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.

The Bad, The Stupid, and The Crazy

Now let’s start the stopwatch ticking, and add a day and a half onto the final time…

How long will it take the FA to deal with Alan Pardew’s ‘headbutt’ incident do we think? By the end of the week, 2 weeks? Or a ridiculous amount of weeks like the Nicolas Anelka race case?

I think it’s wrong what he’s done, and I know previously I’ve cited that we do stupid things in the heat of the moment, under pressure and all that, but this is different; he is a manager, and shouldn’t react to the player no matter what. You can’t even say he was under pressure with the team cruising at 3-1.

David Meyler is a lucky boy too. In my opinion he should have been sent off because to shove a manager out of the way is surely gross misconduct.. Perhaps he was let off because of Pardew’s reaction.

But that’s the incident, that’s what has happened and now we have to wait to see what the FA will do. 

Newcastle have already fined Pardew £100,000, which was expected as they have to be seen to do something, and the LMA have come out and condoned it too by way of an ‘investigation into the positioning of the technical area’.

But as the governing body, the FA must also investigate the issue and given the extent of punishments for other managers, such as Paul Ince’s 4-match stadium ban, there is a mound of pressure on them to dish out a hefty punishment.

As I said, all the focus should not be on Pardew though. He’s reacted to a situation caused by Meyler, who has acted out of order too and as such should also face retrospective action, despite the referee giving him a yellow card.

A player can’t be seen to get away with misconduct like that if the manager is going to be punished, so it is a test of the FA’s nerve to deal with the situation independently.

A good point was raised on BBC 5Live’s 606 on Saturday night, that what harm to Newcastle is a touchline, or stadium, ban going to do because they aren’t realistic European contenders, they aren’t going to be relegated, and they are out of the FA Cup, so Pardew could go on holiday now and it wouldn’t make too much difference.

Unfortunately though, I don’t think the FA are going to dish out a suspended ban which will take effect at the start of next season, which would be the best option, because it is unfeasible, and at the same time it would be unfair to place a transfer embargo on the club as a result of a manager’s individual actions.

Robbie Savage suggested that if Newcastle wanted to get rid of Pardew cheaply from this 8-year contract, now would be the time to do it with the ‘gross misconduct’ argument; a valid point given that if any of us went to headbutt a fellow professional at work we would be shown the door almost immediately.

As you might know, I’m not one to condone managerial sackings, but if ever there was a valid reason for it it is now. His volatile nature has come out before; earlier this season he was caught on camera verbally abusing Manuel Pellegrini, last season he shoved an assistant referee, and in his time at West Ham he was accused of being racist, and over the top at times.

Leave it to yourselves to decide what you think, but I think Pardew should have a stadium ban for the rest of the season, and Meyler should be given 4/5 matches for it too.

It hasn’t been a great weekend for coaching staff in general either as Atletico Madrid’s German Burgos was sent to the stands after having a go at the referee during the Madrid derby, and it took a hefty group to contain him! 

I wonder how long it will take the Spanish FA to deal with that: 3..2..1.. Go!