I hope you all have a good one with minimum hangovers and no family bust-ups and a good time is had by all.
... and don't forget those predictions fellas :)
Tuesday 24 December 2013
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everybody :)
Hopefully my team can give me a few extra prezzies over the next couple
of weeks to make up for some of those team related Christmas gifts I'll get :)
I hope you all have a good one with minimum hangovers and no family bust-ups and a good time is had by all.
... and don't forget those predictions fellas :)
I hope you all have a good one with minimum hangovers and no family bust-ups and a good time is had by all.
... and don't forget those predictions fellas :)
New Year Madness
This is the player that did a bunk from Sunderland to boost his bank balance to the tune of £140k tax free a week and play in a sub standard league.
His goalscoring record is pretty good but he has missed 2 high profile penalties in the World Cup and African nations cup.
This really smacks of desperation :(
Sunday 22 December 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 18-19-20)
Not quite finished with week 17 yet but here's the next batch :)
I guess you will all have plenty to do over the next week so if you can spare a few minutes here are the games being played over the Christmas period.
Don't have to do them all at once, but obviously predictions for each set are needed before the relevant kick off's.
Week 18 - Thursday 26th Dec
Hull v Man Utd
Aston Villa v C Palace
Cardiff v Southampton
Chelsea v Swansea
Everton v Sunderland
Newcastle v Stoke
Norwich v Fulham
Tottenham v West Brom
West Ham v Arsenal
Man City v Liverpool
---------------------------
Week 19 - Sat 28th + Sun 29th Dec
West Ham v West Brom
Aston Villa v Swansea
Hull v Fulham
Man City v C Palace
Norwich v Man Utd
Cardiff v Sunderland
Everton v Southampton
Newcastle v Arsenal
Chelsea v Liverpool
Tottenham v Stoke
----------------------------
Week 20 - Wed 1st January
Swansea v Man City
Arsenal v Cardiff
C Palace v Norwich
Fulham v West Ham
Liverpool v Hull
Southampton v Chelsea
Stoke v Everton
Sunderland v Aston Villa
West Brom v Newcastle
Man Utd v Tottenham
It's FA cup week 4th/5th January, so premier predictions is back for the 11th Janauary.
I guess you will all have plenty to do over the next week so if you can spare a few minutes here are the games being played over the Christmas period.
Don't have to do them all at once, but obviously predictions for each set are needed before the relevant kick off's.
Week 18 - Thursday 26th Dec
Hull v Man Utd
Aston Villa v C Palace
Cardiff v Southampton
Chelsea v Swansea
Everton v Sunderland
Newcastle v Stoke
Norwich v Fulham
Tottenham v West Brom
West Ham v Arsenal
Man City v Liverpool
---------------------------
Week 19 - Sat 28th + Sun 29th Dec
West Ham v West Brom
Aston Villa v Swansea
Hull v Fulham
Man City v C Palace
Norwich v Man Utd
Cardiff v Sunderland
Everton v Southampton
Newcastle v Arsenal
Chelsea v Liverpool
Tottenham v Stoke
----------------------------
Week 20 - Wed 1st January
Swansea v Man City
Arsenal v Cardiff
C Palace v Norwich
Fulham v West Ham
Liverpool v Hull
Southampton v Chelsea
Stoke v Everton
Sunderland v Aston Villa
West Brom v Newcastle
Man Utd v Tottenham
It's FA cup week 4th/5th January, so premier predictions is back for the 11th Janauary.
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Jingle Bells
Jingle bells, Jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to see,
West Ham win away :)
Where did that come from, we looked a bit dodgy early on but were even for the rest of the first half.
Second half Tottenham did a lot of running around without looking like scoring and we were getting better, Adebeyor's goal was a bit of a shock but Fat Sam's subs all contributed Diame and Morrison were excellent and what that the same Maiga? suddenly he's a big powerful striker winning things.
Jarvis's equaliser was good Maiga's winner was better, then he struck the cross bar with a bullet.
Renewed confidence flooding back for him and everyone after that. Credit to the unsung heroes who haven't been given much chance to shine this season Taylor, Adrian and Diarra.
Two wins at Shite Hart Lane in one season almost makes up for all the other dross we've seen recently, let's hope they go to Old Trafford believing they can win :)
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to see,
West Ham win away :)
Where did that come from, we looked a bit dodgy early on but were even for the rest of the first half.
Second half Tottenham did a lot of running around without looking like scoring and we were getting better, Adebeyor's goal was a bit of a shock but Fat Sam's subs all contributed Diame and Morrison were excellent and what that the same Maiga? suddenly he's a big powerful striker winning things.
Jarvis's equaliser was good Maiga's winner was better, then he struck the cross bar with a bullet.
Renewed confidence flooding back for him and everyone after that. Credit to the unsung heroes who haven't been given much chance to shine this season Taylor, Adrian and Diarra.
Two wins at Shite Hart Lane in one season almost makes up for all the other dross we've seen recently, let's hope they go to Old Trafford believing they can win :)
Premier Predictions (Week 17)
It's getting to that complicated part of the season with multiple fixtures in a short space of time, so stay tuned :)
These are the pre-Christmas fixtures on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
I'll do another post for the boxing day games and the matches up to New year's day before the weekend to confuse you even more.
Liverpool v Cardiff
C Palace v Newcastle
Fulham v Man City
Man Utd v West Ham
Stoke v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Norwich
West Brom v Hull
Southampton v Tottenham
Swansea v Everton
Arsenal v Chelsea
These are the pre-Christmas fixtures on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
I'll do another post for the boxing day games and the matches up to New year's day before the weekend to confuse you even more.
Liverpool v Cardiff
C Palace v Newcastle
Fulham v Man City
Man Utd v West Ham
Stoke v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Norwich
West Brom v Hull
Southampton v Tottenham
Swansea v Everton
Arsenal v Chelsea
Monday 16 December 2013
Another One Bites The Dust
I don't think anyone warmed to him at Chelsea, but this time round at Tottenham he's been likeable.
They were never going to find it easy this season without Gareth Bale who had almost single handedly got them to top 4, also losing quality back-up players like Dempsey, Huddlestone, Livermore and Caulker.
The players brought in were a collection of expensive foreign imports, and yesterday when AVB was asked if they were the players he wanted to bring in he made it sound like he went along with Baldini and Levy's choices. This could be the main reason behind the sacking today, either they were all bought on AVB's recommendation or Levy just didn't like the way he'd suddenly been blamed for the poor players brought in.
I heard yesterday that Tottenham despite the few high profile defeats had only had more points at this stage once before, so it hasn't been an absolute disaster yet.
I'm hoping West Ham can inflict more problems on Tottenham on Wednesday night :)
Sunday 15 December 2013
Week 16
For anyone that's interested here's the complete facts and figures from the small table on the right.
PL = Games Predicted, HS = Highest Score of the season, the others self explanatory :)
PL = Games Predicted, HS = Highest Score of the season, the others self explanatory :)
Betflurry
Here we are, an overdue review of this football betting website http://betflurry.com/ which due to the fact you don't need real money makes it a far safer option than the real thing.
There appears to be a lot of work involved considering no money changes hands, all major European leagues and internationals are covered including the in-play option :)
Every week you are allocated a betting kitty of £1000 which can rise if your successfull, and from the drop down box of matches you just have to pick home/away or draw (the odds are a bit more tasty than real betting sites), the minimum bet is £100 so it's a good job it isn't real money.
You are allocated a league and you can create your own and add any friends that are also playing, this part of the program has caused me problems as I've now got 2 identical leagues and managed to invite myself to the league so now there's 2 of me, and I can't figure out how to delete one?
Also I can't seem to change my avatar from the standard "Granada TV" one.
Those problems aside this is a good well layed out free predictions tool, which if you can get a bunch of you playing is probably fun.
Sadly I've killed my own enjoyment by taking advantage of a couple of the early glitches with the "in-play" option, before that I was having a good battle with another member and had a near 80% success rate, that has dropped badly recently due to continually backing West Ham and last week's unpredictable results.
If only that was real money, half a million would come in very handy :)
They appeared to have sorted out a lot of the early problems and the chances of me finding 500/1 odds on a team I had just seen scoring a late winner probably won't happen again.
Over to you AJ, and come back to our less glamourous league, Biopunk's gone in front of you :)
There appears to be a lot of work involved considering no money changes hands, all major European leagues and internationals are covered including the in-play option :)
Every week you are allocated a betting kitty of £1000 which can rise if your successfull, and from the drop down box of matches you just have to pick home/away or draw (the odds are a bit more tasty than real betting sites), the minimum bet is £100 so it's a good job it isn't real money.
You are allocated a league and you can create your own and add any friends that are also playing, this part of the program has caused me problems as I've now got 2 identical leagues and managed to invite myself to the league so now there's 2 of me, and I can't figure out how to delete one?
Also I can't seem to change my avatar from the standard "Granada TV" one.
Those problems aside this is a good well layed out free predictions tool, which if you can get a bunch of you playing is probably fun.
Sadly I've killed my own enjoyment by taking advantage of a couple of the early glitches with the "in-play" option, before that I was having a good battle with another member and had a near 80% success rate, that has dropped badly recently due to continually backing West Ham and last week's unpredictable results.
If only that was real money, half a million would come in very handy :)
They appeared to have sorted out a lot of the early problems and the chances of me finding 500/1 odds on a team I had just seen scoring a late winner probably won't happen again.
Over to you AJ, and come back to our less glamourous league, Biopunk's gone in front of you :)
Panic
We see it every year Pulis at Stoke probably did as well as anyone could but that wasn't enough, a few years back Pardew was building a good team at West Ham but the board undermined him with the Tevez deal breaking all the team spirit we'd built up in the 2 previous seasons and he was gone.
I'm not a fan of Steve Clarke, nasty spiteful footballer (saw him up close a few times) and miserable bastard with a face that could only inspire suicide, but he has done a half decent job at West Brom as they have a reputation as a yo-yo club.
The board claimed to have invested heavily but the £13m spent in the summer is only the 16th highest, and Newcastle had already done their spending in January.
I wonder what has-been failed manager they will end up with next?
Also worrying is mentions of us going back to the Zola/Clarke partnership? Watford's current form should see Zola sacked soon despite having his buddies in the boardroom, meaning it could happen and relegation would be confirmed soon after ... scary thought :(
Tuesday 10 December 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 16)
Here we go again, 7 games on Saturday, 3 games on Sunday.
City v Arsenal is the stand out game, if Arsenal get anything here they must be considered serious challengers which injuries permitting I think they are.
The other big game is sadly a relegation six-pointer at Upton Park, injuries are hitting us hard with Downing the latest casualty after Flanagan's diabolical tackle last week.
Man City v Arsenal
Cardiff v West Brom
Chelsea v C Palace
Everton v Fulham
Newcastle v Southampton
West Ham v Sunderland
Hull v Stoke
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Norwich v Swansea
Tottenham v Liverpool
City v Arsenal is the stand out game, if Arsenal get anything here they must be considered serious challengers which injuries permitting I think they are.
The other big game is sadly a relegation six-pointer at Upton Park, injuries are hitting us hard with Downing the latest casualty after Flanagan's diabolical tackle last week.
Man City v Arsenal
Cardiff v West Brom
Chelsea v C Palace
Everton v Fulham
Newcastle v Southampton
West Ham v Sunderland
Hull v Stoke
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Norwich v Swansea
Tottenham v Liverpool
Interesting
The Germans dominated the Champions league last season and were rightly praised after some amazing results mainly from Munich and Dortmund. With the exception of Arsenal's great win in Munich, England's teams looked to have some catching up to do.
This season early on Munich won at the Etihad and Dortmund won at the Emirates, so it looked like the story would continue despite Chelsea and Man Utd's home wins over Schalke and Leverkusen.
But the four away legs in the second half of the competition maybe show a shift?
Schalke 0-3 Chelsea
Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Man Utd
Bayern Munich 2-3 Man City
This season early on Munich won at the Etihad and Dortmund won at the Emirates, so it looked like the story would continue despite Chelsea and Man Utd's home wins over Schalke and Leverkusen.
But the four away legs in the second half of the competition maybe show a shift?
Schalke 0-3 Chelsea
Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Man Utd
Bayern Munich 2-3 Man City
Friday 6 December 2013
World Cup Draw 2014
World Cup Draw 2014
Groups + (World Rankings)
A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon (10 16 20 51)
Brazil should walk this with the other 3 taking points of each other, the climate won't help Croatia.
B - Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia (1 9 15 59)
Any 3 from 4, Chile could upset the European big guns.
C - Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan (4 12 17 48)
Fairly even group, Colombia should be favourites but have a habit of blowing it on the big stage.
D - Uruguay, Italy, England, Costa Rica (6 7 13 31)
Again any 3 from 4, Uruguay should be favourites but seem overrated after only being 5th in qualifying, Italy still rely on the old guard, England who knows?
E - Switzerland, France, Ecuador, Honduras (8 19 23 41)
A really weak group where any of them could qualify, a lot of people predicted that France would avoid the big guns .. and they did!!
