tire. The only problem is, without Alonso threading the attacks together, this tire doesn't seem to be going straight but making donuts at the car park. If any Liverpool fan thinks am off it, please look at the odds being given to your club for a win. It's almost 1/2.
Bolton will be thrilled they are playing Liverpool at this stage. But they won't be over the moon. After being beaten by Hull last weekend, they went on to defeat Tranmere Rovers in their Carling Cup match in midweek. The derby victory will give them confidence but they just don't have anything attractive about them. It's a wonder why Reebok supports this team blindly. Gary Megson will send out a team to frustrate Liverpool and hit them on the counter attack. His only problem is Liverpool can match anything thrown their way by this team.
Bolton 1 - 2 Liverpool
Stoke vs Sunderland
Kick-Off 15:00
Stoke 11/8
Draw 9/4
Sunderland 11/5
Stoke will be thrilled coming back to familiar territory after an unhappy road trip which saw them thrashed at Anfield and return with the first goalless draw of the season at St. Andrews, a game where they should have been targeting all 3 points. They will be tired as well, needing an added half an hour to pull off a 1 - 0 against Leyton Orient in midweek. Tony Pulis will want to get a win against Sunderland at home to get the confidence back at the Britannia.
Standing in his way will be Steve Bruce's Black Cats who are high on confidence having won 3 of their last 4 games. One of the wins was on opening day at the Reebok, a ground similar in ferocity as the Britannia. Kenwyn Jones is in sublime form and is linking up well with new boy Darren Bent. Paulo Da Silva had a great debut midweek against Norwich in the Carling Cup and Andy Reid was also in great touch. Bruce said in his first press conference that his side need to score that vital SECOND goal to seal a game. He organises his teams such that they are hard to beat. And definitely, with a 2 goal deficit against the potters, he will come back smiling.
Stoke 1 - 3 Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Birmingham
Kick-Off 15:00
Spurs 4/11
Draw 15/4
Birmingham 8/1
The Spurs are rampant this season. They have scored 14 goals in 4 competitive games. The latest against being a 5 - 1 hammering of Doncaster. The great thing about the game was that Harry Redknapp was able to field a relatively changed side to emphasize the depth of his Spurs. Although Birmingham will not be the ideal preparation for their next game against Manchester United, the hosts will want to put up a show for their home fans who will be in full voice after the Spurs' London derby win against West Ham.
Birmingham on the other hand couldn't have had a more up and down start to the season. They opened against the Champions, hosted a troubled Pompey and then an unimaginative Stoke and now they are going to London, almost walking toward certain doom and a hiding from a magical spurs team. James McFadden will be happy to work with fellow Scot Barry Ferguson but that partnership needs to blossom fast for Birmingham to have any chance of survival. Sadly, we are not going to see the best of it this weekend.
Tottenham 3 - 1 Birmingham
Wolverhamton Wanderers vs Hull City
Kick-Off 15:00
Wolves 11/10
Draw 9/4
Hull 11/4
Mick McCarthy's new start to life in the Premier League has not been one to forget. Simply because, it was disastrous the last time around. At least they have picked up a crucial win against Wigan and have advanced in the Carling Cup, albeit from penalties over League One side Swindon. Added to that, the injury to star striker Sylvan Ebanks Blake, the Wolves do look to have a topsy turvy ride resulting either in relegation come March, or a fight to the finish on the last day of the season. The Wolves have to realize that home form is crucial for any team to survive in the league, and they just don't look formidable enough at the Molineux, even against team that are likely to end up in the lower half of the table.
Hull City is one of those teams. In fact I would not be surprised if both these teams are relegated. Which is exactly what makes this tie interesting. Hull were great away from home last season, but their nervous end to the season proved why they needed to do just a little more at home games. And with the Wolves wanting to make a great impression in front of their own crowd this can turn out to be a 5 goal thriller, with Phil Brown's men doing just enough. By the way, this is the eternal optimist in me talking, don't be surprised if this game is a cagey donut affair.
Wolves 2 - 3 Hull
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Kick-Off 17:15
Man Utd 11/10
Draw 12/5
Arsenal 13/5
The fact that this game is the late kick-off on a Saturday night shows that the intensity in this once very heated rivalry has gone down among the fans. But not among the players. Arsenal will be hungry to avenge the 1 - 3 hammering at the Emirates in last seasons' CL Semi-Final. They won't be too thrilled about the fact that they couldn't delay the inevitable (United's Premier League Title, 3rd in a row and managed only a goalless draw at OT in their penultimate match of last season) either. And they have good reasons to feel confident. They are in the CL group stage after a masterclass against the Bhoys. They showed Everton how to play football and managed to smash 4 past a listless Pompey defense. They will expect the 3 points at OT - something very few teams will look at when the play the champions this season.
Manchester United on the other hand will be thanking their stars that Vidic is back... no, no... Owen scored... no, no... United put away chances... no, no...somebody can take free-kicks in the post-Ronaldo era. Well, United have a lot to thank for the 0 - 5 beating they handed the Latics. But confidence in this camp might not match the high of the Gunners. Determination, yes - confidence, not so much. There is no doubt that United will create chances, and their defense looks as solid as ever. They will play a 4-4-2 with a midfield in mind to disrupt the Arsenal play more than to create ones of their own. Park, Fletcher and Giggs will definitely start. This game seems to have come too early in the season for the Champions. If this game was at the Emirates, I doubt United would have looked at it very differently (get 1 point and be happy). They can expect the OT crowd to be in full voice and only if they manage the first goal, will they have a chance at getting all 3 points.
Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal
Sunday
Portsmouth vs Manchester City
Kick-Off 13:30
Pompey 11/2
Draw 14/5
City 4/7
Shaikh vs. Shaikh Round 1. The long drawn takeover saga at Portsmouth is finally over and the smiles would have returned to the players faces... not Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson who chose to leave the club, but the current crop at Fratton Park who will keep their banks busy over the next few months as they join Britain's top tax payers. Al Fahim was involved in the takeover at City, so he knows a thing or two about how to turn a team that is rubbish into a European contender by buying the lesser stars of the premier league. But when it comes down to Paul Hart's men and their football, I don't think they have what it takes against Sparky's City.
The Sky Blues are off to a solid start with 2 wins in 2 games and a friendly victory over the reserves of Barcelona + Ibrahimovic. Adebayor already has 2 impressive goals to his name and his link up play with Carlos Tevez was great against the Wolves. Stephen Ireland just continues to impress but it is when the other team is running at them that City don't look all that impressive. Lescott has been added to the ranks as has Sylvhino, but the back 4 will take a few games to gel. Still, David Nugent and Kanu don't really seem to be the strike pair that drive fear into the heart of defenses. Maybe the takeover will inspire a euphoric response by the 11 men Paul Hart fields. Beyond that, there can only be 1 result and that is a City victory. But I would be lying if I wouldn't stick to my optimism.
Pompey 1 - 1 Man City
Everton vs Wigan
Kick-Off 15:00
Everton 8/11
Draw 13/5
Wigan 17/4
It seems like a funny coincidence that so many teams playing each other this weekend are separated by just a few spots in the table (United vs Arsenal is 4 vs 3, Wolves vs Hull is 14 vs 15 and Stoke vs Sunderland is 9 vs 6). It's no wonder than that we have Wigan taking on Everton in a relegation battle (bet you my life savings, which isn't much, that neither of these teams will be involved in this battle by March). Everton have had a pathetic start to the season to be kind to them. One can't blame the team though, look at Tottenham and how they started last year when Berbatov wanted to leave. Now with Lescott gone and the Latics going to Goodison Park, David Moyes should expect his side to catapult upward from Position 20 to at least take Wigan's 16th place.
For Wigan to avoid that, they have to try and make sure they lose by lesser than a 2 goal margin. And that should be a good return for Roberto Martinez's men, innit? NOT! Wigan have played some great football this season and had that Rodallega header gone in against United, it would have been 1 - 1 and a different headline for both sides. But since, Wigan have got embarrassed by championship side Blackpool by 4 goals to their solitary effort. What a story! First they smash Aston Villa at Villa Park, then they lose to Wolves, they put on a great show against United to take a 0 - 0 at half time to return with a 0 - 5 at 90+. How will they do against Everton? I hate predicting!
