England vs. Italy, part review...

Unbelievably, I didn’t watch the full or even the majority of England vs. Italy last night. Some say I was lucky, others by the sounds of it would disagree and say that it was grace in defeat and that we played well.

I got home in time to pay uninterrupted attention to the last 10 minutes, and saw the highlights, so there is some premise to judge, critique, whatever you will…

The negatives were obvious to see; our final ball was missing whether that be delivery in from the wings or played through the middle. Had they been a little more existent, it wouldn’t have mattered if Italy had 4 or 11 men behind the ball, the amount of possession and pressure we put them under would have cracked soon enough.

One of my informants wasn’t best pleased with the decision to bring Wilshere on in place of Henderson, but based on what I saw Lambert would have been wasted because no one looked able to get the ball up to him!

What was a bit more real than our delivery was a drive and determination that has been missing for a while. The decision to go with youth over experience certainly bought it’s fruition on that front, but there were still signs of rotting, particularly on the left. And I’m not just on about the shambles that led to both the delivery and Balotelli’s goal.

Wayne Rooney, so often dubbed as one of the Premier League’s best players, England’s ‘golden’ boy, Shrek… The list goes on, but one thing he is not is an international World Cup player. I was on one hand gobsmacked to read that last night’s cross for Daniel Sturridge was his first contribution to an England goal at a World Cup in nine appearances over three tournaments. On the other, I wasn’t so.

As a prodigy in 2006, there was little to expect from Rooney, in fact far less than was expected of him in 2010. Having finished the season as Man United’s top goalscorer with 34 goals (all comps), Rooney was considered to be on form, but if that was a bestseller going to South Africa, his place coming back was as good as a 5-books-for-25p at a car boot sale in Biddulph…

This year has been different though. Despite United’s poor season, Rooney’s maturity has developed and he has been one of their star performers yet again amongst it all; that and for once he is settled and not surrounded by transfer rumours of a multi-dozen-million pound move away from Old Trafford…

Yet there is still seemingly a giant brick wall in the road to immortality for the lad from Liverpool.

His cross for Sturridge was perfect, and his effort as always was fantastic, but his clinical skill set which has served him so well at club level was yet again absent as he scuffed an opportunity to make the match 2-2 at the near post. To quote Alan Shearer: 

“Wayne Rooney might not get a better chance than he did in the second half.”

It’s hard to find any excuses for footballers on £250,000 a week playing badly, so the nearest I can come to is that Rooney isn’t playing in his best position; the coveted number 10. There is an underlying sense with England that you can’t select a team without Wayne Rooney in, but perhaps now that is a philosophy that needs revising because Sterling was awesome last night at number 10, and Rooney on the left wing wasn’t overly effective. 

There are plenty of arguments that he doesn’t fit into the system unless it is in that role so perhaps Hodgson is just trying to find a way of accommodating him rather than playing what is best?

You would hope that isn’t true, especially when you have Sterling and James Milner who can play effectively on the left wing. Personally I would choose Milner because he can provide the defensive support Leighton Baines missed so sorely last night, while also providing the grit and delivery England need. That then leaves Rooney in the middle, and Sterling on the right with Danny Welbeck on the bench. Sound fair? 

Tactics differ from game to game, and Uruguay will provide a completely different challenge to Italy. It seemed like so much effort was centred on playing to prevent Andrea Pirlo getting on the ball that we forgot other basics, and the quality of Italy shone through as our concentration waned with our energy in the heat. Against Uruguay at least the biggest concern is neutralising Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

With that hopefully taken care of, pace will be enough to beat the likes of Diego Lugano and Daniel Godin, so a gung-ho approach is more likely to reap it’s awards here than against the Italians. Costa Rica managed to undo the two-time winners, hopefully we’ll have enough energy left to do the same and set up a winner-takes-all tie with the Costa Ricans.. 

It’s all very well playing promising football with the youngsters we have at our disposal, but if we manage to do what just 4 of 46 teams since the 1998 World Cup have done and scrape through the group stages having lost the first game, we will have to change tactic because there are no second chances. We’re lucky to be getting this one…

Three Lions on a shirt, but are we still believing?

Just over a week to go now until the biggest fiesta on the planet. An event that once every four years eclipses the Olympics, and has groups of men ogling round the TV at the pub as they can’t have an outdoor barbecue because it’s raining in the summer. 

And that won't be the only water falling when the tears start as England yet again bow out of the World Cup early.

Even this ball can't be as deflated as some England fans...
Picture: irish-adam (Flickr)

I’m too young to really remember 2002, and 2006 is a hazy memory so in truth this is only my second proper World Cup experience, and there is not much optimism going to Brazil. Talk about walking into the gates of Hell, Manaus will certainly provide a similar heat…

I feel though that were it anywhere but Brazil, or South America, there would be a reason for optimism for once, not a pessimism that is somewhat alien in England in the build-up to a World Cup.