F - Argentina, Bosnia, Nigeria, Iran (3 21 36 45)
Argentina and ?, Bosnia looked good in qualifying but first time nerves and the climate will give the others a shout.
G - Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana (2 5 14 24)
The real group of death, the Europeans should qualify but Ghana and the Yanks are no mugs.
H - Belgium, Russia, Algeria, South Korea (11 22 26 54)
Another weak group where any could qualify, the talented Belgian squad haven't had the big tournament experience so might struggle.
All kicks off 12th June next year :)
England Games
15/06/14 2:00 AM V Italy
19/06/14 8:00 PM V Uruguay
24/06/14 5:00 PM V Costa Rica
The Final - 13/07/14 8:00 PM
Groups + (World Rankings)
A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon (10 16 20 51)
Brazil should walk this with the other 3 taking points of each other, the climate won't help Croatia.
B - Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia (1 9 15 59)
Any 3 from 4, Chile could upset the European big guns.
C - Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan (4 12 17 48)
Fairly even group, Colombia should be favourites but have a habit of blowing it on the big stage.
D - Uruguay, Italy, England, Costa Rica (6 7 13 31)
Again any 3 from 4, Uruguay should be favourites but seem overrated after only being 5th in qualifying, Italy still rely on the old guard, England who knows?
E - Switzerland, France, Ecuador, Honduras (8 19 23 41)
A really weak group where any of them could qualify, a lot of people predicted that France would avoid the big guns .. and they did!!
F - Argentina, Bosnia, Nigeria, Iran (3 21 36 45)
Argentina and ?, Bosnia looked good in qualifying but first time nerves and the climate will give the others a shout.
G - Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana (2 5 14 24)
The real group of death, the Europeans should qualify but Ghana and the Yanks are no mugs.
H - Belgium, Russia, Algeria, South Korea (11 22 26 54)
Another weak group where any could qualify, the talented Belgian squad haven't had the big tournament experience so might struggle.
All kicks off 12th June next year :)
England Games
15/06/14 2:00 AM V Italy
19/06/14 8:00 PM V Uruguay
24/06/14 5:00 PM V Costa Rica
The Final - 13/07/14 8:00 PM
Thursday 5 December 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 15)
Sorry guys it's another quick turnaround as the Premier league tries to catch up after all those international breaks.
7 Games on Saturday, 2 on Sunday and Swans v Tiggers on Monday.
Man Utd v Newcastle
C Palace v Cardiff
Liverpool v West Ham
Southampton v Man City
Stoke v Chelsea
West Brom v Norwich
Sunderland v Tottenham
Fulham v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Everton
Swansea v Hull
Good luck all :)
7 Games on Saturday, 2 on Sunday and Swans v Tiggers on Monday.
Man Utd v Newcastle
C Palace v Cardiff
Liverpool v West Ham
Southampton v Man City
Stoke v Chelsea
West Brom v Norwich
Sunderland v Tottenham
Fulham v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Everton
Swansea v Hull
Good luck all :)
Sunday 1 December 2013
Bye Jol
Watching Fulham against West Ham yesterday Fulham were awful and made us look like world beaters (which we're not).
His policy of recruiting so called flair players and has-beens has backfired big time.
Berbatov, Ruiz and Taraabt are all gifted but not team players, Bent, Duff, Karagounis and Parker saw their best days long ago.
I've never really rated Jol as a manager but always enjoyed his after match comments, as his accent reminds me of old seedy 70's films for some reason :)
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 13 + 14)
A Double this week, games on Saturday and Sunday.and next Tuesday and Wednesday.
This weekends games are week 13, the midweek games count as week 14.
Week 13
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Cardiff v Arsenal
Everton v Stoke
Norwich v C Palace
West Ham v Fulham
Newcastle v West Brom
Tottenham v Man Utd
Hull v Liverpool
Chelsea v Southampton
Man City v Swansea
Week 14
C Palace v West Ham
Arsenal v Hull
Liverpool v Norwich
Man Utd v Everton
Southampton v Aston Villa
Stoke v Cardiff
Sunderland v Chelsea
Swansea v Newcastle
Fulham v Tottenham
West Brom v Man City
Just need the second set by Tuesday night, so no hurry.
Good luck all :)
This weekends games are week 13, the midweek games count as week 14.
Week 13
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Cardiff v Arsenal
Everton v Stoke
Norwich v C Palace
West Ham v Fulham
Newcastle v West Brom
Tottenham v Man Utd
Hull v Liverpool
Chelsea v Southampton
Man City v Swansea
Week 14
C Palace v West Ham
Arsenal v Hull
Liverpool v Norwich
Man Utd v Everton
Southampton v Aston Villa
Stoke v Cardiff
Sunderland v Chelsea
Swansea v Newcastle
Fulham v Tottenham
West Brom v Man City
Just need the second set by Tuesday night, so no hurry.
Good luck all :)
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 12)
Just woke up after nodding off during the England v Germany game, so no time to go to bed as the alarm goes off in 2 hours!!
So a stiff neck and just found out we lost again :(
Anyway Premier predictions is back for an uninterupted run now all those internationals are out of the way, games over 3 days this week with 7 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday and the Baggies Villa game on Monday.
Arsenal Saints is the top of the table clash and the Scouse derby is the early game (BT top pick?).
Obviously the big game for this blog is the late game on Saturday, just read that the Hammers have lost Collins, Rat and O'Brien to injuries picked up on international duty joining Reid and the rest in the sick bay meaning we now have only 2 defenders and no forwards so Fat Sam will have to play a 2-8-0 formation??
Good luck all :)
Everton v Liverpool
Arsenal v Southampton
Fulham v Swansea
Hull v C Palace
Newcastle v Norwich
Stoke v Sunderland
West Ham v Chelsea
Man City v Tottenham
Cardiff v Man Utd
West Brom v Aston Villa
So a stiff neck and just found out we lost again :(
Anyway Premier predictions is back for an uninterupted run now all those internationals are out of the way, games over 3 days this week with 7 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday and the Baggies Villa game on Monday.
Arsenal Saints is the top of the table clash and the Scouse derby is the early game (BT top pick?).
Obviously the big game for this blog is the late game on Saturday, just read that the Hammers have lost Collins, Rat and O'Brien to injuries picked up on international duty joining Reid and the rest in the sick bay meaning we now have only 2 defenders and no forwards so Fat Sam will have to play a 2-8-0 formation??
Good luck all :)
Everton v Liverpool
Arsenal v Southampton
Fulham v Swansea
Hull v C Palace
Newcastle v Norwich
Stoke v Sunderland
West Ham v Chelsea
Man City v Tottenham
Cardiff v Man Utd
West Brom v Aston Villa
Monday 18 November 2013
World Cup Squad?
I've been looking through prospective candidates for England's World Cup squad, and here's my take on it.
A few of the old hands will probably be selected by Hodgson but I reckon this slightly younger lot could be worth a go.
Don't expect us to win or go really close, but it would be great if we could have a few performances to remember.
Goalies
Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Jack Butland
Defenders
Kyle Walker, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones
Midfield
Steven Gerrard, Theo Walcott, Michael Carrick, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere, Ravel Morrison, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andros Townsend
Forwards
Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Rickie Lambert, Saido Berahino
Reserves
Fraser Forster, Steven Caulker, Luke Shaw, Tom Cleverley, Ross Barkley, Andy Carroll
Thanks and Goodbye
Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Jermain Defoe, John Ruddy, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Jordan Henderson, Gareth Barry, Matthew Jarvis, John Terry, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Aaron Lennon, Leon Osman, Frazier Campbell, Rob Green, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Ryan Shawcross, Tom Huddlestone
Maybe Next Time
Jack Rodwell, Jay Rodriguez, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Ryan Bertrand, James Ward-Prowse, Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Redmond, Tom Ince, Andre Wisdom, Eric Dier, Tom Carroll, Danny Ings, Jake Livermore
A few of the old hands will probably be selected by Hodgson but I reckon this slightly younger lot could be worth a go.
Don't expect us to win or go really close, but it would be great if we could have a few performances to remember.
Goalies
Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Jack Butland
Defenders
Kyle Walker, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones
Midfield
Steven Gerrard, Theo Walcott, Michael Carrick, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere, Ravel Morrison, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andros Townsend
Forwards
Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Rickie Lambert, Saido Berahino
Reserves
Fraser Forster, Steven Caulker, Luke Shaw, Tom Cleverley, Ross Barkley, Andy Carroll
Thanks and Goodbye
Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Jermain Defoe, John Ruddy, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Jordan Henderson, Gareth Barry, Matthew Jarvis, John Terry, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Aaron Lennon, Leon Osman, Frazier Campbell, Rob Green, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Ryan Shawcross, Tom Huddlestone
Maybe Next Time
Jack Rodwell, Jay Rodriguez, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Ryan Bertrand, James Ward-Prowse, Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Redmond, Tom Ince, Andre Wisdom, Eric Dier, Tom Carroll, Danny Ings, Jake Livermore
Saturday 16 November 2013
England
If anyone was suddenly believing we were world beaters after our
World cup qualification, this should bring them back to reality.
The 4th best team in South America made us look really ordinary, I realise we played with an experimental team but their were enough experienced players on view to have made a game out of it.
The only bright spot was Adam Lalalalana who didn't look overawed and was our best player.
Fraser Forster - Looked slow and cumbersome, probably better than Ruddy but not a patch on Hart or Foster.
Glen Johnson - Best days are behind him and with only Kyle Walker challenging him we have a problem in the right back position.
Leighton Baines - Proving again he's not a patch on Ashley Cole as a defender, and against teams that don't allow him to get forward he will struggle.
Phil Jones - Should do better, needs a run in central defence with club and country which he's unlikely to get.
Gary Cahill - Usually impresses me but now I know why Mourinho leaves him on the bench so often, lucky not to get sent off in this match.
Frank Lampard - Should retire gracefully now, he's been good in the past but those days have gone.
Jack Wilshere - Has got talent but injury prone and his attitude will see him sent off against teams who specialise in winding up opponents.
James Milner - No idea why he keeps getting picked? very average player.
Adam Lallana - Good debut, skilful player who might make the grade.
Wayne Rooney - Having his best season in years, struggled in this game but still looked better than most on view.
Jay Rodriguez - Rabbit in the headlights, played out of position but never looked likely to have any influence on the game. Maybe he could be brought back after the World cup for another go.
Andros Townsend - Has looked very good so far, but didn't get a chance to shine last night.
Chris Smalling - Like Jones needs to play regularly as he looks promising.
Jermaine Defoe - Another one who's best days are behind him.
Jordan Henderson - Average midfielder lacking the skills for international matches.
Tom Cleverley - Looked good last season but seems to be going backwards.
Ross Barkley - Promising player but gives the ball away too much, will get better.
Rickie Lambert - Has done nothing wrong and should stay in the squad.
Daniel Sturridge - Skilful player who seems to play according to his mood, can be very good but sometimes looks like he can't be bothered.
Steven Gerrard - Should be good for another year, if Lampard's not playing he still looks our best midfielder but injuries are a big problem.
Ashley Cole - Still our best left back.
Joe Hart - Still our best keeper despite the mistakes.
John Ruddy - He's English and a goalie?
Phil Jagielka - Reliable, best option at the moment.
Kieron Gibbs - 3rd best left back possibly, could be good in the future if he keeps playing regularly for Arsenal.
The 4th best team in South America made us look really ordinary, I realise we played with an experimental team but their were enough experienced players on view to have made a game out of it.
The only bright spot was Adam Lalalalana who didn't look overawed and was our best player.
Fraser Forster - Looked slow and cumbersome, probably better than Ruddy but not a patch on Hart or Foster.
Glen Johnson - Best days are behind him and with only Kyle Walker challenging him we have a problem in the right back position.
Leighton Baines - Proving again he's not a patch on Ashley Cole as a defender, and against teams that don't allow him to get forward he will struggle.
Phil Jones - Should do better, needs a run in central defence with club and country which he's unlikely to get.
Gary Cahill - Usually impresses me but now I know why Mourinho leaves him on the bench so often, lucky not to get sent off in this match.
Frank Lampard - Should retire gracefully now, he's been good in the past but those days have gone.
Jack Wilshere - Has got talent but injury prone and his attitude will see him sent off against teams who specialise in winding up opponents.
James Milner - No idea why he keeps getting picked? very average player.
Adam Lallana - Good debut, skilful player who might make the grade.
Wayne Rooney - Having his best season in years, struggled in this game but still looked better than most on view.
Jay Rodriguez - Rabbit in the headlights, played out of position but never looked likely to have any influence on the game. Maybe he could be brought back after the World cup for another go.
Andros Townsend - Has looked very good so far, but didn't get a chance to shine last night.
Chris Smalling - Like Jones needs to play regularly as he looks promising.
Jermaine Defoe - Another one who's best days are behind him.
Jordan Henderson - Average midfielder lacking the skills for international matches.
Tom Cleverley - Looked good last season but seems to be going backwards.