Everton 2 - 0 Wigan
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Kick-Off 16:00
Villa 8/11
Draw 13/5
Fulham 17/4
Any other weekend, this game would have been the pick of the draw. Wait a minute, Manchester vs London will be over, there are no real derbies this weekend and this is the last game before the 2 week timeout for the Premier League. Well, well, Aston Villa vs Fulham should turn out to be a cracker. Villa will be the wounded animal waiting to attack. After a stellar showing at Anfield, they did well to put 2 goals past Rapid Vienna, but frankly deserved to lose over the two legs. This will be the perfect platform to show that the opening weekend result was just a blip.
The cottagers on the other hand showed how much they missed Andy Johnson last weekend. They were fantastic against Chelsea in the first half and had enough chances to put one away and ask a few questions of the Chelsea 'character'. Alas they only have Bobby Zamora and Erik Nevland in attack. That is the problem for Fulham, their lack of depth, especially right up front. The quality of the strikers apart from Andy Johnson, is not quite there. They won a lot of 1 nils last year but most of those wins were at Craven Cottage. Villa Park, no chance.
Aston Villa 3 - 0 Fulham
All times are BST. All bets are from www.bet365.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Premier League Preview Round 3
Predictions-----------Results
SUN 0 - 2 CHE----------SUN 1 - 3 CHE
WIG 2 - 0 WOL---------WIG 0 - 1 WOL
BIR 1 - 1 POR------------BIR 1 - 0 POR
BUR 0 - 2 MANU--------BUR 1 - 0 MANU
HUL 1 - 2 TOT----------HUL 1 - 5 TOT
LIV 3 - 1 STO-----------LIV 4 - 0 STO
I got THREE results right. ZERO Perfect scores.
Midweek had some great games of football, but all of them were in the Champions League qualifying (Panathanaikos vs Atletico Madrid & Fiorentina vs Sporting Lisbon, case in point). It was business as ususal in the Premiership except for a certain Manchester United. The champions were outclassed by new boys Burnley. Same was the case for Hull, Stoke and Chelsea against Tottenham, Liverpool and Sunderland respectively. The other games were one of thos - wouldn't care if they didn't even happen - type'a games.
But a new week means a new fixture list. God bless England (and this is the last time I will write this), the Premier League is back. All teams will be in action this weekend and Saturday will have most of these teams facing off at the same time.
Arsenal vs Portsmouth
Kick-Off 15:00
Arsenal 1/6
Draw 6/1
Portsmouth 18/1
6-0 to the gooners. I will not at all be surprised with this scoreline. Pompey can't buy a win. And in many ways, I mean that literally. Too much going on with the takeover business and the sooner it happens, the sooner this team can get back on track. They have sold players worth as much as Ronaldo (the one that can and does use hair gel) within the year and there are talks of 3 more players leaving. But enough about Pompey, let's talk about Van Persie, let's talk about Di-a-by, let's talk about Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen, let's talk about Cesc. Arsenal's display against Everton was as good as sex or at least watching a devil's threesome with the pornstars of your choice. Enough Said.
Arsenal 6 - 0 Portsmouth (Hopefully now my gunner friends will understand that I do appreciate the way this team plays. But I love my team and I will always support them. Ours is a very healthy rivalry, unlike what United have with Liverpool. Maybe you should also admit that United play the game beautifully at times and it is different from your style of play. That is all.).
Birmingham vs Stoke City
Kick-Off 15:00
Birmingham 13/1
Draw 11/5
Stoke 9/4
Birmingham played some disciplined football in their first two league games and deserved the three points offered at St. Andrews by Portsmouth last week. But for all the quality James McFadden and Kevin-Wright Phillips bring to Birmingham, they don't seem to have the guile or the depth that will keep them afloat comfortably. Stoke on the other hand, have it. And they will be looking at 3 points away from home when they travel to this midland club outfit. Stoke do have a back up plan if their free flowing football is not going according to what has been imagined, and that is knock it up front and try and get a Delap range throw-in or a set piece and nick something from the game. Sadly, they don't differentiate between Plan A & B. This game can be avoided altogether. But, this is the premier league.
Birmingham 1 - 1 Stoke
Hull City vs Bolton Wanderers
Kick Off 15:00
Hull 6/4
Draw 23/10
Bolton 15/8
If you are planning on avoiding the Blues vs Stoke then please don't land on this fixture. Unless you are a Tigers fan. Sneaky feeling tells me they can nick it against Gary Megson's bullies. Michael Turner will be a key in this game. He was great against Chelsea and they managed to get their second deep into extra time. He was appalling against Tottenham and they smashed 5 passed Boaz Myhill. Jimmy Bullard needs to be back soon and the Brazilian genius Geovanni needs to be starting games. Bolton need to start playing some amount of good football. Their style is not worthy of a premier league team. Hull, Burnley, Stoke and Wolves have all moved up recently from the championship after playing football that was easy on the eye. Maybe the Trotters can learn a thing or two from them.
Bolton 1 - 2 Hull
Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kick-Off 15:00
Man City 1/3
Draw 7/2
Wolves 11/1
City were lucky to have won two of two in the last 7 days. Blackburn were all over them on opening day and Barca played their reserves + Ibrahimovic against the sky blues in their mid-week friendly. Still, a win is a win and confidence is high in the City of Manchester - at least in the blue side of town. Stephen Ireland is in sublime form and will forge a great partnership with Gareth Barry in the middle of the park in the due course of time! How the Wolves managed to get a win against a Wigan team that annihilated Aston Villa is beyond me, but they won't be lucky this time. Mick McCarthy will have them well organised for this clash. Milijas looks like a quality signing but they will bemoan the loss of Sylvan Evans-Blake to injury. Expect a 4-5-1 again, with Keogh up front as lone striker, but a different result.
Man City 2 - 0 Wolves
Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
Kick-Off 15:00
Sunderland 11/10
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 11/4
This one promises to be a cracker of a match. The Stadium of light will be buzzing this Saturday and Steve Bruce's charges are playing with some endeavour. 2 goals in 2 games for Darren Bent and what's looking like a lethal partnership forming with Trinidadian striker Kenwyn Jones is a dangerous potion. Blackburn on the other hand have managed to lure at least someone from the Bernabau (after his long drawn pursuit of van Nistelrooy and Negredo came to an end) and Michel Salgado is right up there in terms of quality. But how he will cope with the pace of the premier league, given his age is a different thing. The Rovers need goals from somewhere. They just don't have a 20 goals per season player in their ranks. Benny McCarthy can score some, but he needs a better partner than Jason Roberts to be truly deadly. Sunderland to win this in the 90th minute.
Sunderland 2 - 1 Blackburn
Wigan vs Manchester United
Kick-Off 15:00
Wigan 11/2
Draw 3/1
Man Utd 8/15
Sir Alex's side were well beaten at Turf Moor in their midweek match. Robbie Blake's screamer against the Red Devils settled the tie and SAF said that he expected his side to respond this weekend. Respond they will with a win. But it won't be a thrashing. Sir Alex's men have been spending a year of "not taking their chances" which explains the million 1 nils they have had. Wayne Rooney is in sublime form but his partners need to start finding the net from the opportunities they create. And their defensive woes continue to increase with the news of Rio Ferdinand's injury being worse than it was first made out to be. Roberto Martinez's side impressed as much in their first game at Villa Park as they looked like a Championship side against the Wolves at the DW stadium. The Latics will get better as the season goes on but they need more consistency from their supply line. United to win this, not so comfortably.