Back in 2010 with a squad that contained the likes of Emile Heskey and Shaun Wright-Phillips, knowing we could come up against powerhouses like Spain and Germany, there was still a dumbfounded belief that we could win. Fabio Capello soon tarnished that with Heskey’s introduction against Germany, while other unfortunate ‘factors’ didn’t help either… Lampard's ghost goal, Green's blunder, intensive training, boredom.

But this time round there is a common acknowledgement that we are doomed from the start, despite having a squad with a good mix of experience and young talent, eager to show what they can do having terrorised the Premier League for nine months or so.

The other thing that has been lingering around for nine months is the scape-kid though, and I’m sure that if/when we get knocked out of the tournament the kid will have become a goat, and his name will be either ‘Heat’, ‘Humidity’ or ‘Typical England’.

It’s a pretty damning sign of the level of pessimism when excuses are already being thought of by those people who appear to be blind to the advances of modern day football. Do they not think England’s pre-tournament build-up will focus on helping overcome the heat and humidity to give us a level playing field, or even an advantage over countries who haven’t identified it as a critical factor? 

Most importantly, have they forgotten that 2-2 draw with Brazil at the Maracana just over a year ago, where if anything it was the atmosphere generated by the home crowd that carried Brazil over the line? England’s defiance and bravery was - clichéd - like that of a lion, and they fought and battled against the odds to come away with an unlikely draw from a place where Brazil are unbeaten against European opposition since England won there in 1984…

So, what conditions? Now comes England’s record…

Rooney hasn't really fully formed on
the international stage...
Picture: Stephen Matthews (Flickr)

Thanks to us in the media, we don’t forget the stats about England’s dismal penalty record, or Wayne Rooney’s inability to perform on the international stage, or Gazza’s tears, the Hand of God, the Germans, Jorge Larrionda. Mike Bassett’s 4-4-f***ing-2. The list goes one...

It’s hard to see how all these recounted memories in the build-up to the tournament do anything positive; they are just a reminder of the disappointment we are set to bask in for another couple of years until the next tournament. It’s like instead of preparing for the tournament, we are trying to prepare people for the misery that follows instead of trying to get people supporting the country. 

Surely to capture a town square one evening full of fans singing and chanting would be much better motivation than a reminder of how we’ve failed before, and the pressure that comes with needing to beat those before this generation.

I’m not a believer in false optimism, but at the same time pessimism isn’t the answer. What I do think the current mindset of England fans could bring though is an ease of pressure; for once we are heading into a tournament with no expectation.

With that in mind, anything beyond getting out of the group stages could be regarded as exceeding expectation, and with hope and belief, who knows what could happen in that next 90 minutes?

Baddiel, Skinner and The Lightning Seeds famously sang “thirty years of hurt, never stopped me dreaming…” 

Well nearly 50 years on, the dream is still there, it just needs the belief to go and achieve it. Like I said, I’m not a believer in false optimism, but support in the present could go a long way.

A tale of one City, two teams

Losers aren’t remembered, no matter what the story. 

Had Atletico Madrid won their first Champions League trophy in Lisbon last night, everyone would remember them and the incredible season they have had, how they could have won the double; La Liga and the Champions League. But no, they will go down as La Liga Champions and nothing more; there is no prize or recognition for effort in football.

What makes the defeat much worse for Los Rojiblancos isn’t just that it was to their city rivals Real Madrid, but that the 4-1 scoreline does them no justice at all.

That they were leading until the 93rd minute of normal time, and still level with just 10 minutes of extra time remaining tells the story of a team with a desire to hang on and win, to snatch victory in the most unlikely of circumstances. Hope from very little.

It is very much the story of Madridstas; the wealth of Real against the hard-working, more down-to-earth Atletico, who by even reaching the final and winning La Liga have exceeded expectations, and manager Diego Simeone said at the celebration of his side’s La Liga title;

“This triumph tells us something much more important. If you believe in something, if you work for it… Si, se puede.”

That translates as “yes, you can”.

At the start of the match fans will have been discussing how their side were potentially 90 minutes away from being Champions of Spain and Europe, and they would have been correct. But what so often happens is that teams forget there is always more than 90 minutes. Perhaps that is also something Simeone forgot when deciding to take the gamble on starting Diego Costa.

In the world of ‘ifs’, ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’, if Costa had not started and not had to be replaced early on, leaving Simeone with another substitution to make to see the game out, might his side have had that final bit of strength and fitness to prevent Sergio Ramos from powering home that header?