Ross Barkley - Promising player but gives the ball away too much, will get better.
Rickie Lambert - Has done nothing wrong and should stay in the squad.
Daniel Sturridge - Skilful player who seems to play according to his mood, can be very good but sometimes looks like he can't be bothered.
Steven Gerrard - Should be good for another year, if Lampard's not playing he still looks our best midfielder but injuries are a big problem.
Ashley Cole - Still our best left back.
Joe Hart - Still our best keeper despite the mistakes.
John Ruddy - He's English and a goalie?
Phil Jagielka - Reliable, best option at the moment.
Kieron Gibbs - 3rd best left back possibly, could be good in the future if he keeps playing regularly for Arsenal.
Sunday 10 November 2013
Possession
According to the pundits possession is key, if you've got the ball you should win.
The facts don't really support that fact this weekend.
The facts don't really support that fact this weekend.
| Everton | 73% | Draw |
| Chelsea | 69% | Draw |
| Liverpool | 67% | Won |
| Swansea | 65% | Draw |
| Tottenham | 65% | Lost |
| Man City | 63% | Lost |
| Southampton | 61% | Won |
| Arsenal | 60% | Lost |
| Cardiff | 56% | Lost |
| West Ham | 53% | Lost |
Dive Dive Dive
Ashley Young's dramatics after the Sociedad defender held his arm were rightly criticised.
Gary Hooper's amazing fall after tripping over Jaaskelainen's arm was just about legal as the West Ham goalie gave him the opportunity to display his diving skills.
But outright winner must be Ramires who threw himself at West Brom defender Reid and fell over to earn Chelsea an extra time penalty.
Mourinho's after match comment really just made him look a prat, he should have just said "it was a bit soft but we'll take it".
.... and no mention of Luis Suarez or Gareth Bale this time :)
Wednesday 6 November 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 11)
It's that time again, one more set of fixtures before yet another international break.
Aston Villa v Cardiff
Chelsea v West Brom
C Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Southampton v Hull
Norwich v West Ham
Tottenham v Newcastle
Sunderland v Man City
Man Utd v Arsenal
Swansea v Stoke
Aston Villa v Cardiff
Chelsea v West Brom
C Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Southampton v Hull
Norwich v West Ham
Tottenham v Newcastle
Sunderland v Man City
Man Utd v Arsenal
Swansea v Stoke
Monday 4 November 2013
Nostalgia
Some great old footie films found at http://www.britishpathe.com
Here's a couple for the Hammer fans (click to go to page). Plenty of other clubs if you search at the top of the page.
Here's a couple for the Hammer fans (click to go to page). Plenty of other clubs if you search at the top of the page.
SOCCER AGAIN!
WEST HAM FOOTBALL TEAM
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 10)
Sorry for the delay, all my usual blogger buttons have gone missing? and I've only just figured out how to do a new post :(
Here goes with Week no.10 which has got some tough to call games :)
Newcastle v Chelsea
Fulham v Man Utd
Hull v Sunderland
Man City v Norwich
Stoke v Southampton
West Brom v C Palace
West Ham v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Liverpool
Everton v Tottenham
Cardiff v Swansea
Here goes with Week no.10 which has got some tough to call games :)
Newcastle v Chelsea
Fulham v Man Utd
Hull v Sunderland
Man City v Norwich
Stoke v Southampton
West Brom v C Palace
West Ham v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Liverpool
Everton v Tottenham
Cardiff v Swansea
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Crystal Balls Up
I think he's a decent manager, not a great one but probably as good as Palace will be able to attract.
I can't think of any decent manager who is likely to take over there with a squad who over achieved getting up, and were always going to struggle staying out of the bottom 3.
Maybe DiCanio???
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 9)
Palace v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Everton
Liverpool v West Brom
Man Utd v Stoke
Norwich v Cardiff
Southampton v Fulham
Sunderland v Newcastle
Chelsea v Man City
Swansea v West Ham
Tottenham v Hull
6 games Saturday, 4 on Sunday
Can we stop in form Longy or is it just a flash in the pan :)
.. and don't panic Biopunk, I lost the first 9 last year and only just got pipped at the end.
Aston Villa v Everton
Liverpool v West Brom
Man Utd v Stoke
Norwich v Cardiff
Southampton v Fulham
Sunderland v Newcastle
Chelsea v Man City
Swansea v West Ham
Tottenham v Hull
6 games Saturday, 4 on Sunday
Can we stop in form Longy or is it just a flash in the pan :)
.. and don't panic Biopunk, I lost the first 9 last year and only just got pipped at the end.
Tuesday 15 October 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 8)
World Cup qualification done and dusted :)
2 Great performances and the future looks bright, hopefully our promising younger players can stay fit and keep improving and who knows?
No doubt the England haters will be pissed off for a while and snidey Lineker and cabbage patch Chiles will have to hold their tongue for a few weeks, I guess the scum press will be setting up Hodgson and our players for some eve of tournament revelation to scupper our confidence like they always do, but let's enjoy the next 6 months dreaming of World cup glory days in Brazil :)
Anyway back to normality with the latest Premier predictions :)
Newcastle v Liverpool
Chelsea v Cardiff
Swansea v Sunderland
Everton v Hull
Man Utd v Southampton
Arsenal v Norwich
Stoke v West Brom
West Ham v Man City
Aston Villa v Tottenham
C Palace v Fulham
8 games on Saturday, 1 on Sunday and a trip to the Palace on Monday night.
2 Great performances and the future looks bright, hopefully our promising younger players can stay fit and keep improving and who knows?
No doubt the England haters will be pissed off for a while and snidey Lineker and cabbage patch Chiles will have to hold their tongue for a few weeks, I guess the scum press will be setting up Hodgson and our players for some eve of tournament revelation to scupper our confidence like they always do, but let's enjoy the next 6 months dreaming of World cup glory days in Brazil :)
Anyway back to normality with the latest Premier predictions :)
Newcastle v Liverpool
Chelsea v Cardiff
Swansea v Sunderland
Everton v Hull
Man Utd v Southampton
Arsenal v Norwich
Stoke v West Brom
West Ham v Man City
Aston Villa v Tottenham
C Palace v Fulham
8 games on Saturday, 1 on Sunday and a trip to the Palace on Monday night.
Monday 7 October 2013
Fantasy Football Update
Week 7 Update of the "Nothing Better Than Football" leagues.
Just 8 teams in the TFF league but our top 5 average has moved us up 750 places from last week :)
My 2 teams are joint leaders so I need to the rest of you to come and catch me to improve our overall standing.
Telegraph Fantasy Football
Shot myself in the foot on the FPL game as my confidence in West Ham winning at Tottenham didn't extend to leaving Reid and Morrison in my starting XI and my 2 benchwarmers would have racked up 25 points :(
But I can live with it after seeing that performance yesterday :)
Should have been in a clear lead of the works league but dropped to 2nd, but still plenty of time to catch up.
Just 8 teams in the TFF league but our top 5 average has moved us up 750 places from last week :)
My 2 teams are joint leaders so I need to the rest of you to come and catch me to improve our overall standing.
Telegraph Fantasy Football
Fantasy Premier League
But I can live with it after seeing that performance yesterday :)
Should have been in a clear lead of the works league but dropped to 2nd, but still plenty of time to catch up.
Smily Time
No premier games this week due to another International break, so I'm hoping England don't take the smile off my face and do enough to qualify for next years World Cup.
Wednesday 2 October 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 7)
Man City v Everton
Cardiff v Newcastle
Fulham v Stoke
Hull v Aston Villa
Liverpool v C Palace
Sunderland v Man Utd
Norwich v Chelsea
Southampton v Swansea
Tottenham v West Ham
West Brom v Arsenal
6 games on Saturday and 4 on Sunday
The big game on Saturday is the other Manchester v Liverpool clash that usually doesn't get as much publicity, City are really unpredictable at the moment, Everton seemed to have clicked under Martinez straight away which makes me wonder if Moyes has been holding them back?
Moyes himself needs a victory badly, and anything less than 3 points against the struggling Mackems will heap the pressure on him.
A few possible upsets on Sunday and I'm praying that Tottenham have a nightmare journey back from Russia and eat some dodgy lasagne on the flight, because with 3 tough games this month we could end up in the drop zone :(
Cardiff v Newcastle
Fulham v Stoke
Hull v Aston Villa
Liverpool v C Palace
Sunderland v Man Utd
Norwich v Chelsea
Southampton v Swansea
Tottenham v West Ham
West Brom v Arsenal
6 games on Saturday and 4 on Sunday
The big game on Saturday is the other Manchester v Liverpool clash that usually doesn't get as much publicity, City are really unpredictable at the moment, Everton seemed to have clicked under Martinez straight away which makes me wonder if Moyes has been holding them back?
Moyes himself needs a victory badly, and anything less than 3 points against the struggling Mackems will heap the pressure on him.
A few possible upsets on Sunday and I'm praying that Tottenham have a nightmare journey back from Russia and eat some dodgy lasagne on the flight, because with 3 tough games this month we could end up in the drop zone :(
Saturday 28 September 2013
Disgrace
Is it the early seventies again? Man Utd are shit and Clough has been sacked by Derby.
Van Ginkel is out for 6 months, which is great news for Juan Mata ... He'll have someone to talk to in the stands.
I've just seen a referee in a pink and yellow quartered shirt ... it was Mark Battenberg.
Gareth Barry has revealed the chance to play under Roberto Martinez was a big factor in his decision to join Everton... Man city telling him "F*ck off, you useless c*nt" was also a consideration.
Tuesday 24 September 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 6)
Tottenham v Chelsea
Hull v West Ham
Aston Villa v Man City
Man Utd v West Brom
Fulham v Cardiff
Southampton v C Palace
Swansea v Arsenal
Stoke v Norwich
Sunderland v Liverpool
Everton v Newcastle
Saturday
AVB v No Way Jose, big test for the Y words to see if their new collective XI can be better than the old one- man team.
West Ham have a strictly must win game against Brucie's Tiggers.
Villa will be dreading facing Man City now they've hit form and also having lost their star striker.
Man U need to start winning to stay in touch with the leaders and will hope RVP is fit.
Arsenal's injury prone stars face the best footballing side in the division, could be good.
Saints v Palace, probably the best bit will be Pochetino's interpreter trying to translate Holloway's rants and words of wisdom.
Fulham v Cardiff, the other game.
On Sunday
How will those pampered little darlings of Blunderland cope without that nasty man shouting at them? not good that they have to share a field with the cannibal who according to his manager is "chomping at the bit" and "hungry" :)
Norwich at Stoke, Gary Hooper's fit so it will be good to see if he can cut it at this level.
Monday
Unbeaten Everton against Le Toon, should be the Toffee's game but Newcastle are always unpredictable.
Good luck all :)
Hull v West Ham
Aston Villa v Man City
Man Utd v West Brom
Fulham v Cardiff
Southampton v C Palace
Swansea v Arsenal
Stoke v Norwich
Sunderland v Liverpool
Everton v Newcastle
Saturday
AVB v No Way Jose, big test for the Y words to see if their new collective XI can be better than the old one- man team.
West Ham have a strictly must win game against Brucie's Tiggers.
Villa will be dreading facing Man City now they've hit form and also having lost their star striker.
Man U need to start winning to stay in touch with the leaders and will hope RVP is fit.
Arsenal's injury prone stars face the best footballing side in the division, could be good.
Saints v Palace, probably the best bit will be Pochetino's interpreter trying to translate Holloway's rants and words of wisdom.
Fulham v Cardiff, the other game.
On Sunday
How will those pampered little darlings of Blunderland cope without that nasty man shouting at them? not good that they have to share a field with the cannibal who according to his manager is "chomping at the bit" and "hungry" :)
Norwich at Stoke, Gary Hooper's fit so it will be good to see if he can cut it at this level.
Monday
Unbeaten Everton against Le Toon, should be the Toffee's game but Newcastle are always unpredictable.
Good luck all :)
Monday 23 September 2013
Bye Paolo
It was fun for the rest of us but I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before the loveable loon was shown the door.
The main surprise was that they had offered him the job full time, and after allowing him to bring in 14 players during the summer break you would have expected them to give him a bit more time.
They have been a bit unlucky in the last 2 games with some dubious reffing in the Arsenal game and the late injury to Fletcher after using 3 subs in Saturday's game.
The team Paolo inherited were piss poor and he did well to inspire them enough to stay up, and as they decided he was to be the future of Sunderland and not just a quick fix, they should have given him more time.
For the record - Played 13, W 3, D 3, L 7, F 15, A 24 including a 3-0 away win over the Geordies.
Tuesday 17 September 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 5)
Saturday and Sunday games this week, West London derby on Saturday, Manc derby on Sunday.
Will the Chelsea boys get off the mark? will Lukaku send a message to Jose (hope not).
Good luck all :)
Norwich v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Southampton
Newcastle v Hull
West Brom v Sunderland
West Ham v Everton
Chelsea v Fulham
Arsenal v Stoke
C Palace v Swansea
Cardiff v Tottenham
Man City v Man Utd
Will the Chelsea boys get off the mark? will Lukaku send a message to Jose (hope not).