Wigan 0 - 1 Man Utd
Sunday
West Ham vs Tottenham
Kick-Off: 13:30
West Ham 9/4
Draw 9/4
Tottenham 13/10
Spurs along with Arsenal remain the most impressive side of the Premier League so far. 7 goals in two games, a hat-trick from Jermaine Defoe at the KC Stadium and two stand out performances from new boy Sebastian Bassong have Harry Redknapp beaming. Their place in Europe is booked for next season. What remains to be seen is if it will be in the Champions League or Europa League, the latter being the more foreseeable option. West Ham have also started the season with a well crafted win against the Wolves. But they are still missing a guy who can put away their chances. Carlton Cole is a poacher but he has always found it tough against a well organised defensive line and Tottenham have that in Corluka, King, Bassong and Assou-Ekotto. This game however makes one want to sit on the fence. But I am going to stick my neck out and expect the Spurs to drop their first points of the season... only just
West Ham 1 - 1 Tottenham
Burnley vs Everton
Kick-Off 15:00
Burnley 12/5
Draw 23/10
Everton 6/5
If the previous game makes you want to hide your face, then this game will be a tougher cookie. Everton got thrashed by Arsenal at home, but Moyes dropped last season's best player in Lescott and went to the Czec Republic with his team who returned with 4 goals to their name and a stand out performance from promising youngster Jack Rodwell. Burnley on the other hand got a smashing from Stoke City and then embarrassed the champions at a rocking Turf Moor. Both teams play good attractive football and both teams have young and dynamic managers who are prepared to make difficult choices for the better of the team. Who's gonna take this one though? I can't see a clear winner, but Everton might just have something in them to kick start their campaign
Burnley 1 - 2 Everton
Fulham vs Chelsea
Kick-Off 16:00
Fulham 11/2
Draw 14/5
Chelsea 4/7
The first derby match of the season and this edition of the West London derby promised to be the biggest test of Carlo Ancelotti's premier league career so far. That was before Andy Johnson got injured in Fulham's midweek Europa League game. Although Craven Cottage has turned out to be quite a fortress under Roy Hodgson, it is difficult to see who will score the goals. Clint Dempsey won't be allowed many shots from midfield which rules out the chance of Bobby Zamora deflecting a shot into Petr Cech's goal. Chelsea on the other hand sit pretty on top of the charts with 2 wins in 2. Expect their streak to continue.
Fulham 0 - 2 Chelsea.
Monday
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Kick-Off 20:00
Liverpool 4/9
Draw 16/5
Aston Villa 7/1
Anfield was rocking when Liverpool beat Stoke but the 4-0 scoreline was a little flattering for the Reds. Their midfield lacks the guile and penetration Xabi Alonso gave them but they are up against an Aston Villa side who must be questioning themselves about what's going wrong this year and I mean since March this year. At the time they looked set to push Arsenal down to fifth and play in the Champions League this season. But things have just gone downhill. And if Liverpool is missing a stand out midfielder than god knows how much a club like Villa will miss the loss of former Liverpool target Gareth Barry. Liverpool should win this game and leave Aston Villa in relegation zone. Aston Villa should not continue in Europe if they want any chance of qualifying for the same next season. They need to concentrate on one competition and that should be the Premier League and maybe some other Domestic Cup.
Liverpool 2 - 0 Aston Villa
SUN 0 - 2 CHE----------SUN 1 - 3 CHE
WIG 2 - 0 WOL---------WIG 0 - 1 WOL
BIR 1 - 1 POR------------BIR 1 - 0 POR
BUR 0 - 2 MANU--------BUR 1 - 0 MANU
HUL 1 - 2 TOT----------HUL 1 - 5 TOT
LIV 3 - 1 STO-----------LIV 4 - 0 STO
I got THREE results right. ZERO Perfect scores.
Midweek had some great games of football, but all of them were in the Champions League qualifying (Panathanaikos vs Atletico Madrid & Fiorentina vs Sporting Lisbon, case in point). It was business as ususal in the Premiership except for a certain Manchester United. The champions were outclassed by new boys Burnley. Same was the case for Hull, Stoke and Chelsea against Tottenham, Liverpool and Sunderland respectively. The other games were one of thos - wouldn't care if they didn't even happen - type'a games.
But a new week means a new fixture list. God bless England (and this is the last time I will write this), the Premier League is back. All teams will be in action this weekend and Saturday will have most of these teams facing off at the same time.
Arsenal vs Portsmouth
Kick-Off 15:00
Arsenal 1/6
Draw 6/1
Portsmouth 18/1
6-0 to the gooners. I will not at all be surprised with this scoreline. Pompey can't buy a win. And in many ways, I mean that literally. Too much going on with the takeover business and the sooner it happens, the sooner this team can get back on track. They have sold players worth as much as Ronaldo (the one that can and does use hair gel) within the year and there are talks of 3 more players leaving. But enough about Pompey, let's talk about Van Persie, let's talk about Di-a-by, let's talk about Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen, let's talk about Cesc. Arsenal's display against Everton was as good as sex or at least watching a devil's threesome with the pornstars of your choice. Enough Said.
Arsenal 6 - 0 Portsmouth (Hopefully now my gunner friends will understand that I do appreciate the way this team plays. But I love my team and I will always support them. Ours is a very healthy rivalry, unlike what United have with Liverpool. Maybe you should also admit that United play the game beautifully at times and it is different from your style of play. That is all.).
Birmingham vs Stoke City
Kick-Off 15:00
Birmingham 13/1
Draw 11/5
Stoke 9/4
Birmingham played some disciplined football in their first two league games and deserved the three points offered at St. Andrews by Portsmouth last week. But for all the quality James McFadden and Kevin-Wright Phillips bring to Birmingham, they don't seem to have the guile or the depth that will keep them afloat comfortably. Stoke on the other hand, have it. And they will be looking at 3 points away from home when they travel to this midland club outfit. Stoke do have a back up plan if their free flowing football is not going according to what has been imagined, and that is knock it up front and try and get a Delap range throw-in or a set piece and nick something from the game. Sadly, they don't differentiate between Plan A & B. This game can be avoided altogether. But, this is the premier league.
Birmingham 1 - 1 Stoke
Hull City vs Bolton Wanderers
Kick Off 15:00
Hull 6/4
Draw 23/10
Bolton 15/8
If you are planning on avoiding the Blues vs Stoke then please don't land on this fixture. Unless you are a Tigers fan. Sneaky feeling tells me they can nick it against Gary Megson's bullies. Michael Turner will be a key in this game. He was great against Chelsea and they managed to get their second deep into extra time. He was appalling against Tottenham and they smashed 5 passed Boaz Myhill. Jimmy Bullard needs to be back soon and the Brazilian genius Geovanni needs to be starting games. Bolton need to start playing some amount of good football. Their style is not worthy of a premier league team. Hull, Burnley, Stoke and Wolves have all moved up recently from the championship after playing football that was easy on the eye. Maybe the Trotters can learn a thing or two from them.
Bolton 1 - 2 Hull
Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kick-Off 15:00
Man City 1/3
Draw 7/2
Wolves 11/1
City were lucky to have won two of two in the last 7 days. Blackburn were all over them on opening day and Barca played their reserves + Ibrahimovic against the sky blues in their mid-week friendly. Still, a win is a win and confidence is high in the City of Manchester - at least in the blue side of town. Stephen Ireland is in sublime form and will forge a great partnership with Gareth Barry in the middle of the park in the due course of time! How the Wolves managed to get a win against a Wigan team that annihilated Aston Villa is beyond me, but they won't be lucky this time. Mick McCarthy will have them well organised for this clash. Milijas looks like a quality signing but they will bemoan the loss of Sylvan Evans-Blake to injury. Expect a 4-5-1 again, with Keogh up front as lone striker, but a different result.
Man City 2 - 0 Wolves
Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
Kick-Off 15:00
Sunderland 11/10
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 11/4
This one promises to be a cracker of a match. The Stadium of light will be buzzing this Saturday and Steve Bruce's charges are playing with some endeavour. 2 goals in 2 games for Darren Bent and what's looking like a lethal partnership forming with Trinidadian striker Kenwyn Jones is a dangerous potion. Blackburn on the other hand have managed to lure at least someone from the Bernabau (after his long drawn pursuit of van Nistelrooy and Negredo came to an end) and Michel Salgado is right up there in terms of quality. But how he will cope with the pace of the premier league, given his age is a different thing. The Rovers need goals from somewhere. They just don't have a 20 goals per season player in their ranks. Benny McCarthy can score some, but he needs a better partner than Jason Roberts to be truly deadly. Sunderland to win this in the 90th minute.