Down at the wire is where reality comes into the game, and no matter how much belief and inspiration a manager like Simeone can give you, it is the wealth that can buy you the quality that wins matches like this, the top facilities to accompany that, and the best staff to support it all.

From the start, even if the quality of Los Galacticos’ stars wasn’t on show, their fitness levels were. Despite still having an outside chance of winning the title, it was obvious Carlo Ancelotti had this match as a priority once he and beaten Munich in the semi-finals, so over the last few weeks he could afford to rest players he felt necessary and they certainly looked the fresher.

In stark contrast, a trip to Barcelona on the last day in a ‘winner-takes-all’ showdown saw Atletico take all, including key injuries to Costa and Arda Turan. 

The adrenaline may have carried them so far last night, but ultimately it was the physical superiority that won out as Real finally hit fifth gear just in time, and that quality emerged just when it was needed after numerous fruitless attempts.

Simeone's firey personality translates to his team

With so much at stake to add to what is already a fierce rivalry, it was no surprise to see 12 yellow cards given out by referee Björn Kuipers - who I thought had an excellent match - however Simeone’s behaviour after Real’s 4th goal, the Ronaldo penalty, may have been passionate, yes, but unnecessary, and he is likely to face disciplinary action by UEFA. 

Not even drama like that will make people remember Atleti come 10 years’ time, unless of course they reach another final, or there is an updated DVD of “Football’s 100 craziest moments”, which leaves me to conclude by saying,

“No, Diego, no se puede."

Stoke City Season Review 2013-14

I don’t think there’s much new here that you won’t have already read on my blog somewhere, but I’m proud of Stoke and the season we’ve had.

I didn’t imagine at the start that we’d finish 9th with 50 points; our highest tally ever. That isn’t to say I didn’t trust Mark Hughes to do a good job, I just didn’t expect the season to go so well and that we might have had more of a transitional period, but I’m glad to have been proved wrong!

Quite often when clubs ‘lose patience’ with managers, and want to go in a different direction, it doesn’t work for them (although that time is usually part way through a season when there isn’t much the manager can change). But as with anything Peter Coates did it correctly; Hughes had the summer to make his additions under the ‘Coates limitations’ so couldn’t go crazy like he did with QPR's fortunes. But most importantly he had time to win over the dressing room. 

As expected, we had our bad results; a 4-0 loss at Everton, that 5-1 drubbing at Newcastle - still one of the most shambolic refereeing performances of all time - which was followed by the 3-0 defeat at Spurs.. 

But there were the high points as well such as the wins over Chelsea and United - another two firsts for us in the Premier League - and the 4-1 victories away at Villa and at home to Fulham to finish the season off. 

Looking back now it’s easy to think “well why didn’t we beat Norwich at home way back” and “how did we only manage a draw at Cardiff”, but that’s just being greedy. There was nothing I was expecting from this season, so to achieve all of that is an overachievement in my view, and something to be proud of. Any Stokies thinking like that should be ashamed…

The challenge now is akin to our second season in the league; proving we have what it takes to stay where we are and that this season wasn’t just a fluke, so it is far from a completed job.

I don’t mean to end this part on a sour note, but one thing I have noticed when I have made it back for home matches is that the support hasn’t always been as vociferous as it once was. That is something the fans owe back to the team next season, and hopefully in return we get another top-10 finish.

Player of the Season

At the club’s official awards ceremony, supporters voted Ryan Shawcross as player of the year.. As much as I like him as our captain, this hasn’t been his best year, despite playing 37/38 games and missing just the one through suspension.

9 clean sheets may not justify this, but Asmir Begovic has again had a fantastic season and it will be sad to see him move on to Real Madrid if rumours are to be believed that he is soon to become a Galactico. 

Oussama Assaidi has been a thrill to watch too with his pace and skill on the ball, and it will be reassuring to see him sign a permanent deal in the summer, while on the other wing Marko Arnautovic has grown into the mould of a Stoke City #10; skilful, brilliant, and does what he wants.

N'Zonzi has controlled the midfield this season and been solid

But my player of the year goes to Steven N’Zonzi. Without him controlling the middle of the pitch like he does, then we wouldn’t have the unit we need for the new style while retaining the defensive qualities the Frenchman has. It’s disappointing he won’t be representing France at the World Cup this year because to at least be considered is the least he deserves, but without a miracle it doesn’t look likely.

At the end of the season the midfielder  indicated he was happy with the situation at Stoke, and told the club website:

“I’m really happy at Stoke and I want to be here for a long time. We are progressing as a team, and we can achieve even more than we have this season." 

However it has been reported he has again handed in a transfer request, and with Stoke remaining tight-lipped it suggests there may be some truth in the rumours. One thing for sure is that were he and Begovic to leave, we would need to get the right replacements in. That won't be easy...