Good luck all :)
Norwich v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Southampton
Newcastle v Hull
West Brom v Sunderland
West Ham v Everton
Chelsea v Fulham
Arsenal v Stoke
C Palace v Swansea
Cardiff v Tottenham
Man City v Man Utd
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 4)
Still can't get used to England playing in German shirts, but the results were not too bad.
Anyway International break over, back to the real stuff :)
10 games this week spread over 3 days, 8 on Saturday.
First chance to see all these new "superstars"our clubs have spent millions on, maybe we've even heard of some of them?
Man Utd v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Newcastle
Fulham v West Brom
Hull v Cardiff
Stoke v Man City
Sunderland v Arsenal
Tottenham v Norwich
Everton v Chelsea
Southampton v West Ham
Swansea v Liverpool
Anyway International break over, back to the real stuff :)
10 games this week spread over 3 days, 8 on Saturday.
First chance to see all these new "superstars"our clubs have spent millions on, maybe we've even heard of some of them?
Man Utd v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Newcastle
Fulham v West Brom
Hull v Cardiff
Stoke v Man City
Sunderland v Arsenal
Tottenham v Norwich
Everton v Chelsea
Southampton v West Ham
Swansea v Liverpool
Sunday 1 September 2013
Bale Saga
Tottenham must be sweating as they've spent all the money already, and I really don't know how this "financial fair play" thing works?
Once again I hear West Ham can't bring anyone in because of the wage restrictions and yet Tottenham can sign a bundle of high wage players despite only averaging a thousand more fans per game than us??
I personally think AVB must be sweating as if Bale goes the team doesn't look anywhere near as good as what he had last year, Bale and Dempsey were 2 players always likely to get you a goal and Parker, Huddlestone, Caulker and Livermore are all good premiership players.
Paulinho looks a good solid midfielder and Soldado has a good goal scoring record in Spain but the others are virually unknown to me, and a lot of foreign players do struggle to settle in.
Friday 30 August 2013
So Close
Fernando Torres opened the scoring with a cracking goal after a great run by Hazard, the world's scariest footballer equalised for Munich just after half time and at 90 minutes it was 1-1 and Chelsea had lost Ramires to a red card.
Early in extra time Hazard scored a brilliant solo goal and it looked like Chelsea would hold on with Cech and his back four having inspired games.For some reason Jomo brought on Terry for Hazard which invited Munich to set up camp in the Chelsea half but they came within 5 seconds of holding on.
The penalties were all good until Lukaku did his Anelka impression (David Luiz should be put in charge of penalty training).
Munich were the better team overall but the Chelsea defence were superb especially Gary Cahill.
Fantasy Leagues Update
This hasn't really taken off, but someone's playing so it was sort of worth it :)
TFF - 6 teams so far, I will add a couple more of my teams before the cut off date 27th Sept, so current players feel free to add as many as you like, and anybody else can join :)
FPL - 2 teams only? 2.8 million players!! anyone else want to join :)
So here's the week 2 tables.
TFF
1 TURPS SPIRITS - 114
2 Part Vole - 97
3 Mad Eyed Screamers - 96
4 RUNCORN REDS 1892 - 86
5 HAMMER TIME - 85
6 Hit N Hope - 83
FPL
1 Cockney Rejects 138
2 Longy's Longshots 132
TFF - 6 teams so far, I will add a couple more of my teams before the cut off date 27th Sept, so current players feel free to add as many as you like, and anybody else can join :)
FPL - 2 teams only? 2.8 million players!! anyone else want to join :)
So here's the week 2 tables.
TFF
1 TURPS SPIRITS - 114
2 Part Vole - 97
3 Mad Eyed Screamers - 96
4 RUNCORN REDS 1892 - 86
5 HAMMER TIME - 85
6 Hit N Hope - 83
FPL
1 Cockney Rejects 138
2 Longy's Longshots 132
Thursday 29 August 2013
Champions League
The Champions league group draw
Group A - Man Utd, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Sociedad
Group B - Real Madrid, Juventus, Galatasaray, Copenhagen
Group C - Benfica, Paris SG, Olympiakos, Anderlecht
Group D - Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, Man City, Viktoria Plzen
Group E - Chelsea, Schalke, Basel, Steaua Bucharest
Group F - Arsenal, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli
Group G - Porto, Ath Madrid, Zenit St Petersburg, Austria Vienna
Group H - Barcelona, AC Milan, Ajax, Celtic
First thoughts, Man Utd and Chelsea should stroll through, Man City should finish 2nd.
Arsenal have a really tough group and could struggle.
Celtic have little chance but will hope they can give Barcelona a tough time again.
Group A - Man Utd, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Sociedad
Group B - Real Madrid, Juventus, Galatasaray, Copenhagen
Group C - Benfica, Paris SG, Olympiakos, Anderlecht
Group D - Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, Man City, Viktoria Plzen
Group E - Chelsea, Schalke, Basel, Steaua Bucharest
Group F - Arsenal, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli
Group G - Porto, Ath Madrid, Zenit St Petersburg, Austria Vienna
Group H - Barcelona, AC Milan, Ajax, Celtic
First thoughts, Man Utd and Chelsea should stroll through, Man City should finish 2nd.
Arsenal have a really tough group and could struggle.
Celtic have little chance but will hope they can give Barcelona a tough time again.
Tuesday 27 August 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 3)
Just the 9 games this week, 6 Saturday and 3 Sunday
So hopefully we can all up our game :)
Man City v Hull
Cardiff v Everton
Newcastle v Fulham
Norwich v Southampton
West Ham v Stoke
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Liverpool v Man Utd
West Brom v Swansea
Arsenal v Tottenham
So hopefully we can all up our game :)
Man City v Hull
Cardiff v Everton
Newcastle v Fulham
Norwich v Southampton
West Ham v Stoke
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Liverpool v Man Utd
West Brom v Swansea
Arsenal v Tottenham
Sunday 25 August 2013
Lighten Up
Premier League officials have stated they'll block any proposed sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, as league rules clearly state the Premier League must be a 20 Team competition.
This Rooney hating thing has gone too far, Outside Old Trafford there's a guy burning small effigies of Rooney and selling them to fans ...
Oh hang on, it's a baked potato stand.
Went shopping with the wife today, told her she could buy whatever she wanted, but after hours of browsing the shops, she never bought a thing?
Now I know what it feels like to be an Arsenal fan.
Joe Kinnear has been on the radio this afternoon and was asked what he thought about wonga?
He said "he's probably the best manager arsenal have ever had"
If Luis Suarez signed for Arsenal he could be paid £7m a year which after adding on bonuses for winning trophies would come to a total of £7m a year.
Did you hear about the Conservative MP who was found dead in a Chelsea strip? The police had to dress him up in women's underwear in order to save his family from the embarrassment.
£90 million for a football transfer?
When I was a kid they used to be free with chewing gum.
Roberto Martinez has promised to bring Champions League football to Goodison Park.
He aims to have Sky Sports installed by September.
It's taken Arsenal five years to replace Flamini, but there is a rumour they've finally managed it by signing ... Flamini
It's great to see "the special one" back in the Premier league ....Ian Holloway's a star.
Thursday 22 August 2013
As Good As It Gets?
2nd place out of about 250,000 teams thanks to my Chelsea back five and a few inspired picks :)
Also the personal superleague is sitting in 4th place, among a host of major footy forums.
I know it won't last as the large Chelsea contingent go to Old Trafford next week then don't play again until mid September, meaning I either have to blow a big pile of transfers or sit tight while I drop about a 100,000 places.
The NBTF league still needs at least 7 more entries, so if no-one else is joining I will add in a few more of my own teams, anyone already in can add more if you have them.
Going to try and get some of the work mates to join first.
Wednesday 21 August 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 2)
Nearly forgot to post these, it's early in the season :)
Here we go for week 2
Fulham v Arsenal
Everton v West Brom
Hull v Norwich
Newcastle v West Ham
Southampton v Sunderland
Stoke v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Cardiff v Man City
Tottenham v Swansea
Man Utd v Chelsea
7 games Saturday, 2 on Sunday, 1 on Monday
Good luck all.
Here we go for week 2
Fulham v Arsenal
Everton v West Brom
Hull v Norwich
Newcastle v West Ham
Southampton v Sunderland
Stoke v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Cardiff v Man City
Tottenham v Swansea
Man Utd v Chelsea
7 games Saturday, 2 on Sunday, 1 on Monday
Good luck all.
Fantasy Leagues Week 1
Not much of a response to the fantasy footie leagues so far, thanks to "runcorn reds 1892" and " part vole" for joining the Telegraph one (please introduce yourselves if your not a regular) :)
Just me in the Premier league version so far, so at least I'm winning that one :)
Telegraph Week 1 - 1st part vole 55, 2nd runcorn reds 1892 47, 3rd mad eyed screamers 36
Overall I fared a bit better with my 20 TFF teams, leading the works league and getting one in the top 100.
I've highlighted the team I put in the NBTF league, not a good choice :)
Just me in the Premier league version so far, so at least I'm winning that one :)
Telegraph Week 1 - 1st part vole 55, 2nd runcorn reds 1892 47, 3rd mad eyed screamers 36
Overall I fared a bit better with my 20 TFF teams, leading the works league and getting one in the top 100.
I've highlighted the team I put in the NBTF league, not a good choice :)
Sunday 18 August 2013
Ex Hammers
Steve Lomas doing a good job so far :)
Goalie Steve Bywater has also joined to do his bit.
Tuesday 13 August 2013
Club Sponsors
A few decades ago when sponsors names first used to appear on the front of our players shirts, you would usually have heard of the company or brand, like Crown paints or Dagenham motors.
But today's names on shirts tend to asian companies, betting organisations or financial institutions that most of us have never heard of?
So here's my take on today's premier league sponsors.
Arsenal - Fly Emirates - EMI challenging Virgin in the record company to airline market.
Aston Villa - Dafabet - Betting company specialising in stupid bets (like Villa to win the league).
Cardiff - Visit Malaysia - Self explanatory, go to the far east it's warmer than Wales.
Chelsea - Samsung - Record company specialising in old recordings of Mr Allardyce when he's drunk.
Crystal Palace - GAC.com - Gravy and chips.com, promoting Northern dishes to uneducated southerners.
Everton - Chang - Chinese bell company.
Fulham - Marathon - Company selling old style confectionary like Opal Fruits and Spangles.
Hull - Cash Converters - Home for old crap that nobody wants.
Liverpool - Standard Chartered - Company employing people who are experienced at being average.
Man City - Etihad - Support group for people that have lost aliens.
Man Utd - AON - All or Nothing, company that advises people to take out huge debts in the hope they will make a fortune, or possibly go bankrupt.
Newcastle - Wonga - Company run by dodgy French loan shark Arson Wonga.
Norwich - Aviva - Car company that sells old Vauxhall's.
Southampton - AAP - Motoring organisation helping people find rest rooms.
Stoke - Bet365 - Betting company for people that like to bet all year round except in leap years.
Sunderland - Biovest - Clothing company that makes undergarments resistant to chemical attack.
Swansea - GWFX - Movie special effects company that creates Global Warming disaster films.
Tottenham - HP - Old fashioned loans company helping you buy stuff for weekly payments.
West Brom - Zoopla - Dangerous sports company, A game where you have to throw rings over wild animals before they eat you.
West Ham - Alpari - New alcoholic breakfast cereal combining mueseli and Campari.
Monday 12 August 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 1)
... Imagine the sound of trumpets ...
Here we go again, Premier prediction time. Week 1 of about 38?
Usual rules (see post below).
All readers welcome (anyone new, just let me know your name or alias so I can keep track of your score in the super duper league table on the right).
As last season we start with an extended week with a bonus Chelsea game due to them having a weekend break in Prague later in the month, so a delayed final result in week 1.
This weeks games - 7 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday, 1 on Wednesday
Liverpool v Stoke
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Norwich v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
West Brom v Southampton
West Ham v Cardiff
Swansea v Man Utd
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Chelsea v Hull
Man City v Newcastle
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Predictions in comments please - just copy/paste the fixtures and add your score :)
.... and good luck to all who take part :)
Here we go again, Premier prediction time. Week 1 of about 38?
Usual rules (see post below).
All readers welcome (anyone new, just let me know your name or alias so I can keep track of your score in the super duper league table on the right).
As last season we start with an extended week with a bonus Chelsea game due to them having a weekend break in Prague later in the month, so a delayed final result in week 1.
This weeks games - 7 on Saturday, 3 on Sunday, 1 on Wednesday
Liverpool v Stoke
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Norwich v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
West Brom v Southampton
West Ham v Cardiff
Swansea v Man Utd
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Chelsea v Hull
Man City v Newcastle
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Predictions in comments please - just copy/paste the fixtures and add your score :)
.... and good luck to all who take part :)
Wednesday 7 August 2013
Predictions and Fantasy Football
The New Season is almost here so time to think about all things Premier.