Sunderland 2 - 1 Blackburn
Wigan vs Manchester United
Kick-Off 15:00
Wigan 11/2
Draw 3/1
Man Utd 8/15
Sir Alex's side were well beaten at Turf Moor in their midweek match. Robbie Blake's screamer against the Red Devils settled the tie and SAF said that he expected his side to respond this weekend. Respond they will with a win. But it won't be a thrashing. Sir Alex's men have been spending a year of "not taking their chances" which explains the million 1 nils they have had. Wayne Rooney is in sublime form but his partners need to start finding the net from the opportunities they create. And their defensive woes continue to increase with the news of Rio Ferdinand's injury being worse than it was first made out to be. Roberto Martinez's side impressed as much in their first game at Villa Park as they looked like a Championship side against the Wolves at the DW stadium. The Latics will get better as the season goes on but they need more consistency from their supply line. United to win this, not so comfortably.
Wigan 0 - 1 Man Utd
Sunday
West Ham vs Tottenham
Kick-Off: 13:30
West Ham 9/4
Draw 9/4
Tottenham 13/10
Spurs along with Arsenal remain the most impressive side of the Premier League so far. 7 goals in two games, a hat-trick from Jermaine Defoe at the KC Stadium and two stand out performances from new boy Sebastian Bassong have Harry Redknapp beaming. Their place in Europe is booked for next season. What remains to be seen is if it will be in the Champions League or Europa League, the latter being the more foreseeable option. West Ham have also started the season with a well crafted win against the Wolves. But they are still missing a guy who can put away their chances. Carlton Cole is a poacher but he has always found it tough against a well organised defensive line and Tottenham have that in Corluka, King, Bassong and Assou-Ekotto. This game however makes one want to sit on the fence. But I am going to stick my neck out and expect the Spurs to drop their first points of the season... only just
West Ham 1 - 1 Tottenham
Burnley vs Everton
Kick-Off 15:00
Burnley 12/5
Draw 23/10
Everton 6/5
If the previous game makes you want to hide your face, then this game will be a tougher cookie. Everton got thrashed by Arsenal at home, but Moyes dropped last season's best player in Lescott and went to the Czec Republic with his team who returned with 4 goals to their name and a stand out performance from promising youngster Jack Rodwell. Burnley on the other hand got a smashing from Stoke City and then embarrassed the champions at a rocking Turf Moor. Both teams play good attractive football and both teams have young and dynamic managers who are prepared to make difficult choices for the better of the team. Who's gonna take this one though? I can't see a clear winner, but Everton might just have something in them to kick start their campaign
Burnley 1 - 2 Everton
Fulham vs Chelsea
Kick-Off 16:00
Fulham 11/2
Draw 14/5
Chelsea 4/7
The first derby match of the season and this edition of the West London derby promised to be the biggest test of Carlo Ancelotti's premier league career so far. That was before Andy Johnson got injured in Fulham's midweek Europa League game. Although Craven Cottage has turned out to be quite a fortress under Roy Hodgson, it is difficult to see who will score the goals. Clint Dempsey won't be allowed many shots from midfield which rules out the chance of Bobby Zamora deflecting a shot into Petr Cech's goal. Chelsea on the other hand sit pretty on top of the charts with 2 wins in 2. Expect their streak to continue.
Fulham 0 - 2 Chelsea.
Monday
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Kick-Off 20:00
Liverpool 4/9
Draw 16/5
Aston Villa 7/1
Anfield was rocking when Liverpool beat Stoke but the 4-0 scoreline was a little flattering for the Reds. Their midfield lacks the guile and penetration Xabi Alonso gave them but they are up against an Aston Villa side who must be questioning themselves about what's going wrong this year and I mean since March this year. At the time they looked set to push Arsenal down to fifth and play in the Champions League this season. But things have just gone downhill. And if Liverpool is missing a stand out midfielder than god knows how much a club like Villa will miss the loss of former Liverpool target Gareth Barry. Liverpool should win this game and leave Aston Villa in relegation zone. Aston Villa should not continue in Europe if they want any chance of qualifying for the same next season. They need to concentrate on one competition and that should be the Premier League and maybe some other Domestic Cup.
Liverpool 2 - 0 Aston Villa
Hindustan Humbled at Home
India went down 0 - 1 in the opener of the Nehru Cup as Ali Al Saad's fifth-minute screamer gave the Lebanese a well fought victory over the Men in Blue.
Lost in the raptures of the Delhi crowd, I witnessed what can only be described as the worst football game in living history. At least if you are a supporter of India, or even the beautiful game itself.
The style of football that India has been displaying over the last two years - the quick 1 - 2s, the marauding wide men, the killer instinct of the pair up front - the one that won India both the Nehru Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup, were, well missing.
Not that one can blame any team for this, the pitch, or as I fondly call it a grassy-patch-in-the-forbidden-forest, made life very difficult for a team that has recently relied on short passes and well formed triangles to move their plays forward.
In light of this, Bob Houghton had given his boys clear instructions - back to the basics - Give the ball to the wide men and let them bang it in to the forwards who will hopefully make something out of it. Route 1, Direct Pass, the Long Ball... Whatever we want to call it. But the fact remained, our strikers looked like 2 Hobbits surrounded by an army orcs thwarting away anything that came their way.
If there was any positive to take home, it was Sunil Chettri getting 45 minutes of game time under his belt. Otherwise it was a day to forget for the Indians.
Apart from picking the ball up from the net, Subrata Pal had little to do in the whole game. Our defensive substitutes Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Mahesh Gawli looked better suited to be included in the starting line-ups for the rest of the tournament as both NS Manju and Anwar failed to impress. Manju has injury worries as well and is said to possibly be out for the rest of the tournament. SuruKumar put in another decent performance but was caught out a couple of times, most notably in the second half, when the linesman wrongly called a Lebanese player offside to deny them the second goal of the game.
Climax Lawrence came out thinking victory would be a walk in the park and seemed to be practising this theory quite literally. He had a grand total of 8 touches on the ball in the second half and covered as many percent of the pitch during his late evening stroll. N. Pradeep looked close to a heart stroke by the 75th minute, although he did produce a moment of brilliance in the first half - a diving through ball to Steven Dias who came charging in to the box, only to see the defender got there first. Out on the wings, Steven Dias's (or Das as the crowed called him) love affair with the Lebanese defensive line continued as he showed some amazing link-up play with their centre backs (Long Ball In, Header Out - Looked like a P.T. drill) while the very promising Albert Perreira had quite the subdued debut. A very disappointing return from the Indian midfield.
And if there was any more evidence needed that Baichung Bhutia has lost a few, quite a few, yards of pace, then yesterday's game was the bearer of bad news. India will be better suited to get the veteran on as a second-half substitute when he will have more of an impact on the game, and give promising youngster Sushil Kumar more time on the pitch. The only shot India had on target was his first-half chance where he turned and swiped at the ball which went tearing toward the net only for the Lebanese keeper to deny him. Sunil Chettri was industrial and showed light feet but couldn't do much with the lack of service.
A note on the Lebanese No. 8, who was running harder than the entire Indian midfield and was quite a handful for the 'Bhangra Boys'.
If the condition of the pitch remains the same, expect a lot more 1-nils' and fewer 'ranked' teams to turn up for the tournament in its following editions.
All of India's remaining games are must wins now, as Lebanon will be favourites along with Syria to reach the final. But we all hope the stadium will be painted blue come 31st August.
Until then, Bring in the beers.
Teams:
India: Subrata Paul, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar (Mehrajuddin Wadoo, 58), Surkumar Singh, N.S. Manju (Mahesh Gawli, 51) Climax Lawrence, Steven Dias, Anthony Pereira, N.P. Pradeep; Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh (Sunil Chettri, 46)
Lebanon: Lary Mehana, Ali Al Saad, Ali Hamam, Bilal Najjarine, Ali Yakoub, Ali El Etat, Hassan Maatouk (Sussien Dadik, 46), Mohammad Korhani, Mohammad Gaddar (Amer Khan, 46), Mohmoud El Ali
Goals: Ali Al Saad (5 minutes)
Lost in the raptures of the Delhi crowd, I witnessed what can only be described as the worst football game in living history. At least if you are a supporter of India, or even the beautiful game itself.
The style of football that India has been displaying over the last two years - the quick 1 - 2s, the marauding wide men, the killer instinct of the pair up front - the one that won India both the Nehru Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup, were, well missing.
Not that one can blame any team for this, the pitch, or as I fondly call it a grassy-patch-in-the-forbidden-forest, made life very difficult for a team that has recently relied on short passes and well formed triangles to move their plays forward.
In light of this, Bob Houghton had given his boys clear instructions - back to the basics - Give the ball to the wide men and let them bang it in to the forwards who will hopefully make something out of it. Route 1, Direct Pass, the Long Ball... Whatever we want to call it. But the fact remained, our strikers looked like 2 Hobbits surrounded by an army orcs thwarting away anything that came their way.
If there was any positive to take home, it was Sunil Chettri getting 45 minutes of game time under his belt. Otherwise it was a day to forget for the Indians.
Apart from picking the ball up from the net, Subrata Pal had little to do in the whole game. Our defensive substitutes Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Mahesh Gawli looked better suited to be included in the starting line-ups for the rest of the tournament as both NS Manju and Anwar failed to impress. Manju has injury worries as well and is said to possibly be out for the rest of the tournament. SuruKumar put in another decent performance but was caught out a couple of times, most notably in the second half, when the linesman wrongly called a Lebanese player offside to deny them the second goal of the game.
Climax Lawrence came out thinking victory would be a walk in the park and seemed to be practising this theory quite literally. He had a grand total of 8 touches on the ball in the second half and covered as many percent of the pitch during his late evening stroll. N. Pradeep looked close to a heart stroke by the 75th minute, although he did produce a moment of brilliance in the first half - a diving through ball to Steven Dias who came charging in to the box, only to see the defender got there first. Out on the wings, Steven Dias's (or Das as the crowed called him) love affair with the Lebanese defensive line continued as he showed some amazing link-up play with their centre backs (Long Ball In, Header Out - Looked like a P.T. drill) while the very promising Albert Perreira had quite the subdued debut. A very disappointing return from the Indian midfield.
And if there was any more evidence needed that Baichung Bhutia has lost a few, quite a few, yards of pace, then yesterday's game was the bearer of bad news. India will be better suited to get the veteran on as a second-half substitute when he will have more of an impact on the game, and give promising youngster Sushil Kumar more time on the pitch. The only shot India had on target was his first-half chance where he turned and swiped at the ball which went tearing toward the net only for the Lebanese keeper to deny him. Sunil Chettri was industrial and showed light feet but couldn't do much with the lack of service.
A note on the Lebanese No. 8, who was running harder than the entire Indian midfield and was quite a handful for the 'Bhangra Boys'.
If the condition of the pitch remains the same, expect a lot more 1-nils' and fewer 'ranked' teams to turn up for the tournament in its following editions.
All of India's remaining games are must wins now, as Lebanon will be favourites along with Syria to reach the final. But we all hope the stadium will be painted blue come 31st August.
Until then, Bring in the beers.
Teams:
India: Subrata Paul, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar (Mehrajuddin Wadoo, 58), Surkumar Singh, N.S. Manju (Mahesh Gawli, 51) Climax Lawrence, Steven Dias, Anthony Pereira, N.P. Pradeep; Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh (Sunil Chettri, 46)
Lebanon: Lary Mehana, Ali Al Saad, Ali Hamam, Bilal Najjarine, Ali Yakoub, Ali El Etat, Hassan Maatouk (Sussien Dadik, 46), Mohammad Korhani, Mohammad Gaddar (Amer Khan, 46), Mohmoud El Ali
Goals: Ali Al Saad (5 minutes)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Premier League Preview Round 2
Predictions-----------Results
CHE 3 - 0 HUL----------CHE 2 - 1 HUL
AST 2 - 1 WIG----------AST 0 - 2 WIG
BLA 1 - 1 MANC--------BLA 0 - 2 MANC
BOL 0 - 0 SUN----------BOL 0 - 1 SUN
POR 0 - 1 FUL----------POR 0 - 1 FUL
STO 3 - 0 BUR---------STO 2 - 0 BUR
WOL 0 - 2 WHU---------WOL 0 - 2 WHU
EVE 2 - 2 ARS----------EVE 1 - 6 ARS
MANU 4 - 0 BIR--------MANU 1 - 0 BIR
TOT 2 - 1 LIV-----------TOT 2 - 1 LIV
6 Correct Results. 3 Perfect Scores.
What a way to start the season. Before I begin, I want to thank Mark Noble, Hudo Rodallega, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Denilson and Drogba for starting this campaign with a BLAM! 10 games, 24 goals and no goal less draws. Arsenal really made a statement of intent and have the perfect momentum to carry with them to Pride Park to take on Celtic in their Champions League qualifier. But this is another Premier League Preview, for Round 2 of the action.
Many games are called off because of the European commitments of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham. But we still have 6 games which promise to be as good as what we have seen this weekend.
Tuesday
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Kick-Off 19:45
Sunderland 11/2
Draw 13/5
Chelsea 1/2
The Black Cats welcome the Blues to the Stadium of Light. Both teams got off to a winning start and what is more important is that both teams' strikers scored the winners. Sunderland new boy Darren Bent's header was enough to settle an otherwise drab affair while Drogba's brace saw off a highly organised Hull City. Steve Bruce will definitely put up a team to give Chelsea a fight and perhaps frustrate them till the end and try and nick a result, but Chelsea are looking very strong this season. Given Hull City gave them a fight to the finish at Stamford Bridge, but that should not be the deciding factor in this game. Expect a good match but Chelsea to take it in the end.
Chelsea 2 - 0 Sunderland
Wigan vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kick Off 19:45
Wigan 4/5
Draw 5/2
Wolves 7/2
The Wolves showed some good signs in their opener at the Molineux, but their opposition came back with a tough victory against Aston Villa and that too with a clean sheet. Wigan were outstanding in that game, more than what one can say about the Wolves. They do have goals in them but not enough to unsettle Wigan. Roberto Martinez should look to make it a perfect start for his new team and should not expect anything lesser from his squad. A walkover for the Latics this one.
Wigan 2 - 0 Wolves
Wednesday
Birmingham City vs Portsmouth
Kick-Off 19:45
Birmingham 6/5
Draw 23/10
Portsmouth 9/4
The blues gave a good account of themselves against a Manchester United side who could have finished the game with 6 more goals at least had they taken their chances. James McFadden had a great game and his quality is there to be seen. Pompey has been in the news a lot over the last week and the noises coming from Fratton Park are not ones that the Portsmouth faithful would have been happy to hear. If their takeover is not complete, the team might enter administration and end up with Southampton in League One by 2012. And whatever is going on behind closed doors is clearly reflected in the team's performances on the field. This could be Pompey's big chance to get their season going but it's highly doubtful. I'm being a little gracious in my prediction.
Birmingham 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Burnley vs Manchester United
Kick Off 19:45
Burnley 11/1
Draw 4/1
Man Utd 2/7
Burnley shocked some great teams at Turf Moor last season but don't hold your breath on this one. The Red Devils were very professional against Birmingham and did just about enough to earn a win. But as happy as they are with their clean sheet, they will be disappointed that the scoreline wasn't more one sided. They created as many opportunities in one game as Burnley might all season, but their finishing was just not up to the mark (1 goal from 11 shots on target, 20 overall). Sir Alex might not mind playing the waiting game with the other title rivals longing for a slip-up by one of the Big 4, but he might be wiser pushing his team to start eating into the already superior goal difference Arsenal have established. It could be down to the early defensive problems for the Old Trafford outfit, but, who am I to argue with the great Mr. Ferguson. United to win this one comfortably to make it O for Two for Burnley.
Burnley 0 - 2 Man United
Hull vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Kick Off 19:45
Hull 11/4
Draw 12/5
Spurs 1/1
Tottenham were excellent against Liverpool this week. I would love to say I said so, but the fact that Liverpool were restricted to just 3 shots in 90+ minutes was testament to just how good the Spurs were. The only sour spot might have been Robbie Keane's inability to put some great chances away. The Tigers on the other hand dug in and really got into the faces of the Chelsea players, especially Micheal Ballack who was ready to bite the referee had the game finished at 1 - 1. Hull were appalling at home last year and that is going to remain the same against an obviously in form Tottenham. This should be a walkover for the Spurs if they don't pull a "Tottenham" and don't perform according to their potential
Hull 1 - 2 Tottenham
Liverpool vs Stoke City
Kick-Off 20:00
Liverpool 1/4
Draw 9/2
Stoke 12/1
Liverpool were poor against Tottenham, and that is being charitable. It was their ability to pick up maximum points against the better teams last season that got them to second place with a whopping 86 points. And teams like Stoke came to Anfield and picked up maximum points which might play on their minds especially since they started with a loss. All these thoughts will disappear by the second half when Liverpool come into their own. The Potters do play some attractive football, but Rafa Benitez's men will have too much for Stoke. It won't be comfortable, not by a long shot, but Liverpool should be able to get their title challenge back on track this weekend.
Liverpool 3 - 1 Stoke
It is sad that Arsenal won't be playing in the league this weekend and they will take their game in hand with a smile on their face. Their result was the pick of the weekend and it is great to see Eduardo back. But who cares really, football is back baby. God bless us, midweek football for everyone.
Until then, bring in the beers.
CHE 3 - 0 HUL----------CHE 2 - 1 HUL
AST 2 - 1 WIG----------AST 0 - 2 WIG
BLA 1 - 1 MANC--------BLA 0 - 2 MANC
BOL 0 - 0 SUN----------BOL 0 - 1 SUN
POR 0 - 1 FUL----------POR 0 - 1 FUL
STO 3 - 0 BUR---------STO 2 - 0 BUR
WOL 0 - 2 WHU---------WOL 0 - 2 WHU
EVE 2 - 2 ARS----------EVE 1 - 6 ARS
MANU 4 - 0 BIR--------MANU 1 - 0 BIR
TOT 2 - 1 LIV-----------TOT 2 - 1 LIV
6 Correct Results. 3 Perfect Scores.
What a way to start the season. Before I begin, I want to thank Mark Noble, Hudo Rodallega, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Denilson and Drogba for starting this campaign with a BLAM! 10 games, 24 goals and no goal less draws. Arsenal really made a statement of intent and have the perfect momentum to carry with them to Pride Park to take on Celtic in their Champions League qualifier. But this is another Premier League Preview, for Round 2 of the action.
Many games are called off because of the European commitments of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham. But we still have 6 games which promise to be as good as what we have seen this weekend.
Tuesday
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Kick-Off 19:45
Sunderland 11/2
Draw 13/5
Chelsea 1/2
The Black Cats welcome the Blues to the Stadium of Light. Both teams got off to a winning start and what is more important is that both teams' strikers scored the winners. Sunderland new boy Darren Bent's header was enough to settle an otherwise drab affair while Drogba's brace saw off a highly organised Hull City. Steve Bruce will definitely put up a team to give Chelsea a fight and perhaps frustrate them till the end and try and nick a result, but Chelsea are looking very strong this season. Given Hull City gave them a fight to the finish at Stamford Bridge, but that should not be the deciding factor in this game. Expect a good match but Chelsea to take it in the end.
Chelsea 2 - 0 Sunderland
Wigan vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kick Off 19:45
Wigan 4/5
Draw 5/2
Wolves 7/2
The Wolves showed some good signs in their opener at the Molineux, but their opposition came back with a tough victory against Aston Villa and that too with a clean sheet. Wigan were outstanding in that game, more than what one can say about the Wolves. They do have goals in them but not enough to unsettle Wigan. Roberto Martinez should look to make it a perfect start for his new team and should not expect anything lesser from his squad. A walkover for the Latics this one.
Wigan 2 - 0 Wolves
Wednesday
Birmingham City vs Portsmouth
Kick-Off 19:45
Birmingham 6/5
Draw 23/10
Portsmouth 9/4
The blues gave a good account of themselves against a Manchester United side who could have finished the game with 6 more goals at least had they taken their chances. James McFadden had a great game and his quality is there to be seen. Pompey has been in the news a lot over the last week and the noises coming from Fratton Park are not ones that the Portsmouth faithful would have been happy to hear. If their takeover is not complete, the team might enter administration and end up with Southampton in League One by 2012. And whatever is going on behind closed doors is clearly reflected in the team's performances on the field. This could be Pompey's big chance to get their season going but it's highly doubtful. I'm being a little gracious in my prediction.
Birmingham 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Burnley vs Manchester United
Kick Off 19:45
Burnley 11/1
Draw 4/1
Man Utd 2/7
Burnley shocked some great teams at Turf Moor last season but don't hold your breath on this one. The Red Devils were very professional against Birmingham and did just about enough to earn a win. But as happy as they are with their clean sheet, they will be disappointed that the scoreline wasn't more one sided. They created as many opportunities in one game as Burnley might all season, but their finishing was just not up to the mark (1 goal from 11 shots on target, 20 overall). Sir Alex might not mind playing the waiting game with the other title rivals longing for a slip-up by one of the Big 4, but he might be wiser pushing his team to start eating into the already superior goal difference Arsenal have established. It could be down to the early defensive problems for the Old Trafford outfit, but, who am I to argue with the great Mr. Ferguson. United to win this one comfortably to make it O for Two for Burnley.
Burnley 0 - 2 Man United
Hull vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Kick Off 19:45
Hull 11/4
Draw 12/5
Spurs 1/1
Tottenham were excellent against Liverpool this week. I would love to say I said so, but the fact that Liverpool were restricted to just 3 shots in 90+ minutes was testament to just how good the Spurs were. The only sour spot might have been Robbie Keane's inability to put some great chances away. The Tigers on the other hand dug in and really got into the faces of the Chelsea players, especially Micheal Ballack who was ready to bite the referee had the game finished at 1 - 1. Hull were appalling at home last year and that is going to remain the same against an obviously in form Tottenham. This should be a walkover for the Spurs if they don't pull a "Tottenham" and don't perform according to their potential
Hull 1 - 2 Tottenham
Liverpool vs Stoke City
Kick-Off 20:00
Liverpool 1/4
Draw 9/2
Stoke 12/1
Liverpool were poor against Tottenham, and that is being charitable. It was their ability to pick up maximum points against the better teams last season that got them to second place with a whopping 86 points. And teams like Stoke came to Anfield and picked up maximum points which might play on their minds especially since they started with a loss. All these thoughts will disappear by the second half when Liverpool come into their own. The Potters do play some attractive football, but Rafa Benitez's men will have too much for Stoke. It won't be comfortable, not by a long shot, but Liverpool should be able to get their title challenge back on track this weekend.
Liverpool 3 - 1 Stoke
It is sad that Arsenal won't be playing in the league this weekend and they will take their game in hand with a smile on their face. Their result was the pick of the weekend and it is great to see Eduardo back. But who cares really, football is back baby. God bless us, midweek football for everyone.
Until then, bring in the beers.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Premier League Preview
The weekend is upon us and that can mean only one thing to all of us - The excitement that is English Football is back! Gone are the days of shopping with the girl, buying mummy flowers and watching Brian Lara smashing boundaries left, right, centre with Jack Russel watching as his mustache blows in the wind, in "The Best of Lara" series.
It's time for bloody gums and dirty bottoms and all the thrill attached to the 8-month roller coaster simply called the Barclaycard Premier League!
Here's my preview of the matches on this weekend. My prediction for the table at the end of the season is coming up soon.
Saturday
Chelsea vs Hull City
Kick-off 12:45
Chelsea 1/6
Draw 11/2
Hull 20/1
Chelsea have had a great pre-season, culminating in the Community Shield victory over title rivals Manchester United. But they have not been involved in any high-profile transfers usually associated with them, this summer. The fans will have to wait a bit to get a taste of new boy Yuri Zhirkov who is sitting out injured, but Chelsea's biggest coup of the summer has to be to have hung on defender Ricardo Carvalho and captain John Terry. The Tigers on the other hand have been rejected by almost all players (Michael Owen among many others). Hull's start to the season will be what has everyone scanning their names in the back pages of tabloids, who they sign, will not figure in the readers to do list. Still, irrespective of any signing either of these two teams may have made over the summer, I believe Chelsea will be too strong for Hull at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction
Chelsea 3 - 0 Hull.
Aston Villa vs. Wigan
Kick-off 15:00
Aston Villa 4/6
Draw 13/5
Wigan 9/2
The biggest test Martin O'Neill faces this season is how he will string together this squad with his most influential midfielder gone to the blue half of Manchester. Add to that, the loss of Martin Laursen, the clarets will find it hard to repeat the performance of last season. Something similar to what the problems their opposition will face this season. 11th place is a great return for a team like Wigan but they have since lost Antonio Valencia and the manager who brought in unknown South Americans like Valencia - Steve Bruce! Wigan have got a classy young manager in Roberto Martinez, but the ex- Swansea manager will struggle in his first full-season in the Premier League. Martin O'Neil's side will have too much quality for Wigan to handle. The midland outfit can expect to start the campaign with a victory at home, without being troubled too much.
Aston Villa 2 - 1 Wigan.
Blackburn vs Man City
Kick-Off 15:00
Blackburn 13/5
Draw 9/4
Manchester City 11/10
You could not have seen a paper this summer without a $ or a £ or € or sometimes even a ¥ sign in a headline where a certain Manchester City were also mentioned. The sky blues could not have asked for a better acid test to the beginning of their new campaign. Ewood Park is not a place anyone would like to start a friendly, let alone a full blown Premier League campaign. But a lot rides on Mark Hughes' men and the outcome of this game. Simply because his team didn't do well away at all last season and his high profile signings will be expected to deliver from day 1. And Sam Allardyce will give his team the license to give former Rovers' Striker Roque Santa Cruz and Manager Mark Hughes a kick in the teeth (maybe quite literally for Roque if he were to take the field, which is highly unlikely). Still, City has too much firepower to nullify any long ball inspired goal that Blackburn can score. It should be an exciting draw and a complete defense vs. attack off the season (unless Blackburn go 2-0 up... you can forget about a World XI beating them then).
Blackburn 1 - 1 Man City
Bolton vs Sunderland
Kick-Off 15:00
Bolton 5/4
Draw 9/4
Sunderland 9/4
The least anticipated match of the season, even for fans of Bolton and Sunderland. If Steve Bruce were asked where he was allowed to start the season, except the Stadium of Light, one of the last places on his mind would have been the Reebok. Much will be expected of his team who have money, some quality and a good manager in him. Bolton on the other hand have a manager who will once again be happy with the 35 draws + 3 wins necessary to play in the Premier League again next season. Expect that to happen. This will be a cagey match, with Bolton choosing to defend and Sunderland trying to play under Brucey's new system. If the pre-season results are anything to go by, expect a draw.
Bolton 0 - 0 Sunderland.
Portsmouth vs Fulham
Kick Off 15:00
Portsmouth 13/8
Draw 11/5
Fulham 7/4
Pompey is going down this season. You read it here first. They just don't have enough. They have sold arguably their best player in Glen Johnson, this summer, and their most potent strike force to Spurs in half a year. It almost seems like they are preparing for life in the championship and don't want the expensive wage bills weighing them down. Still, Fratton Park remains a ground managers like to avoid during the beginning of their season. Much like Craven Cottage which is home to the team coming to Pompey. But unlike their opponents, Fulham has a solid team, still have their best player from last season in Brede Hangeland and a manager who knows exactly what he needs to do. Still, expect their European adventure to continue next year only if they manage to win the Europa League in this campaign. As far as this match is concerned, I am going for a Fulham win - despite their appalling away record last season.
Portsmouth 0 - 1 Fulham
Stoke vs Burnley
Kick Off 15:00
Stoke 10/11
Draw 23/10
Burnley 10/3
Another name for hell on earth - The Britannia. Yet another stadium in a managers' "Places to avoid in August" checklist. Stoke will probably face a similar atmosphere at Turf Moor, but Tony Pulis's men don't have to worry about that till January. Burnley had a great cup run last year and defeated 2 of the top 4 on their way to the Carling Cup semifinal, only to lose (rather unfortunately) to the Spurs. Expect nothing similar in a campaign that will last 38 games, and nothing even close in the opening game of the season. Stoke will be too physical for the new comers - 25 minutes, Rory Delap's second throw in of the game, Beattie volleys it home... and the celebration begins for the Potters.
Stoke 3 - 0 Burnley.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham
Kick Off 15:00
Wolves 13/8
Draw 23/10
West Ham 17/10
Mick McCarthy will have learnt a great deal from his last time in the Premiership when Sunderland recorded the all time low return from any team in the Premiership - ever. And his team will reflect the nerves he will be showing in their return to the top flight. Expect them to improve as the season continues and play some exciting football by the time we reach November. Could they be the Hull of this season? Maybe, at least if Sylvan Ebanks Blake has a say in things. They have had a good off season but they will face a different quality in the Hammers. Zola's charges will want to hit the ground running if they are to pursue their hunt for European spots. Expect a win for the West London outfit.
Wolves 0 - 2 West Ham.
Everton vs Arsenal
Kick Off 17:30
Everton 11/5
Draw 9/4
Arsenal 13/10
The last game of the day is at Goodison Park where the Merseysiders play host to a certain North London outfit who will be well under scrutiny all season long. Arsenal start their season without influential Centre Back Kolo Toure who has signed for Manchester City. Everton could very well be in a similar position by the end of this month with Joleon Lescott also headed there. But whoever has written off Arsenal, especially as a probable top 4, is a fool. Arsene's kids have a years' worth of extra experience from last year. They lost just the one game out of their last 24 of last season. Admittedly there were a few draws there, but they will be better off without Adebayor and with a fit again Eduardo. Everton on the other hand, well, what can be said that is enough about this team. They have, for the last 4-5 seasons, punched well above their weight and they will do it again with a fit squad. Although Arsenal have the edge as far as pre-season results are concerned, I expect a highly entertaining draw with Tim Cahill scoring from a corner, a freak own goal while a touch of class from Arshavin and a rocket from an off-the-bench Diaby will seal this result. If you can avoid it, do not bet on this one.
Everton 2 - 2 Arsenal.
Sunday
Manchester United vs Birmingham
Kick Off 13:30
Man Utd 1/5
Draw 5/1
Birmingham 16/1
The champions kick-off Super Sunday inviting Alex Mcleish's Blues to Old Trafford. The Midland outfit could not have asked for a worst start. While the Champions could not have asked for an easier one. Perhaps the only solace for Birmingham is that they will know the results of all their relegation rivals and could try and remain on damage limitation mode with a rampant United who will be intent on sending a message out to their title rivals with a resounding victory over the Blues. Birmingham might have been a little successful in their plans if the match was being played at St. Andrews. The highest scoring game of the weekend by a country mile.
Manchester United 4 - 0 Birmingham
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Liverpool
Kick-Off 16:00
Tottenham 11/5
Draw 9/4
Liverpool 13/10
What can be expected to be one of the best matches of the weekend has been slated as the last game off the weekend. If pre-season results are anything to go by, well, neither team is going to do too well in this game. But last season's runner's up will want to hit the ground running while Tottenham will want to do anything to avoid last season's start where relegation seemed like a realistic threat. Enter Harry Redknapp and a top ten finish later, Europe is where the Spurs are headed this season. With Defoe showing the form he is in against Holland and Liverpool hanging on to Mascherano this should be a cracker. Tottenham to edge it if Gerrard doesn't play. I expect the same return as last season's corresponding game.
Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool.
All times are BST. All odds are from bet365
It's time for bloody gums and dirty bottoms and all the thrill attached to the 8-month roller coaster simply called the Barclaycard Premier League!
Here's my preview of the matches on this weekend. My prediction for the table at the end of the season is coming up soon.
Saturday
Chelsea vs Hull City
Kick-off 12:45
Chelsea 1/6
Draw 11/2
Hull 20/1
Chelsea have had a great pre-season, culminating in the Community Shield victory over title rivals Manchester United. But they have not been involved in any high-profile transfers usually associated with them, this summer. The fans will have to wait a bit to get a taste of new boy Yuri Zhirkov who is sitting out injured, but Chelsea's biggest coup of the summer has to be to have hung on defender Ricardo Carvalho and captain John Terry. The Tigers on the other hand have been rejected by almost all players (Michael Owen among many others). Hull's start to the season will be what has everyone scanning their names in the back pages of tabloids, who they sign, will not figure in the readers to do list. Still, irrespective of any signing either of these two teams may have made over the summer, I believe Chelsea will be too strong for Hull at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction
Chelsea 3 - 0 Hull.
Aston Villa vs. Wigan
Kick-off 15:00
Aston Villa 4/6
Draw 13/5
Wigan 9/2
The biggest test Martin O'Neill faces this season is how he will string together this squad with his most influential midfielder gone to the blue half of Manchester. Add to that, the loss of Martin Laursen, the clarets will find it hard to repeat the performance of last season. Something similar to what the problems their opposition will face this season. 11th place is a great return for a team like Wigan but they have since lost Antonio Valencia and the manager who brought in unknown South Americans like Valencia - Steve Bruce! Wigan have got a classy young manager in Roberto Martinez, but the ex- Swansea manager will struggle in his first full-season in the Premier League. Martin O'Neil's side will have too much quality for Wigan to handle. The midland outfit can expect to start the campaign with a victory at home, without being troubled too much.
Aston Villa 2 - 1 Wigan.
Blackburn vs Man City
Kick-Off 15:00
Blackburn 13/5
Draw 9/4
Manchester City 11/10
You could not have seen a paper this summer without a $ or a £ or € or sometimes even a ¥ sign in a headline where a certain Manchester City were also mentioned. The sky blues could not have asked for a better acid test to the beginning of their new campaign. Ewood Park is not a place anyone would like to start a friendly, let alone a full blown Premier League campaign. But a lot rides on Mark Hughes' men and the outcome of this game. Simply because his team didn't do well away at all last season and his high profile signings will be expected to deliver from day 1. And Sam Allardyce will give his team the license to give former Rovers' Striker Roque Santa Cruz and Manager Mark Hughes a kick in the teeth (maybe quite literally for Roque if he were to take the field, which is highly unlikely). Still, City has too much firepower to nullify any long ball inspired goal that Blackburn can score. It should be an exciting draw and a complete defense vs. attack off the season (unless Blackburn go 2-0 up... you can forget about a World XI beating them then).
Blackburn 1 - 1 Man City
Bolton vs Sunderland
Kick-Off 15:00
Bolton 5/4
Draw 9/4
Sunderland 9/4
The least anticipated match of the season, even for fans of Bolton and Sunderland. If Steve Bruce were asked where he was allowed to start the season, except the Stadium of Light, one of the last places on his mind would have been the Reebok. Much will be expected of his team who have money, some quality and a good manager in him. Bolton on the other hand have a manager who will once again be happy with the 35 draws + 3 wins necessary to play in the Premier League again next season. Expect that to happen. This will be a cagey match, with Bolton choosing to defend and Sunderland trying to play under Brucey's new system. If the pre-season results are anything to go by, expect a draw.
Bolton 0 - 0 Sunderland.
Portsmouth vs Fulham
Kick Off 15:00
Portsmouth 13/8
Draw 11/5
Fulham 7/4
Pompey is going down this season. You read it here first. They just don't have enough. They have sold arguably their best player in Glen Johnson, this summer, and their most potent strike force to Spurs in half a year. It almost seems like they are preparing for life in the championship and don't want the expensive wage bills weighing them down. Still, Fratton Park remains a ground managers like to avoid during the beginning of their season. Much like Craven Cottage which is home to the team coming to Pompey. But unlike their opponents, Fulham has a solid team, still have their best player from last season in Brede Hangeland and a manager who knows exactly what he needs to do. Still, expect their European adventure to continue next year only if they manage to win the Europa League in this campaign. As far as this match is concerned, I am going for a Fulham win - despite their appalling away record last season.
Portsmouth 0 - 1 Fulham
Stoke vs Burnley
Kick Off 15:00
Stoke 10/11
Draw 23/10
Burnley 10/3
Another name for hell on earth - The Britannia. Yet another stadium in a managers' "Places to avoid in August" checklist. Stoke will probably face a similar atmosphere at Turf Moor, but Tony Pulis's men don't have to worry about that till January. Burnley had a great cup run last year and defeated 2 of the top 4 on their way to the Carling Cup semifinal, only to lose (rather unfortunately) to the Spurs. Expect nothing similar in a campaign that will last 38 games, and nothing even close in the opening game of the season. Stoke will be too physical for the new comers - 25 minutes, Rory Delap's second throw in of the game, Beattie volleys it home... and the celebration begins for the Potters.
Stoke 3 - 0 Burnley.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham
Kick Off 15:00
Wolves 13/8
Draw 23/10
West Ham 17/10
Mick McCarthy will have learnt a great deal from his last time in the Premiership when Sunderland recorded the all time low return from any team in the Premiership - ever. And his team will reflect the nerves he will be showing in their return to the top flight. Expect them to improve as the season continues and play some exciting football by the time we reach November. Could they be the Hull of this season? Maybe, at least if Sylvan Ebanks Blake has a say in things. They have had a good off season but they will face a different quality in the Hammers. Zola's charges will want to hit the ground running if they are to pursue their hunt for European spots. Expect a win for the West London outfit.
Wolves 0 - 2 West Ham.
Everton vs Arsenal
Kick Off 17:30
Everton 11/5
Draw 9/4
Arsenal 13/10
The last game of the day is at Goodison Park where the Merseysiders play host to a certain North London outfit who will be well under scrutiny all season long. Arsenal start their season without influential Centre Back Kolo Toure who has signed for Manchester City. Everton could very well be in a similar position by the end of this month with Joleon Lescott also headed there. But whoever has written off Arsenal, especially as a probable top 4, is a fool. Arsene's kids have a years' worth of extra experience from last year. They lost just the one game out of their last 24 of last season. Admittedly there were a few draws there, but they will be better off without Adebayor and with a fit again Eduardo. Everton on the other hand, well, what can be said that is enough about this team. They have, for the last 4-5 seasons, punched well above their weight and they will do it again with a fit squad. Although Arsenal have the edge as far as pre-season results are concerned, I expect a highly entertaining draw with Tim Cahill scoring from a corner, a freak own goal while a touch of class from Arshavin and a rocket from an off-the-bench Diaby will seal this result. If you can avoid it, do not bet on this one.
Everton 2 - 2 Arsenal.
Sunday
Manchester United vs Birmingham
Kick Off 13:30
Man Utd 1/5
Draw 5/1
Birmingham 16/1
The champions kick-off Super Sunday inviting Alex Mcleish's Blues to Old Trafford. The Midland outfit could not have asked for a worst start. While the Champions could not have asked for an easier one. Perhaps the only solace for Birmingham is that they will know the results of all their relegation rivals and could try and remain on damage limitation mode with a rampant United who will be intent on sending a message out to their title rivals with a resounding victory over the Blues. Birmingham might have been a little successful in their plans if the match was being played at St. Andrews. The highest scoring game of the weekend by a country mile.
Manchester United 4 - 0 Birmingham
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Liverpool
Kick-Off 16:00
Tottenham 11/5
Draw 9/4
Liverpool 13/10
What can be expected to be one of the best matches of the weekend has been slated as the last game off the weekend. If pre-season results are anything to go by, well, neither team is going to do too well in this game. But last season's runner's up will want to hit the ground running while Tottenham will want to do anything to avoid last season's start where relegation seemed like a realistic threat. Enter Harry Redknapp and a top ten finish later, Europe is where the Spurs are headed this season. With Defoe showing the form he is in against Holland and Liverpool hanging on to Mascherano this should be a cracker. Tottenham to edge it if Gerrard doesn't play. I expect the same return as last season's corresponding game.
Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool.
All times are BST. All odds are from bet365
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