Goal of the Season

Out of the 42 scored by Stoke players, there are definitely a few to remember… Begovic’s goal against Southampton from his own area:

Arnie’s free-kick at United:

Erik Pieters' cross-come-shot against Newcastle, and Charlie Adam’s screamers against United, Liverpool and the winner at West Brom (always a popular goal…).

Who can forget the 90th minute winner against Chelsea by Assaidi though? Not only the composure, but the arrogance to do that to risk all to win 3 points has put him high in the hearts of Stoke fans, and signing permanently is the one wish fans will have. He faces a tough decision because it is unlikely he will feature prominently for Liverpool next season, but he may get the opportunity of playing in the Champions League at some point with appearances here and there. Either that or a regular starting spot at Stoke.. One thing, he has contributed a bit more excitement at Stoke this season:

Sparky has already convinced some players of his ambitions and plans for the club, why not another? It may command a solid transfer fee, but surely one that is worth it given the contribution the Moroccan has made…

Moment of the Season

I made it to the last game against Fulham, and after a tense first half, the floodgates opened in the second, and when Arnie and Assaidi made it 3-0, the cheers and jubilation around the ground were a remarkable appreciation for a season well played, a season of progress; a season of trophy-less achievement.

Stoke vs. Fulham, pre-match view from the upper John Smith's stand

Game of the Season

This is from more of a neutral perspective, and I think it will become quite obvious why, but this was a tough choice between the Chelsea game, the Fulham game and the Liverpool game. All three are memorable, but for me the Liverpool game edges it.. The Chelsea win was just a feel-good rarity, and the Fulham game was a symbol of the improvement we have made.

However it’s not often that you get a 5-3 thriller like Liverpool, and we were robbed of a point I felt because of various antics (diving, free kicks 10 yards further forward than the foul…), but it was exciting and entertaining which is what you want from a match, and something that has been missing from the Brit for years.

Signing of the Season

As alluded to earlier, we have a #10 back; Marko Arnautovic.

Aiming High: Arnie will be hoping to improve on a good first season

When we signed him the first thing people pointed to were his impressive tricks, kicks, and flicks in the Bundesliga, and for me certainly I was straight onto FIFA to check him out.. The only worry was his attitude, and I could name more than one person who thought he may turn out to be another Mario Balotelli; brilliant and stupid.

Luckily he has been the former, and not the latter, although he has a tendency to over-do it sometimes, and occasionally runs himself out of energy and subsequently appears to become lazy, much like our former #10, the beloved Ricardo Fuller.

That name could soon be forgotten if the Austrian continues to amaze (and Fuller signs for the Vale), and hopefully he can kick on more from August.

Flop of the Season

Kenwyne Jones. Quite simple really, and we got a good deal in January by getting Peter Odemwingie, despite my initial concerns.

Another shout has to go to the FA and the immigration office who continue to deny Juan Agudelo a work permit. The USA international signed for the club in January, despite being denied a work permit in November, and was loaned to FC Utrecht for the rest of the season. But a recent appeal again denied the forward a work permit on appeal, leaving him in a precarious situation where the club may have little choice but to release him.

I could start a rant at the FA now about why they stuck their noses in saying that they want a greater emphasis on developing young, English talent.. Have they not seen or heard about our academy? I bet they wont deny other clubs the signing of young, foreign players. It hasn’t worked out well at all, which is a shame because he is a talented player and could have done well…

Chant of the Season

“You’re not winners, you’re not winners, you’re not winners any more! You’re not winners any more…” (Stoke vs. Man United, February 1, 2014).

I obviously haven’t heard all the chants from all the games, and without doubt there is one I have forgotten about that I’ve laughed at. But living in Salford and being friends with United fans, there was a very satisfying feeling from both the chant and the win that silenced them. All I got back was the very original - and may I add boring - “how many trophies have Stoke won?”. Wow.

On a serious note to finish though, it isn’t about our past. We aren’t a club blessed with a major UK city and millions of fans, or tens of trophies, but we are one of the most sustainable and secure clubs in the Premier League with a sensible chairman and board, and fantastic fans. 

Perhaps this will work against my point, but we should be proud that we are the oldest club in the Premier League, and second oldest in the leagues, of which we are one of the founding members. That was 151 years ago, and we are still going strong, and that in itself is a remarkable achievement. We get the pleasures of watching Premier League football week in, week out, and now under a more fluent, attractive style, we can enjoy that even more.

We can’t forget the job Tony Pulis did either; without his discipline we may have faced the fate of many other clubs who make it into the top flight, but within a couple of years wither and slide back into the Championship. He took us to the glory of the Europa League, an FA Cup final, and six years (and counting!) in the best league in the world. The time was right to part, and it is a parting that has had it’s plusses for both parties. One thing that wont change is Pulis’ legendary status among the likes of Banks, Matthews and Shilton.