Season 4 of the Nothing Better Than Football Premier predictions competition is about to get under way :)
Usual format, I post the weeks fixtures, you predict the scores in the comments.
3 Points for a correct score, 1 point for a correct result (Home, away, draw), 0 points if game is postponed.
The league table will be decided on -
1st Outright weekly wins,
2nd Shared wins,
3rd Total points scored.
Hopefully the 5 regulars that played last year will play again, and anyone else that visits here is welcome to join (just let me know your name and which team you support).
Seasons 1-3 have been a Chelsea Bluewash so the rest of us need to up our game, congrats to Biopunk for winning last season after deposing 2 time champion Longy.
A bit of added interest this season - Fantasy Football
I've been playing various Fantasy football games for the last 15 years.
So far I've only won about £200 but have a bundle of league winners medals and cups.
Most of the popular ones are run by newspapers, Sun, Mirror, Telegraph etc.
You don't have to buy the newspapers as the games are all online :)
I think the Sun dream team one is the most widely played but I find it boring as you get stuck with injured players for weeks waiting for transfer windows.
The Telegraph game tends to be the most popular amongst Fantasy football managers as you can tinker away all season with 30 transfers allowed and make changes to your team right up till the first kick-off of the day.
You can have as many teams as you like, the first team is free but if you want more you can upgrade to either 5 teams for £5 or 20 teams for £20.
Many different cash prizes if your good enough.
The Premier league runs it's own game "Fantasy Premier League" and it is free to play.
You choose a squad of 15 players in your budget, then pick a starting XI for each game, transfers are available during the season - 1 is free, anymore cost you points, wildcards are available twice a season to let you ship out several players at once if half your squad get sold to Real Madrid in January.
You can only have one team each, but you can put it in multiple leagues.
So if anyone who reads this blog wants to join in this season?
I have set up "Nothing better than football" leagues in the Premier league game and the Telegraph one.
-----------
Fantasy Premier League 2013/14
http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb.html
League name: Nothing Better Than Football
Code to join this league: 225975-270358
-----------
Telegraph Fantasy Football 2013/14
http://fantasyfootball.telegraph.co.uk/
League name: Nothing Better Than Football
PIN: 8043485
(You can have as many teams as you like in this one, I've put in one for now but need at least 5 teams to make it an official league, so if I don't get 5 by the end of August I'll add a few more of my own .. but hopefully I won't need to)
The Premier league game is open to everyone worldwide (as there are no cash prizes), sadly the Telegraph game is UK residents only :(
Season 4 of the Nothing Better Than Football Premier predictions competition is about to get under way :)
Usual format, I post the weeks fixtures, you predict the scores in the comments.
3 Points for a correct score, 1 point for a correct result (Home, away, draw), 0 points if game is postponed.
The league table will be decided on -
1st Outright weekly wins,
2nd Shared wins,
3rd Total points scored.
Hopefully the 5 regulars that played last year will play again, and anyone else that visits here is welcome to join (just let me know your name and which team you support).
Seasons 1-3 have been a Chelsea Bluewash so the rest of us need to up our game, congrats to Biopunk for winning last season after deposing 2 time champion Longy.
A bit of added interest this season - Fantasy Football
I've been playing various Fantasy football games for the last 15 years.
So far I've only won about £200 but have a bundle of league winners medals and cups.
Most of the popular ones are run by newspapers, Sun, Mirror, Telegraph etc.
You don't have to buy the newspapers as the games are all online :)
I think the Sun dream team one is the most widely played but I find it boring as you get stuck with injured players for weeks waiting for transfer windows.
The Telegraph game tends to be the most popular amongst Fantasy football managers as you can tinker away all season with 30 transfers allowed and make changes to your team right up till the first kick-off of the day.
You can have as many teams as you like, the first team is free but if you want more you can upgrade to either 5 teams for £5 or 20 teams for £20.
Many different cash prizes if your good enough.
The Premier league runs it's own game "Fantasy Premier League" and it is free to play.
You choose a squad of 15 players in your budget, then pick a starting XI for each game, transfers are available during the season - 1 is free, anymore cost you points, wildcards are available twice a season to let you ship out several players at once if half your squad get sold to Real Madrid in January.
You can only have one team each, but you can put it in multiple leagues.
So if anyone who reads this blog wants to join in this season?
I have set up "Nothing better than football" leagues in the Premier league game and the Telegraph one.
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Fantasy Premier League 2013/14
http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb.html
League name: Nothing Better Than Football
Code to join this league: 225975-270358
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Telegraph Fantasy Football 2013/14
http://fantasyfootball.telegraph.co.uk/
League name: Nothing Better Than Football
PIN: 8043485
(You can have as many teams as you like in this one, I've put in one for now but need at least 5 teams to make it an official league, so if I don't get 5 by the end of August I'll add a few more of my own .. but hopefully I won't need to)
The Premier league game is open to everyone worldwide (as there are no cash prizes), sadly the Telegraph game is UK residents only :(
Friday 19 July 2013
Transfers Facts And Figures
Premier League in and outs - Updated 02/09/13
Up till today £629 Million has been spent on 149 players by the 20 Premier league teams.
Biggest spenders are Tottenham having spent over £108 million on just 7 players, and Man City spending £99 million on just 5 players.Crystal Palace managed to bring in 15 players for just under £7 million.
Biggest spenders - Tottenham £108.9m, Man City £99.1m, Chelsea £63.5m, Liverpool £51.8m
Biggest sellers - Tottenham £104.3m, Everton £33.5m, Liverpool £26m, Sunderland £19.5m
Biggest Profits - Everton £10.5m, Sunderland £3.12m, Newcastle £150,000
Biggest Losses - Man City £87.1m, Chelsea £61m, Southampton £36m
Most players in - Crystal Palace 15, Sunderland 14, Hull 11, Swansea 10
Most players out - Chelsea 33, Arsenal 29, Tottenham 22
Arsenal
In 4 Yaya Sanogo, Mathieu Flamini, Emiliano Viviano (Loan), Mesut Ozil
Out 29 Francis Coquelin (Loan), Johan Djourou (Loan), Chuks Aneke (Loan), Joel Campbell (Loan), Ignasi Miquel (Loan), Andre Santos, Vito Mannone, Sanchez Watt, Andrey Arshavin, Denilson, Jordan Wynter, Craig Eastmond, Samir Bihmoutine, Reice Charles-Cook, Sead Hajrovic, Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, Joshua Rees, Philip Roberts, James Shea, Sebastien Squillaci, Martin Angha, Kyle Ebecilio, Elton Monteiro, Daniel Boateng, Zach Fagan, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh
Aston Villa
In 8 Antonio Luna, Nicklas Helenius, Leandro Bacuna, Jores Okore, Aleksandar Tonev, Jed Steer, Liam Prynn, Libor Kozak
Out 18 Graham Burke (Loan), Samir Carruthers (Loan), Darren Bent (Loan), Nathan Delfouneso (Loan), Enda Stevens (Loan), Stephen Ireland (Loan), Courtney Cameron, Brett Holman, Derrick Williams, Eric Lichaj, Calum Barrett, Joshua Barton, Daniel Devine, Richard Dunne, Andrew Marshall, Jean Makoun, Stiliyan Petrov, Barry Bannan,
Cardiff City
In 7 Andreas Cornelius, John Brayford, Steven Caulker, Simon Moore, Gary Medel, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Peter Odemwingie
Out 7 Ben Nugent (Loan), Joe Ralls (Loan), Jese Darko, Nat Jarvis, Stephen McPhail, Elliott Parish, Heidar Helguson
Chelsea
In 8 Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle, Mark Schwarzer, Cristian Cuevas, Stipe Perica, Willian, Samuel Eto'o, Christian Atsu
Out 33 Cristian Cuevas (Loan), Oriel Romeu (Loan), Billy Clifford (Loan), Patrick Bamford (Loan), Marko Marin (Loan), Patrick van Aanholt (Loan), Todd Kane (Loan), George Saville (Loan), Sam Walker (Loan), Thibaut Courtois (Loan), Daniel Pappoe (Loan), Milan Lalkovic (Loan), Wallace (Loan), Christian Atsu (Loan), Romelu Lukaku (Loan), Victor Moses (Loan), Amin Affane, Yossi Benayoun, Abdul Deen-Conteh, Paulo Ferreira, Hilarious, Florent Malouda, Archange Nkumu, Ross Turnbull, Jeffrey Bruma, Ben Gordon, Rohan Ince, James Ashton, Samuel Bangura, Conor Clifford, Tom Howard, Nortei Nortey, Adam Phillip
Crystal Palace
In 15 Elliot Grandin, Kevin Phillips, Dwight Gayle, Stephen Dobbie, Jerome Thomas, Marouane Chamakh, Jose Campan, Florian Marange, Neil Alexande, Jason Puncheon (Loan, Jimmy Keb, Adrian Mariappa, Barry Bannan, Cameron Jerome (Loan), Jack Hunt
Out 10 Ryan Inniss (Loan), Dale Banton (Loan), Peter Ramage (Loan), Alex Marrow, Jermaine Easter, Aaron Akuruka, Kadell Daniel, Bryan Fenwick, Jack Holland, Andre Moritz
Everton
In 7 Gerard Deulofeu (Loan), Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles, Arouna Kone, Gareth Barry (Loan), James McCarthy, Romelu Lukaku (Loan)
Out 10 Conor McAleny (Loan), Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha, Phil Neville, Jasper Johns, Jake Bidwell, Marouane Fellaini, Victor Anichebe
Fulham
In 9 Abel Taarabt (Loan), Maarten Stekelenburg, Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng, Sasha Riether, Ange-Freddy Plumain, Darren Bent (Loan), Scott Parker, Elsad Zverotic
Out 16 Ryan Williams (Loan), Dan Burn (Loan), Marcus Bettinelli (Loan), Cauley Woodrow (Loan), Marcello Trotta (Loan), Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gameiro, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Alex Smith, Csaba Somogyi
Hull City
In 11 Curtis Davies, Maynor Figueroa, George Boyd, Ahmed Elmohamady, Allan McGregor, Steve Harper, Danny Graham (Loan), Yannick Sagbo, Jake Livermore (Loan), Tom Huddlestone, Gedo (Loan)
Out 18 Mark Oxley (Loan), Tom Cairney (Loan), Jack Hobbs (Loan), Cameron Stewart (Loan), Conor Townsend (Loan), Corry Evans, Andy Dawson, Sonny Bradley, Danny East, Mark Cullen, Jamie Devitt, Paul McKenna, Seyi Olofinjana, Jay Simpson, Lewis Clarkson, Kealan Dillon, Daniel Emerton, Francis McCaffrey
Liverpool
In 8 Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto , Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet, Aly Cissokho (Loan), Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Ilori, Victor Moses (Loan)
Out 18 Suso (Loan), Henoc Mukendi (Loan), Conor Coady (Loan), Jack Robinson (Loan), Pepe Reina (Loan), Oussame Assaidi (Loan), Fabio Borini (Loan), Andy Carroll, Michael Ngoo, Jamie Stephens, Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Wilson, Tyrell Belford, Jamie Carragher, Peter Gulasci, Jay Spearing, Stewart Downing, Daniel Pacheco
Manchester City
In 5 Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Stevan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo, Martin Demichelis
Out 16 Reece Wabara (Loan), Karim Rekik (Loan), Scott Sinclair (Loan), Albert Rusnak (Loan), Abdul Razak (Loan), Gareth Barry (Loan), Harry Bunn (Loan), Denis Suarez, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Bridge, Filippo Mancini, Ryan McGivern, Roque Santa Cruz, Kolo Toure, Jeremy Helan, Maicon
Manchester United
In 2 Guillermo Varela, Marouane Fellaini
Out 15 Reece James (Loan), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Loan), Sam Johnstone (Loan), Nick Powell (Loan), Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin, Luke Hendrie, Luke McCullough, Paul Scholes, Gyliano Van Velzen, Freddie Veseli, Sean McGinty, Scott Wootton
Newcastle United
In 2 Loic Remy (Loan), Olivier Kemen
Out 11 James Tavernier (Loan), Mehdi Abeid (Loan), Michael Richardson (Loan), Shane Ferguson (Loan), Adam Campbell (Loan), JJ Hooper, Steve Harper, Yven Moyo, Danny Simpson, James Perch, Brad Inman
Norwich City
In 8 Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Leroy Fer, Carlo Nash, Martin Olsson, Nathan Redmond, Javier Garrido, Gary Hooper, Johan Elmander (Loan)
Out 17 Declan Rudd (Loan), Andrew Surman (Loan), Grant Holt, Tom Adeyemi, Lee Camp, Olumide Durojaiye, George Francomb, Simeon Jackson, Chris Martin, Ramil Sheriff, Korey Smith, Marc Tierney, Elliott Ward, Jed Steer, Korey Smith, James Vaughan, Jacob Butterfield
Southampton
In 3 Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren, Pablo Osvaldo
Out 14 Jason Puncheon (Loan), Emmanuel Mayuka (Loan), Frazer Richardson, Danny Butterfield, Dan Seabourne, Ryan Dickson, Ben Reeves, Sam Hoskins, Tommy Forecast, Alberto Seidi, Richard Chaplow, Steve de Ridde, Vegard Forren, Danny Butterfield
Stoke City
In 7 Marc Muniesa, Erik Pieters, Alex Grant, Juan Agudelo, Oussame Assaidi (Loan), Marko Arnautovic, Stephen Ireland (Loan)
Out 16 Cameron Jerome (Loan), Michael Kightly (Loan), Ryan Shotton (Loan), Michael Clarkson, Rory Delap, Matthew Gledhill, Jadan Hall, Matthew Lund, Andrew Musungu, Carlo Nash, Michael Owen, George Rigg, Mamady Sidibe, Matthew Upson, Dean Whitehead, Florent Cuvelier
Sunderland
In 14 Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini, El Hadji Ba, Jozy Altidore, Cabral, Modibo Diakite, David Moberg Karlsson, Duncan Watmore, Valentin Roberge, Ondrej Celustka (Loan), Charis Mavrias, Ki Sung-Yeung (Loan), Andrea Dossena, Fabio Borini (Loan)
Out 14 Danny Graham (Loan), Alfred N'Diaye (Loan), Billy Knott (Loan), Stephane Sessegnon, Ahmed Elmohamady, Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble, Anthony Callaghan, Wade Joyce, Matt Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson, James McClean
Swansea
In 10 Jonjo Shelvey, Wilfried Bony, Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan de Guzman (Loan), Jordi Amat, Jose Canas, Gregor Zabret, Alex Gogic, Jernade Meade, Alvaro Vazquez (Loan)
Out 7 Alan Tate (Loan), Gwion Edwards (Loan), Kyle Bartley (Loan), Ki Sung-Yeung (Loan), David Cornel, Mark Gower, Kemy Agustien
Tottenham Hotspur
In 7 Paulinho, Nacer Chadli, Roberto Soldado, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen
Out 22 Adam Smith (Loan), Tomislav Gomelt (Loan), Bongoni Khumalo (Loan), Ryan Mason (Loan), Grant Hall (Loan), Massimo Luongo (Loan), Alex Pritchard (Loan), Jake Livermore (Loan), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Loan), Tom Carroll (Loan), Tom Huddlestone, Clint Dempsey, Steven Caulker, Jack Barthram, David Bentley, John Bostock, William Gallas, Jack Munns, Jake Nicholson, Nathan Byrn, Scott Parker, Gareth Bale
West Bromwich Albion
In 9 Nicolas Anelka, Goran Popov (Loan), Diego Lugano, Matej Vydra (Loan), Scott Sinclair (Loan), Lee Camp, Morgan Amalfitano (Loan), Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe
Out 7 Scott Allan (Loan), Marc-Antoine Fortune, Gonzalo Jara, Romaine Sawyers, Jerome Thomas, James Hurst, Peter Odemwingie
West Ham United
In 5 Andy Carroll, Danny Whitehead, Adrian, Razvan Rat, Stewart Downing
Out 7 Gary O’Neil, Carlton Cole, Robert Hall, Jake Larkins, Jack Powell, Jami Rafati, Eoin Wearen
Up till today £629 Million has been spent on 149 players by the 20 Premier league teams.
Biggest spenders are Tottenham having spent over £108 million on just 7 players, and Man City spending £99 million on just 5 players.Crystal Palace managed to bring in 15 players for just under £7 million.
Biggest spenders - Tottenham £108.9m, Man City £99.1m, Chelsea £63.5m, Liverpool £51.8m
Biggest sellers - Tottenham £104.3m, Everton £33.5m, Liverpool £26m, Sunderland £19.5m
Biggest Profits - Everton £10.5m, Sunderland £3.12m, Newcastle £150,000
Biggest Losses - Man City £87.1m, Chelsea £61m, Southampton £36m
Most players in - Crystal Palace 15, Sunderland 14, Hull 11, Swansea 10
Most players out - Chelsea 33, Arsenal 29, Tottenham 22
Arsenal
In 4 Yaya Sanogo, Mathieu Flamini, Emiliano Viviano (Loan), Mesut Ozil
Out 29 Francis Coquelin (Loan), Johan Djourou (Loan), Chuks Aneke (Loan), Joel Campbell (Loan), Ignasi Miquel (Loan), Andre Santos, Vito Mannone, Sanchez Watt, Andrey Arshavin, Denilson, Jordan Wynter, Craig Eastmond, Samir Bihmoutine, Reice Charles-Cook, Sead Hajrovic, Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, Joshua Rees, Philip Roberts, James Shea, Sebastien Squillaci, Martin Angha, Kyle Ebecilio, Elton Monteiro, Daniel Boateng, Zach Fagan, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh
Aston Villa
In 8 Antonio Luna, Nicklas Helenius, Leandro Bacuna, Jores Okore, Aleksandar Tonev, Jed Steer, Liam Prynn, Libor Kozak
Out 18 Graham Burke (Loan), Samir Carruthers (Loan), Darren Bent (Loan), Nathan Delfouneso (Loan), Enda Stevens (Loan), Stephen Ireland (Loan), Courtney Cameron, Brett Holman, Derrick Williams, Eric Lichaj, Calum Barrett, Joshua Barton, Daniel Devine, Richard Dunne, Andrew Marshall, Jean Makoun, Stiliyan Petrov, Barry Bannan,
Cardiff City
In 7 Andreas Cornelius, John Brayford, Steven Caulker, Simon Moore, Gary Medel, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Peter Odemwingie
Out 7 Ben Nugent (Loan), Joe Ralls (Loan), Jese Darko, Nat Jarvis, Stephen McPhail, Elliott Parish, Heidar Helguson
Chelsea
In 8 Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle, Mark Schwarzer, Cristian Cuevas, Stipe Perica, Willian, Samuel Eto'o, Christian Atsu
Out 33 Cristian Cuevas (Loan), Oriel Romeu (Loan), Billy Clifford (Loan), Patrick Bamford (Loan), Marko Marin (Loan), Patrick van Aanholt (Loan), Todd Kane (Loan), George Saville (Loan), Sam Walker (Loan), Thibaut Courtois (Loan), Daniel Pappoe (Loan), Milan Lalkovic (Loan), Wallace (Loan), Christian Atsu (Loan), Romelu Lukaku (Loan), Victor Moses (Loan), Amin Affane, Yossi Benayoun, Abdul Deen-Conteh, Paulo Ferreira, Hilarious, Florent Malouda, Archange Nkumu, Ross Turnbull, Jeffrey Bruma, Ben Gordon, Rohan Ince, James Ashton, Samuel Bangura, Conor Clifford, Tom Howard, Nortei Nortey, Adam Phillip
Crystal Palace
In 15 Elliot Grandin, Kevin Phillips, Dwight Gayle, Stephen Dobbie, Jerome Thomas, Marouane Chamakh, Jose Campan, Florian Marange, Neil Alexande, Jason Puncheon (Loan, Jimmy Keb, Adrian Mariappa, Barry Bannan, Cameron Jerome (Loan), Jack Hunt
Out 10 Ryan Inniss (Loan), Dale Banton (Loan), Peter Ramage (Loan), Alex Marrow, Jermaine Easter, Aaron Akuruka, Kadell Daniel, Bryan Fenwick, Jack Holland, Andre Moritz
Everton
In 7 Gerard Deulofeu (Loan), Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles, Arouna Kone, Gareth Barry (Loan), James McCarthy, Romelu Lukaku (Loan)
Out 10 Conor McAleny (Loan), Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha, Phil Neville, Jasper Johns, Jake Bidwell, Marouane Fellaini, Victor Anichebe
Fulham
In 9 Abel Taarabt (Loan), Maarten Stekelenburg, Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng, Sasha Riether, Ange-Freddy Plumain, Darren Bent (Loan), Scott Parker, Elsad Zverotic
Out 16 Ryan Williams (Loan), Dan Burn (Loan), Marcus Bettinelli (Loan), Cauley Woodrow (Loan), Marcello Trotta (Loan), Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gameiro, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Alex Smith, Csaba Somogyi
Hull City
In 11 Curtis Davies, Maynor Figueroa, George Boyd, Ahmed Elmohamady, Allan McGregor, Steve Harper, Danny Graham (Loan), Yannick Sagbo, Jake Livermore (Loan), Tom Huddlestone, Gedo (Loan)
Out 18 Mark Oxley (Loan), Tom Cairney (Loan), Jack Hobbs (Loan), Cameron Stewart (Loan), Conor Townsend (Loan), Corry Evans, Andy Dawson, Sonny Bradley, Danny East, Mark Cullen, Jamie Devitt, Paul McKenna, Seyi Olofinjana, Jay Simpson, Lewis Clarkson, Kealan Dillon, Daniel Emerton, Francis McCaffrey
Liverpool
In 8 Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto , Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet, Aly Cissokho (Loan), Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Ilori, Victor Moses (Loan)
Out 18 Suso (Loan), Henoc Mukendi (Loan), Conor Coady (Loan), Jack Robinson (Loan), Pepe Reina (Loan), Oussame Assaidi (Loan), Fabio Borini (Loan), Andy Carroll, Michael Ngoo, Jamie Stephens, Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Wilson, Tyrell Belford, Jamie Carragher, Peter Gulasci, Jay Spearing, Stewart Downing, Daniel Pacheco
Manchester City
In 5 Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Stevan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo, Martin Demichelis
Out 16 Reece Wabara (Loan), Karim Rekik (Loan), Scott Sinclair (Loan), Albert Rusnak (Loan), Abdul Razak (Loan), Gareth Barry (Loan), Harry Bunn (Loan), Denis Suarez, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Bridge, Filippo Mancini, Ryan McGivern, Roque Santa Cruz, Kolo Toure, Jeremy Helan, Maicon
Manchester United
In 2 Guillermo Varela, Marouane Fellaini
Out 15 Reece James (Loan), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Loan), Sam Johnstone (Loan), Nick Powell (Loan), Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin, Luke Hendrie, Luke McCullough, Paul Scholes, Gyliano Van Velzen, Freddie Veseli, Sean McGinty, Scott Wootton
Newcastle United
In 2 Loic Remy (Loan), Olivier Kemen
Out 11 James Tavernier (Loan), Mehdi Abeid (Loan), Michael Richardson (Loan), Shane Ferguson (Loan), Adam Campbell (Loan), JJ Hooper, Steve Harper, Yven Moyo, Danny Simpson, James Perch, Brad Inman
Norwich City
In 8 Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Leroy Fer, Carlo Nash, Martin Olsson, Nathan Redmond, Javier Garrido, Gary Hooper, Johan Elmander (Loan)
Out 17 Declan Rudd (Loan), Andrew Surman (Loan), Grant Holt, Tom Adeyemi, Lee Camp, Olumide Durojaiye, George Francomb, Simeon Jackson, Chris Martin, Ramil Sheriff, Korey Smith, Marc Tierney, Elliott Ward, Jed Steer, Korey Smith, James Vaughan, Jacob Butterfield
In 3 Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren, Pablo Osvaldo
Out 14 Jason Puncheon (Loan), Emmanuel Mayuka (Loan), Frazer Richardson, Danny Butterfield, Dan Seabourne, Ryan Dickson, Ben Reeves, Sam Hoskins, Tommy Forecast, Alberto Seidi, Richard Chaplow, Steve de Ridde, Vegard Forren, Danny Butterfield
Stoke City
In 7 Marc Muniesa, Erik Pieters, Alex Grant, Juan Agudelo, Oussame Assaidi (Loan), Marko Arnautovic, Stephen Ireland (Loan)
Out 16 Cameron Jerome (Loan), Michael Kightly (Loan), Ryan Shotton (Loan), Michael Clarkson, Rory Delap, Matthew Gledhill, Jadan Hall, Matthew Lund, Andrew Musungu, Carlo Nash, Michael Owen, George Rigg, Mamady Sidibe, Matthew Upson, Dean Whitehead, Florent Cuvelier
Sunderland
In 14 Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini, El Hadji Ba, Jozy Altidore, Cabral, Modibo Diakite, David Moberg Karlsson, Duncan Watmore, Valentin Roberge, Ondrej Celustka (Loan), Charis Mavrias, Ki Sung-Yeung (Loan), Andrea Dossena, Fabio Borini (Loan)
Out 14 Danny Graham (Loan), Alfred N'Diaye (Loan), Billy Knott (Loan), Stephane Sessegnon, Ahmed Elmohamady, Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble, Anthony Callaghan, Wade Joyce, Matt Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson, James McClean
Swansea
In 10 Jonjo Shelvey, Wilfried Bony, Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan de Guzman (Loan), Jordi Amat, Jose Canas, Gregor Zabret, Alex Gogic, Jernade Meade, Alvaro Vazquez (Loan)
Out 7 Alan Tate (Loan), Gwion Edwards (Loan), Kyle Bartley (Loan), Ki Sung-Yeung (Loan), David Cornel, Mark Gower, Kemy Agustien
Tottenham Hotspur
In 7 Paulinho, Nacer Chadli, Roberto Soldado, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen
Out 22 Adam Smith (Loan), Tomislav Gomelt (Loan), Bongoni Khumalo (Loan), Ryan Mason (Loan), Grant Hall (Loan), Massimo Luongo (Loan), Alex Pritchard (Loan), Jake Livermore (Loan), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Loan), Tom Carroll (Loan), Tom Huddlestone, Clint Dempsey, Steven Caulker, Jack Barthram, David Bentley, John Bostock, William Gallas, Jack Munns, Jake Nicholson, Nathan Byrn, Scott Parker, Gareth Bale
West Bromwich Albion
In 9 Nicolas Anelka, Goran Popov (Loan), Diego Lugano, Matej Vydra (Loan), Scott Sinclair (Loan), Lee Camp, Morgan Amalfitano (Loan), Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe
Out 7 Scott Allan (Loan), Marc-Antoine Fortune, Gonzalo Jara, Romaine Sawyers, Jerome Thomas, James Hurst, Peter Odemwingie
West Ham United
In 5 Andy Carroll, Danny Whitehead, Adrian, Razvan Rat, Stewart Downing
Out 7 Gary O’Neil, Carlton Cole, Robert Hall, Jake Larkins, Jack Powell, Jami Rafati, Eoin Wearen
Sunday 14 July 2013
New Season
I don't think we have a close season anymore?
I thought we'd have a break after the Confederations cup but the Europa league started the week after and now we've got the friendlies in full swing and the Women's Euros.
Under a month till the Community shield and less than 5 weeks till the new season starts.
All change at the top with both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Everton with new managers meaning next season looks really unpredictable.
Man Utd - David Moyes for Alex Ferguson, Moyes is a good manager but at the moment doesn't have that winning mentality of his predecessor. He inherits a great team but they are going to need strengthening to compete on the bigger stage of Europe. Moyes biggest test will be trying to instill the fear of failure that Fergie did and the expectation of success is something he won't be used to.
Man City - Manuel Pellegrini for Roberto Mancini, I don't know much about Pellegrini other than he's done pretty well in Spain with Villarreal and Malaga and had one good season with Real Madrid before getting sacked. The almost unlimited budget at City should help him settle in (they've already spent 45m) but as Mancini found out eleven top players don't always make a good team and I think they will miss Tevez.
Chelsea - Jose Mourinho for Rafa Benitez, we all know about Jose and like Holloway will always give a good after match interview but has he still got it? Although Chelsea have already spent 26m on 3 players I can't see Abramovich giving Jose the open cheque book anymore so he might have to work with what he's got. Lukaku looked good last season and could be the answer to their striking problems if he gets a chance, Torres if he ever finds his form and confidence could still do it, it looks like Ba is on his way again.
Picking up Mark Schwarzer on a free as goalkeeping back up looks a great move.
Everton - Roberto Martinez for David Moyes, I like Martinez but the bar has been raised and survival is not enough at a club that aims for European qualification on a smaller budget. Worryingly for Everton fans Martinez has already signed 3 Wigan players and Man Utd are sniffing around Leighton Baines.
Stoke - Mark Hughes for Tony Pulis, Don't understand this one? Mark Hughes has really lost his way as a manager since leaving Blackburn and Tony Pulis really over achieved with Stoke, I would be really surprised if Stoke improved unless some multi billionaire came in and took them over.
As for the rest Arsenal are reported to have a big pile of money to spend but nobody seems to want to go there. Liverpool have again spent heavy but recouped most of that with sales and they might make a rare profit if Suarez goes (as looks likely). Tottenham's season depends heavily on them keeping Bale and finding a prolific striker to replace Defoe and Adebeyor who were major disappointments last season.
West Brom probably over achieved last season and I don't think Anelka will be able to replace the hole left by Lukaku, Swansea have bought well and could improve next season as long as no-one poaches Laudrup. Newcastle under achieved last season and should improve as long as Pardew isn't totally undermined by Ashley. Aston Villa should be a better team next season with the young players a year older but Lambert's biggest battle will be to keep Benteke. Norwich have been busy in the transfer market but I was surprised they let Grant Holt go and could struggle this season. Sunderland have also been busy in the market and thanks to Mignolet's transfer have money to spend, but who knows what will happen in DiCanio's mind and I think it could all end in tears. Fulham have a new owner but their stay in the Premier league must be coming to an end soon. Southampton are spending big but mid table is as good as they can expect.
Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Hull will just be looking for survival and I think they will all struggle.
That just leaves West Ham :) Andy Carroll did look good at the end of last season and if he stays fit will give us enough to secure a mid table position, but we need more than that to start competing at the higher levels and missing out on Bony was disappointing, also worrying is that we seemed to be linked with some of the worst players in the Premier league every day. I'm hoping we can find a striker to partner Carroll and fill in for him when he gets injured and if we do sign someone pray Fat Sam will actually give him a game.
I thought we'd have a break after the Confederations cup but the Europa league started the week after and now we've got the friendlies in full swing and the Women's Euros.
Under a month till the Community shield and less than 5 weeks till the new season starts.
All change at the top with both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Everton with new managers meaning next season looks really unpredictable.
Man Utd - David Moyes for Alex Ferguson, Moyes is a good manager but at the moment doesn't have that winning mentality of his predecessor. He inherits a great team but they are going to need strengthening to compete on the bigger stage of Europe. Moyes biggest test will be trying to instill the fear of failure that Fergie did and the expectation of success is something he won't be used to.
Man City - Manuel Pellegrini for Roberto Mancini, I don't know much about Pellegrini other than he's done pretty well in Spain with Villarreal and Malaga and had one good season with Real Madrid before getting sacked. The almost unlimited budget at City should help him settle in (they've already spent 45m) but as Mancini found out eleven top players don't always make a good team and I think they will miss Tevez.
Chelsea - Jose Mourinho for Rafa Benitez, we all know about Jose and like Holloway will always give a good after match interview but has he still got it? Although Chelsea have already spent 26m on 3 players I can't see Abramovich giving Jose the open cheque book anymore so he might have to work with what he's got. Lukaku looked good last season and could be the answer to their striking problems if he gets a chance, Torres if he ever finds his form and confidence could still do it, it looks like Ba is on his way again.
Picking up Mark Schwarzer on a free as goalkeeping back up looks a great move.
Everton - Roberto Martinez for David Moyes, I like Martinez but the bar has been raised and survival is not enough at a club that aims for European qualification on a smaller budget. Worryingly for Everton fans Martinez has already signed 3 Wigan players and Man Utd are sniffing around Leighton Baines.
Stoke - Mark Hughes for Tony Pulis, Don't understand this one? Mark Hughes has really lost his way as a manager since leaving Blackburn and Tony Pulis really over achieved with Stoke, I would be really surprised if Stoke improved unless some multi billionaire came in and took them over.
As for the rest Arsenal are reported to have a big pile of money to spend but nobody seems to want to go there. Liverpool have again spent heavy but recouped most of that with sales and they might make a rare profit if Suarez goes (as looks likely). Tottenham's season depends heavily on them keeping Bale and finding a prolific striker to replace Defoe and Adebeyor who were major disappointments last season.
West Brom probably over achieved last season and I don't think Anelka will be able to replace the hole left by Lukaku, Swansea have bought well and could improve next season as long as no-one poaches Laudrup. Newcastle under achieved last season and should improve as long as Pardew isn't totally undermined by Ashley. Aston Villa should be a better team next season with the young players a year older but Lambert's biggest battle will be to keep Benteke. Norwich have been busy in the transfer market but I was surprised they let Grant Holt go and could struggle this season. Sunderland have also been busy in the market and thanks to Mignolet's transfer have money to spend, but who knows what will happen in DiCanio's mind and I think it could all end in tears. Fulham have a new owner but their stay in the Premier league must be coming to an end soon. Southampton are spending big but mid table is as good as they can expect.
Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Hull will just be looking for survival and I think they will all struggle.
That just leaves West Ham :) Andy Carroll did look good at the end of last season and if he stays fit will give us enough to secure a mid table position, but we need more than that to start competing at the higher levels and missing out on Bony was disappointing, also worrying is that we seemed to be linked with some of the worst players in the Premier league every day. I'm hoping we can find a striker to partner Carroll and fill in for him when he gets injured and if we do sign someone pray Fat Sam will actually give him a game.
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Nigerian Football Results
Nigerian lower league game to decide championship
Plateau United Feeders 79 - Akurba FC 0 (HT 7-0)
Police Machine FC 67 - Bubayaro FC 0 (HT 6-0)
Needless to say the teams have been suspended pending investigation. Surely even if the other team stood and watched or kicked the ball in their own net it would still be a struggle to score 72 goals in 45 minutes?
Plateau United Feeders 79 - Akurba FC 0 (HT 7-0)
Police Machine FC 67 - Bubayaro FC 0 (HT 6-0)
Needless to say the teams have been suspended pending investigation. Surely even if the other team stood and watched or kicked the ball in their own net it would still be a struggle to score 72 goals in 45 minutes?
Sunday 16 June 2013
Monday 27 May 2013
Palace Theatre
Congratulations to Crystal Palace for winning the play off final today.
Great to have Ian Holloway back in the Premier league, and possibly a last fling for Kevin Phillips who will hopefully carry on for another season.
History suggests it could be a one season wonder for Palace, but you never know?
Great to have Ian Holloway back in the Premier league, and possibly a last fling for Kevin Phillips who will hopefully carry on for another season.
History suggests it could be a one season wonder for Palace, but you never know?
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Struggling
Really struggling finding a picture of Lampard and Di Matteo from 2001/2.
Please accept this really badly bodged cut up until I find something better :)
Sunday 19 May 2013
Tuesday 14 May 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 38) The Final
Here we go the last week of the season, 10 games all on Sunday.
As far as the Premier league goes there is only one thing left to sort out.
Arsenal or Tottenham to finish 4th, Tottenham look to have the easier game at home to now safe Sunderland, Arsenal go to the slightly improving Newcastle.
The prediction competition is still wide open, as although I've taken the lead my lack of draws means any of you will overtake me with an outright win :(
So here they are ... good luck all.
Chelsea v Everton
Liverpool v QPR
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Arsenal
Southampton v Stoke
Swansea v Fulham
Tottenham v Sunderland
West Brom v Man Utd
West Ham v Reading
Wigan v Aston Villa
----------------
Useless facts from this years prediction competition (so far) :)
3 Pointers (Correct Scores) - Biopunk 43, Paulo 42, Longy 37, Lee 36, Gobshyte 35
1 Pointers (Correct Result) - Lee 136, Biopunk 132, Gobshyte 131, Paulo 123, Longy 119
Highest Weekly Score - Lee 18, Gobshyte 14, Biopunk 13, Paulo 12, Longy 11
Games Predicted - Biopunk + Lee 369, Paulo 368, Gobshyte 363, Longy 345
As far as the Premier league goes there is only one thing left to sort out.
Arsenal or Tottenham to finish 4th, Tottenham look to have the easier game at home to now safe Sunderland, Arsenal go to the slightly improving Newcastle.
The prediction competition is still wide open, as although I've taken the lead my lack of draws means any of you will overtake me with an outright win :(
So here they are ... good luck all.
Chelsea v Everton
Liverpool v QPR
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Arsenal
Southampton v Stoke
Swansea v Fulham
Tottenham v Sunderland
West Brom v Man Utd
West Ham v Reading
Wigan v Aston Villa
----------------
Useless facts from this years prediction competition (so far) :)
3 Pointers (Correct Scores) - Biopunk 43, Paulo 42, Longy 37, Lee 36, Gobshyte 35
1 Pointers (Correct Result) - Lee 136, Biopunk 132, Gobshyte 131, Paulo 123, Longy 119
Highest Weekly Score - Lee 18, Gobshyte 14, Biopunk 13, Paulo 12, Longy 11
Games Predicted - Biopunk + Lee 369, Paulo 368, Gobshyte 363, Longy 345
Wednesday 8 May 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 37)
Just 2 weeks of the season left and still a few things left to sort out.
Most importantly our prediction competition which has shaped up nicely with all 5 of us with 6 outright wins so far.
Wigan's defeat in the week means they are in deep trouble and a trip to Arsenal in the week (who are still chasing a top 4 spot) could seal their fate, Newcastle Norwich and Sunderland might only need a point.
Games on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Stoke v Tottenham
Everton v West Ham
Fulham v Liverpool
Norwich v West Brom
QPR v Newcastle
Sunderland v Southampton
Man Utd v Swansea
Arsenal v Wigan
Reading v Man City
Most importantly our prediction competition which has shaped up nicely with all 5 of us with 6 outright wins so far.
Wigan's defeat in the week means they are in deep trouble and a trip to Arsenal in the week (who are still chasing a top 4 spot) could seal their fate, Newcastle Norwich and Sunderland might only need a point.
Games on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Stoke v Tottenham
Everton v West Ham
Fulham v Liverpool
Norwich v West Brom
QPR v Newcastle
Sunderland v Southampton
Man Utd v Swansea
Arsenal v Wigan
Reading v Man City
Sunday 5 May 2013
The Championship
So Cardiff and Hull make it up, plus one from Leicester, Palace, Brighton and Udinese reserves.
From what I've seen of them they are all going to struggle next year.
Cardiff have been the best of a bad bunch but will need to spend some serious cash to survive next season, and Hull must already be odds on to finish bottom.
Personally I think Brighton, Palace or Leicester if they go up stand the best chance next year.
From what I've seen of them they are all going to struggle next year.
Cardiff have been the best of a bad bunch but will need to spend some serious cash to survive next season, and Hull must already be odds on to finish bottom.
Personally I think Brighton, Palace or Leicester if they go up stand the best chance next year.
Saturday 4 May 2013
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 36)
Just 3 weeks left, and anyone can still win.
Extra games this week with re-arranged games in midweek on Tuesday and Wednesday added to the regular Saturday to Monday games.
Wigan will be desperate to get something this week or they could be down when they play the Cup final.
Fulham v Reading
Norwich v Aston Villa
Swansea v Man City
Tottenham v Southampton
West Brom v Wigan
West Ham v Newcastle
QPR v Arsenal
Liverpool v Everton
Man Utd v Chelsea
Sunderland v Stoke
Man City v West Brom
Wigan v Swansea
Chelsea v Tottenham
Extra games this week with re-arranged games in midweek on Tuesday and Wednesday added to the regular Saturday to Monday games.
Wigan will be desperate to get something this week or they could be down when they play the Cup final.
Fulham v Reading
Norwich v Aston Villa
Swansea v Man City
Tottenham v Southampton
West Brom v Wigan
West Ham v Newcastle
QPR v Arsenal
Liverpool v Everton
Man Utd v Chelsea
Sunderland v Stoke
Man City v West Brom
Wigan v Swansea
Chelsea v Tottenham
Sunday 28 April 2013
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 35)
3 Days of games, the titles over but the (non) Champions league spots are still up for grabs.
If City fall apart again under battering ram Carroll they could join the mix?
Wigan are getting desperate and would have prayed Bale's injury flared up again, Reading and QPR get to fight one last week before the inevitable.
Villa must perform better this Monday against Paololand.
Good luck all :)
Man City v West Ham
Everton v Fulham
Southampton v West Brom
Stoke v Norwich
Wigan v Tottenham
Newcastle v Liverpool
Reading v QPR
Chelsea v Swansea
Arsenal v Man Utd
Aston Villa v Sunderland
If City fall apart again under battering ram Carroll they could join the mix?
Wigan are getting desperate and would have prayed Bale's injury flared up again, Reading and QPR get to fight one last week before the inevitable.
Villa must perform better this Monday against Paololand.
Good luck all :)
Man City v West Ham
Everton v Fulham
Southampton v West Brom
Stoke v Norwich
Wigan v Tottenham
Newcastle v Liverpool
Reading v QPR
Chelsea v Swansea
Arsenal v Man Utd
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Monday 22 April 2013
Chomping At The Bit
I'm starting to like Luis Suarez? yes he's a diving, cheating, racist, horse faced cannibal but his actions give us all a chance to take the piss, and have a go at the untouchable scouses in the process.
Here's the best I've seen of this weeks :)
Say what you like about Luis Suarez but you can't question the lad's hunger, He's shown he still has a great appetite for the game
Liverpool accept £35m bid for Suarez from Borussia Munchonacentreback
Luis Suarez putting the eat into cheat
Liverpool have confirmed they will warm up for their next game in McDonalds uniforms to show support for Luis Suarez
Steven Gerrard says he feels a bit guilty for saying to Luis Suarez in the tunnel "Watch that Ivanovic he's a bit tasty"
It's a good job Luis Suarez didn't play in the Premier League 10 years ago for his own sake.He might of ended up with a mouthful of Seaman
If you'd have offered Luis Suarez a point before that game he'd have bitten your arm off
He cheats, he dives, he'll eat your arms and thighs
Luis Suarez will miss the rest of the season with a ban imposed by the FA, Branislav Ivanovic will miss the rest of the season with rabies
Luis Suarez Great footballer, but sometimes he really makes a meal of things
Luis Suarez has revealed that sinking his teeth into Ivanovic is an affectionate term for mate back home
He was only getting revenge on the Eastern Europeans for making his friends and family into value beef burgers
What's Luis Suarez's favourite day of the week?
Chewsday.
Luis Suarez hopes to play against Bayern Munich one day,
because he would like to try a shoulder of Lahm.
Here's the best I've seen of this weeks :)
Liverpool accept £35m bid for Suarez from Borussia Munchonacentreback
Luis Suarez putting the eat into cheat
Steven Gerrard says he feels a bit guilty for saying to Luis Suarez in the tunnel "Watch that Ivanovic he's a bit tasty"
It's a good job Luis Suarez didn't play in the Premier League 10 years ago for his own sake.He might of ended up with a mouthful of Seaman
He cheats, he dives, he'll eat your arms and thighs
Luis Suarez will miss the rest of the season with a ban imposed by the FA, Branislav Ivanovic will miss the rest of the season with rabies
Luis Suarez has revealed that sinking his teeth into Ivanovic is an affectionate term for mate back home
He was only getting revenge on the Eastern Europeans for making his friends and family into value beef burgers
Chewsday.
Luis Suarez hopes to play against Bayern Munich one day,
because he would like to try a shoulder of Lahm.
Sunday 21 April 2013
Paolo Fever
If anyone else was in charge of them I'd be wishing relegation on them, but I can't bring myself to slag off Paolo.
Weather he will still be there next season is anyone's guess but if you needed someone to kick the players arses to get them going he was the man.
Also glad all the press bullshit seems to have subsided and they can leave him alone, and who knows they might actually start looking at all the dubious characters who are now running a lot of our teams?
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 34)
Straight on with the weekends games, 7 Saturday, 2 Sunday and one on Monday.
All the teams chasing 3rd have tough games so nothing's likely to get sorted.
Much as I like Martinez and the way Wigan are playing lately I hope the Hammers can help send them down for Dave Whelan's sake :)
Fulham v Arsenal
Norwich v Reading
QPR v Stoke
Sunderland v Everton
Swansea v Southampton
West Brom v Newcastle
West Ham v Wigan
Tottenham v Man City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man Utd v Aston Villa
All the teams chasing 3rd have tough games so nothing's likely to get sorted.
Much as I like Martinez and the way Wigan are playing lately I hope the Hammers can help send them down for Dave Whelan's sake :)
Fulham v Arsenal
Norwich v Reading
QPR v Stoke
Sunderland v Everton
Swansea v Southampton
West Brom v Newcastle
West Ham v Wigan
Tottenham v Man City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man Utd v Aston Villa
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 33)
Extra game this week due to the re-arranged games in midweek and the cup semi's.
Arsenal, Everton, Fulham, Man Utd and West Ham play twice.
No games for Swansea, Tottenham and West Brom.
Games on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Arsenal v Norwich
Aston Villa v Fulham
Everton v QPR
Reading v Liverpool
Southampton v West Ham
Newcastle v Sunderland
Stoke v Man Utd
Arsenal v Everton
Man City v Wigan
West Ham v Man Utd
Fulham v Chelsea
Arsenal, Everton, Fulham, Man Utd and West Ham play twice.
No games for Swansea, Tottenham and West Brom.
Games on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Arsenal v Norwich
Aston Villa v Fulham
Everton v QPR
Reading v Liverpool
Southampton v West Ham
Newcastle v Sunderland
Stoke v Man Utd
Arsenal v Everton
Man City v Wigan
West Ham v Man Utd
Fulham v Chelsea
Sunday 7 April 2013
Wembley Woe
Finally Southend made it to Wembley for the first time, but sadly the team didn't really turn up :(
A combination of stage fright and the fact that Crewe from League 1 were just that bit better on the ball than us meant we needed a big chunk of luck to get anything from this game ... and it never happened.
The referee had a nightmare obviously weighed down with the bung that Crewe must have given him as he denied 3 good looking penalty appeals and disallowed our goal, while giving free kicks to Crewe for minor offences and one really obvious dive (I haven't seen them up close yet so maybe he got some decisions right, but I doubt it).
Crewe's 2 goals were mistakes by us, the first we failed to spot Murphy totally open on the edge of the area and he had plenty of time to tuck it away, the second came after Bilel Mohsni got caught in possesion about 30 yards out leaving us wide open.
Mohsni had our best chance meeting a cross 3 yards out which produced a stunning save from Phillips.
Phil Brown threw on Barry Corr and Reeves and later Freddie Eastwood but none really made an impact, Eastwood made one good run and shot late on but it was blocked.
The crowd was impressive 43,000 turned up of which 31,000 were Southend fans, our end was packed, there's was looking pretty empty.
The Crewe fans were singing before the match "30,000 fans jumping on the bandwagon" and to be honest it was true :( I'm one of them as I can't pretend to have been a regular at Roots hall for quite a few years.
Our 31,000 was probably made up of 5,000-6,000 real fans about 10,000 part time fans from the area who really support other teams like the Hammers like me, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and the rest a collection of locals just enjoying the day out.
We should have given the team some brilliant support but the singing never really got going, it's hard when only small pockets of the crowd could be bothered. Crewe's 12,000 were getting behind their team much better and I just missed the sort of atmosphere you get watching West Ham away when the singing hardly stops.
As for new Wembley it's way better than the old one, but it didn't impress me like the Millennium stadium did and £4.70 for a plastic cup of piss flavoured lager is a rip off too far.
A couple of pics, here's the Southend end.
... and Crewe's small but noisy end.
A combination of stage fright and the fact that Crewe from League 1 were just that bit better on the ball than us meant we needed a big chunk of luck to get anything from this game ... and it never happened.
The referee had a nightmare obviously weighed down with the bung that Crewe must have given him as he denied 3 good looking penalty appeals and disallowed our goal, while giving free kicks to Crewe for minor offences and one really obvious dive (I haven't seen them up close yet so maybe he got some decisions right, but I doubt it).
Crewe's 2 goals were mistakes by us, the first we failed to spot Murphy totally open on the edge of the area and he had plenty of time to tuck it away, the second came after Bilel Mohsni got caught in possesion about 30 yards out leaving us wide open.
Mohsni had our best chance meeting a cross 3 yards out which produced a stunning save from Phillips.
Phil Brown threw on Barry Corr and Reeves and later Freddie Eastwood but none really made an impact, Eastwood made one good run and shot late on but it was blocked.
The crowd was impressive 43,000 turned up of which 31,000 were Southend fans, our end was packed, there's was looking pretty empty.
The Crewe fans were singing before the match "30,000 fans jumping on the bandwagon" and to be honest it was true :( I'm one of them as I can't pretend to have been a regular at Roots hall for quite a few years.
Our 31,000 was probably made up of 5,000-6,000 real fans about 10,000 part time fans from the area who really support other teams like the Hammers like me, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and the rest a collection of locals just enjoying the day out.
We should have given the team some brilliant support but the singing never really got going, it's hard when only small pockets of the crowd could be bothered. Crewe's 12,000 were getting behind their team much better and I just missed the sort of atmosphere you get watching West Ham away when the singing hardly stops.
As for new Wembley it's way better than the old one, but it didn't impress me like the Millennium stadium did and £4.70 for a plastic cup of piss flavoured lager is a rip off too far.
A couple of pics, here's the Southend end.
... and Crewe's small but noisy end.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Premier Predictions (Week 32)
7 Weeks left of the season and the predictions competition, and unlike the Premier league anyone can still win this :)
If Man U win on Monday they'll only need 3 points for the title, and Chelsea and Arsenal will be hoping for an Everton win at Tottenham.
Probably the biggest relegation battle is Villa at Stoke, if Villa win Stoke are suddenly right in the mix, QPR and Reading look certs for the drop but could upset Wigan and Southampton.
West Ham go to Anfield and to be honest I've almost given up hope of us winning there as we haven't done it since 1965 and with Carlton Cole leading the line it doesn't look good this time :(
Reading v Southampton
Norwich v Swansea
Stoke v Aston Villa
West Brom v Arsenal
Liverpool v West Ham
Tottenham v Everton
Chelsea v Sunderland
Newcastle v Fulham
QPR v Wigan
Man Utd v Man City
If Man U win on Monday they'll only need 3 points for the title, and Chelsea and Arsenal will be hoping for an Everton win at Tottenham.
Probably the biggest relegation battle is Villa at Stoke, if Villa win Stoke are suddenly right in the mix, QPR and Reading look certs for the drop but could upset Wigan and Southampton.
West Ham go to Anfield and to be honest I've almost given up hope of us winning there as we haven't done it since 1965 and with Carlton Cole leading the line it doesn't look good this time :(
Reading v Southampton
Norwich v Swansea
Stoke v Aston Villa
West Brom v Arsenal
Liverpool v West Ham
Tottenham v Everton
Chelsea v Sunderland
Newcastle v Fulham
QPR v Wigan
Man Utd v Man City
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