But here’s to next season, and without stealing the words of Sir Alex Ferguson, the best thing we can do is get behind the team no matter what because that is what makes us mighty; The Mighty Potters.

Season run-in, who's going to finish where?

So the season is drawing to a close, it doesn't feel like that long ago I was doing my predictions at the end of the summer.. It's fair to say it's thrown up a few surprises, but it cannot take away from what has been an incredible spectacle, and the best may still be to come.

Could we see another dramatic 90th minute winner on the last day like in 2012? THAT goal city fans will always know it as.. 

Well it looks likely with Man City and Liverpool so closely tangled at the top, and I refuse to count Chelsea out although I think Mourinho's focus should be the Champions League; no doubt it will be given he is yet to win it, and it's now 10 years on since he was initially appointed by Abramovich with the intention of winning it.. 

I remember when Liverpool came ever so close in 2009, but were pipped by United. Perhaps this could be the start of the comeback, I'm sure Liverpool fans would love nothing better than to win title number 19, and in the coming years regain their title of kings of English league football off United. They are certainly now in pole position after yesterday’s thrilling 3-2 win over City.

But the interesting scrap will be at the bottom; anyone below 14th could still go down, although Villa, Swansea and West Brom all have a game in hand. 

As it stands I think two of the current bottom three deserve to go down in Fulham and Cardiff because their seasons have just been a shambles with managers and owners, perhaps a season in the championship will stabilise them a bit and make Vincent Tan particularly regret his decision to fire Malky Mackay.

It will be a shame if Fulham go because they are one of the teams that for me is an established, typical Premier League side, but most will agree with me that they have been terrible this season.

Sunderland though have been unfortunate because they started badly under Paulo Di Canio, very badly, but Gus Poyet has come in and lifted them, including that marvellous League Cup run to Wembley, but they have felt the impact of that and having initially backed them to make the most of their games in hand and momentum from the cup run, they look more deflated than buoyed, and seven points is a lot to make up from two games in hand. All they can do is win all their games, and hope Norwich, Cardiff and Fulham lose theirs.

That might not be too much to wish for though as the Canaries have one of the most difficult run-ins I think I have ever seen: Liverpool (h), United (a), Chelsea (a), Arsenal (h). The more optimistic fans will argue "United's home form is abysmal, Chelsea will have the Champions League and Arsenal the FA Cup", but with three wins this calendar year, their own form is definitely below the 'poor' category.

Hope and desperation is what they've chosen by sacking Chris Hughton, hoping that a new manager will bring a honeymoon period, but that backfired when they lost to Fulham on Saturday. As the Rolling Stones sang, "all I hear is doom and gloom"...

The Yellow Brick Road, The Red Card, and the Blue feelings of a Fantasy Football campaign...

It’s been a while since I put anything up, and now is probably as good of a time as any to do something with such an eventful weekend!

Since when do: 

a) Stoke win away, 

b) Stoke score four goals, 

c) Stoke score with four different goalscorers, and 

d) Stoke be in a position to win three Premier League games on the bounce?

Excuse my cockney but, bladdy hell! 

I’m just as amazed as anyone, and I’m not being fickle when I say this is why you have to stand by the manager because I've supported Mark Hughes from the start; while his ideas didn’t instantly take off, they are starting to take shape. 

I know there will be more downs to come and we are currently on an up, such is the nature of football, so while we have lost just one of the last eight matches and have something to be pleased about, let’s enjoy it.

If this doesn’t epitomise an achievement Hughes has bought to Stoke though, I don’t know what does:

“I couldn't have picked my team without reflecting the excellent display by Stoke City at Villa Park. Their quality of football was a delight to watch with notable performances from Peter Crouch and Peter Odemwingie. But my man of the match was Marko Arnautovic. This lad has a lot to offer and he tortured Villa. It's great to see the Potters playing attractive football again." 

[Garth Crooks in his Team of the Week, BBC Sport]

I know Crooks is from Stoke and has a soft spot for us, but our style has been evolving this season and I’ve noticed it on the rare occasions I have seen us play. I’ve said it a million times before, we can never criticise what Tony Pulis did for us, and to get there we had to do what was needed; that’s basic human survival. 

But now we are more established, we have a top-rated academy in place, and starting to attract a few bigger names, the club’s ambition surpassed Pulis’ ability; a typical catch-22 of the Premier League that is being a victim of your own success. 

I wouldn’t go as far as saying we’ll be pushing for European places next season, a top-10 finish is still going to be our goal for the next few years at least, and as for trophies, I’d still rather take a top-10 finish than risking it all in the cup and suffering in the league, so it’s more likely to be in 2017 we’re winning an FA Cup or similar than 2015, but it’s a long road ahead, and from what we are seeing at the moment it is a very feint shade of yellow…

Elsewhere, you must have been in outer space if you haven’t heard about a certain Mr Andre Marriner and his blunder in sending off Kieran Gibbs in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, despite the latter admitting it was his spectacular diving save to concede the penalty. 

 

I’d say thank goodness he got it wrong so The Ox doesn’t lose me anymore fantasy football points, but eventually I’m sure the powers that be will restore the natural order (which tends to be me losing).

On the subject of fantasy football, I have a new idea for a rule change; Luis Suarez should not be allowed to be a captain.

Were it not for him popping out of nowhere to claim a hat-trick against Cardiff I would have been making my assault on the top of our league thank to Chelsea’s clean sheet, and goals from Lallana, Rodriguez and Barkley, but no. Why can’t I ever be the only one to have a good week? 

At least Sturridge also got one, has anyone noticed how English my team looks by the way? Perhaps that is the reason for my failings..

Nevertheless it was a good win for Liverpool in the end and this season the league is really shaping up well. Even the most optimistic Arsenal fan, and yes even my auntie, must be thinking their title ambitions are over, but only a capitulation like we saw at the weekend would deny them fourth place. Otherwise, it is a final heat between Chelsea, Liverpool and City. 

Funnily enough, all of that overshadows the fact that David Moyes and Manchester United won, again! Credit has to go to Wayne Rooney though because that first goal was just “unbelievable Jeff” stuff…

Even more overshadowed, Martin Demichelis scored? That’s certainly one way to silence your critics… I’m still unconvinced by him, and to be honest I’d be more than surprised if he is part of Manuel Pellegrini’s first team plans next season; there should be a seat on the subs bench with his name on it.

Speaking of which, keep an eye out at whatever match you go and watch; do players sit on the same seat on the subs bench week in, week out?

Just something to think about..

Predictions 15/3/2014

This week I’m joined by my co-editor at Quays News, Liam McCallion, to see who has the better footballing nous! Liam's allegiances lie with Aston Villa, so naturally we have had plenty of banter over our course... 

Hull vs. Manchester City

I distinctly remember when these two met at The Etihad back in August, I thought it would be a rollover but instead Hull put up a brave performance only to be beaten 2-0. They have been good at home, and City recently have struggled to hit the heights they have done previously this season.

They have gone from being in a position to win the quadruple this time last week to having just the Premier League to play for following exits from the FA Cup to Wigan last weekend, and the Champions League at Barcelona mid-week.

This game could swing either way for City, they will either get back on track or hand Chelsea a massive advantage. I fear it could be the latter…

Prediction: Hull 1-1 Manchester City

Liam’s Prediction: Hull 1-2 Manchester City

Everton vs. Cardiff City

The Bluebirds picked up a good win over a very poor Fulham last weekend, but I think they might be in a bit too deep with Sunderland having three games in hand, and West Brom and Crystal Palace - both above them - having played a game less, too.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez said this week he still thinks his side can achieve Champions League qualification, but for me that is a little too much given the manner in which they lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend… Europa League is still a possibility though.

Prediction: Everton 2-0 Cardiff City

Liam’s Prediction: Everton 2-0 Cardiff City

Fulham vs. Newcastle United

I think Cottagers fans themselves are starting to accept the grim reality that will be The Championship for them next season. I don’t think the players are warming to Felix Magath and his methods of strict discipline, which were completely AWOL against Cardiff last week given the manner in which they conceded.

It’s a shame because Fulham for me have always been one of those clubs you think of when you think of the Premier League. It is a stark contrast to the side that reached the Europa League final in 2010 under Roy Hodgson.

Alan Pardew begins his 7-match ban, and won’t be at Craven Cottage because that includes a 3-match stadium ban following his clash with David Meyler.

I was looking at the table earlier this week and (sorry to Newcastle fans) was wondering how they are 8th, before remembering they used to have Yohan Cabaye and went on that impressive run earlier this season. I reckon they’ll make it three wins in a row on Saturday too.

Prediction: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle

Liam’s Prediction: Fulham 0-0 Newcastle

Southampton vs. Norwich

The Saints have a new chairman in Canadian Ralph Krueger, so the post-Cortese era begins on Saturday. They scraped a 1-0 win at Palace last week with one of the more open chances we will see this season, but three points is three points, and at Palace that is a good win for them. 

Their season is over because they aren’t going down, they won’t achieve a European place, and they’re out of the cups, but luckily it’s a World Cup year so players will be fighting and performing for places.

For Norwich though, it is far from that. With just nine games left, they are teetering precariously above the relegation zone, and taking into account they play Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their final four games they need to make the next five games their Cup Finals otherwise long story short, they’re in trouble.

Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Norwich

Liam’s Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Norwich

Stoke vs. West Ham

For some reason or another, this fixture always seems to appeal to me as a good one. Perhaps it is because my Grandad is a Hammer, or because I have good memories of times Stoke have beaten the Hammers. Either way I’m gutted I won’t be there!

I think some of it is also the similarity between the sides in terms of a physical side mixed with the ability to play, and as a manager I have always liked Sam Allardyce; you know what you’re getting.

We won at Upton Park in August thanks to a Jermaine Pennant free-kick, our only away win of the season, but we are a few players down, so West Ham have a good opportunity to get revenge. 

There were plenty of chances for Stoke at Carrow Road last weekend but we couldn’t take them and limped away with a 1-1 draw. We should have won, but I think we will be safe, as will West Ham; there are four or five worse teams in the division…

Prediction: Stoke 2-1 West Ham

Liam’s Prediction: Stoke 1-1 West Ham

Sunderland vs. Crystal Palace

After losing the League Cup Final to Man City, and exiting the FA Cup to Hull last weekend, Sunderland can return their focus to Premier League survival. 

They have had a good run in the cups, and if anything it’s a shame they haven’t got anything from it, apart from some confidence and restoration of dignity after the embarrassment under Di Canio.

Their position in 19th is false as they have three games in hand, and a win against Palace will go a long way to getting themselves out of trouble; they will be level on points with The Eagles with a win.

Palace have struggled a little recently and are back in the battle. Tony Pulis’ teams have never been formidable on the road, but I think some dogged spirit could see them hang on if Sunderland are feeling the after effects of two week’s worth of cup disappointment.

Prediction: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace

Liam’s Prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Crystal Palace

Swansea vs. West Brom

Luckily I’m writing a blog so being impartial is not imperative, and the thought of West Brom being relegated brings a slight smirk to my face…

Pepe Mel thinks a loss at Swansea will be it for him - if you choose to believe The Mirror - having failed to register a win during his term, so I can’t imagine the pressure that has put on the players. To me that shows just a complete lack of belief throughout the club.

Swansea head coach Gary Monk has also labelled this game as ‘defining’, but for Swansea’s survival, not his position. They haven’t won since the Welsh derby on February 8th, but are slowly creeping up the table; they’ll be alright, and should pick up a win. I bet Swans fans can’t wait to get Michu back though!

Prediction: Swansea 2-0 West Brom

Liam’s Prediction: Swansea 1-0 West Brom

Aston Villa vs. Chelsea

The leaders still aren’t going to win, apparently.

Unless Jose knows some sort of match-fixing scandal we don’t during which Chelsea will suddenly capitulate, from the outside they look like the will claim the crown. It’s all mind games with him, but ultimately he knows how to get a result, that result being a win.

Villa had a good win last time out in the Premier League, a 4-1 demolition of a poor Norwich who rolled over and had their tummies tickled like an excited puppy. It’s probably a lot harder to get a pony to be so friendly; they’re more likely to kick their hind legs at you and knock you through the stable door.

Unfortunately for Villa, that’s the way it is and probably going to be despite Chelsea’s midweek clash with Galatasaray.

Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea

Liam’s Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea

“Our last fixture, a 4-1 win against Norwich City, will give us a massive boost going into our last 10 games, let alone Chelsea, as we only have nine more points to secure before we achieve the well-known safety of the 40-point mark. Having said that Chelsea are on fire and even the biggest optimistic Villa fan wouldn't predict a home win.”

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Another fixture I’m gutted to be missing. It’s always big, but this year it just has that extra something because Liverpool are doing really well, they have the league’s top scorers, and are scoring for fun, wiping away everyone in their path in a “you score 2, we’ll score 3” style.

United have been the opposite. Unlike the team that would usually ram home an advantage, they have been far too conservative, and it has cost them. That is evident to see and enough has been said of it.

The question is, which fixture is bigger; this or Olympiakos on Wednesday? On an emotional level, this. On a seasonal level, Olympiakos because advances in the Champions League with a chance to win is more achievable than a top-4 spot.

But if anything the pressure is on the Reds this weekend, not the Red Devils; the pressure to continue their impressive performances.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool

Liam’s Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool

Tottenham vs. Arsenal

From one big clash to another, why am I working on Sunday and not watching Super Sunday whilst recovering from my inevitable hangover!

Arsenal are out of the Champions League despite a spirited performance at the Allianz Arena, but that match was ruined at The Emirates a couple of weeks ago.

Spurs also face an uphill battle to continue their Europa League run after a 3-1 loss at home to Benfica last night, adding more misery after the 4-0 loss to Chelsea last weekend. The honeymoon period is over for Tim Sherwood, and he will have to get his team to graft if they want to finish 5th.

Arsenal are as much in the title race as any of the top four, but honestly I think they might come up fourth, winning the FA Cup along the way. This match will be a real defining match though because an Arsenal win will open up a nine point gap between themselves and the fore-runners for 5th in Spurs.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Liam’s Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal.

Predictions 8th March 2014

Just the five matches this week, with clubs involved in the FA Cup quarter finals, so some ‘light’ reading!

West Brom vs. Manchester United

There was a major upset in the reverse fixture when The Baggies picked up three points at Old Trafford, but a lot has changed since then, including the manager.

Like I said last week, Pepe Mel hasn’t come in and changed the club in the way West Brom will have hoped, and is still winless six games into his tenure at the West Midlands outfit. But he has had a considerable period to try and get his team together having not played for two weeks.

Since that draw with Fulham, Nicholas Anelka has been banned for his quenelle gesture back at the end of December, and Chris Brunt and James Morrison have both picked up knocks on international duty that could rule them out.

Similarly, United too have had an unusually quiet week and a half on the pitch, and haven’t played since the 2-0 loss at Olympiakos. A 0-0 draw with Arsenal, and a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace seemed to be the up-turn United were waiting for, but that bought them back down into the misery of this season, for which Moyes has written an open letter to the fans…

Perhaps unfortunately for both sides, there will be comparisons drawn with this fixture last season that ended 5-5, and marked the end of Sir Alex’s era at the club. Hopefully the game will be lively enough to draw away from those comparisons, but I personally cannot see it.

Prediction: West Brom 0-1 Manchester United.

Cardiff vs. Fulham

19^th versus 20^th. I think this is billed as a warm up fixture for next season’s Championship encounter as I can’t see either side beating the drop because they have quite simply been woeful.

Although they have picked up two draws in their last four, Fulham haven’t won in the league since New Year’s Day. Cardiff also have just one league win this calendar year, at the start of February.

Unfortunately both clubs have gone the wrong way about managers, particularly Cardiff who shouldn’t have sacked Malky Mackay in the first place, but to bring in guys who have either no Premier League experience or are still learning the trade is risky, and isn’t paying off.

Both need a win so hopefully this will be an open game, but with a combined 47 league goals this season, who knows what to expect?

Prediction: Cardiff 2-2 Fulham.

Crystal Palace vs. Southampton

It’s been a fantastic week for Luke Shaw, making his England debut, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he joins Ashley Cole in the 100 club which for a left back is pretty good going. Adam Lallana didn’t do too badly either by coming on, impressing, and setting up Daniel Sturridge for the winner.

Their form is a contrast to the club’s though; Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t won in three matches, and the team have conceded six goals in their last two outings. Perhaps it is good for them they are playing the league’s joint lowest scorers?

I’ll say again as I always have, Tony Pulis is a great guy and really honest, and he supported that by publically shaming his players fordiving after the United game, the only time I think that’s acceptable.

He’s done a great job stabilising the club and they genuinely should stay up, there are definitely worse teams in the division, and they will do their best to rough and tumble Southampton up.

That is what I think has been a secret to their success; their ability to mix rough with stylish, so you attack them with one, they’ll combat it and beat you with the other. I expect them to do that at Selhurst Park too.

Prediction: Palace 1-2 Southampton.

Norwich vs. Stoke

If it isn’t Cardiff and Fulham, this will be the boring game of the weekend.

Norwich will go above Stoke with a win, while The Potters will put the pressure on the teams around them should they pick up the points. Everyone else will be hoping for a draw.

Charlie Adam received a 3-match ban for his ‘stamp’ on Olivier Giroud in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, while Peter Odemwingie and Marko Arnautovic are doubts, and Oussama Assaidi still out. Oh.

It won’t be pretty from Stoke if that’s the team news; maybe Hughes will give Wilson Palacios a run out, or even John Guidetti a decent chance following his goal for Sweden U-21s this week.

Norwich beat us at The Brit earlier this season which is no mean feat, and Stoke haven’t won back to back games since August, which is also the last away game we won. Read all the stats you want, and they say Norwich will win…

I have to agree.

Prediction: Norwich 1-0 Stoke.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham

Finally, what should be a good game this weekend! And simply put I think Jose will do what he does best and grind out a win that will put his side seven points clear at the top (or not as he continues to maintain).

Eden Hazard should be ok despite going off midweek for Belgium with an ankle problem, so Blues fans will be hoping to see him and Andre Schurrle continue what looked to be a promising partnership.

Spurs ‘won ugly’ according to Tim Sherwood after they beat Cardiff 1-0, but they have just lacked that killer, cutting edge that was disguised by Gareth Bale last season, and I can’t see them getting anything against Chelsea.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham.